Why Aren’t You Happy?

Chanukah is a time of gratitude. It's also one of the best opportunities for soul-searching and self-assessment. Sitting by the flickering candles of holiness, we open a window to our souls. Let's look inside and ask ourselves why we're not happy...

Lights of Glory: Likutei Moharan Torah 14, Part 4

The more we elevate Divine glory, the more lights of glory illuminate the earth. Rebbe Nachman teaches the act of bringing others closer to Hashem elevates Divine glory. People who gain enhanced proximity to Hashem therefore brighten the world. We conclude Torah 14 by learning that Chanukah is that very same aspect. Chanukah candles are lights of glory that illuminate the world.

Day for the Soul

Most people dread the thought of Yom Kippur and fasting for 25 hours. That is bodily-oriented dread. As far as the soul is concerned, it's the happiest day of the year. Let's connect to our souls and find out why.

Simcha, Shofar and Self-Assessment

Here is the way to have a meaningful and delightful Rosh Hashanah. Even more, here's how to have a meaningful and delightful life.

Crowning the King

Most people misunderstand the essence of Rosh Hashanah. Today's lesson, a video playback of Rabbi Lazer's talk in Great Neck, NY earlier this week, prepares us for a meaningful New Year.

The King’s in the Field

The Hebrew month of Elul includes the 4 weeks that precede the High Holidays. At this time, Hashem - the King of Kings - is especially accessible.

A Second Chance

A flat tire is definitely not the end of the race. You can change it! Rebbe Nachman of Breslev says that if you believe you can ruin something, then believe that you can rectify it. This is not just a pleasant expression, but a signed promise in the Torah and a fact of life. The second chance we all get is a much more effective way to beautify and overhaul ourselves than plastic surgery, and a whole lot cheaper...

Haman and Atomic Iran

The Book of Esther tells the story of Purim, when the Jews faced threat of annihilation. History is repeating itself right now. This behooves us to learn the lessons of Purim 25 centuries ago and apply them immediately. It takes a true leader to rise above sectorial interests and unify a divided nation.

The Story of Purim

Rabbi Lazer Brody tells the complete story of Purim in a manner that anyone can understand and appreciate. We see here how the Book of Esther transpires a timespan of thirteen years. This historically precise story is actually the template for the Geula, the full and final redemption.

The War of Emuna

Since Abraham, the first monotheist, the war against emuna has been never-ending. There are times in history when the vast majority of Jews succumbed to political correctness and assimilation at the expense of their faith. One such time was nearly 2300 years ago, when the Seleucid monarch Antiochus IV tried to Hellenize all of Judea. He nearly succeeded, but the Maccabees foiled his plan. Today's Emuna Hour scans the War of Emuna and tells the story of Chanukah. This story continues to this day.

No Judge, No Grudge

In this special preparatory lesson for Rosh Hashanah, we learn that one should avoid judging others altogether, especially during the month of Elul. What's more, when we forgive those who harmed us, we invoke Divine forgiveness for our own wrongdoings.

Purim and the Mitzva of Netillas Yada’im

Washing hands in prescribed ritual manner is called netillas yada'im. It seems like an insignificant mitzva, but the exact opposite is true. There is an amazing connection between netillas yada'im and Purim. What's more, this mitzva is very conducive for strengthening emuna and personal holiness. Our sages promise that those who observe this mitzva will never lack an adequate income.