Chagigah

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Chagigah resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

Some Concluding Thoughts on Seder Moed

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The Jewish people had sinned, and their future stood in the balance. G-d's initial plans to destroy the people were thwarted by the intense prayers of Moshe, and it was on Yom Kippur that our covenant with G-d was…
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Chagigah 16: Good Intentions, Bad Results

Rabbi Jay Kelman

"The gates of repentance are always open". Yom Kippur is predicated on the possibility of teshuva at all times for all people[1]. Even a convicted murderer, prior to being put to death, is to recite vidui, a contrite…
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Chagigah 14: Acher, Please Return

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the hallmarks of the Western world is its inclusiveness. Great attempts are made to make all feel included, no matter their ability or their lifestyle. This is a most beautiful sentiment. Society has become more sensitive to the needs of…
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Chagigah 10: Where Is the Text?

Rabbi Jay Kelman

A question I have often been asked by non-observant Jews runs as follows: Since cars were not yet invented when the Torah was given, how can one claim that Biblical law prohibits driving? While the answer to that question is relatively…
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Chagigah 9: FOMO--Don't Miss Out

Rabbi Jay Kelman

With the beginning of selichot season (at least for Ashkenazim), we turn our thoughts to the notion of teshuva. This most difficult concept allows past deeds to be forgiven and at times, even to be turned into mitzvot. But no…
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Heaven or Earth : Chagigah 6

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Heaven or Earth: Chagigah 6   "Three mitzvoth were the Jewish people commanded when they went up [to Jerusalem] on the festival, re'iyah, chagigah and simcha"(Chagigah 6b). These three obligations of "…
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Making G-d Cry: Chagigah 5

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Making G-d Cry: Chagigah 5   In our last post we discussed the reasons that a number of our Sages cried. But humans are not the only ones who cry. “Our Rabbis taught: for three does the Holy One blessed be He cry every day:…
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Chagigah 5: The Gates of Tears

Rabbi Jay Kelman

“Even though the gates of prayer are closed, the gates of tears are never closed”. With the destruction of the Temple--“the house of prayer for all the nations”--prayer is no longer enough. Rather, we must cry out to G-d with…
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Chagigah 3: There Is Always Something New

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Yamim Tovim, especially in Temple times, was the coming together of Jews from all walks of life to celebrate together in Jerusalem. “Rava expounded: What is the meaning of the verse: ‘How…
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Some Opening Thoughts on Masechet Chagigah

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The mitzvah of aliyah laregel--going up to Jerusalem on Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot--was a central feature of these holidays of national celebration. While we now have the ability to come to Jerusalem for Yom Tov, and many do just that, we can…
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