Tag: Vilna Gaon

A few years ago, Dr. Jon Seligman's visit to Vilna as part of a roots trip sparked the idea of digging up what was left of the compound and the synagogue.

This important and magnificent synagogue was the center of study of the Vilna Gaon. In recent weeks, a delegation of archaeologists has uncovered two of the compound's ritual baths.

Thriving and prospering, materially and even spiritually in galut, with an abundance of Torah learning and observance, is nevertheless defined by the Torah, our Prophets and Sages, as death.

Yes, the Ribono Shel Olam, the Master of the World is a Zionist. So was Avraham Avinu, Moshe Rabeinu, Yehoshua, King David, Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the Macabbees, all the Prophets of Israel, including Ezra and Nechemia who led a seemingly motley crowd of sinners back to the Land of Israel from Babylon to rebuild the Holy Temple.

Question: At the conclusion of the Amidah, should the chazzan say “Yiyu leratzon imrei fi… – May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable before you, G-d, my Rock and Redeemer”?