As we enter the Days of Awe, a Yom Tov Collection reviewed

It is my pleasure and honor to bring to your attention the recent publication of the fifth volume of “The Encyclopedia of the Taryag Mitzvoth” series focusing on those mitzvoth concerning all the major holiday observances. This review will center on observances germane to the Days of Awe, and Succos.

This series focuses on the specific mitzvoth delineated in the Torah.

They are explicated in great detail, thus helping us to better understand the Biblical origin of the observance of these holidays.

For Rosh Hashanah we learn

Mitzvah 405 – To hear the shofar blasts.

For Yom Kippur we learn of

Mitzvah 364 – To confess one’s sins [repentance]

Mitzvah 313 – To fast

Mitzvah 315 – Not to perform forbidden labor.

For Succos we learn

Mitzvah 324 – To take the four species

Mitzvah 325 – To dwell in a succah.

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According to the authors, “The basic premise of this volume is that the festivals are most meaningfully understood through the Divine commands that introduced them. Each unit begins with one of these commands — with its source and definition — and then gradually builds on that foundation with a multi-level halachic presentation [basic, expanded, in-depth, practical questions].”

The authors caution that “although this work is not intended as a definitive guide to practical observance, the systematic approach gives the reader a clear and comprehensive grasp of the underlying principles and many of their details.”

Contained within are discussions of some of the most intricate explanations of the origins and evolution of observance with historical detail embedded within the narrative’s structure.

The introductions to each segment will certainly provide you with some clear theological baseline background to further your understanding as to the rationale behind both the purpose and observance of the relevant mitzvoth.

See for example the following:

“Teshuva, commonly translated as ‘repentance’ but deriving from a root meaning ‘to return,’ is the mechanism through which one can rectify prior misdeeds.

The opportunity offered by teshuvah is a special gift from Hashem, a manifestation of His goodness and mercy. For when a person violates Hashem’s will, he creates a force of destruction that harms himself and the world around him. By any measure of logic, even if the sinner regrets his wrongdoing, it should not be possible for him to avoid suffering its consequences.

“Yet Hashem, in His great mercy, gives him the ability to do just that.”

The language is clear and direct in both its style and purpose. Each chapter contains an explication of the basic mitzvah, followed by an expanded treatment and a broader look at the laws.

This is further followed with an elaboration of relevant situations, blessings and illuminations of the mitzvah. This work is meant for use at home, school and in shul, and would be a magnificent addition to each.

For further study

In a recent essay, Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky of Park East Synagogue noted the following concerning the music of the upcoming holiday season:

“The music of the High Holy Days is mystical and steeped in tradition. It is believed that some of the melodies that are sung on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have been with us for close to 2,000 years.”

This fact from the cantor serves to bring to our attention an upcoming special presentation for chazzanim and ba’alay tefillah entitled “Yom Kippur Davening in 90 Minutes” to be conducted by Cantor Daniel Gildar and Cantor Rogosnitzky, on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 10 am at Park East Shul, 164 E. 68 St. in Manhattan.

According to Cantor Rogosnitzky, “This master class will address the highlights of the davening, both Kol Nidre evening, and Shacharit, Musaf, and Neilah. It will discuss the various traditions and melodies for the different passages, as well as the options for variance and interpretation.

This class is intended to celebrate the profundity of our age-old tradition and the haunting and stirring melodies that have stayed with our people from time immemorial.”

For more information, call 212-737-6900.

Additional study aids

for Rosh Hashanah

The Bar Ilan University Parashat Hashavua Study Center website features an excellent essay by Dr. Haggi Ben-Artzi, entitled, “A Fresh Look at the Binding of Isaac.”

Thinking Torah website by Rabbi Dr. Alex Israel features two excellent Rosh Hashanah themed essays, “Coronation Day” and “Parents and Children: Prayers and Tears,” for your learning pleasure. In addition, Rabbi Israel has authored an extensive essay entitled, “Second Chances” themed to teshuvah and the concluding days for the month of Elul.

Please go to these sites, learn and enjoy.

Alan Jay Gerber is a resident of the Five Towns.