Knowledge on the Deeper Side

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 28

"Spice Spice Torah"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 4, 2016)

It was Rosh Hashanah in the year 1743, and something astounding was about to happen. The soul of a righteous human being, a perfect tzadik, was getting ready to ascend to the greatest Heavenly heights -- not having separated from the body, but while still attached and very much alive.

The soul-ascension happened that day. We know because the tzadik later recounted in detail everything that happened. And what his soul experienced while soaring through the spiritual realms fundamentally changed the world forever.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the incredible mystical incident of Rosh Hashanah 1743, and learn what it means for us. As we'll discover, one tzadik's heavenly ascent has so much to teach about how we are to live our lives right here on earth...

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 27

"Spark-Gathering"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 20, 2016)

In the mystical tradition, there is an entire universe of light beneath the surface we perceive. Sparks of Divine light, everywhere. And our task is to reclaim the light from its captivity within darkness.

Now, each soul has certain sparks that she is associated with. But can a soul gain new sparks? Can we add on to our mission and reach beyond what is immediate?

We explore the art of Spark-Gathering in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 26

"Finders Keepers"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 13, 2016)

You're walking down a side street when you spot it: a discarded chair that's perfect for your kitchen. (Hey, one's person trash is another's treasure, right?) It's weathered and upholstered and it'll add just the vintage look you're going for.

But as you approach the chair, someone runs in front of you and grabs it first. So sneaky! You say "it's mine, I saw it first." He says "I grabbed it first." You both end up in court. It's The Case of the Contested Chair.

Fascinatingly, the Talmud devotes an entire section of its legal code to address this very scenario. And it comes to a shocking conclusion, establishing a law that is daring and counter-intuitive and oh so beautiful.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore this law, and then decipher its deeper message based on the mystical tradition. You will be amazed at the searing insight that we'll draw from it -- insight that will change the way you look at your relationship to everything around you...

My Brother's Keeper

Mutual Responsibility in Judaism

Helping each other out is obviously a very Jewish value. In fact, Judaism teaches that we are all responsible for each other’s well-being. So, what is the extent of our responsibility to one another?

The Psychology of the Chanukah Candles

Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism

Where does self-improvement start? By fixing what’s wrong or by starting to do what’s right? An age old debate about the Chanukah candles reveals how generations before Freud vs. Skinner, the sages weighed the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy.

Do Something, Anything

The Key to Getting Unstuck

When faced with a challenge, are you the type to wait for something to happen? Or do you get up and do something about it? The butler's and the baker’s dreams teach the importance of action. Make a move, any move, and there is hope. But sitting and brooding about your lot is unlikely to get you very far.

The Principles of Punishment

When Discipline Becomes Revenge

Too often, legitimate punishment turns into personal vengeance. How do we draw the line between the two? The actions of Levi and Shimon, wiping out the entire city of Shechem, show that when it comes to punishment, intention and action are equally important.

The Nighttime Plea

Finding Hope in the Darkness

If you ever need help, you can simply ask. But if things have gotten to the point where nobody understands what you’re going through, what can you do? This lesson about prayer teaches how to ask G-d at a time you don’t even know what to ask for.

Truth or Consequences

Is It Ever Okay to Lie?

We are taught from an early age the value of truth. But what if telling the truth comes at a high price? Is there any circumstance under which one may utter something untrue? By examining the conduct of our forefathers, we gain insight into this moral dilemma.

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.