God made Adam "in His
image," but what is the image of the invisible God? What, or who, is the
image of God?
THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:
B'reisheet (בראשית | In the
beginning)
Torah: Genesis 1:1-6:8
Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5-43:10
Simchat Torah/Shemini Atzeret: Chag Sameach!
Tishrei 21, 5778/October 11, 2017
The seventh day of Sukkot, known as Hoshana Rabba, is the climax of Sukkot, and in many ways, the climax of the entire seven week period of intense introspection and spiritual 'body-building' that begins on Rosh Chodesh, the first day of Elul, reaches its first climax on Rosh HaShana, (the first and second day of Tishrei), attains its second pinnacle on Yom Kippur, (the tenth of Tishrei), and reaches its final, crucial, crescendo on Hoshana Rabba, before transforming into the joyful, triumphant celebration of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, the final day of our spiritual journey, at which point we are ready to meet the new year head on and heart on, new and improved versions of ourselves, by virtue of our own hard work and intensive spiritual efforts.
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Chag Sukkot Sameach - A Joy-filled Sukkot to All!
Tishrei 14, 5778/October 4, 2017
Seven days you shall celebrate the Festival to HaShem, your G-d, in the place which HaShem shall choose, because HaShem, your G-d, will bless you in all your produce, and in all the work of your hands, and you will only be happy."(Deuteronomy 16:15)
Can G-d really command us to "only be happy?" Yes He can! Can we fulfill this commandment? Being happy isn't a given, and being only happy is ever greater a challenge. But we can surely do it!
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