Knowledge on the Deeper Side

A Higher Paradigm

How G-d's Paradigm Informs Our Values

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 15, 2018)

The Torah seems to ignore foundational cornerstones of Western society: it appears to compromise human freedom and tightly govern the way people live, and seemingly does not treat people equally. How can we understand Torah’s relevance in today’s day and age? Is it simply outdated and out of touch? Would we be foolish to even attempt to reconcile the Torah with modern trends of thought?

A Red Line Is a Red Line

Finding the Internal Courage to Erect Moral Boundaries

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 14, 2018)

On that fateful night on a mountaintop, as Jacob dreamed, the entire Land of Israel folded beneath him. The reason? It was a harbinger of his descendants’ future conquest of the Land. Harbingers aside, what is the reason G-d fashioned such a fantastic miracle? For pure sentiment? It turns out that this sentiment is a key component in crafting the moral compass for Jacob’s descendants for all time.

Meeting G-d's Needs

What G-d Thinks of You

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 8, 2018)

G-d's requests of humankind seem incredibly demanding. Why would a supposedly loving G-d complicate our lives with intrusive instructions? Moreover, can either you or your actions matter to an infinite G-d? This lesson explored the purpose of the universe to discover why G-d needs you and your mitzvot.

Your Two Cents

A Little Effort is Worth a Lot of Impact

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 7, 2018)

We dream of a future Temple that will herald in the messianic era. Have you every stopped to think about who will get the contractor bid for the project? Conflicting accounts across the Talmudic discipline paint a hazy picture: Some say it'll come down from Heaven prefab. Others say Jerusalem Contractors, Inc., will be formed. So which one is it? The answer will tell you a thing or two about what it means to put in a good hard day's work.

Tales of a Nazi Hunter

With Dr. Efraim Zuroff

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on Monday, November 5, 2018)

Dr. Efraim Zuroff is driven by a single purpose: justice. The chief Nazi hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center details his commitment to bringing Holocaust perpetrators before prosecutors. Brace yourself for his story and a behind-the-scenes look at how Nazis are caught and put on trial 70 years after their crimes.

Decoding the Universe - Part 2

"Two Meditations"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 28, 2018)

G-d is within all. G-d is without all.

These are two primary Kabbalistic meditations. Meditations that stir the heart to love and be in awe of G-d. When life gets overwhelming, when the noise becomes unbearable, each of us can find serenity and sublimity in the space of Divine awareness.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we work through two powerful meditations taught in the second book of Tanya, and discover their impact on our own lives.

Making Every Day Count

Sarah’s Blueprint for Meaningful Living

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 31, 2018)

The Torah describes Sarah as beautiful and wise, and above all, her “days were complete.” Are your days complete? What does that mean anyway? And whatever it does mean, what’s the magic bullet that enlivens every day to be “complete?” A tour through a host of Chassidic ideas uncovers the answer to this important question.

Finding Comfort

Seeing G-d Through the Blinding Pain

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 30, 2018)

When tragedy strikes, where is G-d? Our suffering feels like abandonment. We seek relief and assurance of His presence, and instead, we find loneliness and silence. What does Judaism offer as a response to and relief from life's difficulties? How do we relate to a G-d Who appears to be uncaring and feels so distant?

First Impressions

Redefining G-d

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 25, 2018)

As we mature, our understanding of nuanced topics matures too. For many of us, however, our conception of G-d has not evolved much much beyond what it was when we were in Hebrew School. If we want to have a relationship with G-d, we need to know: Who is He really? Who is He not? And how is He relevant to our lives?

Be My Guest

Hospitality at the Next Level

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 24, 2018)

So you think you’re a great host, right? You probably are, and the detailed account of Abraham’s hospitality is here to up your game. A detailed look at the behavior of our generous forefather reveals that hospitality is a whole lot more than simply opening your home -- get ready to become a therapist too!