Knowledge on the Deeper Side

A Jewish Land

What Israel Means to Us

Israel, a tiny piece of land, provokes so much passion among the Jewish people and throughout the world. Why do we care about it so much? Uncovering the inner dynamic of the Holy Land and the spirit pulsating within it sheds light on our timeless bond with a land unlike any other.

Once Upon a Rabbi

An Overview of Rabbinic Ordination

Throughout our history, rabbis have been a fountain of strength, inspiration, and authority for the Jewish people. What is the history of the rabbinate, what is the process of becoming a rabbi, and what role do rabbis play in Jewish life?

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.

A Jewish Land

What Israel Means to Us

Israel, a tiny piece of land, provokes so much passion among the Jewish people and throughout the world. Why do we care about it so much? Uncovering the inner dynamic of the Holy Land and the spirit pulsating within it sheds light on our timeless bond with a land unlike any other.

Once Upon a Rabbi

An Overview of Rabbinic Ordination

Throughout our history, rabbis have been a fountain of strength, inspiration, and authority for the Jewish people. What is the history of the rabbinate, what is the process of becoming a rabbi, and what role do rabbis play in Jewish life?

To Bear or Not to Bear: The Gun Debate

The stories in the newspapers are heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Another person comes with firearms and starts shooting at people. In a movie theater, a classroom, the workplace -- it seems to be the same horrific scene over and over again.

What ought we do about gun violence? Should we seek to change permissive gun laws? Should we alter restrictive gun laws? How do we balance competing interests? Should we let the evil of the few result in a restriction of freedom for the many? What teachings from the Torah are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?

To Bear or Not to Bear: The Gun Debate

The stories in the newspapers are heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Another person comes with firearms and starts shooting at people. In a movie theater, a classroom, the workplace -- it seems to be the same horrific scene over and over again.

What ought we do about gun violence? Should we seek to change permissive gun laws? Should we alter restrictive gun laws? How do we balance competing interests? Should we let the evil of the few result in a restriction of freedom for the many? What teachings from the Torah are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?

The Purpose of Privacy

Why It's Important to Control Where You Look

Your neighbors have a broad window in the front of their home, giving you a great view of what’s going on inside. Are you allowed to look inside and see what’s happening? If you think not, what if they don’t care? Explore the halachic take on privacy and discover a surprising life-lesson along the way.

The Purpose of Privacy

Why It's Important to Control Where You Look

Your neighbors have a broad window in the front of their home, giving you a great view of what’s going on inside. Are you allowed to look inside and see what’s happening? If you think not, what if they don’t care? Explore the halachic take on privacy and discover a surprising life-lesson along the way.