Kinna 22: Mass Suicide For Hashem’s Name
Posted onFocuses on the incredible phenomenon of mass suicide in various Jewish communities faced with the choice of death or conversion to Christianity.
The Jewish calendar is chock full of special days that have a unique influence on us and help us come closer to Hashem. The Torah calls the holidays, moadim, times of meeting with Hashem. This series of classes explores the transformative power of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, the fast days, and other Jewish holidays around the year. Popular classes include insightful lectures on The Days of Awe which takes a comprehensive look at this emotionally charged period, particularly focusing on the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur prayers, explaining their structure, logical sequence, meaning, and symbolism. Students also examine Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s important work on Jewish Thought, Al HaTeshuva, which discusses repentance and self-improvement as a means to growth and ascension in service of Hashem. In Jerusalem: Echoes of Lament, a range of Naaleh teachers explore such thought-provoking questions as what were the causes of this destruction? What should we do to return to our former glory as G-d’s Holy people? How can we deepen our appreciation of Jewish unity in order to rectify the sin of disunity that caused the destruction? Other topics include classes on Chanuka, Tu B’shevat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Sefira, Lag B’aomer, and the Three Weeks.
Focuses on the incredible phenomenon of mass suicide in various Jewish communities faced with the choice of death or conversion to Christianity.
Explains the background and meaning of the kinna by Elazar haKalir entitled ‘V’ata amarta, heitiv eitiv imach’. In this kinna, the special relationship of the Jewish People with Hashem as promised seems to be shattered, as troubles and tribulations are unleashed on the Jewish nation during the time of the Churban.
Explains kinna number nine, “Eicha Tifarti”, in detail. The kinna describes the tragedies of Jewish history, and the terrible consequences of distorting its causes.
Explicates the themes and structure of the kinna “Eicha Atzta B’Apecha”, Examining the reaction of the Jewish people to the destruction of the exile.
Analyzes the themes of the first kinna. This Kinna describes the sudden shock of the Churban, as well as the mourning of both Hashem and the Jewish People at the unbelievable loss of the Beit Hamikdash.
An overview of the dual nature of Tisha B’av as a day of mourning and a public fast day. Rabbi David then reviews Megillat Eicha, and shows how it parallels many of the themes of the Kinnot.
An in-depth look at galus (exile) and what it means today.
An introductory look at golus (exile).
Behukosai class which is about Shavuos
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses The holiday of Chanuka.
In honor of Lag BaOmer, Rebbetzin Heller delves into the idea of the beauty of each individual and how that theme relates to us. In this class, Rebbetzin Heller explains the deeper messages behind the deaths of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, and the gift that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai bequeathed to us.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses a period in the Jewish calendar known as Shovavim.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the holiday of Tu B’Shvat. From a Chassidic perspective, this class delves into the spiritual meaning and function of the day. Just as a tree, acts as a conduit between the rain-soaked earth and the blossoming fruit, Man’s purpose in this world is to use the word of G-d to galvanize himself to positive action. This class also discusses deep significance of each of the Seven Species that are unique to the Land of Israel.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tu B’shvat, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes the nature of the day, its relationship to Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), and how we can connect to the day in our own lives. The class also explains the concept of the number 15.
In this Torah shiur (class) Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses Parshat Shekalim, Parshat Zachor, Parshat Parah, and Parshat Hachodesh, which are read in the weeks surrounding Purim, leading up to Rosh Chodesh Nissan.
Using Halacha and Chassidus, Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the differences between the destruction of the First Jewish Temple and the Second Temple.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rebbetzin Heller discusses the unique essence of the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, as described in the Torah.
In this Shiur (Torah class) Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the special event that occured on Erev Pesach; Birkat Hachama.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes presents an overview of the unique Bikat Hachama, blessing on the sun. This bracha is only said once every 28 years, and falls out this year on Erev Pesach. Rabbi Taubes explains the reason and calculations behind the bracha, as well as provides insight into the significance of the event.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Shimon Isaacson speaks about the special event that occured on Erev Pesach; Birkat Hachama.
In this class (Shiur) Mrs Shira smiles discusses Hoshana Rabba.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Tu B’Av.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses The power of the oral law on the holiday of Chanukah.
By studying the battle of the Chashmonaim against the Greeks, we can apply that to our own everyday lives.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Holiday of Chanuka.
Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the unique aspect of publicizing the miracle of Chanukah.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the significance of the fifth night of Chanukah.
In this class (shiur) Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses the holiday Of Chanuka.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the zman of lighting the Chanuka lights.