Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Miraculous Beginnings

Sowing the Seeds of the Jewish Nation

The painful theme of childlessness is found again and again at the beginning of the Jewish story. But why did the beginning of our nation entail such hardship? Discover the depth and the beauty of our prayerful matriarchs as they laid the foundation for the eternal edifice of the Jewish people.

Miraculous Beginnings

Sowing the Seeds of the Jewish Nation

The painful theme of childlessness is found again and again at the beginning of the Jewish story. But why did the beginning of our nation entail such hardship? Discover the depth and the beauty of our prayerful matriarchs as they laid the foundation for the eternal edifice of the Jewish people.

Rosh Chodesh Society

"Pause & Affect"

Lesson 1: Gift of Rest

With Mrs. Dena Schusterman

It is difficult to imagine today a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. Societies customarily celebrated seasonal holidays, but the notion of a universal weekend -- where an entire society would take a day off each week -- was nonexistent. In fact, Greek and Roman writers habitually mocked the Jews for their Shabbat. Yet, these mockeries were ignored by Jews because of the profound meaning they found in Shabbat.

This lesson explores the deep riches that Jews have found in the

past -- and continue to find today -- in Shabbat observance. We learn that some of the restrictions of Shabbat allow us to experience its power: increased productivity, enhanced physical and emotional health, a more robust sense of liberty, a better fostering of relationships, and amplified feelings of happiness. We then climb to the next rung to discover the vast spiritual treasures embedded into this day -- how Shabbat is a different day, a loftier day, a more spiritual time, rendering it a conducive period for us to ponder and explore our relationship with G-d and our overall life’s mission.

Rosh Chodesh Society

"Pause & Affect"

Lesson 1: Gift of Rest

With Mrs. Dena Schusterman

It is difficult to imagine today a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. Societies customarily celebrated seasonal holidays, but the notion of a universal weekend -- where an entire society would take a day off each week -- was nonexistent. In fact, Greek and Roman writers habitually mocked the Jews for their Shabbat. Yet, these mockeries were ignored by Jews because of the profound meaning they found in Shabbat.

This lesson explores the deep riches that Jews have found in the

past -- and continue to find today -- in Shabbat observance. We learn that some of the restrictions of Shabbat allow us to experience its power: increased productivity, enhanced physical and emotional health, a more robust sense of liberty, a better fostering of relationships, and amplified feelings of happiness. We then climb to the next rung to discover the vast spiritual treasures embedded into this day -- how Shabbat is a different day, a loftier day, a more spiritual time, rendering it a conducive period for us to ponder and explore our relationship with G-d and our overall life’s mission.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 10

"Life's Turbulence"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 12, 2017)

Life certainly has its fair share of ups and downs. One minute things are going well, the next, perhaps not so much. We usually chalk it up to life just being life -- unexpected, unpredictable, volatile.

But the Kabbalists are investigative. They're not content with an answer that skirts the issue. If life has its ups and downs, if our fates and fortunes vacillate so dramatically, there must be more to it. There must be a spiritual root-cause.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Kabbalistic wisdom on the source of life's turbulence. It may not end the shuddering, but knowing where it comes from can steady us as we navigate what's ahead.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 10

"Life's Turbulence"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 12, 2017)

Life certainly has its fair share of ups and downs. One minute things are going well, the next, perhaps not so much. We usually chalk it up to life just being life -- unexpected, unpredictable, volatile.

But the Kabbalists are investigative. They're not content with an answer that skirts the issue. If life has its ups and downs, if our fates and fortunes vacillate so dramatically, there must be more to it. There must be a spiritual root-cause.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Kabbalistic wisdom on the source of life's turbulence. It may not end the shuddering, but knowing where it comes from can steady us as we navigate what's ahead.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 9

"Three Degrees of Infinity"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 5, 2017)

G-d's greatness, say the ancient Kabbalists, lies in the fact that He can make Himself so small. For just as G-d has the power of infinity, so does He have the power to limit Himself -- otherwise, that itself would constitute a limitation.

Yet, there is much to be said about G-d's infinite power and greatness. About the fact that G-d is beyond time and space, beyond the here and now, beyond anything we can know. About the fact that on one level, G-d is absolutely and essentially unchanged by the entire spectrum of creation.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn three powerful messages from G-d's infinity.

Knowledge & Faith - Part 9

"Three Degrees of Infinity"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 5, 2017)

G-d's greatness, say the ancient Kabbalists, lies in the fact that He can make Himself so small. For just as G-d has the power of infinity, so does He have the power to limit Himself -- otherwise, that itself would constitute a limitation.

Yet, there is much to be said about G-d's infinite power and greatness. About the fact that G-d is beyond time and space, beyond the here and now, beyond anything we can know. About the fact that on one level, G-d is absolutely and essentially unchanged by the entire spectrum of creation.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn three powerful messages from G-d's infinity.

Of Omens and Amens

Is It Okay to Look for Signs?

While the weatherman jabbers on about the future, we are still wary of pulling out the crystal ball and letting it call the shots. But some people do indeed avoid the thirteenth floor of a building, or scheduling anything significant on Friday the Thirteenth. So, what does Judaism say about all this spooky stuff?

Of Omens and Amens

Is It Okay to Look for Signs?

While the weatherman jabbers on about the future, we are still wary of pulling out the crystal ball and letting it call the shots. But some people do indeed avoid the thirteenth floor of a building, or scheduling anything significant on Friday the Thirteenth. So, what does Judaism say about all this spooky stuff?