Mourning

Found 9 Search results

1. Shabbat Nahamu

   Haftarot: Vaethanan

   Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

   Tisha B'Av has a dual nature of mourning and teshuva. Appropriately, we seek comfort on this day from a dual message of consolation and a call for teshuva. Immediately after Tisha B'Av we begin the process of the seven haftarot of consolation, which are followed by a reading of chapters relating to teshuva.

2. The Storm (Part 12)

   After Eliyahu's Ascent (II)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The first part of our story concludes with Elisha's mourning. The second half of our story begins with the opposite action: the lifting and taking of Eliyahu's mantle.  The contrast seems to be an expression of the ambivalent nature of the situation. On one hand there is sorrow and mourning. At the same time, Elisha feels joy at the privilege of being Eliyahu's heir and successor as prophet in Israel. The apprentice prophets see Eliyahu's mantle, with all that it implies, in Elisha's hand, and they see what Elisha does with it, repeating the miracle of crossing the Jordan River as Eliyahu had previously done. Despite the tension that prevailed between Eliyahu and Elisha after the mantle was cast for the first time, and before it falls for the second time, the transfer of the mantle from master to disciple is what ultimately defines the nature of the bond between them.

3. Definitions of Churban - The Comfort of Eternity

   Rabbi David Milston

   תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |

   From the depths of mourning throughout the difficult times leading to Tisha B'av we can view Parshat Va'etchanan as the ultimate parsha of comfort. By closely examining the message of the parsha and its haftara of Nachamu we can understand the importance of Eretz Yisrael, the nature of our relationship with God, and the meaning of true redemption. 

4. Two -Person Drama of Eikhah Chapter 1

   Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman |

   What is the book of Eikhah all about? What is its purpose? By closely examining Chapter 1 and viewing it in play form we notice that Eikhah is not a book of kinot, but rather a guide for Am Yisrael in the aftermath of the churban. It is meant to instruct the nation grappling with the social and psychological realities of rebuilding their lives, allowing them to realize that God is there and they can turn to Him during times of crisis. 

5. Yitzhak Weeping for Yaakov

   Rabbi David Silverberg

6. Moshe, Aharon, and the Se'ir Hachatat

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 10 minutes

   Following the sin and deaths of Nadav and Avihu, there is a somewhat unclear conversation between Aharon and Moshe regarding Aharon and his remaining sons’ obligation to mourn, and Moshe rebukes them for burning the sacrifice of the Se’ir Hachatat instead of eating it. What is at the root of this dialogue? What is the meaning behind Aharon’s response? A close analysis of the text and some of the classical commentaries reveals several answers to these questions, and also relates to a greater question of Biblical exegesis and the relationship between Oral and Written law. 

7. In Response to Death

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   What is the nature of Aharon’s reaction to the deaths of his sons, and of the exchange between Moshe and Aharon? What is the significance of Aharon’s silence? Through a close examination of the episode we can understand these responses and come to a realization that these deaths may have been necessary in order to teach the nation the proper caution and respect towards God's sanctity.  The connection between "mortals hewn of material substances" and Divine sanctity requires a special Divine service; it involves special rules.  Any deviation from these rules is dangerous, but drawing closer in accordance with the rules is truly part of God's will.  It is this that instills man with power and sanctity, raising him up and completing him.

8. Shemini - Moshe's Sharp Words with the New Kohanim

   Rabbi David Silverberg

9. Rav Soloveichik on Metzora and Mourners

   Rabbi David Silverberg