Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Why does evil exist?

Why do bad things happen to good people? The question has been asked -- and answered -- for thousands of years. But even if we understood the purpose of evil, would this make it more palatable and acceptable? Would it aid us in our efforts to defeat evil?

Existence is the root of all evils. If you exist you’re inflexible and have no room for another in your space. If you’re living you’re buoyant, flexible, patient and have plenty of room for others.

This epic talk from world-renowned scholar and mentor Rabbi Manis Friedman teaches the difference between living and existing. It might just change your life.

Recorded Live at the Intown Jewish Academy's Inaugural Celebration of Jewish Life & Learning

October 16, 2007

The Park Tavern, Atlanta

The Majestic Bride - Part 5

"Humor"

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

Nothing breaks the ice like a good joke. Humor cuts through tension and brings people together in a uniquely powerful way. Sometimes, all we want to do is laugh.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the "Kabbalah of Comedy." Learn what makes funny, funny, discover why one of the greatest Talmudic sages used humor in his teachings, and find out how you can use laughter to enrich your relationships.

The Majestic Bride - Part 4

"Connection"

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

Relationships imply connection. Intimacy, certainly, demands connection. But there are many forms of connection -- some deep, some shallow.

The Jewish mystics describe a formula whereby the deepest of connections is forged through a seemingly shallow connection -- a connection that, at first glance, might seem completely incidental. But when seen through a larger lens, it is the smaller stuff that so often leads to the bigger stuff.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Kabbalistic wisdom on breaking the ice and creating positive first impressions.

The Majestic Bride - Part 3

"Joy"

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

In the mystical tradition, joy is considered to be one of the most potent forces in existence. Joy is said to have the ability to unlock stores of treasure, and break all barriers.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at the role joy plays both in our relationships and in our day-to-day labors. We learn why joy is associated with weddings (hint: it's not the open bar), and why joy plays a prominent role in the Shabbat experience. Along the way we uncover deep secrets associated with ancient Jewish and Kabbalistic rituals.

Who is G-d?

What are we talking about when we talk about G-d? Is “G-d” just a word we use when we can’t explain something? If G-d cannot be explained or described, does this not render the concept of “belief in G-d” completely meaningless?

Life in Balance

Solving the Paradox of Life

Are we supposed to be proud or humble? Spiritually sensitive, or career-driven? So many extremes in life, and so many paradoxes to navigate, it can be quite dizzying. A command to let the earth rest for a year, a small mountain in the Sinai desert, and a Temple-era practice of freeing slaves provide the backdrop for striking the perfect balance.

Is Time Travel Possible?

Is time the engine that drives the whole of existence, or is it just a product of our subjective experience? If the future is impenetrable, the past irretrievable, and the present moment too fleeting to meaningfully inhabit, what part of our lives can we call our own?

“I’ll Take Care of It”

Investing in Our Relationship with the Divine

Is there a pressing matter in your community that no one seems to really care about? Is there someone who, for whatever reason, is overlooked by everyone else? When it comes to choosing a cause, it can be tempting to take on the popular cause du jour. But sometimes, becoming a better person means taking the path less trodden -- even if it isn’t so popular.

Is the World Real?

Everything that we experience, we experience inside our heads, leading to the intriguing question: Maybe there is no existence outside of our minds? But perhaps a more fundamental question would be: What practical difference does it make if the world is real or not?