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!

Decoding the Universe - Part 1

"The Why of Existence"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 21, 2018)

"Decoding the Universe" is a daring Kabbalah series that addresses the biggest questions about the universe and reality. Explore the fabric of the universe through some of the most celebrated teachings of Kabbalah, contained in the book of Tanya, known as the "bible" of Jewish mysticism. Learn about matter, consciousness, time, space, and reality, while studying the Kabbalistic concepts of letters, lights, vessels, tzimtzum, and more.

In this session of "Decoding the Universe" we look at the why of existence, and discover practical meditations for unlocking an emotional connection for G-d.

Be an Influencer!

The Best Defense Is Offense

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 17, 2018)

“No one will ever change the way I think and act!” said no one, ever. The fact is that our environment has a tremendous impact on shaping who we are, and to think that you will remain completely unaffected by your surroundings is wishful thinking. So, what to do if you find yourself in sundry situations? Discover the wisdom embedded in Abraham’s first test and what it tells the modern person today.

The King Is In The Field - Part 9

"Priorities"

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

There are many important things in our lives. Some are the most important. Those we call "priorities." But identifying and truly prioritizing our priorities is not always so easy.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore spiraling dimensions of priorities, and discover mystical wisdom for putting what's most important first.

Four Kabbalistic Secrets to Enrich Your Relationships

With Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on Thursday, October 11, 2018)

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim is the education director at the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life and a lecturer on Jewish Medical Ethics at Binghamton University. A self-described “Chassidic Feminist,” she lectures internationally on the intersection of Jewish observance and contemporary life. She is the author and editor of "Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology" and "Bread and Fire: Jewish Women Find G-d in the Everyday."

The King Is In The Field - Part 8

"Spiritual Assault"

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

In discussing the Jewish laws of crime and punishment, the Torah describes a horrific scenario where a young woman is assaulted by a man in a secluded area -- an area where no one hears her cries. The Torah then proceeds to details the punishment due to the assailant.

In addition to the plain meaning of these verses, the Torah also speaks of spiritual realities. This, in fact, is true of the entire Torah. Its pragmatic and physical narrative is paralleled by a matching spiritual narrative.

Which means that in addition to speaking of physical assault, the Torah is also speaking of spiritual assault. An assault on the soul, the neshamah. But in addition to presenting the spiritual assault, it also presents the spiritual salvation -- a way forward for the soul to regain its spiritual integrity.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study this compelling piece of Torah on multiple dimensions, and draw empowering life-lessons for each of us.

The Flood Song

Shattering the Past to Grow to the Future

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 10, 2018)

The imagery of the flood is downright terrifying: dark, raging waters pummeling Earth for forty days straight, eradicating everything in its wake. Yet, surprisingly, the Midrash sees this turbulent event as a serene song of praise to G-d. What does this dramatically divergent perspective tell us about the tumultuous breakdowns in our own lives? Sail the high sea of Noah’s ark to discover the answer.

The King Is In The Field - Part 7

"How Much Does G-d Love You?"

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

"Why are we here?"

It's the question that's been asked countless times throughout the ages. And it seems that there are countless answers as well to this most existential dilemma.

Here's what the Kabbalists say: we are here because G-d loves us. G-d wanted to express love, so He created a universe and put us here as its focal point, just to graciously give loving-kindness.

It's a beautiful idea, with powerful ramifications. Every Divine emanation is ultimately designed to be an expression of love for us. No matter who we are or we where are.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore this topic at length, and discover just how much G-d loves us.