Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Knowledge & Faith - Part 12

"Paradise"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 10, 2017)

Most religions speak of a "Paradise" that one enjoys after one's time on earth. Judaism is no exception. The concept of Divine reward is foundation to Jewish belief, and Jewish literature is replete with discussions of "Gan Eden" and "Olam Habah," i.e., Paradise.

But what exactly is Paradise? What is the experience like? Where does it take place? And who's there?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the unique Jewish perspective on Paradise, as explained by the Kabbalists.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 12

"Paradise"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 10, 2017)

Most religions speak of a "Paradise" that one enjoys after one's time on earth. Judaism is no exception. The concept of Divine reward is foundation to Jewish belief, and Jewish literature is replete with discussions of "Gan Eden" and "Olam Habah," i.e., Paradise.

But what exactly is Paradise? What is the experience like? Where does it take place? And who's there?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the unique Jewish perspective on Paradise, as explained by the Kabbalists.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 11

"The Origins of Evil"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 3, 2017)

Look at the news and, unfortunately, you'll see a lot of bad things. A lot of really bad things. Which is both heartbreaking and a seeming impossibility from a spiritual and theological perspective: How does a good G-d allow for such evil in His world?

We're not the first to ask this questions. Many have grappled with this throughout the ages, including the great Kabbalists. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the origins of evil from a Jewish mystical perspective. We'll visit a secret garden, and tour an ancient mountaintop. For it is there that much wisdom is to be found.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 11

"The Origins of Evil"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 3, 2017)

Look at the news and, unfortunately, you'll see a lot of bad things. A lot of really bad things. Which is both heartbreaking and a seeming impossibility from a spiritual and theological perspective: How does a good G-d allow for such evil in His world?

We're not the first to ask this questions. Many have grappled with this throughout the ages, including the great Kabbalists. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the origins of evil from a Jewish mystical perspective. We'll visit a secret garden, and tour an ancient mountaintop. For it is there that much wisdom is to be found.

The Bible Course

Part 2: The Book of Joshua

Lesson 1

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.

The Bible Course

Part 2: The Book of Joshua

Lesson 1

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.

For G-d's Sake

Are We Capable of Altruism?

We get it. It’s hard to always be firing on all cylinders. We’re talking in a spiritual sense -- to always be doing good things for the right reasons. So, go ahead and do what it takes to get the job done. But remember, there’s one part that you should always keep sacred, a lone pocket of truth that is altruistic and pure. And it’s burning right there -- in the Chanukah candles.

For G-d's Sake

Are We Capable of Altruism?

We get it. It’s hard to always be firing on all cylinders. We’re talking in a spiritual sense -- to always be doing good things for the right reasons. So, go ahead and do what it takes to get the job done. But remember, there’s one part that you should always keep sacred, a lone pocket of truth that is altruistic and pure. And it’s burning right there -- in the Chanukah candles.

The Public Menorah

Is All Publicity Good Publicity?

In the 1970s, when Chabad began erecting large Chanukah menorahs in public places, a number of Jewish organizations objected to this practice and filed lawsuits against it. This debate brought into sharp relief differing approaches within the Jewish community regarding how to preserve and express Jewish identity in the modern world. This lesson also confronts the question: In light of the Jewish historical experience as a "minority religion," should Jews advocate for a more secular society? Or, does an irreligious society actually pose the greater threat to our Jewishness, and to a civil society in general?

The Public Menorah

Is All Publicity Good Publicity?

In the 1970s, when Chabad began erecting large Chanukah menorahs in public places, a number of Jewish organizations objected to this practice and filed lawsuits against it. This debate brought into sharp relief differing approaches within the Jewish community regarding how to preserve and express Jewish identity in the modern world. This lesson also confronts the question: In light of the Jewish historical experience as a "minority religion," should Jews advocate for a more secular society? Or, does an irreligious society actually pose the greater threat to our Jewishness, and to a civil society in general?