Understanding the Mitzva of redeeming the first-born son
In Biblical times, the first-born males would be consecrated to the service of God, assisting the priests (similar to what Channa did with his...
Rabbis Jacob and Isaac Abendana (17th Century)
Rabbi Jacob Abendana was born in Spain in 1630. At some point in time, his family moved to Amsterdam where he studied at the...
The celebratory meal
The berit mila is one of the most important and joyous events in the life of the parents and family of the newborn baby....
Should we forgive?
The days of Elul are days of Teshuba. We ask forgiveness from God, for any ritual transgressions we might have done. And we should...
The original sin and blame displacement
In Maimonides opinion Teshuba consists of three steps:
1. hakarat hachet or, admission of our personal responsibility .
2. viduy, or confession with sincere remorse for...
Teshuba and the end of life
Maimonides enumerates four different categories of transgressions for which Teshuba represents an atonement. The first category is repenting for Mitzvot 'Ase, or positive commandments...
Viduy (confession) and Alcoholism
Anyone familiar with the process of Teshuba (repentance) delineated by Maimonides, would not be surprised to learn how the A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other...
Should I be specific?
According to Maimonides, the commandment of Teshuba is fulfilled when we recite the Viduy. Viduy means 'confession,' and it consists on the articulation of...
Repentance and verbal confession
In his Mishne Torah, Maimonides dedicates ten chapters to the subject of Teshuba (repentance). In those chapters he describes and explains the technical issues...
Rosh Chodesh Elul
After receiving the Ten Commandments in Shabu'ot, Moshe Rabbenu stayed in Mount Sinai for forty days. There, God taught him the Oral Torah: the...
