When the Maccabees first lit the menorah, we hadn’t yet experienced a true victory over the Greeks. Strikingly, we find ourselves in a similar situation in 2024. How can we truly celebrate and find meaning in Hanukkah this year when we are still waiting for our miracle? Watch this video to gain a deeper meaning of Hanukkah today.

Hanukkah commemorates the clash between Judaism and Hellenism. Beauty, art, culture… are these the enemy? The answer to this question may lie in a story the Talmud tells. It's not quite the story of Hanukkah, but could it be the story of a Hanukkah that might have been?

A tiny flask of oil kept a few flames burning for a couple of nights… why does this relatively minor miracle deserve so much attention? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores the miracle of Hanukkah, its connection to a well-known Biblical narrative, and its major impact on our lives today.

Latkes, gifts, dreidels – Hanukkah is full of fun! But kids’ stuff aside, is there a deeper meaning to this holiday? What spiritual insight can Hanukkah really offer 21st century grown-ups?

Is Hanukkah just the Jewish Christmas? Or, for that matter, the Jewish “winter holiday”? After all, almost every religion has a winter festival that’s suspiciously similar to Hanukkah -- going all the way back to pagan times. So, what makes Hanukkah special? Turns out, the Talmud asks the same thing.

How does the Hanukkah story fit into the larger context of Jewish history? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he ventures deep into the oft-overlooked Book of the Maccabees, a first-hand account of the story of Hanukkah, to discover unexpected biblical echoes in the miracles of Hanukkah.

We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.

We recite Psalm 30 on Hannukah. David inaugurates the Temple in Jerusalem with this special psalm – but nothing about the text seems to relate to the Temple at all! In this lecture, Rabbi Fohrman explains a deeper meaning for Psalm 30.

In the Hanukkah video Why Celebrate The Oil But Ignore The War?, Rabbi Fohrman explores the miracle of Chanukah, to illuminate (pun intended!) how God is always with us, even during the darkest of times. Get the most out of this video by watching it as a family and enjoying the activities in this booklet together.

The 17th of Tammuz, 10th of Av, and Tzom Gedaliah all commemorate conquest, destruction, exile, the downfall of a kingdom… they're horrible, and of course we mourn those days. But on the 10th of Tevet, we remember when the Babylonian armies surrounded the walls of Jerusalem… and then waited… for two and a half years. Why fast on this day?

Every year, we celebrate the strange Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat – according to the Talmud, it’s a birthday for all of the trees born in the previous year. And not just a birthday – it’s really a “new year” for the trees. How odd is that? In this video, Imu Shalev breaks down this strange holiday to uncover just what Tu B’Shvat really means to us today. Discover how Tu B’Shvat is actually all about gratitude to our Creator, for the fruits of the trees.

Reading the Purim story year after year sometimes feels just a little bit like being back in third grade. But when you look more closely, important questions pervade the megillah. Why did Haman describe the Jewish people so oddly in his request to have them killed? Why did Achashverosh plan huge, elaborate parties, and impetuously kill his wife? Why did Esther plan parties instead of telling Achashverosh what she needed? In this course, we will explore those questions and more, and uncover a richer understanding of the holiday, the book of Esther, and the meaning of it all.

Rabbi Fohrman introduces the question of why Mordechai doesn’t bow to Haman, dispelling common explanations by showing that bowing, itself, isn’t idolatrous, that the story of Haman’s wearing an idol is not actually in the text, and connecting the narrative to that involving Potiphar’s wife.

Besides for reading the book of Esther, Purim is primarily celebrated through two mitzvot: Mishloach Manot and Matanot la'evyonim. Mishloach Manot is the practice of giving gifts to friends and family and Matanot la'evyonim is the act of giving gifts to the poor. But what makes Mishloach Manot and Matanot la'evyonim so unique to Purim? Sure these are great mitzvot to do – but why do them on Purim, specifically? Through a careful examination of the Purim story, Rabbi Fohrman explores the subtle whispers and foreshadows of these two mitzvot in the text. What emerges is a unique story of the discrete dialogue shared between Queen Esther and Mordechai during this period in the turbulent, Persian Empire. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this fascinating backstory – and never give Mishloach Manot the same way again.

We often think of Esther almost as a fairytale, with evil Haman, silly Achashverosh, brilliant Mordechai and angelic Esther. In this video course, Rabbi Fohrman uncovers a fascinating connection between the story of the Garden of Eden and the megillah of Esther - and ultimately, Esther's actions help to redeem the fall of humankind after the sin in the Garden of Eden.

Purim’s almost here! But first, before the happiest day of the year, we’re going to spend the day… fasting. So why do we fast on this day? Is Taanit Esther just a burden we need to get through before all the fun begins, or is there something more to it? What is the deeper meaning behind the fast of Esther?

Why is celebrating Purim important today – or even at all? Sure, Purim is the “holiday that will never be forgotten,” and celebrates the salvation of the Jewish nation, but it is also the rare holiday where God doesn’t take center stage in the story. Is this a clue that Purim celebrates our own contribution, alongside God’s? Of course, we recognize that Purim celebrates the work of God’s helping hand “in the background.” That certainly seems like an important reason to celebrate Purim for all eternity. But aren’t we partly responsible for our achievements? This Purim video sets out to uncover a meaningful reason as to why we still celebrate Purim today.

What is the true meaning of the word Purim? Why would we name Purim after Haman's lots, which represent both Haman's method of destruction and his focus on chance, which is antithetical to our belief of God's Divine involvement? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman dismantles our understanding of the Hebrew word Purim with an intriguing Biblical narrative and a challenge to be more like Esther – remaining neutral is not an option. Discover the meaning of Purim.

The Torah tells us that Sarah died when she was 127. The Torah also tells us that there were 127 provinces in the Persian empire in the days of Achashverosh and Queen Esther. Coincidence? Rabbi Akiva doesn’t think so, and neither does Rabbi Fohrman. Watch this video to find out why.

Rabbi Fohrman explores the connection between the stories of Megillat Esther and Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Could the very first story in the Torah have any connection to the very last story of the Torah? And if so...what does that mean for the way we understand the holiday of Purim today?

The Book of Esther is filled with many biblical echoes that deepen and enrich our understanding of what really happened in Shushan. Join Rabbi David Fohrman and Rabbanit Shani Taragin as they trace the Book of Esther back to the dedication of the Tabernacle in the Book of Leviticus, and enter Purim with a new perspective.

What are the main themes of Purim that emerge from the Book of Esther? We dive into the glaring questions in Megillat answer and uncover the surprising answers.

Rabbi Fohrman taught this Premium webinar before Purim of 2018. Come watch, and explore the connections between the story of Purim and the story of Rebecca and her sons.

Antisemitism. Where did it all originate and can we trace it through the Tanahk? Rabbi Fohrman argues that it may have begun with the story of Amelek, which is widely known as one of the most mystifying and difficult episodes in the Torah.

We learn in Shemini about the induction of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. Interestingly, there are bunch of similarities - in language, and in theme - between this story, and the story of Megillat Esther. But what does the induction of priests have to do with Esther?? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they examine this puzzle - and never think about the priesthood, or Megillat Esther - the same way again.

Acharei Mot describes the priest’s Yom Kippur service in the Tabernacle, with strangely similar language to Megillat Esther. But what does Yom Kippur—with themes of repentance and closeness to God—have to do with Esther? Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky re-examine these two texts.

In this excerpt from Rabbi Fohrman's book on Purim, "The Queen You Thought You Knew," he invites you to look at the Book of Esther with fresh eyes. In so doing, he reveals another richer, deeper narrative. Unravel the layers and watch Esther's hidden story come alive in an unexpected way, offering you a stirring encounter with the queen you thought you knew.

Children torn from their homes, their kidnappers denying they took them in the first place. Our enemies deny their crimes while hoping to wipe us from the map. Unfortunately this is the reality we’re living in right now. But it was also the reality of the Israelite people over three thousand years ago in Egypt. How do we come to grips with the trauma we’ve endured? Will our pain ever be recognized? This video series is an attempt to draw strength from the tragedies and ultimate victories of our past.

Every Pesach the Haggadah is read at the festive meal. Some parts are fun, like the singing and exciting stories. But so much of it is boring, and seemingly random! Why are these hodgepodge of stories included? In these videos, Rabbi Fohrman gives new insight into these texts, and teaches us how to really read the Haggadah.

The Exodus story is gripping, emotional, and exciting. But...isn't it also deeply theologically troubling? God freed us from slavery, yes - but why did God allow the Israelites to become enslaved in the first place? Why not skip the whole slavery part, and go straight to the happy ending? Join Rabbi Fohrman on the search for answers, and a deeper understanding about how much we have to be thankful for.

At the burning bush, God gave Moses three signs to show the People of Israel that He is in fact with them. Was there any significance to these 3 signs, or did God randomly select three signs? Also, were the signs even effective? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a closer look at these three signs from God.

Every hero has an origin story. We are all familiar with Moshe’s origin story. But there is one episode in the story that actually seems quite unfamiliar.  On the road back to Egypt with his wife Tzipporah and their two sons, Moshe and his family stop at an inn when the strangest thing happens. God tries to kill Moses! Fortunately, level-headed Tzipporah saves the day by circumcising their second son and then the story suddenly ends. (Yes, this is a real story from the Chumash! Look it up! It’s Exodus 4:24-26.) What a strange story!  God was the One who sent Moses to Egypt. Moshe was doing what God told him to do! So why would God try to kill him?! Talk about shooting the messenger! In this newly remastered and reanimated video series, Rabbi Fohrman weaves an interpretation of this story into a larger, magnificent tapestry shedding new light on our origin story - The Exodus.

The Exodus story ends in carnage for the Egyptians, and in glorious salvation for the Israelites – but could this story have ended differently? Could the Egyptians also have lived happily ever after? Rabbi Fohrman thinks we can find the answer by noticing some uncanny resemblances to another biblical story. Join us as we explore a new way of reading the Exodus story.

The enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt was brutal. Many were murdered, including innocent children. And although God rescued the Jews in the end, one can't help wonder - was that enough? Is there more to the story than what first meets the eye? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he takes a look at God's full response to the great evil that occurred in Egypt, and sheds light on what divine justice really looks like.

On Passover, we celebrate the miracles God performed for the Israelites by freeing them from slavery. But isn’t it strange that right after the Israelites left Egypt God enforced the laws of the Ten Commandments without warning? Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this pivotal question by comparing the Ten Commandments with the story of the Burning Bush.

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

Insights into the Passover Haggadah Sit alongside Rabbi Fohrman and our CEO Imu Shalev for a model seder as they explore wonderfully new and invigorating ideas on an age-old seder tradition. 

Singing Dayeinu: Would It Really Have Been Enough? What do the lyrics of Dayeinu song really mean?

If Pesach was really about freedom, then why didn’t God take the Israelites out of Egypt sooner? Why did he have to go through all of the trouble of making plagues? Join Imu as he explores this pivotal question by re-examining the Exodus text, and never read the Pesach story the same way again.

This multi-part course delves into the challenging concept of chosenness, exploring how Passover reveals our deeper purpose as a people and the unique role Israel plays in God's plan.

Taanit Bechorot commemorates the tenth and final plague in the Passover story -- when God killed all of the firstborn Egyptians, but spared those of the Israelites. To remember, firstborns fast. But what’s interesting about Taanit Bechorot is that most firstborns don’t actually fast. Instead, there’s another tradition of joining a se’udat mitzvah -- a special kind of religious meal, whose joy overrides the fast. So, if no one's fasting, why are we even celebrating this day? Join us as we explore this unique question by reexamining the language used to describe God’s firstborn child, the Israelites -- and never think of Taanit Bechorot the same way again.

We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.

We learn in Tzav that one is not allowed to mix Chametz with the sacrificial Mincha offering. But what does the Mincha offering have to do with Chametz? Or by extension, Pesach? Join Imu and Rivky as they re-examine the offering text and learn the deeper meaning behind Chametz, a symbol of over-processing and separation from the creator.

In Parshat Pinchas, we read about the daughters of Tzelaphchad, who sought to inherit their father’s land. God granted their request, and even codified it into law. But there’s something unique about this story — it’s strikingly similar to the story of the Pesach Sheini offering. When a group of ritually impure people approached Moses and requested a way to make an offering, God codified a practice called Pesach Sheni, which acted as a “make-up” offering for the impure. But what does inheriting land and ritually impurity have to do with each other? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Daniel Loewenstein as they explore the meaning of nationhood and purity.

Reading the Haggadah is one of many rituals of the Pesach Seder – but it can be difficult to read. Sometimes we mumble our way through it, without real comprehension. This Haggadah outlines guides you through the important messages in Maggid.

Is there more to the Exodus story than we think we know? Rabbi Fohrman's book reveals a side of the ancient Exodus saga that illuminates not just our past, but our future, and tells not only of our freedom, but of our destiny. Take a peek at Chapter 1 for free.

On Lag BaOmer we commemorate the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai -- a Talmudic sage from the second century. As such, every year on Lag BaOmer, tens of thousands of people travel to his burial place in Meron, a small town in northern Israel, where they sing and dance around giant bonfires to celebrate his legacy. But who exactly was Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai? And what about his legacy is so important that we celebrate it every year? Join us as we explore this pivotal question by re-examining the stories of this Talmudic scholar – and never think of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, or Lag BaOmer the same way again.

Shavuot is an epic holiday in which we received the Torah and became a nation! But why do we read the Book of Ruth on such an exciting holiday? Is it just because of the harvest, or because Ruth is the grandmother of King David? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman brings us on a grand journey across Bible and shows us that the Book of Ruth is a symbolic stamp on the mission of the Jewish people.

Shavuot celebrates Revelation at Sinai & the giving of the Torah – but what's so joyful about laws? Is it really worth celebrating a list of things we can't do? Learn more here!

The Torah seems to speak of Shavuot as a harvest holiday, but the Rabbis conceive of it as the time to celebrate the Giving of the Torah. Which one is it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman shows that the two actually complement each other to bring deeper, relevant meaning to Shavuot.

Join Rabbi Fohrman in his pre-Shavuot learning event and get ready for the holiday.

We don’t often talk about how the story of Lot and his daughters is a little risqué for Biblical literature. But looking back at similar illicit stories, of Yehuda and Tamar and Boaz and Ruth, a transcendent lesson emerges. Instead of sly sensuality defining the story, Rabbi Fohrman finds a redemptive love and kindness within the text, shedding new light and understanding on the concepts of kindness and recognition.

There are several holidays mentioned in the Bible, including the Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Passover, Sukkot and Shavuot. What makes these days more significant than any other holiday? The Bible seems almost elusive when describing these holy days. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers the secret theme that permeates these days, allowing a deeper understanding of the holiday cycle to emerge.

In this course, Rabbi David Fohrman examines the meaning of Ten Commandments, why they are important & explores the most fundamental principles of Judaism.

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

Eishet Chayil is the ode to the feminine, written by King Solomon in the final chapter of Proverbs, and sung every week, at the Friday night Shabbat table. For generations, many of us have been singing this song every Friday night at our Shabbat table, singing to the woman of the house and extolling her praises. Rabbi Fohrman recorded this live audio in Alon Shvut, Israel, in which he aims to understand the essence of what a "woman of valor" really means. \n\n For indeed, the very notion is odd. Valor is often thought of as a masculine virtue – signifying bravery, on the battlefront, or otherwise. And yet, King Solomon uses this phrase when describing what he calls the most important of feminine traits. Why? Rabbi Fohrman argues that Solomon, in the song of Eishet Chayil, hides a theory of a vision of unique feminine power and strength.

What is the theme that ties together the seemingly disconnected stories of Lot and his daughters, Judah and Tamar, and Ruth? The obscure Biblical law of yibum, or Levirite marriage, has a lot to do with it. Rabbi Fohrman argues there is an important connection that hints at a generational saga of redemption.

We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.

In Parshat Emor, we read through the laws and details of the Biblical holidays. But this section also includes a few other laws – like the Omer offering, and agricultural laws like Pe’ah and Leket. Why are those laws included with the Jewish holidays? Join Rabbi Fohrman and Rivky as they re-examine the Emor text, and discover its subtle shared language with a few other texts of the Torah.

This week’s double parsha, Behar-Bechokotai, focuses on the agricultural cycles of Shemittah and Yovel. Strangely enough, the language here carries echoes of some of the themes of last week’s parsha, and even seems to take us all the way back to Mount Sinai. Are these ideas somehow connected? What could the revelation at Sinai have to do with agricultural laws in the land of Israel? Join Rivky Stern and first time co-host Ami Silver as they explore these fascinating connections and the implications for what it means to live together with God in this world.

Can we ever do something so bad there’s no coming back from it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman grapples with the nature of atonement through a close reading of the story of Elisha ben Avuya, the famous apostate “Acher,” and his fiercely loyal student, Rabbi Meir.

Rabbi Fohrman takes a closer look at the Book of Ruth, uncovering new ways in which Ruth's story is much deeper than it appears.

This guide for Megillat Ruth will take you to a deeper, and more meaningful understanding of this seemingly-ordinary text. Rabbi Fohrman’s study guide illuminates why this tale of marriage, death, and daily life in ancient Israel is nothing short of an origin story for Jewish nationhood — and the perfect chronicle for Shavuot.

Why do we make such a big deal about the Ten Commandments? This guide explores the fascinating structure and the tremendous meaning packed into these few verses.

17 Tammuz is the tragic start to the Three Weeks. According to our Sages, not only is it the day in which the walls of Jerusalem were shattered, four other major calamities happened which affected the Jewish people. What is their common link, and what does it tell us about how to think about this day?

Why do we mourn on Tisha B'Av? How can we truly grieve such ancient tragedies? Make your mourning meaningful and learn more here!

We sit on the floor, we cry – but sometimes it feels like we’re just going through the motions. Rachel Imenu shows us a deeper way to mourn — that actually changes us, that banishes sinat chinam, baseless hatred, from our hearts.

It’s one thing to mourn the suffering of actual people, but how are we supposed to feel genuinely sad over the loss of a building?

How can we transform our mourning into hope? One year since October 7 discover how our past can help us navigate the pain of the present.

The Talmudic Sages tell us that the first great tragedy to occur on Tisha B'Av was the sin of the spies in the desert. How can this seemingly unrelated event help us understand the deeper reasons for the Temples’ destruction?

God gave King Solomon unprecedented wisdom, which Solomon used to build a glorious kingdom. But just a mere generation later, that kingdom splits and the road to Tisha B’Av begins. Why didn’t God give Solomon the wisdom he really needed… the wisdom to keep Israel united?

When was the last time that you hated someone for absolutely no reason? Could it be we’ve been misunderstanding the true meaning of “baseless hatred” this whole time? 

The Talmudic Sages tell us that the first great tragedy to occur on Tisha B'Av was the sin of the spies in the desert. How can this seemingly unrelated event help us understand the deeper reasons for the Temples’ destruction?

What does Eicha have to do with the garden of Eden? At first glance, not much. But if we look closer, it turns out that the Megillah is actually echoing language first used in the beginning of Genesis. Uncovering the deeper meaning of this connection can shift the way you think about Tisha B’Av. 

A few generations before the destruction of the Temple, there was a king who, the Talmud tells us, could have been the Messiah. How did the Jewish people get so close to redemption, only to end in exile? If we can answer this question, perhaps we can come to understand the power of our own potential and to reshape our destiny.

How can we feel connected to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple when these tragedies happened thousands of years ago? The answer may lie in understanding what still links us to these past events and how, against all odds, exile didn’t put an end to the Jewish people. This story starts in a place called Yavneh.

Can mourning bring us closer to redemption? This series dives deep into a connection between Shir Hamaalot (Psalm 126) and the story of Jacob and Joseph to uncover the connection between the depths of grief and unassailable hope.

Can we ever do something so bad there’s no coming back from it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman grapples with the nature of atonement through a close reading of the story of Elisha ben Avuya, the famous apostate “Acher,” and his fiercely loyal student, Rabbi Meir.

What can we expect of God, by way of justice, in the face of great human evil? That question was always pertinent, perhaps, throughout history -- but in the shadow of the Holocaust, it seems especially pertinent and troubling. Is justice on any level something we should be looking for, from the Almighty? Or: Are these divine secrets that humans really have no business asking about?

Join Rabbi Fohrman and the Aleph Beta team for in-depth readings and discussions of select Kinot. These videos are live recordings from our annual Tisha B'Av morning "Kinot Unlocked" events. You can catch up on all past years here. We hope these beautiful texts will take on new meanings and allow you to experience a more connected Tisha B'Av.

After the devastation of the first Temple, Jeremiah starts his Lamentations with the cry of “Eicha” – “How?”. How was the great Jerusalem destroyed? Rabbi David Fohrman studies the text of Megillat Eicha in search of what this tragedy means to us today.

Repentance is an emotional and deeply personal process — yet Judaism has specific laws that govern exactly how we’re supposed to do it. Can there really be a “wrong” way to repent?

We’re used to thinking of Rosh Hashanah as a time of trembling in fear before God. But what if we’ve been misunderstanding the essence of the holiday?

How can I attain closeness with a God who is so beyond my comprehension? And why would the Creator of the Universe care about my prayers? Is God even listening?

Guilt can can inspire us to grow — but it can also be overwhelming, crippling. How can we account for our actions over the past year in a way that is productive and spiritually healthy?

Many of us associate the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) with guilt and fear. But is “awe” the same thing as “fear”? Answering this question may be key to breaking free of the painful emotions that often accompany these days and experiencing them in a brand new, uplifting way.

A Guide For Rosh Hashanah With just 5 minutes a day, you'll be ready to show up on Rosh Hashanah feeling prepared. We’ll talk about prayer, how to understand davening, why we blow the shofar, how to leave behind all the guilt of Rosh Hashanah, and why this holiday is absolutely worth celebrating.

On Rosh Hashanah, we read about the Akeidah, when Abraham was asked to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice. But how are we supposed to make sense of this story that seems to pit obedience to God against our most basic sense of morality?

At the center of the High Holidays' prayer service is the passage "Unetaneh Tokef." The powerful and dramatic prayer borrows imagery from the story of Elijah. A closer look at this biblical story sheds light on God's relationship of justice and mercy with His people, and helps us understand this prayer in a deeper way.

How can we welcome a time of year that causes us so much angst, guilt, and shame?

In Emor, we read about the Mekalel (the "Blasphemer"), the man who is punished for cursing God. Cursing God doesn't sound like a very religious thing to do, but it raises the question: Is it ever OK to speak against God? What about arguing with God? Find out in this audio series.

Knowing Good and Evil What does it mean for us to recognize God as our King, Master of the universe? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman examines the early chapters of Genesis to discover just what God's mastery is all about – and what it really means to recognize it. Discover other great Rosh Hashanah videos at Aleph Beta, including ‘How To Prepare For Rosh Hashana”, “How To Do Teshuva”. and “Akeidah: The Story Of Abraham & Isaac”

A printable guide to aid our video series "How To Prepare For Rosh Hashanah."

A printable guide to help you gain a new understanding of prayer, awe, and fear on the yamim noraim.

Why does Gedaliah, a man who most of us have never heard about, get his own fast? And why is this fast day right after Rosh Hashanah? In this video, we dive into the story of Gedaliah. We discover that Tzom Gedaliah isn’t merely commemorating an ancient tragedy, but represents a major turning point in our nation’s history.

The Book of Jonah reads almost like a child’s story, and the message seems just as simple: “It’s good to do teshuva.” But a close read of the text reveals a much more sophisticated tale, with a profound lesson that has deep relevance for our modern lives. 

Guilt can can inspire us to grow — but it can also be overwhelming, crippling. How can we account for our actions over the past year in a way that is productive and spiritually healthy?

How can I attain closeness with a God who is so beyond my comprehension? And why would the Creator of the Universe care about my prayers? Is God even listening?

Repentance is an emotional and deeply personal process — yet Judaism has specific laws that govern exactly how we’re supposed to do it. Can there really be a “wrong” way to repent?

We’re used to thinking of Yom Kippur as a time of forgiveness, when God wipes our slates clean. But what if we’ve been misunderstanding the essence of the holiday?

At the center of the High Holidays' prayer service is the passage "Unetaneh Tokef." The powerful and dramatic prayer borrows imagery from the story of Elijah. A closer look at this biblical story sheds light on God's relationship of justice and mercy with His people, and helps us understand this prayer in a deeper way.

We associate Yom Kippur with prayer and sitting in synagogue all day. But back then, it involved goats and lotteries and sacrifices and sprinkling blood and incense and clouds. How do those weird rituals grant forgiveness for our sins? It sounds magical… and irrational. Let's study this to explore the essence of Yom Kippur.

Many of us associate the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) with guilt and fear. But is “awe” the same thing as “fear”? Answering this question may be key to breaking free of the painful emotions that often accompany these days and experiencing them in a brand new, uplifting way.

How can we welcome a time of year that causes us so much angst, guilt, and shame?

In Emor, we read about the Mekalel (the "Blasphemer"), the man who is punished for cursing God. Cursing God doesn't sound like a very religious thing to do, but it raises the question: Is it ever OK to speak against God? What about arguing with God? Find out in this audio series.

Can we ever do something so bad there’s no coming back from it? In this series, Rabbi Fohrman grapples with the nature of atonement through a close reading of the story of Elisha ben Avuya, the famous apostate “Acher,” and his fiercely loyal student, Rabbi Meir.

A printable PDF study guide to accompany our course on the Book of Jonah.

A printable guide to help you gain a new understanding of prayer, awe, and fear on the yamim noraim.

Why do we celebrate Sukkot? Because the Israelites slept in huts in the desert after fleeing Egypt… right? Well, what if that answer is incomplete? What if the Torah offers us a deeper story about the meaning of this holiday…and it’s hiding in plain sight?

When it comes to the Jewish holidays, we tend to relate to each one on its own. But often, we miss the bigger picture. The Torah actually talks to us in epic, sweeping terms about the very idea of a “holiday,” about how to understand the holidays and find meaning in them. Come into the text and get ready to unravel the Torah's secret about the true meaning of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

In this webinar, Rabbi Fohrman dives even deeper into the question: Wait.. why do we celebrate Sukkot, to offer a fascinating explanation that not only sheds new light on the holiday of Sukkot but on the often overlooked significance of its seventh day: Hoshana Rabba.

There are several holidays mentioned in the Bible, including the Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Passover, Sukkot and Shavuot. What makes these days more significant than any other holiday? The Bible seems almost elusive when describing these holy days. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he uncovers the secret theme that permeates these days, allowing a deeper understanding of the holiday cycle to emerge.

We add the prayer service of Hallel on holidays, but what exactly are we saying? Is it just a collection of Psalms? In this course, Rabbi Fohrman argues that not only are we learning what it is to be a servant of God, but we are also discovering the origins of the nation of Israel.

Learn how how sleeping in a hut became a major Jewish holiday.