Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Breaking Norms

Challenging Yourself to Touch Another

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 9, 2019)

The Four Questions feature prominently in the collective Jewish imagination. While these questions have been chanted for millennia, fewer know that embedded within the structure of the Passover Seder is a clarion call for every Jew to put on a hat they may have never imagined donning. Answer the call!

Decoding the Universe - Part 9

"The Impossibility of Being"

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

What happens when you know existence can't be? When you realize that everything that looks real is in fact an illusion of the grandest order? When you become conscience of a higher consciousness that powers everything into being, from nothing?

Everything changes.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the realm of the impossible and discover how we might be, even if we can't.

Biblical Conspiracies & Free Choice

A Deeper Understanding of the Ten Plagues

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 2, 2019)

In this session of Torah Studies we look at Biblical conspiracy theories, ancient Egyptian scrolls, free choice, and the ten plagues. What was the purpose of the plagues? Why did G-d harden Pharaoh's heart? And if G-d was hardening his heart, why was Pharaoh warned about the plagues? Learn the amazing answers to these questions and more!

We all know the story of the Jews in Egypt: bone-crushing slavery for hundreds of years. What caused this terrible catastrophe? Was it perhaps because they were habitual idolaters? Nope. After a kerfuffle with two bickering Jews, Moses declares that slander, above all, was the root cause of suffering. Really? Is it that bad? Ride the train of Jewish nationhood to discover why, yes, it is really that bad.

The Underpinnings of a Nation

Why Slander Is Enemy Number One

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 26, 2018)

We all know the story of the Jews in Egypt: bone-crushing slavery for hundreds of years. What caused this terrible catastrophe? Was it perhaps because they were habitual idolaters? Nope. After a kerfuffle with two bickering Jews, Moses declares that slander, above all, was the root cause of suffering. Really? Is it that bad? Ride the train of Jewish nationhood to discover why, yes, it is really that bad.

Decoding the Universe - Part 8

"Every Breath You Take"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 23, 2018)

There is a breath of life that flows through the entire universe, throughout all of existence. This breath of life powers being into being, and flows from the ultimate Source of all.

The Kabbalists point out that we cannot see this breath of life with our eyes, and for good reason. Were we to actually perceive the breath, reality would be radically altered.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a breathtaking look at the inner workings of the cosmos and the mechanics of the universe, and learn why, when it comes to the breath of life, ignorance is bliss.

Earn It or Win It?

When to Throw Your Hat in the Ring, and When Not To

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 19, 2018)

A marriage that survives a bitter fight is stronger than it was before. A person who is crushed and then bounces back is arguably emotionally healthier than your average Joe. So, what message should we be giving to our kids? Challenge them or coddle them? Put them through the wringer or pamper their path? An insightful conversation between a Rebbe and his son about the lifetime of our forefather Jacob sheds profound light on these questions.

Happiness Is A Serious Problem

The Kabbalistic Approach to Joy

With Mrs. Miriam Lipskier

On average we enjoy more amenities, make more money, and live longer than at any point in human history. Yet we are not necessarily happier. Learn the tried and true mystical approach to "happily ever after" from Chabad at Emory's co-founder and co-director Mrs. Miriam Lipskier.

Decoding the Universe - Part 7

"The Art of Prophecy"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 16, 2018)

One of the 13 principles of Jewish faith is the belief that G-d has the ability to communicate with human beings. On rare occasions, this communication happens in a direct fashion. Most often, it happens indirectly, in an occurrence akin to an "out of body" experience.

This is called prophecy.

But how exactly does prophecy work? Does G-d speak, or perhaps reveal His message in a vision? What type of preparation is demanded of the prophet? Are there things that you and I can do to merit the experience of prophecy?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study the Art of Prophecy and uncover a most secretive and hidden world. In the process, we'll learn more about the secret energies that flow into the revealed world we see with our eyes.

Wind in Your Sails

Harnessing Inspiration for the Long Haul

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 12, 2018)

Many a wise person has said that “Indifference is more dangerous than anger and hatred,” or “Apathy is the death of democracy.” Indeed, to be uninspired and emotionless is a terrible predicament. But all those people jumping up and down on mountaintops, screaming with passion, don’t seem to be the answer either. So what does an even-keeled person do? The dramatic, heart-wrenching reunion of Jacob and his son Joseph uncovers a refreshing answer.

For the Love of G-d

Finding Closeness with a G-d You Cannot Touch

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 29, 2018)

Judaism is a holistic religion: it demands the engagement of body, mind, and heart. We cannot reduce G-d to a set of mindless rituals; He is supposed to be a meaningful part of our lives. But can I love someone I've never met? Can I be in awe of something I've never seen? This lesson explores the possibility of having a relationship with G-d -- whether I can, why it's vital, and how to do it.