The Yearly Cycle

This class introduces the key components that comprise and determine the structure of the Jewish calendar which follows the lunar cycle.

Every seven years – following the shemitah year – is a hakhel year; marked in Temple times by the king reading the Torah before all on Sukkot. Discover its significance and relevance today.

The tenth of Tevet is a fast day commemorating the date on which the Babylonians laid siege around the walls of Jerusalem, leading to the eventual destruction of the Holy Temple.

The tenth of Tevet is a fast-day when we mourn the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

The significance of Purim Kattan; the semi-festive day celebrated on a Jewish leap year in the first Adar.

In the weeks prior to Pesach we read from the Torah special parshiot in addition to the weekly parshah; here we examine the order of these readings.

On the Shabbat preceding the month of Adar we read the Torah portion of shekalim – the giving of the half shekel.

On the Shabbat before Purim we read the portion of remembering amalek; here we explore why a special Torah reading was instituted specifically for this remembrance.

On the Shabbat prior to the month of Nissan we read a special Torah portion which details the laws of the red heifer; an offering used to cleanse the ritually impure before bringing the Pascal lamb.

The seventh of Adar is the birthday and yahrtzeit of Moshe; discover the special quality of the day he was born.

This class details the special spiritual dimension of the month of Iyar.

On the first day of the month of Sivan the Jewish people arrived at Mt. Sinai after leaving Egypt: what is its significance?

The second day of Sivan – a few days before the giving of the Torah – is called “yom hameyuchas”, the special day; why is this day special at all?

This class teaches the significance of Erev Shavuot, the day before the giving of the Torah.

The six days following Shavuot are special because they too are days for bringing the holiday sacrifices; why are the times for these sacrifices on ordinary, non-holidays?

This class presents the kabbalistic approach to the meaning of the summer months.

This class presents the mystical elements of the Jewish leap year; an extra month is added to compensate for the difference of days between the solar and lunar year.