Dual Spiritual Boost: Daily Study and Charity Recommended for High Holy Days
The second day of the Ten Days of Repentance, falling on a Tuesday this year, is being highlighted as an opportune time for spiritual enhancement, drawing on the phrase "twice as good." This period, leading up to Yom Kippur, encourages individuals to undertake two significant spiritual "repairs" to accumulate merit for themselves and the community.
One key recommendation is to deepen daily Torah study. In recent years, many Israelis, including those not identifying as strictly religious, have embraced daily study through various platforms like WhatsApp groups and neighborhood initiatives, often inspired by online influencers. Established programs like "V'ten Chelkenu" and the "Chok Le'Yisrael" study cycle, now an app, also continue to thrive. The article suggests that those already engaged in daily study, such as of a page of Talmud, Mishnah, or Halakha, should add another layer. This could involve studying a text on ethics like "Mesillat Yesharim" or "Ohrchos Tzaddikim," beginning a study of "Sha'arei Teshuvah" by Rabbeinu Yonah, or exploring works like "Orot HaTeshuvah" by Rabbi Kook, or contemporary commentaries on "Tanya" or "Zohar."
The second "repair" involves an increase in charitable giving (tzedakah). Charity is emphasized as crucial during the High Holy Days, as it ensures that the needy can also celebrate the holidays with basic necessities. Historically, Jewish communities had established funds to support the poor during festivals. Today, numerous charitable organizations work tirelessly, especially during this season, to provide holiday meals and bring joy to struggling families. The article proposes doubling one's charitable contribution on this specific Tuesday, if financially feasible without incurring significant debt. This act of generosity is presented as a way to emulate God's mercy and build a world based on kindness, aligning with the principle "the world is built on kindness."
