Knowledge on the Deeper Side

The Bigger Picture

Everything You Do Affects the Entire World

It’s easy to be the good guy when nobody’s watching. But when there’s nobody around, where do you find the moral fortitude to withstand temptation? It’s the realization that our actions affect far more than the here and now that empowers us to act responsibly.

The Bigger Picture

Everything You Do Affects the Entire World

It’s easy to be the good guy when nobody’s watching. But when there’s nobody around, where do you find the moral fortitude to withstand temptation? It’s the realization that our actions affect far more than the here and now that empowers us to act responsibly.

Chasidic Renaissance

Power and Controversy in the Teachings of the Chasidic Masters

In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by the Khmelnytsky pogroms of 1648-1649, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov initiated a movement that breathed new life into the hearts of the Jewish masses. But the teachings of Chasidism were soon regarded with suspicion by other Jews, and this led to some bitter controversies. Our lesson will examine the writings of one of the central figures who lived through this unfortunate saga, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. We will explore how he understood the causes and nature of this controversy, and how he guided his followers through it, until he finally saw the day when peace and reconciliation prevailed.

Chasidic Renaissance

Power and Controversy in the Teachings of the Chasidic Masters

In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by the Khmelnytsky pogroms of 1648-1649, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov initiated a movement that breathed new life into the hearts of the Jewish masses. But the teachings of Chasidism were soon regarded with suspicion by other Jews, and this led to some bitter controversies. Our lesson will examine the writings of one of the central figures who lived through this unfortunate saga, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. We will explore how he understood the causes and nature of this controversy, and how he guided his followers through it, until he finally saw the day when peace and reconciliation prevailed.

Game of Names

Who Is the Real Jew?

What’s the ideal modus operandi? Aggressive and brash, and assertive and confident? Or perhaps more reconciliatory and compromising, and meager and humble. It is this identity crisis that unfolds over the name change from “Jacob” to “Israel.” That both names are kept for posterity speaks volumes to our approach in life as servants of the Divine.

Game of Names

Who Is the Real Jew?

What’s the ideal modus operandi? Aggressive and brash, and assertive and confident? Or perhaps more reconciliatory and compromising, and meager and humble. It is this identity crisis that unfolds over the name change from “Jacob” to “Israel.” That both names are kept for posterity speaks volumes to our approach in life as servants of the Divine.

In the Wake of Expulsion

Was the Time Ripe to Reestablish the Sanhedrin?

In 1538, the rabbis of Safed announced that they had decided to reinstitute the practice of ordination, which had fallen into disuse centuries earlier. But soon thereafter, word came from the rabbi in Jerusalem that they were opposed to this initiative. Why did the rabbis of Safed want to reinstitute ordination, and why did the the rabbis of Jerusalem oppose this? Dissecting the halachic polemics, we will learn how this debate was a product of the unique historical circumstances of sixteenth-century Jewry still reeling from the Spanish Expulsion, and we will see how this story is relevant to modern attempts to reinstitute the Sanhedrin.

In the Wake of Expulsion

Was the Time Ripe to Reestablish the Sanhedrin?

In 1538, the rabbis of Safed announced that they had decided to reinstitute the practice of ordination, which had fallen into disuse centuries earlier. But soon thereafter, word came from the rabbi in Jerusalem that they were opposed to this initiative. Why did the rabbis of Safed want to reinstitute ordination, and why did the the rabbis of Jerusalem oppose this? Dissecting the halachic polemics, we will learn how this debate was a product of the unique historical circumstances of sixteenth-century Jewry still reeling from the Spanish Expulsion, and we will see how this story is relevant to modern attempts to reinstitute the Sanhedrin.

Writing Your Life Story

Don't Get Stuck in the Narrative

Ever feel like your life is playing out in front of you, and you are just watching the show? While past failures and perceived challenges may make it seem like your life’s story has already been written, Jacob shows that at any moment, we can turn things around for the better.

Writing Your Life Story

Don't Get Stuck in the Narrative

Ever feel like your life is playing out in front of you, and you are just watching the show? While past failures and perceived challenges may make it seem like your life’s story has already been written, Jacob shows that at any moment, we can turn things around for the better.