Knowledge on the Deeper Side

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.

The King Is In The Field - Part 6

"Lost Souls"

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

Does Judaism believe in the concept of "lost souls"? Can someone descend so deeply into the forces of unholiness that they lose their spiritual connection entirely? Does every soul find rest or are some relegated to eternal wandering?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore what Kabbalah has to say about spiritual connections and "lost souls."

The King Is In The Field - Part 5

"Confronting the Divine"

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

What is it like to encounter G-d? What would the experience feel like to come face to face with the Master of heaven and earth?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn about the magnificent energy of the High Holidays and discover what the mystics have to say about confronting the Divine.

The King Is In The Field - Part 4

"The Smiling Face"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 9, 2018)

The Jewish month of Elul is a magical one. It's when, in the language of the mystics, the "King is in the field." We can realize a relationship with G-d during this month that is radically different than at any other time of the year.

But there's one very curious detail of the "King in the field" parable. The Kabbalists teach that as the king is in the field, he receives everyone pleasantly, and shows them all a smiling face. What's the significance of the king's "smiling face"? Why is that relevant to the larger point, namely, that G-d makes Himself available during the month of Elul.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the meaning of the king's smiling face -- and discover incredible insight into the idea that G-d loves each and every one of us.