Sha’ar 2:9: Teshuva on Sins of Omission and Comission

Sha’ar 2:9 – sins of omission and of commission need teshuva. HKBH”H does not overlook…

Anochi Hashem as the Lens Through Which We Experience the World (Al haTeshuva: Bechira & Teshuva, Part 2)

The Rav zt”l explains that the Rambam understands the mitzva of Anochi Hashem Elokecha to…

The Confluence of Din and Simcha on Rosh Hashana

Din and Simcha are found together not just on Rosh Hashana, but on each of…

Sha’ar 2:8: Ignorance Caused by Insufficient Motivation as Source of Blindness to One’s Sins

Sha’ar 2:8: The skewed self-image which results in one not recognizing his need to do…

Sha’ar 2:7-2:8: Reaching 50.1% of Lifespan as an Impetous to Teshuva. The Rebelliousness of Thinking I Don’t Have to Do Teshuva.

2:7 – Not just reaching what is conventionally described as middle aged, but even being…

Sha’ar 2:7: The Gifts of Old Age, and How Access Those Gifts Decades Beforehand

In Sha’ar 2:7, Rabbeinu Yona highlights two ways the realities of old age are conducive…

Pre-Selichos 5780

Sha’ar 2:5 – 2:6: Yisruin Shel Ahava, Viduy Before Death

In 2:5 Rabbeinu Yona talks about nisayon in the context of yisurin shel ahava. Rav…

Al HaTeshuva: Bechira Chofshis & Teshuva, part 1

A discussion of Rav Solovetichik’s derasha that begins in Al HaTeshuva page 191. Discusses the…

Sha’ar 2:5: Suffering as a Source of Salvation

We should hope/pray for suffering to lead to a source of salvation, and thus the…