Taking Refuge in a Sukkah of Faith

Dear Friends,

One might assume that the optimal way to serve God and build His Sukkah is by constructing a sturdy and weatherproof structure. But this is not the case...

Taking Refuge in a Sukkah of Faith

The next post will God willing be after the holidays.

Have a Chag Sameach,

Yaakov

What’s the Point of It All? 21 Transformative Questions

Dear Friends,

This is the time of year for introspection. This article's 21 questions can assist in doing that.

What’s the Point of It All? The Power of Transformative Questions 

Have an easy and meaningful Yom Kippur.
Gmar Chatima Tova,

Yaakov

"You: As God Intended"

Dear Friends,

This Sunday night, October 2nd, Rosh Hashanah begins.

The following article discusses the holiday:
You: As God Intended

The rest of this post is about the Jewish month of Tishrei, as it relates to The Chazak Plan: A 12 Month Journey to Spiritual Strength.

Rosh Chodesh Tishrei begins Sunday night, October 2nd, and lasts for two days.

Until after Yom Kippur, the focus on repentance continues. If you have not done so already during the month of Elul, there is still time before Yom Kippur to choose an area of your life to repair or upgrade; consider adding it to your daily checklist.

The readings What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block? and “The 10 Item Daily Checklist” can be helpful in making a selection.

After Yom Kippur, the focus switches to the festivals of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. On Simchat Torah, we celebrate the completion of the yearly cycle of the Five Books of Moses and begin a new cycle with the book of Genesis. Now is a great time to join this annual study of the Bible. There is tremendous spiritual power in learning the same portion studied by millions of Jews around the world. Next Simchat Torah, when you finish the Bible, your celebration of the holiday will be even more meaningful.

Spend time each week learning the weekly Torah portion – there are many excellent articles, translations and commentaries available, e.g., The Stone Edition Chumash and The Gutnick Edition Chumash (sections of The Gutnick Chumash can be read for free here). Preferably, each day, study 1/7th of the weekly portion (also known as an aliya) or study the whole portion on Shabbat.

If possible, study at least weekly with a partner, either the Bible or a different area of the Torah. To find a partner, you can contact your local synagogue or kollel, or go to http://www.partnersintorah.org/, who will pair you with a partner free of charge.

Torah study nourishes the soul as food nourishes the body. Study Torah every day of your life – even if only for a few minutes, e.g., reading an article, a few pages from a book, or listening to a class during your commute or while exercising. Preferably, have a set inviolate time for Torah study. Consider inputting into your checklist what and when you will study.

Two important areas of Torah to study are (A) teachings which inspire you and (B) Jewish law – so you know how to act.

Questions for the month:

“Which behavioral change will be my New Year’s resolution?”

“Which translation or commentary on the Bible will I use for the upcoming annual cycle?”

“What area of Torah am I currently most drawn to? Who can I study it with, or from which resources?”

Have a Shana Tova,

Yaakov

Repairing Our Mistakes: How to Ask for Forgiveness

Dear Friends,

As we get ready to approach God and ask Him to forgive us, we first have to request forgiveness from those whom we have hurt.

Repairing Our Mistakes: How to Ask for Forgiveness

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Updated “Is Your Commitment to Judaism Strong Enough?"

Dear Friends,

As Rosh Hashanah draws near, we take stock of our lives and our commitment to Judaism. Now is the time to strength that commitment.

“Is Your Commitment to Judaism Strong Enough?”

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Debunking 5 Myths about Repentance

Dear Friends,

With the High Holidays approaching, now is a good time to think about repentance and debunk some myths surrounding it.

Debunking 5 Myths about Repentance

Here's a link to an article I posted recently, if you missed the link:

What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?

When it comes to choosing what to focus on this High Holiday season, it often best to select just one area you are motivated to improve and keep it manageable and specific.

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Updated “Am I a Faker or a Genuine Person?”

Dear Friends, 

Here is an updated version of an article I wrote on how to be more real and genuine, and not fall into the trap of feeling like a faker. 

“Am I a Faker or a Genuine Person?” 
Have a Chodesh Tov and a good week,
Yaakov