Knowledge on the Deeper Side

The Synagogue Story

More than Just a Place to Pray

For millennia, the synagogue has served as the hub of Jewish life. These structures, large and small, are used for prayer, celebration, and a bevy of communal functions. Explore the importance of synagogues, the laws mandating their construction and maintenance, and proper synagogue conduct.

Behind the Words

The Art of Effective Communication

"A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation."

-Mark Twain

The simplest messages are often misconstrued in the most unpredictable ways. This is often caused by metamessages that confuse the listeners or shut them down. This lesson explores how distractive elements -- such as aggressive rhetoric and the tone of voice -- impact on our ability to communicate in a manner that ensures that the listener's takeaway is the same as our intended message.

Kindness Wins

Discipline Is Necessary; Compassion Is Crucial

Scholars throughout the ages were mystified by the law against mixing meat and milk. A ride through the kabbalah of these two culinary counterparts, coupled with a detail in kosher law, delivers a profound lesson about managing your emotional bank account.

Wise Words

The Art of Positive Communication

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools speak because they have to say something."

-Plato

In today's age of social media, the borders of privacy have grown befuddled. In a world where all is bared and none is barred, it is difficult to strike the right balance. This lesson draws on the Torah's insights into the everyday dilemmas of when to broach an opinion and when to keep silent, what to share and when to retain -- and how to use words in the most positive way.

The Art of Giving - Part 4

"Exploring the Subconscious"

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

Where do our deepest desires come from? What motivates us beyond our conscious awareness?

Kabbalah maps the soul, and charts the revealed and hidden dimensions of the human being.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a deep look at Jewish mystical teachings on the subconscious. Get to know yourself on a level beyond knowing.

The Art of Giving - Part 3

"Mind vs. Heart"

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

Sometimes, the mind and heart are aligned. Our intellect and emotions are in the same place. We have clarity on our values, and we're passionate about them.

Sometimes, the mind and heart are misaligned. Our intellect and emotion are in different places. We know what's right, but we desire something else altogether.

The mystics teach that mind-heart alignment is healthy for the human being; misalignment, not so much. The possibility for misalignment stems from the fact that the intellect and emotions originate from very different sources. Hence, the lifelong task to unite mind and heart in a seamless fashion.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the differing origins of mind and heart, and learn Kabbalistic wisdom toward living a more aligned life.

The Jewish Pathway to Forgiveness

Lesson 3: Releasing Resentment

With Mrs. Dena Schusterman

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 1, 2018)

When we're severely offended and hurt, how can we find it within ourselves to genuinely forgive? What tools does Judaism offer? How can we truly release that grudge and wholeheartedly accept an apology. This class will explore methods of how to be forgiving and of how to rid yourself of resentment.

Others' Words

The Art of Listening

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."

-Stephen R. Covey

Before discovering the science of speech, it is critical to master the art of listening. Eardrums, however, are not enough; it is necessary to quiet the heart and mind to truly absorb what others have to say. The widespread difficulty in doing so accounts for a global reality that is replete with misunderstanding. This lesson turns to Talmudic wisdoms that shed remarkably relevant light on universal impediments to listening and the importance of active listening and processing.

Father(-in-law)ly Advice

Why You Need a Mentor

While many great leaders are too busy for the average folk, Moses helped every Jew sort through their personal issues. But when his father-in-law advised him to take it easy, Moses took a step back. Why? In this class we look at the power of personal growth, mentorship, and the role of Moses.

The Bible Course

Part 2: The Book of Joshua

Lesson 4

With Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

Immerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Joshua.