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The events of the story of Chanukah are well-known: the heroic revolt against Greek oppression, the stunning victory on the battlefield, and the jar of oil which contained only enough to last for one day but miraculously burned for eight.
Still, a basic question arises: Jewish history is full of miracles. Few of them become holidays. Why Chanukah?
To become part of the Jewish calendar, a holiday needs to contain core messages of ongoing relevance regarding our national identity and national destiny. Chanukah: Capturing the Light is dedicated to uncovering those messages. Drawing on a vast array of classic and contemporary sources, renowned teacher and bestselling author Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein presents a deep and profound understanding of Chanukah, inspiring the reader to allow its light to illuminate the eight days of the festival — and the entire year.
Drawing on a wide array of sources from throughout the generations, renowned teacher and author Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein discusses these and many more fundamental questions, providing the reader with a deeper understanding of Torah, Shavuos and ultimately, Judaism itself.
Of all the masks we may encounter over the course of Purim, the most intriguing is the one worn by Purim itself… On the one hand, Purim commemorates and celebrates the miracle that Hashem performed for the Jewish People at the time. In this retrospective sense, it "faces backwards." On the other hand, however, it also "faces forwards" in the sense that it provides a vision toward the future. It contains many messages that reveal extremely profound concepts and fundamental truths…the festival of Purim is a time when these ideas can be encountered, accessed, and absorbed anew. Ultimately, these two different "directions" do not conflict with each other, for the day of Purim is not just a historical event; it is an ongoing presence in the Jewish calendar and in its national experience.
In this remarkable, easy-to-read, and thought-provoking commentary on the Passover Haggadah, Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein brings a wealth of sources, a lucidity of thought, and tremendous originality in order to help understand what the goal of the Seder really is, and how we can best experience this powerful evening.
Do you wish to know the One Who spoke and created the world? Learn Aggadah, for through that you will know Hashem and cleave to His ways (Sifrei, Parshas Ekev, sec. 12) Scattered throughout the Talmud are various sayings and stories dealing with Torah outlook, ethics and values. Some are seemingly straightforward, while others are somewhat mystifying, and others simply baffling. Together, they constitute the area of Torah known as Aggadah, and contained within them are the fundamentals of Judaism.
The days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have a hallowed place in the consciousness of the Jewish People. The sensitive soul approaches these days with a blend of anticipation and reverence, of hope and awe. We each have our own highlights in the prayers - moments that we identify with especially, and which strike a chord deep within. These are indeed special days. But they are also days that are sometimes not fully understood.
Journeys in Talmud takes the reader behind the scenes of the discussions in the Talmud, introducing him to the analytical debates which have taken place throughout the centuries, and whose development continues until today. In am manner that is both stimulating and reader-friendly, this book aims to introduce the reader to the depth, beauty and drama that together form part of the Torah learning experience.
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