This siyum essay explores the dual nature of atonement in Masechet Yoma—individual and communal—through the teachings of the Gemara, Rambam, and R. Soloveitchik. Dedicated to the memory of Shlomo Yakir Shrem HYD, it reflects on how binding oneself to Knesset Yisrael deepens the meaning of Yom Kippur and illuminates the path toward true repentance and national unity.
This drasha explores the intersection of personal responsibility and national redemption, offering a compelling reflection on Teshuva and Yom Kippur. Drawing from deep Jewish philosophical teachings, it challenges us to contemplate our role in shaping the future, both individually and collectively.
Generative AI has taken the world by storm. Creating art, literature, music as well as engaging in fluid conversation, the artificial intelligence of today is simply astounding. Indeed, AI has since humbled us. It is causing us to question what exactly is our unique worth. To paraphrase king Solomon: “Man hath no advantage over machine; for all is vanity.” In this lecture I hope to convince you that man indeed has an advantage over machine.
Have you ever wondered if what you did – good or bad – was really pure “luck”? Intuitively, we tend to believe that people are undeserving of praise or blame for acts over which they had no control. The problem is that practically everything we do is a result of factors for which we have no control. So are we responsible? When and why are we deserving of praise or blame?
Penance and Annulment of Vows, Kol Nidrei, Yom Kippur, Shabbat Shuva, DRASH
Be True, God Knows Thoughts, Rosh Hashana, Shabbat Shuva, Ten Days of repentance, Yom Kippur, DRASH ONLY
Improving Ourselves, Being Forbearing, Elul, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, DRASH
Rav Soloveitchik on Teshuva and Changing the Past, Yom Kippur, DRASH
Eleh Ezkera, Theodicy, Good and Evil, Death of Righteous, Holocaust, Yom Kippur, Tisha B’Av
Fate & Freewill, Adam, Moses, Joseph, Parshat Vayeshev, Bereishit, Devarim, Yom Kippur
