from 5TJT.com

Nefesh B’Nefesh has just launched a special video series with a number of leading Jewish figures who talk about Aliyah, the mitzvah of Yishuv Haaretz, and “weighing in at this time of year” in terms of where your Jewish life is heading.

The lecture series features such personalities as the former chief Rabbi (and father of current chief Rabbi), Rav Yisroel Meir Lau, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Rabbi Shlomo Rosner, Rabbi Ari Berman, and many more. It begins with a remarkable Dvar Torah on the Yomim Noraim by NBN co-founder, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass.

Rabbi Fass’s lecture hits home, and hits hard. He points out the late night slichot, the chumros and stringencies, the kittel that are indicative of the Ten Days of Teshuvah. He points out that one of the most powerful tools is our Tefilos. The changes help us attain the appropriate mindset.

One such change is we say “HaMelech HaMishpat” instead of “Melech Ohev Tzedakah uMishpat – the King who loves righteousness and judgement.” We actually delete these words and just recite HaMelech HaMishpat. Why would we delete words during this time?

Rabbi Fass explains that the Gemorah tells us that one of the main aspects of mishpat is the word Psharah – making compromises. Yet, on Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, we simply say HaMelech HaMishpat. The reason is that during this particular time, we must face all that we juggle around and come to a clear consensus on things. This should be the case with Eretz Yisroel as well. We should honestly evaluate our priorities and do an Aliyah-check. Is it time for us to make Aliyah now? If not, then when?
Rabbi Fass’s eye-opening lecture is logical, compelling, and not guilt-provoking at all. It I a beautiful introduction to Nefesh B’Nefesh’s new Yomim Noraim series.