7 Adar Dinner - Cincinatti - Bringing the Jewish People Together by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In this speech given at a Zayin Adar Seudah to the Chevra Kadisha members, we discuss different aspects of chessed involved with the story of Purim. We are one nation, and our self-interest and communal interest cannot be separated, as seen with Esther's dedication to her people when she went to the king uninvited. Esther also personifies another aspect of chessed- the opportunity to be G-d's hand and extend goodness to others. On Purim, we act with chessed when we focus on the mitzvos of the day, enabling us to extensions of Hashem's hands, focused on the good of the community.

A Thought for Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur: Judged by Our Maker by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When Hashem judges us on Rosh Hashana, He is not simply passing strict judgement on us. Because He is our creator, He is invested in us and does not want to destroy us. The King of Ninveh taught this lesson to his people by making them remove stolen beams from their houses, so that they should understand the pain of harming something that you have invested in. May we be worthy of Hashem’s investing in us, and work to make our actions proper, in line with Hashem wants from us.

Bais Yaakov - Special Shiur on Rosh Hashana and Teshuvah: Mission Statement by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Although Rosh Hashana is the first of the Aseres Yemei Teshuva, we don't ask for forgiveness in the tefillos of the day. We don't either focus on the aspect of judgement-rather, we focus on recognizing Hashem as the ruler of the entire universe, with the prayer that the entire world will understand this. Before Rosh Hashana, it is important for us to define our mission statement and make sure that what we do matches up with those goals. When we align our mission to Hashem's mission for the world, we can ask for another year of life, and ask forgiveness for the sins that we did which do not match up with our real mission and purpose.

Chanukah - Building for the Future by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On Chanukah, we celebrate with parties, although there is no mitzvah obligation to do so. The source for the feasts comes from the celebration of the completion of building the mishkan. Although the mishkan was finished on Chanukah, it did not come into use until Nissan. Chanukah comes at the darkest point in the year, and the only way to recognize the nes (miracle) is if one watches it for all eight days. Our survival in golus (exile) is a miracle like this, too, and we wait for the day when we will have a complete revelation of Hashem's presence, just like at the inauguration of the mishkan.

Chanukah - Not Just the Heroes by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Chanukah - Unconditional Dedication and Mesiras Nefesh by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Every Jew has the ability to give up his life for Hashem because of Avraham's willingness to sacrifice himself in Nimrod's fiery furnace. The Chashmonaim exhibited this heroism in dark times, showing us that Hashem is with us even if you don't see results. However, in the end, they became distracted because of the good that Hashem showered on them, and were lost. We need to find Hashem and see Hashem even without a demonstration, and need to make sure that we are serving Him without only focusing on the bracha that we get.

Chanukah and the Definition of Life by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On Chanukah, we celebrate and appreciate our definition of life-a life of connection to Hashem and spirituality, and that which the Yevonim (Greeks) wanted to destroy. We celebrate that our spiritual lives were saved by engaging in praising Hashem, and coming closer to Him through His Torah and mitzvos.

Chanukah Shiur - To See the Light by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The lights of the menorah are not for illumination, as we are forbidden from using their light. The light that we value is not measured in terms of output, but rather are valuable just as pure goodness. The wisdom of the Greeks was only measured in terms of output. The light of our wisdom is about seeing the growth of a person, not only about outcome.

Enhancing Your Rosh Hashana Experience by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Every year, we go through the same holidays during the Yamim Noraim season. In this shiur, we discuss four great values that we get out of this yearly experience, and explain how they apply to our human relationships as well. The geshmak that we get out of the closeness, in addition to the degree of connection and relationship that are celebrated, are two important aspects. Additionally, the fact that we annually receive forgiveness is very reassuring. This season reaffirms our true values, and helps us get back on track in order to focus on what we are really living for.

Gan Eden and Galus - Thoughts for Sefiras HaOmer by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Haggadah - A Story of Empathy and Compassion by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The text we use in the haggadah to tell over the Pesach story begins with "Arami Oved Avi." Lavan tried to destroy Bnei Yisroel by undermining the unity in the house of Yaakov, forcing him to marry to sisters. This tension between brothers is what brought us down to Mitzrayim. Our experience as slaves in Mitzrayim helps us to be a more empathetic and compassionate people, rectifying the original lack of empathy that led the brothers to sell Yosef down to Mitzrayim.

Haggadah - As If You Left Mitzrayim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We say in the haggadah that every person should view themselves as if they left Mitzrayim. We discuss three ways that one can understand this practically. First, although we were not the first hand recipients of Hashem's redemption, it is only because of it that we are alive today. Additionally, through this we define our national identity and our connection to all of Klal Yisrael, going beyond our individual selves. As we sit at our Seder table, we are the continuity of our forefathers, living the legacy and passing it on; therefore, they are still considered to be here through us.

Haggadah - The Basis of our Faith by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Our belief in Hashem is grounded in Yetzias Mitzrayim, which our ancestors witnessed firsthand, and passed down the revelation to us. This is different than the belief of Avraham Avinu, who discovered Hashem through looking at the world, and coming to a knowledge of Hashem. We are not commanded to follow the path of belief of Avraham; rather, our belief is from an experience that we saw.

Haggadah as Testimony by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On the night of Pesach, we are giving testimony about Yetzias Mitzrayim. We testify about Hashem's existence based on what we actually saw and experienced. Therefore, it is important for every person to feel as if they themselves left Mitzrayim. Shabbos is also referred to as eidus, testimony, and we say that it is a remembrance to Yetzias Mitzrayim. The fact that we saw Hashem's hand directly involved in the world enables us to give testimony about Him as the Creator.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part I - Sefer HaBris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In this haggadah series, we learn about different parts of the hagaddah through the ideas of "Sefer Habris"-the eternal bond that Hashem has with the Jewish people for all generations. The mitzvah of bris milah and of korban Pesach are interconnected, as seen explicitly with the blood of both intermingling on the first Pesach. Both of these mitzvos play a critical role in our relationship with Hashem, and the ongoing connection that we have with Him.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part II - The Sacred Bris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris. The bris milah guards the sanctity of the Jewish people in areas of morality. Pharaoh, and the lustful Egyptians, tried to undermine our holiness and cause us to fail in that area. However, the merit of us holding onto the holiness and sanctity in relationships helped us merit to leave Mitzrayim. Hashem himself testifies about the integrity of the families of Bnei Yisroel, whose relationships are within the sanctity of bris.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part III - Renewing the Bris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue our exploration of the Haggadah through the ideas of bris. In Mitzrayim, Bnei Yisrael took an active role in the Korban Pesach and in the distinction of their homes from Egyptian houses. This underscores the importance of the active connection and commitment that we each need to make. It is not enough to have the bris milah, the heritage passed down to a child when he is a tiny infant. Although that is the critical foundation, it is important to question and reaffirm our commitment and relationship with Hashem, getting to know Him and come close to Him.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part IV - Yosef at the Seder Part I- Moshe Took the Bones of Yosef - Two Phases of Galus and Geulah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. Yosef was sent down to Mitzrayim because of hatred between brothers, which was the reason that the second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed. Purim was a redemption that was affected by the interpersonal relationships of the Jews, while the hand of Hashem remained hidden. Conversely, the redemption from Mitzrayim was with outright miracles and the clear hand of Hashem. These elements of bein adam lichaveiro (interpersonal) and bein adam lamakom (between man and G-d)both play important roles in the process of golus and geulah.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part V - Yosef at the Seder Part II- Two Redemptions by Rabbi Moshe Hauer We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. The story of Yosef going down to Mitzrayim, being enslaved, and then rising up to greatness could have been the redemption of all of the Jewish people, if everyone would have perceived it as the hand of Hashem. However, after they left Mitzrayim to bury Yaakov, they returned and began the harder stage of exile, which taught Bnei Yisroel to recognize Hashem. There are two stories of golus and geulah within Mitzrayim- Yosef's personal story, and our nationwide one.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part VI - Yosef at the Seder Part III- Smart Miracles by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. The miracles that Moshe Rabbeinu performed are different than any other navi, as his miracles were a direct extension of Hashem's arm. In the story of Pesach, the general workings of the world were suspended, and Hashem interacted with the Jews with specific hashgacha (Divine Providence). These miracles were targeted and direct, similar to the workings of Olam Habah, when each person will get exactly what he deserves.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part VII - Yosef at the Seder Part IV - Bread and Wine by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. Matzah and wine play prominent roles in the Pesach Seder, just as bread and wine play prominent roles in the story of Yosef. Yosef did not drink wine while he was in Mitzrayim, as wine is a luxury. Only when he came together with his brothers did he sit down to drink with them, creating a bond of togetherness. Yosef was in charge of the bread of Mitzrayim; everyone relied on him for their basic necessities. On Pesach, we give poor people money not only for the necessities, but also for the wine, building a sense of togetherness.

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part I - G-d's Promise by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The main part of haggadah is expansion of Parsha of bikkurim, where we expound on the story of our journey to Mitrzayim and our redemption. The idea of starting with the negative difficulties and going through to the terrific ending does not just apply to our time in Mitzrayim. Rather, this is something that defines and presents an ongoing destiny of the Jewish people. Hashem promised us that He is committed to us no matter what, and our relationship is there for keeps. We will face many challenges through the 4 periods of exile, but Hashem will save us in every generation

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part II - Lavan in the Haggadah I by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The main part of haggadah is expansion of parsha of bikkurim, where we expound on the story of our journey to Mitrzayim and our redemption. The idea of starting with the negative difficulties and going through to the terrific ending does not just apply to our time in Mitzrayim. Rather, this is something that defines and presents an ongoing destiny of the Jewish people. Hashem promised us that He is committed to us no matter what, and our relationship is there for keeps. We will face many challenges through the 4 periods of exile, but Hashem will save us in every generation.

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part III - Lavan's Loving Threat by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about Lavan in the haggadah, this time discussing a different aspect of his threat to the Jewish people. Lavan's threat to Yaakov was not a threat of killing and torture; rather, it was a threat of loving embrace and closeness. The core danger of assimilation is getting used to the culture and making concessions to the other party. Lavan was an idol worshiper, and did not clear any of the idols out of his house when Yaakov came. Although their relationship was not smooth sailing, in the end, they made a covenant together, and do not make a clean break from Lavan, as they are still family.

Haggadah Workshop Part I: Questions & Answers:Lessons for Seder Night by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Questions and answers are an integral part to the haggadah, and the way we repeat the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim. We discuss three aspects of this important set up. First, it is important to speak to each specific person at the Seder, providing answers to their individual questions that suit their specific needs. Additionally, it is important to link the story to the mitzvos, and understand why we are doing the mitzvos that we do on the night of Pesach. Questions and answers are also the sign of a free person, who is able to ask and discover reasons for what is being done.

Haggadah Workshop Part II: The Essence of the Story-Two Perspectives by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When we tell over the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim, we are instructed to begin with the low points, and lead up to the high points. There are two different opinions regarding what part of the haggadah is considered the low point: we were slaves in Mitzrayim, or that our forefathers worshiped idols. These two aspects reflect two explanations of why we refer to Hashem as our G-d who took us out of Mitzrayim: our obligation towards Him as our Master, and the loving relationship we have, as the privileged chosen nation.

Hoshana Rabba - The Sin of The Eitz HaDaas by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Improving Our Davening - Introducing a Framework by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Jews & Gentiles on Rosh Hashana by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Although Rosh Hashana is a day of judgement for the entire world, we are the only ones who commemorate it in a celebratory fashion. On this day, we focus on the ideas of malchiyos, and Kiddush Hashem, asking Hashem to make His name known throughout the entire world. Yom Kippur is the greatest expression of our closeness to Hashem as His chosen nation, as it is the day that Hashem assured Moshe that He would never trade us in for a different nation.

Living a Balanced Life by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Netziv on the Haggadah - Part I by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Netziv on the Haggadah - Part II by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Parshas Tetzaveh & Purim- Ring Before Entering by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach & Eliyahu Hanavi, Parents & Children by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Eliyahu Hanavi is identified as coming to a bris, and coming to the seder. In the last nevuah (prophecy), it says that Eliyahu will come and return the hearts of fathers through their children, and children through their fathers. This power of Eliyahu, preserving the future through being zealous for Hashem, is evident in both of these occasions. A child represents the future, and we try to pass on our legacy and impart our mesorah to our children. This obligates us to become better, working to be examples for our children and to answer their questions. On the night of Pesach, we give to our children, enabling them to move forward and become our future.

Pesach - Eliyahu HaNavi and Moshe Rabbenu by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach - Eliyahu Hanavi's Cup and Chair by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe There are two times when we set a "place" on this earth for Eliyahu Hanavi--at a bris, and at the Seder. We explore the connection between these two important times. When a child receives a bris, he is brought into the covenant of Hashem. At the Seder, we teach about our past so that we can continue carrying on this covenant into the future. This power of Eliyahu, preserving the future through being zealous for Hashem, is evident in both of these occasions. When the final geulah comes, Eliyahu will return the hearts of fathers to children and children to their fathers, in line with what he has been doing all along.

Pesach - Moshe's Miracles by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The nissim(miracles) that Moshe performed are qualitatively different from any other navi (prophet). Moshe did miracles in front of the entire nation, unlike other neviim, who performed miracles for small groups of people, or in homes of individuals. Additionally, Moshe acted as a direct emissary of Hashem, performing exactly what Hashem wanted, not as an agent who fulfills Hashem's will without the specific knowledge or ability to differentiate between exactly who deserves consequences and who does not. On the night of Pesach, we aim to follow this approach of Moshe—tailoring the telling of Yetzias Mitzrayim to each individual child, as opposed to taking a ‘wholesale approach’.

Pesach Q & A by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach Rediscovered - Part I - Celebrating the Power of Speech by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The power of speech and the power of free choice are two abilities that are unique to humans. In Mitzrayim, we suffered from a failure to use the power of speech properly. On the night of Pesach, we use our power of speech and free choice in the proper way, choosing to speak about miracles. Yetzias Mitzrayim is part of a broader picture, bringing us back to the way Adam was before the chet (sin). When we tell the story over to our children, we use the power of speech to affirm what man is supposed to be when we came out of Mitzrayim.

Pesach Rediscovered - Part II - From Dependence to Partnership by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We sing the song of dayeinu, thanking Hashem for all of the continuous chessed He bestows upon us. Through Yetzias Mitzrayim, we transition from being the recipients of pure chessed, to the recipients of Hashem's kindness along with expectations that come with Matan Torah. We are fortunate to be entering this realm of chessed combined with din (justice), as our relationship becomes a deeper partnership, rather than mere dependence.

Pesach Rediscovered - Part III - Renewed Responsibility by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On Pesach, we are mekabel ol malchus Shamayim--we accept the yoke of Hashem as king upon ourselves. We have left Mitzrayim, and are no longer under the jurisdiction of a kingdom who wishes to prevent us from serving Hashem. Our acceptance of Hashem as king is not a once in a year obligation--rather, we fulfill it every day when we recite krias shema. Every day, we renew our commitment, just as every day, Hashem renews the world. This koach (power) of hischadshus (renewal) is the power of the yetzer tov, and gives the strength and vitality to renew our commitment to Hashem, especially accessed on the night of the Seder.

Pre-Yom Kippur Shiur - Pity or Cherish by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Every day in davening we say the word "chus" in Shema Koleinu, asking Hashem to have pity on us. However, the word chus may have a different meaning, as seen in the story with Yonah and the kikayon (gourd) that was destroyed. Hashem chastises Yonah because he had "chus" on the kikayon-because he cherished it and desired it. When we daven to Hashem, we ask Him for "chus" that He should cherish us and do for us out of His love and desire for us, not merely pity.

Pre-Yom Kippur Shiur - Teshuva- What Do You Want? by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When we do teshuva, we are expressing our desire to re-commit to Hashem, choosing actions that will enable us to lead a life according to the Torah. Expressing charatah (regret) is making the choice to redefine life according to what Hashem wants, and the desire alone is already considered as an action. Therefore, someone who does teshuva out of love will have his aveiros changes to mitzvos, as his returning expresses a tremendous ratzon (desire) to connect to Hashem.

Prophesy and Yom Kippur by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Purim - Fury and Coolness by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When Amalek came to fight Bnei Yisrael, the term used is "karcha baderech"- they happened upon you along the way. The word "keri" can mean by chance, and it can also mean coolness. If we view things in a cool, detached manner, Hashem will add cheimah-fury-to the keri, heating things up so that we will respond appropriately. Therefore, the idea of cheimah appears repeatedly in the megillah. We must take care not to "cool off" in our relationship with Hashem when his hand seems to be hidden, blaming things on chance like Amalek does.

Purim - Inspiring Our Family Life by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Two of the central mitzvos of Purim are matanos le'evyonim (gifts to the poor) and mishloach manos (gifts to friends). The Rambam writes that the most important mitzva on Purim is not the seudah (feast) or mishloach manos, but matanos le'evyonim. We might think this is because giving to the poor is the most virtuous of the mitzvos, but this is not his reasoning. The Rambam explains that the thing that gives a person the most joy is giving to others. When we bring joy to someone else, we are using the piece inside of us which is domeh l'shechina (similar to G-d) to imitate His ways. Hashem is the Ultimate Giver, and we aim to be like Him. This is a concept which we can apply to our family lives as well, using this attribute of giving to bring the Shechina into our relationships. We hope to use the day of Purim to be givers, and to uplift ourselves with the rich taste of the joy of bringing happiness to others.

Purim - Vashti's Tail by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe One of the most famous midrashim on Purim discusses the tail that Vashti grew after she was summoned to Achashveirosh. There are animalistic elements of Vashti that are expressed through the growth of a tail, similar to her grandfather Nevuchadnezzar. Nevuchadnezzar was reduced to an animal-like creature when he became too haughty and forgot that Hashem is above the entire world. The snake convinced Chava to eat from the Etz Hadaas with this same idea: the possibility to be on the same level as Hashem, rather than below Him. However, the picture of a true tzelem elokim, someone is the image of G-d who is above animals, is someone who recognizes that Hashem is above him.

Purim and Unity by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe One of the 4 mitzvos of Purim is Mishloach Manos, giving gifts to our friends, which creates a closeness and bond between people. One of the fundamental understandings of bein adam l'chavero (actions between man and his friend) is that we all need in each other in order to survive and thrive. We need each other in every aspect, and must act as our brother's keeper. This can be the case even with Yaakov and Esav-the challenges and difficulties are necessary in order for us to reach our shleimus (perfection).

Purim is Not a Yom Tov by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Purim is not a Yom Tov, as we are allowed to do melacha (work). It cannot be a full Yom Tov like Sukkos and Pesach, as we were still under the rule of Achashveirosh. Although we celebrate our salvation with great joy, it was not a complete redemption, especially for Esther Hamalka, who was still stuck in the palace. Specifically on Purim, the holiday in exile, we send gifts to the poor and to our friends, making sure to take care of one another, unlike times of complete redemption, when Hashem takes care of Bnei Yisrael directly.

Purim Shiur - Getting Married on Purim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe