Festivals archive
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Rosh Hashana: What Creation can teach us about New Year’s Resolutions
Transcript: As we approach Rosh Hashana, let us remember how Hashem created the world. In Parshat Nitzavim the Torah tells us (Devarim 30:14), “Ki karov eleicha hadavar me’od beficha uvilvavecha Read more... -
Shavuot: Which festival has the most surprising name?
Transcript Which festival has the most surprising name? For me, the answer is definitely Shavuot. Why do I say that? In Parshat Re’eh (Devarim 16:16), the Torah gives us the Read more... -
Purim: The gentle power of a loving family
The Chief Rabbi’s D’var Torah for Purim 2021 Transcript: The Megillah is a tale of two families. It is clear from the Biblical text that Haman didn’t act in a Read more... -
Chanukah: We can always climb higher!
The Chief Rabbi’s weekly insight for Chanukah and Parshat Vayeishev Transcript: The way in which we light the Chanukah candles teaches us how to achieve our full potential. The Famous Read more... -
What do Abraham and an etrog have in common?
The Chief Rabbi’s D’var Torah for Sukkot Transcript: Abraham was an etrog. This surprising statement is featured in the midrash Torat Kohanim, which declares: “Etrog zeh Avraham Avinu.” Abraham, our Read more... -
We will get through this together! The Chief Rabbi’s Yom Kippur Sermon
We will get through this together! The Chief Rabbi’s Yom Kippur sermon. Read more... -
D’var Torah: Rosh Hashana
Our Covid-19 responsibility this Rosh Hashana Rosh Hashana is an anniversary. But of what? According to our tradition it was on this day that God created Adam. It was Read more... -
D’var Torah – Shavuot
Why is it important to enjoy the meal at a wedding? The Gemara in Berachot 6b tells us, “כׇּל הַנֶּהֱנֶה מִסְּעוּדַת חָתָן…זוֹכֶה לַתּוֹרָה” – “whoever enjoys the meal at a Read more... -
D’var Torah: Tetzaveh & Purim
Why is the name of Hashem spelt Yud Yud in our siddurim? The Sefer Nachalat Chamisha suggests that the origin is in Parashat Tetzaveh. There we find Hashem telling us Read more... -
Dvar Torah: Shabbat Chanukah
I’ve got a riddle for you: Which date in the Hebrew calendar is sometimes a festival and sometimes an ordinary day? Yes! There is one date on which sometimes we Read more...
