In this Elul shiur Rav Shlomo Katz and the chevra of Shirat David begin a sweet journey into the Tolna Rebbe’s Torah on “לערבב את השטן – confusing the Satan.”

Why do we blow shofar both “מיושב” and “מעומד”? What actually silences the מקטרג on Rosh Hashanah?

Through Rashi and the Pnei Yeshua we discover a radical key: חיבוב מצווה—genuine love and longing for mitzvot—pushes us from teshuvah mi’yirah into teshuvah me’ahavah, where “זדונות נעשים לו כזכויות.” We also learn the Tolna Rebbe’s powerful reading of “יתיצב על דרך לא טוב, רע לא ימאס”: it’s not only what you do; it’s what you tolerate. Elul is not just סור מרע; it’s training the heart for עשה טוב, building holy anticipation and preparation so we can truly stand on a good path.

What you’ll hear:

• Why liking a mitzvah may matter even more than merely doing it
• How love-driven teshuvah flips debts into credits
• “Live and let live” vs. מואס ברע—why tolerance of רע is spiritually dangerous
• The art of הכנה: turning Elul into daily training for תקיעת שופר
• Dropping “pins” on moments of קדושה, so getting back up is faster

Dedications:
לע״נ ר׳ שלום ברודט זצ״ל • לע״נ בתיה פייגא בת ישראל לוי בן יוסף • לרפואה שלמה לאה שושנה בת מלכה ולשרה בת רחל פייגא • Sponsored by the Reinitz family in honor of my sister’s birthday—מזל טוב!

What if the key to Rosh Hashana isn't about being perfect — but about being real?

In this deeply moving pre-Rosh Hashana shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz shares personal stories, Chassidic insights, and the soul of what it means to crown Hashem as King — not just in the world, but in your life. From a missed moment at Madison Square Garden to the power of not laughing at your own spiritual yearning, this shiur cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of malchut.

With teachings from the Piaseczner Rebbe, Rav Moshe Weinberger, and a powerful story from the Gerrer Rebbe, Rav Shlomo reminds us: Hashem takes you as seriously as you take yourself.

If you've ever struggled with cynicism, felt disconnected from the Yomim Noraim, or wondered how to begin again… this is for you.

Rav Shlomo Katz explores Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s profound connection to Rosh Hashana—and why this day is considered the “head” of the entire year. Through moving insights, personal stories, and deep Torah, we’re guided into a mindset of renewal, clarity, and preparation for the new year.

Why did Rebbe Nachman say, “My whole thing is Rosh Hashana”? Why are thousands willing to risk so much just to be in Uman during this time? And more personally: what spiritual “baggage” are we still holding on to that we shouldn’t carry with us into a new year?

As the world around us feels increasingly chaotic, this is our opportunity to clear space in the mind, release old weight, and open the gates to a sweet, clear, and connected year ahead.