Spiritual growth is a gradual, incremental process
“Three times you shall celebrate for me in a year.” (Shemos 23:14)
Chazal use different terms to describe the Yamim Tovim: chagim, zemanim, moadim, and regalim. Chagim comes from the word machog, which means cycle, because the Yamim Tovim come around every year. Zemanim and moadim refer to the fact that each Yom Tov comes at a specific time of the year. Moadim also comes from the word vaad, which means meetings, referring to the three times a year we would meet Hashem in the Beis Hamikdash. Lastly, the simple meaning of regalim is feet. This reflects the halachah that we would all walk by foot to the Beis Hamikdash for Yom Tov. (Rav Itamar Schwartz, Bilvavi Mishken Evneh)
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alking to the Kosel for k’vasikin on Shavuos: It was the experience of a lifetime, something I’ve only managed once. But the image of it is branded on my mind — the scene, the scents, the colors and contrasts.
It was the end of my seminary year, right after the first Gulf war. The conflict had been over since Purim, but the country was still reeling from months of tension, missiles, and sealed rooms.
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