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.

The King Is In The Field - Part 3

"The Soul of Self-Motivation"

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

There's benefit to being self-motivated and not being reliant on others for inspiration. Whether in business, relationships, or any area of personal growth, it's good to possess and maintain your own drive for success.

Perhaps that's why "self help" books and seminars are so popular. We're seeking a better way for ourselves, pushing ourselves forward.

But what happens when someone needs a dose of self-motivation, but they're not motivated enough? How do we give someone a "push" forward without hand-holding and doing it for them? If there's value in self-achievement, is it even possible to guide someone in that direction?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the soul of motivation. We learn what makes us tick, what best motivates us, and how we can preserve another's self-dignity and personal autonomy while helping them achieve their best.

Don’t Kick the Sukkah

Religion Isn’t Just about Feeling Good

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 20, 2018)

Abraham serves angels and is rewarded with a sukkah. We sit in a sukkah and are to be rewarded in messianic times with a sukkah of Leviathan skin. The nations kick their sukkah when it’s too hot, and the Jews calmly walk out. Discover the meaning behind this bizarre sukkah medley.

Jews in Shoes

Grounded Below, Turned Above

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 13, 2018)

Of course we need shoes. It’s no fun walking barefoot over rocks, or around the kitchen after that glass pitcher shatters. Shoes are just a part of life. But all of a sudden, when it comes to holy days, places, and times, shoes are literally flying off our feet. What’s behind these mandated shoe removals?

The Need for Need

Complacency Is the Graveyard of Growth

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 6, 2018)

As we turn our eyes to a new year, the liturgy and practices of Rosh Hashanah emphasize time and again how needy, how humble, and how downtrodden we are. Why the depression? The story of an emigrating Babylonian sage seeking new heights gives us a lot of food for thought about our position in life -- and what it takes to catapult to ever greater peaks.

"The End is Rooted in the Beginning"

Translate your vision for the world into personal action.

Mind Over Matter

The Tefillin Mind Game

Do you find your emotions difficult to contain? Welcome to the human race, my friend: the heart is a wild thing. The good news is that we have a built-in control, and it’s called the mind. Funny enough, the two boxes of tefillin affixed daily to the head and the arm have a lot to say in this conversation. Find out how in this lesson.

"Me-Harmony, We-Harmony"

Explore strategies for developing long-lasting and meaningful personal relationships.