Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Income Inequality: Is Income and Wealth Inequality Morally Wrong?

In many ways there are greater gaps than ever between the rich and the poor. In difficult economic times, this is seen by some as a glaring injustice that must be remedied. This point of view says that there should not be a "one-percent" that lives so much better than the other "ninety-nine percent" -- that wealth must be redistributed.

On the other hand, there are those who say that it is no one's business what anyone does with their legally-gained assets. They argue that anyone who wants to can work harder.

What wisdom does Judaism have to offer on the issue of wealth and income inequality? Is wealth a mark of sin -- a sign that a person has taken too much and has necessarily impoverished others? Is poverty a sign of laziness or ineptitude -- an outer indication of a poor character? Why is there inequality in wealth, and what, if anything, should we do about it? Would Torah advocate for redistribution of wealth to create greater economic equality?

Income Inequality: Is Income and Wealth Inequality Morally Wrong?

In many ways there are greater gaps than ever between the rich and the poor. In difficult economic times, this is seen by some as a glaring injustice that must be remedied. This point of view says that there should not be a "one-percent" that lives so much better than the other "ninety-nine percent" -- that wealth must be redistributed.

On the other hand, there are those who say that it is no one's business what anyone does with their legally-gained assets. They argue that anyone who wants to can work harder.

What wisdom does Judaism have to offer on the issue of wealth and income inequality? Is wealth a mark of sin -- a sign that a person has taken too much and has necessarily impoverished others? Is poverty a sign of laziness or ineptitude -- an outer indication of a poor character? Why is there inequality in wealth, and what, if anything, should we do about it? Would Torah advocate for redistribution of wealth to create greater economic equality?

The way we start our day has a profound effect on the manner in which it will unfold. Traditionally, we recite a 12 word morning meditation called "Modeh Ani," which puts us in the right frame of mind, heart, and spirit.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Modeh Ani in four dimensions -- peshat, remez, drush, sod -- corresponding to the four basic dimensions of the soul. Then we reimagine Modeh Ani in the incredible fifth dimension, corresponding to the quintessence of the soul.

Your mornings will never be the same.

The way we start our day has a profound effect on the manner in which it will unfold. Traditionally, we recite a 12 word morning meditation called "Modeh Ani," which puts us in the right frame of mind, heart, and spirit.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Modeh Ani in four dimensions -- peshat, remez, drush, sod -- corresponding to the four basic dimensions of the soul. Then we reimagine Modeh Ani in the incredible fifth dimension, corresponding to the quintessence of the soul.

Your mornings will never be the same.

The Great Immigration Debate: Whom Shall We Welcome?

Today, we face some significant debates about immigration. There is a lot of discussion about what to do with those who are in the U.S. illegally. This debate is so sharp that people cannot even agree on the correct term for such people: “undocumented immigrants” or “illegal aliens.”

But a broader debate rages about the overall immigration issue. There are those who want the U.S. to become more lax with its immigration policy, allowing more people into this country at a quicker pace and with fewer restrictions. In fact, there are some who go so far as to say there should be no restrictions whatsoever on any immigration. On the other hand, there are those who would like to see less immigration and want to be more cautious about who is allowed to enter and reside in this land.

What teachings from the Torah and the Talmud are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?

The Great Immigration Debate: Whom Shall We Welcome?

Today, we face some significant debates about immigration. There is a lot of discussion about what to do with those who are in the U.S. illegally. This debate is so sharp that people cannot even agree on the correct term for such people: “undocumented immigrants” or “illegal aliens.”

But a broader debate rages about the overall immigration issue. There are those who want the U.S. to become more lax with its immigration policy, allowing more people into this country at a quicker pace and with fewer restrictions. In fact, there are some who go so far as to say there should be no restrictions whatsoever on any immigration. On the other hand, there are those who would like to see less immigration and want to be more cautious about who is allowed to enter and reside in this land.

What teachings from the Torah and the Talmud are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?

When Night Will Shine Like Day

When examining human behavior in light of the Holocaust, we are presented with a number of paradoxes. The most culturally and scientifically advanced society on earth used its sophistication to create the most efficient genocidal machine the world has ever known. And many of the righteous gentiles who sacrificed their own safety and well-being were poor, uneducated, and provincial in their worldview. What can we expect of humanity after the Holocaust? Can we prevent human progress from falling prey to moral bankruptcy? How can we retain faith in the future of the universe -- and what we can we do to ensure a brighter tomorrow?

When Night Will Shine Like Day

When examining human behavior in light of the Holocaust, we are presented with a number of paradoxes. The most culturally and scientifically advanced society on earth used its sophistication to create the most efficient genocidal machine the world has ever known. And many of the righteous gentiles who sacrificed their own safety and well-being were poor, uneducated, and provincial in their worldview. What can we expect of humanity after the Holocaust? Can we prevent human progress from falling prey to moral bankruptcy? How can we retain faith in the future of the universe -- and what we can we do to ensure a brighter tomorrow?

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 13

"The Truth Behind Pokemon"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 24, 2016)

There are spiritual realities everywhere, hidden beneath the surface of corporeal reality. Energies, dimensions, powers, sefirot, even whole spiritual worlds. If you've played Pokemon Go you can relate -- there's a whole other world out there, waiting to be discovered...

The teachings of Kabbalah helps us identify the hidden spiritual energies. Kabbalah draws the map of the mystical, teaching us "where" to find forces such as Keter, Chochmah, Chesed, Malchut, and all of the other metaphysical elements in existence.

But what's the point of knowing about these spiritual energies? What are we to do with the information? Does it really have an effect on our lives? And perhaps the key question: Is there a way to experience personal transformation from the knowledge of the spiritual realities that lie beyond our own?

The answer is yes. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll talk about a most incredible tool that helps move Kabbalah from a theoretical exploration to a practical transformation.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 14

"How To Start The Day Off Right"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 31, 2016)

Every day is a brand new opportunity. A clean slate. A fresh start. And to really tap into its full potential, it's important to start the day off right.

There's an ancient Jewish prayer formula that helps unlock the power of a new day. It's called Modeh Ani, traditionally recited first thing in the morning, and it's comprised of 12 words.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the potency of Modeh Ani. We'll learn why Modeh Ani is the perfect way to kickstart the morning, and why its message ought to remain with us throughout the day.