Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Nature vs. Nurture

Two Modes of Connecting with G-d

What’s more valuable? The obvious passion of the honeymoon moments, or the small but thoughtful gestures that represent the effort required in a relationship? Both elements exist and are crucial to cultivating our relationship with G-d.

Nature vs. Nurture

Two Modes of Connecting with G-d

What’s more valuable? The obvious passion of the honeymoon moments, or the small but thoughtful gestures that represent the effort required in a relationship? Both elements exist and are crucial to cultivating our relationship with G-d.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

What If a Crime Has an Upside?

Legal theorists have long struggled to come up with a coherent account of culpability. Are criminals punished for their intentions, or their actions, or for causing harm? This lesson bursts into the discussion with three real-life cases that share a common feature: a criminal whose malicious actions result in an unplanned positive outcome for the intended victim. Drawing on biblical and Talmudic literature, we consider the interplay between these elements -- intention, action, and outcome -- in law, ethics, and life.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

What If a Crime Has an Upside?

Legal theorists have long struggled to come up with a coherent account of culpability. Are criminals punished for their intentions, or their actions, or for causing harm? This lesson bursts into the discussion with three real-life cases that share a common feature: a criminal whose malicious actions result in an unplanned positive outcome for the intended victim. Drawing on biblical and Talmudic literature, we consider the interplay between these elements -- intention, action, and outcome -- in law, ethics, and life.

The Thank-You Nation

Appreciating Others Is Appreciating G-d

The Torah tells us that the Jewish people should be thankful for all the help they get, including from their enemies and even inanimate objects. But why? The Exodus story teaches that the key to redemption is an attitude of gratitude.

When is Moshiach Coming?

Growing Out of the Exile Mentality

For over two thousand years, we have waited and waited for the Moshiach to come. Why hasn’t he finally come? This class examines the age-old hope of the Jewish people, and illuminates what it means to be truly redeemed.

The Thank-You Nation

Appreciating Others Is Appreciating G-d

The Torah tells us that the Jewish people should be thankful for all the help they get, including from their enemies and even inanimate objects. But why? The Exodus story teaches that the key to redemption is an attitude of gratitude.

When is Moshiach Coming?

Growing Out of the Exile Mentality

For over two thousand years, we have waited and waited for the Moshiach to come. Why hasn’t he finally come? This class examines the age-old hope of the Jewish people, and illuminates what it means to be truly redeemed.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 30

"It's Up to Us"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 18, 2016)

Throughout Jewish history there have been four periods of exile. The current exile, known as "Galut Edom," began when the Romans destroyed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the year 70, and has lasted nearly 2000 years.

Ancient prophecy and tradition tell us that this fourth exile is the last, following which we will all collectively enjoy a time of universal peace and harmony. And within this long period of exile, we are living in its final moments. In fact, the mystics say that a better world is at hand -- all that's needed is for us to usher it in.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at what our task is in this critical time in history. We seek to understand what we can do to prepare the world for its fulfillment, and how it's possible that you and I can do this when people greater than us could not.

All of which will explain the explosion of wisdom -- both lower and higher -- that we're experiencing today.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 29

"The Explosion of Wisdom"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 11, 2016)

Kabbalah is not in the business of predictions. Typically. But there are exceptions to every rule.

In the holy Zohar there is a prediction that has come true in dramatic fashion. The Zohar predicts that in the sixth century of the sixth millennium, the gates of higher wisdom and the fountains of lower wisdom will be unleashed.

This has come true in a remarkable way. We are the beneficiaries of this explosion of higher and lower wisdom. Our lives have been transformed because of it. Every area of life has been positively impacted -- science, technology, medicine, the arts. And the deepest, most transformative Jewish wisdom has likewise been unleashed.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the explosion of wisdom that has taken place in the last few centuries. We seek to better understand what it means, and why it's taken so long.