Topics:

• What can we learn from the heavy rains that fell as we prepare for Rosh Hashana?
• Chassidus applied to Rosh Hashana 5782
  • What are some things the Rebbe did Erev Rosh Hashana to prepare for a new year?
  • Why does a king need to be coronated every year?
  • What’s the best way to pray on Rosh Hashana for financial success and abundant parnassah?
  • What can we learn from the story of the farm boy crying out ku-ko-reeku?
  • What is your favorite Rosh Hashana maamar?
• Shofar
  • What is the reason for the different shofar sounds?
  • If someone doesn’t have a shofar on Rosh Hashana, can they use a trumpet or another instrument?
  • Is the shofar an instrument of war?
  • Will shofar be sounded during techiyas ha’maysim?
  • Why do Sefardim use a much longer shofar than Ashkenazim?
  • If the mitzvah is to hear the sound that comes out of the shofar, what difference does it make who blows the shofar?
  • Should the person blowing shofar face his body north so the sound coming out of the shofar is directed east?
  • Was there an emphasis to look at the Rebbe’s face as he sounded the shofar?
  • Are we allowed to blow shofar at night?
  • Are there similarities between shofar and other gentile traditions?
  • Why don’t we blow shofar on Shabbos?
• Foods and customs
  • Why do we dip an apple in honey?
  • What is the reason that some communities have the custom of simanim – eating a series of symbolic foods? And does Chabad follow this custom?
  • Since we don’t eat nuts on Rosh Hashana because “nut” in Hebrew is the gematria of “sin”, why do we eat nuts year-round?
  • Why do we perform the Tashlich service near a body of water with fish in it?
• Personal challenges
• • How to break an addiction as a New Year resolution?
  • How do I resolve a disagreement with my spouse before the New Year?
  • How do we deal with Holiday related OCD?
• Lessons from the Tzemech Tzedek’s 233rd birthday on Erev Rosh Hashana
• Why do we fast on Tzom Gedaliah? Who was Gedaliah?
• Chassidus question: If our fate is not sealed until later, why is it so important to be inscribed for a good year on Rosh Hashana