Yom Kippur, Fasting, and the Poor: Considering the Message of Isaiah 58

With Yom Kippur in view, Shlomo Zuckier presents a close reading of Isaiah 58.

Epilogue

Tikva Hecht’s moving elegy for her mother, a lyric essay told in verse and art, reflects on the fragility of life and the final confession we recite in the Yom Kippur Amidah.

What is Teshuvah? Contrasting the Rav and Rav Lichtenstein

Meir Ekstein contransts Rav Soloveitchik’s and Rav Lichtenstein’s respective approaches to Teshuva.

When God Appeases Man: Yom Kippur in a Time of Exile

Yom Kippur marks the end of an 11 week period when thematic haftarot about the destruction of the Temple, consolation following its loss, and repentance replace haftarot connected to the weekly Torah reading. What can this grouping teach us about the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation? Hannah Abrams explains.

On Yom Kippur, determinism and national unity

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

Homes Without Hate and Praying With Sinners

Jerome Marcus comments on the connection between davening with sinners and playing politics.

Until It Is Enough: Conversations about Shiurim for Yom Kippur 

Sarah Osborne offers guidance for people who need to eat on Yom Kippur.

Why Can’t Selihot Be More Like Kinot?

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.

Before Erev Yom Kippur

In this poem, Mel Waldman considers life and its tribulations over coffee.

The Staggering Brilliance of Rambam’s Fourth Chapter of The Laws of Repentance 

Alan Jotkowitz shares insights into Rambam’s Hilkhot Teshuvah