In "Mirrors and Windows: The Secret of Schach," a father's mirror-window analogy teaches seeing beyond self-projection to deeper spiritual truths. This ties to the Sukkos journey: from Elul's self-awareness through Yom Kippur's transcendence, culminating in the succah—a simple hut symbolizing divine marriage and elevated physical life. Schach represents peering past the surface to reveal spiritual depth, infusing Yamim Noraim gains into everyday existence for holistic oneness

In "Beyond the Headlines," Sivan Rahav Meir views Sukkot as a time of liberation and family joy, linking it to Pesach's appreciation of basics and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's idea of the sukkah countering complacency. She sees family time as self-growth, cites Kohelet’s wisdom on life's seasons, and highlights the Ushpizin tradition, showing forefathers thriving in transient "sukkah lives," urging action now.

Your phone buzzes with a call from your mom, your wife’s mother-in-law, longing to join you for the holidays. “Charlie, my sweet boy,” she pleads, recalling how she cared for you as a child. Your wife will likely say no, leaving you torn. The Torah teaches to honor your mother yet cling to your wife, suggesting a compromise: perhaps your mom could stay nearby and join for meals, like her famous brisket, with your wife’s input to ensure Shalom Bayit, peace at home.

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Sameach, perfect moments to gift your wife a dress or jewelry, echoing the Torah’s kindness in clothing Adam and removing Moses’ garments in Ha’azinu. True value lies in her reaction, fostering Shalom Bayit with a simple, “I see how much this means to you.”

In Parshat Ha’azinu, Moshe shares the Song of Ha’azinu, a poetic warning of the trials that will befall the Jewish people, yet it culminates in the promise of ultimate redemption. The Torah, as the sages note, begins with an act of kindness, God clothing Adam, and ends with another, removing Moses’ garments in Ha’azinu. This song, rich with history and prophecy, invites us to choose

On Yom Kippur Eve, while many seek forgiveness from friends, few extend this to spouses, yet your wife, as your soulmate, deserves it most. The close, vulnerable bond with her invites hurt, making apology vital for Shalom Bayit. If questioned about a specific past slight, like noon on April 12th, respond with, “For that, a Yom Kippur apology is fitting.”

At the United Hatzalah Los Angeles Gala on September 18, 2025, Israeli Eurovision star Yuval Raphael received the Hero Award from actress Gal Gadot for her bravery as a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival attack and her resilience against anti-Israel hostility. The event, attended by 1,300 supporters, raised funds for United Hatzalah’s volunteer emergency medical services in Israel.

On a Shabbat in Carlsbad, a chance encounter with Dr. Edith Eger’s nurse during a community dinner revealed a deep connection. Inspired by Eger’s Holocaust survival story and her message of resilience, the moment underscored the enduring spirit of Am Yisrael Chai.

KKL-JNF reveals 1945 photos by Yaakov Rosner of a Jerusalem lulav blessing and a Tel Aviv Four Species market, plus a 1947 image of a girl with a lulav at the “Flag of Jerusalem” ceremony. A 1970 Western Wall photo shows a crowd with the Four Species, reflecting post-war renewal. Efrat Sinai notes Sukkot’s role in unity.

The Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund, with Ayelet Haris and Bituach Haklai, has launched "Homecoming Kits" for families returning to Western Negev kibbutzim after the October 7, 2023 attack. The kits, featuring seeds, herbal tea, a purification kit, and ceremony cards, aim to heal trauma and restore home and security. Neri Shotan, CEO, emphasizes both physical and emotional rehabilitation for a sense of belonging.

In "Yom Kippur: Flying Amongst Angels," a $100 bill analogy highlights our enduring divine value despite hardships. Yom Kippur is framed as a uplifting day of transcendence and rebirth, where abstaining from physical needs connects us to our soul essence, emulating angels. This spiritual root prepares us to elevate the physical world, reflected in the Yamim Noraim to Sukkos progression.

We Hope Your New Year Is as Sweet as This Article. Photography by Jared Kahn Lamalo has the best chocolate chip cookie in LA. Just in...

The mayor promised one man any wish, choosing Mr. Kalman, owner of a battered 1975 Nissan Datsun with a cracked taillight. Amid laughter, Mr. Kalman humbly asked for red tape to fix it. As Moses faces his final day in Vayeilech, what do you wish for this season?

Moshe appoints Yehoshua as his successor, encouraging Klal Yisrael to be strong in the assembly of men, women, and children after the sabbatical year. Moshe's Torah scroll is placed with the Ark. The elders gather to hear the song of Ha'azinu.

In "Beyond the Headlines," Sivan Rahav Meir explores Aseret Yemei Teshuva, highlighting small changes in the Amida prayer that foster awareness and manageable renewal. She shares Rabbi Avigdor Miller's insights on small acts like smiling as profound kindness, and a moving story of a cantor reciting Kol Nidrei for a lone elderly man who missed it, symbolizing an open door to connection with God and heritage.

Jessie reflects on a chaotic Labor Day weekend road trip to Sequoia National Park that turned into a 10-hour drive with no park visit due to poor planning, packed lots, and her husband’s illness, leaving her exhausted. Yet, her 5-year-old son’s joyful take—loving the snacks and sibling time—shifts her perspective. As Rosh Hashana nears, she embraces reframing challenges positively, inspired to see growth and possibility in life’s detours.

In "What’s Happening in Henderson," Rachel Wizenfeld, an LA transplant, contrasts Henderson’s low crime with the HOA’s strict fines for scooters or stucco issues. She mourns the lack of kosher eateries, highlighting teen caterers, a dad’s YouTube sushi, and the lost kosher Dunkin’ Donuts. She welcomes visitors, especially rabbis, to experience the community’s warmth and nearby National Parks.

In "(One)Family is Everything," born from Michal Belzberg’s 2001 Sbarro bombing bat mitzvah donation, the organization offers vital, lifelong support to over 6,000 terror-affected families across 255 cities. Co-founded with her parents, it provides therapy (art, EMDR, music), support groups, and aid for rent and tuition, serving 50% IDF families. With 78,000+ therapy hours and $100 million in aid, it earned the Genesis Prize, supporting milestones, orphans, and widows.

In "The Holiest Day of the Year for American Jews Is Not Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur," a rabbi provocatively claims April 15th (or October 15th with California’s fire-related extension, coinciding with Simchat Torah) as the true test of faith for American Jews. He argues that honest tax filing, resisting creative deductions, reflects genuine bitachon, trust in God’s provision, over self-serving rationalizations, turning a mundane task into a spiritual challenge.

Rosh Hashanah heralds the Jewish New Year with renewal, teshuvah (repentance as return to Hashem), where penitents surpass the righteous, transforming sins into merits per Gemara teachings. Rabbi Sacks views it as merciful judgment and life celebration, urging progress over perfection. Practical tips include reflection, values-based intentions, and small steps for growth, echoing Pirkei Avot and Maimonides.