Succos - Pesach, Lulav and Hallel

What is the parallel between Pesach and Succos, and between the Pesach sacrifice and the Lulav? What is special about these two mitzvos that engenders a recital of Hallel - the song of praise of Hashem? What month did the exodus take place, and when were the Jewish people actually freed from slavery? What is represented by the 4 species that include the lulav and esrog? What is indicated by the many different explanations of their parallels? How do we know that we have 'won the judgment' when we faced off with the Nations of the World on Rosh Hashana?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 27:04

Haazinu-Succos - Rain of Torah

What is the theme of the period we are entering now from Yom Kippur through Simchas Torah - where we receive the second luchos (tablets) on Yom Kippur, and complete the Torah on Shmini Atzeres? How does this theme of Torah carry through all of Succos, as well? Why is the Torah compared to rain and dew? What is the concept of the Torah as it paralells the Succah in its protection of the Jewish people through our wanderings in galus (exile)?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 23:57

Vayelech-Yom Kippur - The King's Gifts

What is behind Hashem's statement to Moshe that his time has come, and that it is time for the leadership of Yehoshua to begin? Why does the midrash stress the greatness of Moshe - his ability to battle the angels and easily sway Hashem, as it were - and contrast that with his weakness in these areas as he is about to die? What is the take home of this sobering message for us during the 10 days of repentance, navigating from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur? What is the correct perspective on the gifts we are endowed with, and the limitations on the impact we can personally have on those around us?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Nitsavim-Rosh Hashana - Prayer and Repentance

What is the concept of prayer, and specifically a prayer for forgiveness? What is the idea behind the statement of the medrash that 'Prayer is very great in front of Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d)? What is the idea behind the limitation of the punishment of Kayin (Cain) which split his decree in half through his prayer? Why was his punishment to be a wanderer? What is the idea of Hashem 'carrying our sin?' What is the lesson of the prayer of Chizkiyahu Hamelech (King Hezekiah)?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:06