Chasidic Masters on the Yamim Noraim
All of the great Chasidic masters wrote extensively on the meaning of the symbols connected to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. We will be taking selections from the following Chasidic works: The Sefat Emet, Pri Tzadik, Kedushat Levi, and Simcha Bunim of Parshischa and others. Although their approaches have similarities, it is the distinctiveness of their approaches that will be a focus of this class. Topics will include: the meaning of the Shofar, the essence of Rosh Hashana, and Yom Kippur, the Torah readings and Haftoras connected to these solemn days as well as other aspects of this profoundly reflective season
Chasidic Masters on the Yamim Noraim: Lesson 1
Elul, A Chasidic perspective: The month of Elul is the season of Teshuva. We sound the alarm–the shofar–in order to prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Chasidic masters found these days, days when God is at our doorstep, to be invigorating, daunting and transforming in ways that are unique to his perspective. Our first entry will be from the Sefat Emet on Elul and its power.
Chasidic Masters on the Yamim Noraim: Lesson 2
The Shofar, its shape, its sound, is as cryptic in the Torah as it is evocative. It is not lost on the Chasidic masters that kavanah (focus) is a prerequisite for the minimal fulfillment of the mitzvah, but this is only the beginning, they have oh so much more to say…