Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Jewish Secrets of the Supernatural

Part 2 - Spirits & Demons

With Mrs. Nomi Freeman

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 4, 2019)

What is Judaism’s take on the occult? This is an otherworldly learning adventure as we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the supernatural forces in the universe. In this session we look at spirits and demons.

Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.

Learning How to Love - Part 2

"The Source of Strife"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 3, 2019)

Conflict seems to be all around us. We live in a time when tension among people is high, when divisiveness feels like the tragic norm. But there is hope.

The Kabbalists teach us about the cosmic source of strife -- which stems from a realm beyond our own. Understanding the root of conflict helps us better contextualize it and work toward a solution. In a world of tension, the lessons Jewish mysticism teach us about the origins of strife -- and conversely, the origins of love -- come as a much needed salve and offer hope for a better way of being.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we climb the spiritual rungs to discover why it's so hard to get along -- and how to heal that.

Mirror on the Wall

Why What You See in Others Is a Reflection of Yourself

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 30, 2019)

Two people witness the same event; one finds flaws, the other sees opportunity. What do our interpretations reveal about who we are? How can paying more attention to them help us become better people?

Learning How to Love - Part 1

"The Need for Love"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 27, 2019)

Although "Love your fellow as yourself" is, as Rabbi Akiva taught, the great underlying principle of the Torah, actually achieving this love is a profound challenge for most people. Human personality is instead often given to baseless hatred.

This landmark Kabbalistic discourse deals with the spiritual roots of such hatred, its practical consequences, and the remedies for it.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we begin Learning How to Love by establishing the need for love.

Jewish Secrets of the Supernatural

Part 1 - Angels

With Mrs. Nomi Freeman

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 28, 2019)

What is Judaism’s take on the occult? This is an otherworldly learning adventure as we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the supernatural forces in the universe. In this session we look at angels.

Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.

Decoding the Universe - Part 41

"Refraction"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 20, 2019)

Pure Divine light is big. Too big, in fact, for most beings to contain. The light is so powerful, so vibrant, so infinite, that instead of benefiting the recipient it will actually destroy the vessel.

Yes, some select creations can contain that pure light. But the rest must receive but a refraction of the light.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the Ohr Ein Sof (Infinite Light), the refraction of the light, and the incredible mechanism by which the Infinite Light can ultimately be received within the vessels of finite creatures.

Decoding the Universe - Part 40

"Heaven"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 13, 2019)

Yes, Judaism emphatically does believe in heaven. But what exactly is heaven? And where is heaven?

Jewish philosophy and mysticism discusses the notion of heaven at length. Heaven is not a static plane of reality, rather there are multiple dimensions that unfold from each other. Within each dimension is an entirely new reality.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the seven realms of heaven and discover deeper truths within our own being.

A Snafu About Corfu

The Search for the Authentic Etrog

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 10, 2019)

Some centuries ago, a great controversy arose in Europe: Was the beautiful etrog from the island of Corfu the preferred specimen for use on Sukkot, or was it unfit for use entirely? Get involved in one the most heated -- and intriguing -- rabbinic debates in recent history.

Decoding the Universe - Part 39

"Building an Ark"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 6, 2019)

When the going gets tough, when things become hectic, when the storms are raging -- it might be time to build an ark.

G-d's call to Noah to build the ark is an eternal call to each of us. Create a space in which you will rise above the danger. Fashion a haven that serves to uplift rather than sink.

The Hebrew word for ark is "teivah." That's also the Hebrew word for "word." Because our words are likewise designed to uplift and shelter.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at the spiritual characteristics of arks and words, and gain a profound understanding on how in construction and communication, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

Broken Promises

Kol Nidrei’s Message of Hope

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 3, 2019)

Of all things, the Yom Kippur prayers start with the cancellation of vows. Couldn't we choose something a little more inspiring? Discover the fascinating historical background to this ancient tradition -- and the reason why Kol Nidrei is the perfect opening pitch.