The DataBeis with Rabbi Yehoshua Eisenberg

When Ha'azinu does NOT coincide with Shabbos Shuvah, we read the Song of Dovid... for the second time. We already read it on Pesach. What does this song have to do with our Parsha? The fact that it's a song? Is that all they have in common? There are many songs in Tanach. Why read this one again? There is a sharp, important one-word connection. Let's take a closer look at that connection.

An explicit shout-out to this week's Parsha in yesterday's Daf!

'HaVein Yakir Li Efrayim' is not only a beautiful song, but it is a question posed by the Navi; is Efrayim really precious? Do we deserve salvation? Can our innocence be defended in a court of Din? What if it can't? Is there an endless supply of Mercy available? What do the 'ashes' of Yitzchak and tears of Rochel have in common?

The Gemara says that Hashem remembered Chanah (among others) on Rosh HaShannah. What does that mean? Isn't Hashem ever-conscious of everything? How is it that He 'remembers on Rosh HaShannah' (as if He could forget on other days). This is not just a question on a single story. This calls the entire holiday into question: What is the meaning of 'Yom HaZikaron'?

Incredible insight into the Machzor appeared in yesterday's Nach Yomi. Prepare yourself for U'Nesaneh Tokef with Iyov 37.

Is it a simple yes or no? Is there a right and wrong way or amount to be afraid? Kayla Rus provides some answers and inspiration here.

I'm sure you are preparing your post-it notes for your Machzor filled with names of people and things you will be Davening for. If you are a serious person, I imagine that you are also preparing a note with your personal Viduy, a list of confessions. What should our Viduy list look like?

The Sheva D'Nechamasa culminate with what looks like a beautiful wedding celebration, turning the Shiva into Sheva Brachos! But, the Groom is dressed in red. Why should that be? The answer will sound like something out of a horror film. What is the final message of the Sheva D'Nechamasa? Is there a 'Happy Ever After'? Where do we go from here?

Are you excited for Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur? Are you nervous? Perhaps you're feeling both. But, where do these seemingly opposite emotions stem from? Is there a common source?

The mysterious 'Stored Light' of Creation shines throughout our Haftarah as the Navi calls upon us to celebrate. The problem is that we're still reading the Shiva D'Nechamasa (Seven of Consolation). Consolation and celebration are not the same thing. Why should we celebrate now? Is the 'light' already shining somewhere?

There appear to be mixed messages from the Gemara and our tradition. What is the difference between Tzedakah and Chessed? Is one greater than the other?

In the 5th Haftarah of 'Comfort,' we repeat the Navi's shout-out to Noach which which we read during the week of... you guessed it: Parshas Noach. Why are we repeating this Haftarah? And what is comforting about the Waters of Noach which destroyed the world?

Enough said. (Featuring special guest outbursts and background noises by my sons.)

Where can we find comfort? Who is the source of our comfort? Is it Hashem? Is it we ourselves? Can we control our own comfort? The Navi and, L'Havdil, Mufasa weigh in on this important discussion.

Why do we repeat half of the Haftarah for Parshas Noach this week? What is the Navi's message of comfort for those being tossed by the storm? Eventual peace? Serenity? Security? Shelter? These are not the first thing the Navi offers. What does the Navi promise? The answer is a bit shocking, and some might argue tone-deaf. Is it tone-deaf? Or are we?

An incredible connection between this week's Parsha and Nach Yomi! We suggest a surprising answer to an important question.

Why does the Navi criticize us so aggressively? I thought these Haftaros were supposed to provide comfort... Where is the comfort in the message that it's our fault?

The Navi encourages us, 'Nachamu, Nachamu'-'Be Comforted, Be Comforted.' And the simple question is: Why? On the basis of what? What changed? I don't see a rebuilt Beis HaMikdash. I'm still in Galus. The loss I have experienced has not been 'found.' Why should I be comforted?