Yom Kippur

Yosef Lindell argues that the explanatory Kinot model, where fewer prayers are said but they are delved into in more depth, should be adopted for reciting Selihot.

With Hoshanah Rabbah today and the theme of repentance in mind, Jack Cohen explores the role that outsiders play in one's teshuva process through an enigmatic midrash instructing one to return a person to themselves.

The Ne’ilah prayer, which we recite only once a year, clearly represents a moment of great religious drama, but its precise nature and purpose are somewhat mysterious. Alan Jotkowitz presents four different models for understanding Ne’ilah, drawing upon the teachings of Rav Yehuda Amital, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, and Rav Ya’akov Medan.

Why is the annulment of vows so central to the High Holy Days? Wendy Amsellem discusses this, with a timely message.

This is Not a Poem and other soon-to-be-published high holiday poems by Yehiel Poupko.

Shlomo Zuckier explores the nature of Yom Kippur and its relationship to atonement.

Beth Kissileff on the book of Jonah and its relevance on Sukkot.

Dov Lerner weaves together Scripture, midrash and rabbinic commentary in urging closer attention to tone in public discourse.

Yehoshua Pfeffer on self-abnegating vs. life-affirming teshuva.

Aton Holzer explores the role of free will and its limits in the Yom Kippur liturgy.