Entering Sukkot with Rav Shlomo Katz

Drawing Mesirut Nefesh After Sukkot — In Memory of Ari Weiss Hy"d

Rav Shlomo Katz and Rabbi Stewart Weiss explore the concept of Mesirut Nefesh (self-sacrifice) during the annual memorial for Ari Weiss Hy"d, who fell in battle after Suk

Saying Goodbye to the Sukkah

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the poignant transition from Hoshana Rabbah into Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Citing the liturgical prayers (Ani VaHo Hoshia Na) and Rav

Tasting Our Mitzvot in the Sukkah | Rebbe Nachman's Yahrzeit

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the legacy of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov on his Yartzeit during Chol HaMoed Sukkot. Citing stories of Reb Nosson buying an Etrog and teachings fr

Overcoming the Petty Mind | Rebbe Nachman's Yahrzeit in the Sukkah

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s core teachings in Likutey Moharan during an intimate late-night session in the Sukkah. He unpacks how to break free

Don't Be Stubborn | Rebbe Nachman's Yahrzeit

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s vital teaching in Likutey Moharan regarding the spiritual trap of stubbornness (Hit'akeshut) in prayer. Citing core

In the Sukkah with Rav Kook | Peace, Shackles, and Sudden Illumination

Rav Shlomo Katz explores three foundational teachings from Rav Kook directly inside the Sukkah. Citing Orot HaTeshuva, Moadei HaRe'iyah, and Rav Kook’s commentary on Ya

The Sukkah as a Fortress of Faith with Rav Kook

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rav Kook's visionary essay from Moadei HaRe'iyah on how a fragile, temporary hut with thin walls serves as a Migdal Oz (tower of strength).  Rav

Inviting Holiness into Our Temporary World

Rav Shlomo Katz explores how Sukkot shifts our focus from the sanctity of time to the intrinsic holiness of the Jewish people. Citing the Zohar’s teachings on the Ushpi

When Hashem Doesn't Just Love Us, But Likes Us Too

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the profound distinction between essential love (Ahavah) and affectionate fondness (Chibah). Drawing on the Tur, Midrashic commentaries, and Ra

The Vilna Gaon Tells Us What Exactly Happens on Sukkot

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the classic debate regarding why we celebrate Sukkot in the autumn.  Citing the Vilna Gaon (the Gra) and passages in Nehemiah, Rav Shlomo explai

The Majestic Reset of Doing Teshuvah Out of Love

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the famous Midrash in Vayikra Rabbah of the King waiving tax debts in three stages, leading up to Sukkot as Yom Rishon L'Cheshbon Avonot (the fir

Avoiding the "Trap Game" | Shabbat Between Yom Kippur and Sukkot Part 3

In this week’s Hachana L’Shabbos — The Shabbos between Yom Kippur and Sukkot — we breathe in the freshness after Ne’ilah and learn how to land with gentleness.  Join Rav

The Shabbat of Patience | Shabbat Between Yom Kippur and Sukkot Part 2

Rav Shlomo Katz explores why the Shabbat between Yom Kippur and Sukkot is considered by Hasidic masters to be one of the most elevated yet delicate days of the year. Wit

Navigating Spiritual Aftershocks | Shabbat Between Yom Kippur and Sukkot Part 1

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the rare spiritual potency of the Shabbat positioned between Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Drawing on the Slonimer Rebbe’s Netivot Shalom alongside Ra

Don't Run Into the Sukkah Just Yet

Rav Shlomo Katz explores why we must pause and breathe in the pristine, holy air (Hevel) of the four days following Yom Kippur before rushing straight into building physi

Reintegrating the Soul and Body with Rav Kook

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the delicate challenge of returning to physical existence after soaring like angels on Yom Kippur. Drawing directly from Rav Kook’s Orot HaTesh

The 560 Hours Between Yom Kippur and Sukkot

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the unique 40-day, 560-hour spiritual cycle spanning Elul through Yom Kippur, corresponding to the 560 measure-units of water in a kosher mikvah.