Knowledge on the Deeper Side

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 1

"The Pardes"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 27, 2016)

There are four dimensions of Torah interpretation, alluded to by the mystical word PaRDeS (the Divine orchard). They are:

Peshat -- the simple meaning

Remez -- the allegorical allusion

Derush -- the homiletical interpretation

Sod -- the secret dimension

But there is also a fifth dimension, one so deep and essential that for centuries it was not revealed, even to the great mystics.

In our brand new Kabbalah & Coffee series we'll reveal and explore this fifth, quintessential dimension of Torah. We'll learn what differentiates each of the layers of Torah, and how they interact with each other in amazing ways. And we'll discover how the essence of Torah radically changes everything.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 9

"What Will The World Look Like?"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 5, 2016)

There's a fundamental Jewish belief in a better time to come. A Utopian world. A Messianic Era. It's such an essential cornerstone of Judaism that the great scholar Maimonides includes it as #12 of his 13 Principles of Jewish Faith.

So, let's ask the big question: What will the world look like when Moshiach (the Jewish Messiah) comes?

It's not just curiosity -- if we're working toward a specific goal, it's helpful (essential?) to know what we're working toward. Otherwise we're grappling in the dark.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore what lies in store in the Messianic world. What we discover is certain to uplift, excite and inspire.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 8

"The Mountain And The Treasure"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 22, 2016)

There was once a king who wanted a mountain cleared. Razed to the ground. So he told the people, "There is a treasure buried deep within the mountain."

The people came in spades. With their spades, and their shovels. And they began digging.

They dug and dug and dug some more, but they found no treasure. Which makes sense, since there was no treasure there. They were confused and upset and they came to the king. "Where is the treasure you promised? You tricked us!"

But the king had a wise answer. An answer that would change their lives forever. An answer that just might change our lives too...

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 7

"Spiritual Metaphysics"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 15, 2016)

What is the fabric that holds the universe together? What is the thread that runs through all of existence? What is it that prevents space from collapsing in on itself?

Scientists explain the physics behind existence. But Kabbalists explain the metaphysics. And it's incredible to behold.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the metaphysics of the universe.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 3

"The Origins Of Kabbalah"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2016)

When people ask the question "Where does Kabbalah come from?" they usually mean to find out who the instrumental thinkers and authors were that shaped the Jewish mystical tradition.

But the mystics themselves have a completely different intention in asking this question. Everything comes from G-d -- that is a certainty. Torah is Divine -- that goes without saying. But where does the esoteric wisdom come from? Where in the spiritual realms does Kabbalah emanate from? How is it unique from all else that flows from G-d?

It's this deeper form of the question that we'll address in this session Kabbalah & Coffee. We'll learn about the hidden dimension of Radl'a, explore the true meaning of Ein Sof, and discover where the mystical tradition really comes from.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 2

"Why Mysticism?"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2016)

Sure, the study of Jewish mysticism is intellectually stimulating, intriguing, and even thrilling. But aside from the intellectual and emotional high, what are the tangible benefits of the study of Kabbalah? In other words, what's the point of the mystical tradition?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll uncover four rationales for mystical Jewish study. We'll learn how Jewish mysticism transforms wisdom, human nature, and the world at large.

And then we'll set the stage for the Fifth Dimension...

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 1

"The Pardes"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 27, 2016)

There are four dimensions of Torah interpretation, alluded to by the mystical word PaRDeS (the Divine orchard). They are:

Peshat -- the simple meaning

Remez -- the allegorical allusion

Derush -- the homiletical interpretation

Sod -- the secret dimension

But there is also a fifth dimension, one so deep and essential that for centuries it was not revealed, even to the great mystics.

In our brand new Kabbalah & Coffee series we'll reveal and explore this fifth, quintessential dimension of Torah. We'll learn what differentiates each of the layers of Torah, and how they interact with each other in amazing ways. And we'll discover how the essence of Torah radically changes everything.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 6

"The Blueprint Of The Universe"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 8, 2016)

There is a masterful design to the universe. Countless beings all working together in mystifying harmony. The design is nothing short of breathtaking.

So if there's a design, where's the blueprint?

The Kabbalists teach that way before the world was created, G-d produced the Master Blueprint. This was a guide to every detail of the universe -- a guide that has been followed as long as there has been a universe. And the mystics tell us that there's another name for this blueprint; it's also known as "Torah."

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discover the amazing way that Torah serves as the "blueprint of creation."

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 5

"Perfect Wisdom"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 1, 2016)

There are countless ideologies and philosophies out there, each claiming to be "The One." Yet, there's a powerfully fundamental difference between all other paths of wisdom and Torah. And this difference changes everything.

Students of Torah sense this difference. Jewish philosophers attempt to prove it. Kabbalists trace it's mystical origins.

So what exactly is the difference between Torah and other wisdom? It's the difference between "perfect wisdom" and "imperfect wisdom." And it impacts countless areas of life, including science, medicine, politics, and personal development.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the perfection of Torah, and it's incredible impact on the individual and the world at large.

On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 4

"The Geometry Of The Circle"

(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 17, 2016)

The circle is a unique and powerful shape. It is the only shape where all points are equidistant from the center. Whereas other shapes represent differentiation and distinction, the circle stands for seamless equality. The entire circumference draws its strength from the center point, equally.

The Jewish mystics speak extensively about the spiritual meaning of the circle's geometry. G-d's light and energy is spoken of in two forms -- the circle and the line. It is the circle that represents the true power of G-d, and the force that keeps all of creation in existence.

The circle is the key to understanding Shabbat, and it's the force that keeps us from (physically) falling of the earth. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the geometry of the circle and uncover deep, personal, spiritual lessons.