High Holidays

  1. As in Hilchos Shabbos, in Hilchos Yom Tov we have followed the "derech kitzora" (path of brevity), and have concentrated primarily on acquainting the reader with the main principles of the laws of Yom Tov. In addition, we have presented a number of practical applications. Thus, one will be equipped to ask one's Rav for further guidance after studying this sefer.

    In Hilchos Shabbos we organized the sefer in accordance with the sequence used by the Chayei Adam in his sefer Zichru Toras Moshe. Likewise, in Hilchos Yom Tov as well, we have organized the sefer according to the arrangement of the Chayei Adam, which follows the order of the thirty-nine Melachos. Thus, each chapter in this sefer parallels the corresponding chapter in Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos.

    The advantage to this system is that one who has already studied the laws of Shabbos from our sefer can now easily find the halachos of Yom Tov relevant to that subject in the same chapter as that topic is discussed in Hilchos Shabbos. Moreover, within each chapter, one can frequently follow the order of the numbers assigned to each subtopic, and thereby see how the halacha in regard to Yom Tov differs from Shabbos. Learn More

  2. סיפורם ומהותם של חגי ומועדי ישראל Learn More
  3. RETURN is a sefer, not a book. It presents an in-depth understanding of the mitzvos and tefillos of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkos, in a new light.

    THIS LIGHT, the light from the ohr ha’ganuz (the hidden light) was originally revealed in the sifrei Maharal. After centuries of neglect, it was rekindled for the Torah world by the appearance of the famous maamarim of Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Hutner, zt”l, and recorded in his sefarim, Pachad Yitzchak.

    “He was planted in this generation to bring light to the world and all who dwell in it - a new light”

    (From the inscription on his tombstone)

    A commentary to enlighten the hearts of the probers of Torah. The spirit of Rav Hutner is evident.

    Rav Moshe Shternbuch

    He has plumbed the depths of the deep waters of Torah, and drawn its secrets, with acumen and richness.

    Rav Aaron Schechter

    I sensed the aroma of the perfume shop of my father-in-law’s Torah, transmitted with sweetness and wisdom.

    Rav Yonasan David

    His very being is suffused to the source - the well of pure waters, the Torah of Rav Yitzchock Hutner.
    Rav Alster himself has become a well of pure waters.

    Rav Moshe Shapiro Learn More

  4. “The art of blowing the shofar is a knowledge-based skill.”

    (Siddur Rav Hertz Sheliach Tzibbur)

    With the publication of this sefer, the halachos, hanhagos, eitzos, and mesorah related to tekias shofar are now available to the English-speaking readership. Fully annotated, The Shofar is the product of consultations with many baalei tekiah, poskei Gedolei Yisrael, responsa, and sifrei halachah. An enormous contribution to Torah literature, this volume includes:

    • Minhagim from communities and kehillos around the world
    • An analysis of each kol, its acceptable length, and possible complications
    • Customs that are practiced prior to, during, and after tekias shofar
    • Important but little-known issues regarding the shofar itself
    • What to look out for when buying a shofar

    “A literal encyclopedic compendium of laws, customs, and practices of shofar blowing...The work is spiced with anecdotes, stories, and rulings of contemporary halachic poskim.”

    Rav Zev Leff, Moshav Matityahu

    “Anyone who reads this will obtain a ‘Panim Chadashot’ regarding the mitzvah.”

    Dayan Eleizer Dunner, Bnei Brak

    “The author unfurls the tapestry of customs belonging to kehillos world over.”

    Novominsker Rebbe, Lakewood

    Rabbi Bentzion Ettlinger is a product of the Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael institutions and learned in its Bais Hamedrash Jeshurun during the ten-year tenure of Rav Yaakov Perlow, the Novominsker Rebbe, zt”l, who was its rosh hayeshiva. During that time, he became a close talmid.

    He enjoyed a filial relationship with Rav Shimon Schwab, zt”l, and had the unique zechus to be meshamesh him for twenty-three years, and later Rav Zechariah Gelley, zt”l, as well as Rav Shach’s son-in-law, ybl”t, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman of B’nei Brak, during Rav Bergman’s annual stays in Washington Heights.

    He is a member of the editorial board of L’dor Va’dor, a bi-annual Torah journal, a mentor in Mesivta R.S.R.H., and has been a baal tokeia in K’hal Adath Jeshurun for more than thirty-five years.

    His penchant for tekias shofar has enabled him to traverse far and wide to bring to light the myriad of rich minhagei Yisrael from multitudes of beautiful communities within Klal Yisrael. His eye-opening feature articles that have appeared in the magazine section of Hamodia have generated wide interest.

    He uses his very extensive collection of horns, shofaros, shofar stories, and shofar manufacturing slides for presentations on all levels, from pre-schools, elementary schools, and mesivtos to seniors, Daf Yomi shiurim, and kollelim. He lives in Washington Heights with his wife, Debbie. Their many children and grandchildren live in Lakewood, NJ; Chestnut Ridge, NY; Monsey, NY; and Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh. Learn More

  5. Add precision to your prayers. Crisp, new lettering, a plethora of source notes, a handy chart that spells out when prayers may be interrupted, halachic how-tos, and Chabad custom pointers enhance this brand new edition of the Nusach Ari Machzor and Tehillim. Learn More
  6. Sipur Shel Chag - Yom Kippur- סיפור של חג, יו"כ Learn More

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