Category Archives: Holidays

A Simchat Torah Study

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Derek Leman

Simchat Torah begins tonight at sundown. In the spirit of Simchat Torah, I decided to outline the reformations of Torah and Temple from David to Ezra in the Bible. I had an idea that I might discover there some principles … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Holidays, Torah, Worship | 2 Comments

Back from a Mountain Setting for Sukkot

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Derek Leman

We came back from Fort Mountain State Park in the North Georgia mountains a day early (last night we got home). It was bad enough having to set up our tent and campsite in the rain, but if we’d stayed … Continue reading →

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Yom Kippur Sermon: Eternal Love

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Derek Leman

The love the Holy One has for us is amazing. As the wisdom poet says, “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth” (Songs 1:1). The sages of Israel and also the classic devotional writers of Christianity interpreted … Continue reading →

Posted in atonement, Holidays, Love | 6 Comments

A Plethora of Yom Kippur Resources

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Derek Leman

Need inspiration? Material to study this Yom Kippur? Here are some classic Messianic Jewish Musings blog posts which you may find helpful. “Yom Kippur as the Sabbath of Sabbaths” “Yom Kippur Sentiment in the New Testament” “A Yom Kippur Statement” … Continue reading →

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Rosh Hashanah Sermon: Awe and Love of God

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Derek Leman

One of the reasons I usually teach you — with dialogue, discussion, the opportunity to challenge and give point and counterpoint — is that respect your intelligence. You are thinking people. You question what you are told. You ask if … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism, Judeo-Christian, Love, messianic, Messianic Jewish, Messianic Judaism, Mussar, Mysticism | 3 Comments

CLASSIC REPRINT: The Mysteries of Rosh HaShanah

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Derek Leman

It’s a day of shofar blowing, but the Bible never mentions a shofar. Strictly speaking, the whole association with shofars may be completely post-biblical. It’s a day of remembrance, but we don’t know of what. It’s a day of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Talmud and Tradition | 4 Comments

LIVE Elul Discussion, Week 4

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Derek Leman

There are a lot of things to see that we pass over every day — about ourselves, about those we love, about those we aren’t smart enough to love, and most of all about God and the clues of his … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays | 61 Comments

LIVE Elul Discussion, Week 2

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Derek Leman

The task is large, unending, but we are not free to ignore it. This is not a labor to be accomplished in one great effort or in occasional exertions. The task is the conforming of our minds and spirits to … Continue reading →

Posted in ethics, Holidays, Love, Mussar | 69 Comments

LIVE Elul Discussion, Week 1

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Derek Leman

A beautiful garden is well-ordered and weedless. This is the month for getting our gardens ready. They need a lot of work . . . אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. -Song of … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Mussar, Uncategorized | 57 Comments

Tonight, 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time: ELUL Live Discussion

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Derek Leman

Be here between 9 and 10 pm tonight. I will post some texts from the Machzor, from Mesillat Yesharim, and other sources to get us started with a discussion via blog comments. We’ll discuss repentance, mussar, preparation for the High … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Mussar | 4 Comments