This four-part English-language series explores the history, psychology, and evolution of the autumn holidays.
From the ancient roots of the shofar, Yom Kippur, and Arba’at Ha-Minim to the heartbreaking updates to the Yizkor liturgy post-October 7, we will examine how these sacred rituals adapt to historical trauma while continuing to offer deep personal, theological, and emotional meaning today.
Echoes of Creation: The Shofar’s Call
During the most verbally dense days of the Jewish tradition, we will delve into a powerful, non-verbal ritual: the blowing of the shofar. This session explores the emergence of shofar blowing during Elul and Rosh Hashanah, examining its primordial nature, key halakhic aspects, and deep psychological dimensions.
The Emergence of Yom Kippur: From Temple Ritual to Personal Peak
Could the most sacred day of the Jewish year actually have been an afterthought? This session will investigate the historical origins of Yom Kippur, exploring who shaped it, when it emerged, and why it evolved from an ancient Temple ritual into a pinnacle of personal reflection.
Decoding Arba’at Ha-Minim
Alongside dwelling in the Sukkah, the Four Species (Arba’at Ha-Minim) stand as the central, iconic ritual of Sukkot. In this session, we will uncover the roots of these botanical symbols and their evolution as a cultural trope. Along the way, we will try to see if there are additional species that are considered as options for this Jewish tradition.
Yizkor in the Wake of October 7: Liturgical Creativity, Trauma, and Renewal
The Yizkor memorial service is one of the most solemn and powerful moments of the synagogue service on Yom Kippur and the pilgrimage festivals. This session will explore the history of Yizkor, focusing on new prayers and liturgical poems (piyyutim) written in the wake of the October 7, 2023 war. Using these contemporary texts as a case study, we will examine how modern Jewish liturgy innovates and responds to national trauma.
**This series will only be available on YouTube.
New episodes will be uploaded to YouTube weekly, starting Sunday,
September 6.
