Home Altar-ation

Bringing G-d Into Our Personal Space

Of the four volumes of the Jewish Code of Law, there is just one tiny section about the synagogue. The rest is all about the kitchen, the bedroom, and the business place. So, where is the center of Jewish observance?

Keep It Simple

A Guide to Helping Yourself and Others

You may have read a thousand self-help books and attended a thousand more seminars and lectures. But you know that when all is said and done, the answer lies within you. How can you access your deepest self and be the best you can be? It's simple.

The Fifth Commandment

Beyond Honoring Parents

While honoring your parents may seem like a basic social ideal, it is in fact an obligation to G-d. But why should two human beings deserve unconditional love and respect? Remembering G-d’s role in creating a child gives new meaning to the nature of this commandment.

More Important than Love

Secrets to a Healthy Relationship

Relationships require effort. How do we make sure the other party is getting what is needed? How can we provide what is wanted? And how do we deal with the differences that will inevitably arise? This lesson will show you, by revealing the true meaning of respect.

The Man in the Cave

The Story Behind the Kabbalah

The Zohar is an important text of the Kabbalah, revealing the depths of creation and secrets of the Torah. This biographical sketch will shed light on the life and times of its author, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. What is the story of this great sage, and what can we learn from him?

This Is Where It's At

Why the Torah Doesn't Discuss Heaven

Do you expect any reward for being a good person, like eternal bliss or a nice place in heaven? Or maybe you are the altruistic type, just happy to do the right thing? The Torah promises reward for keeping its commandments, but for some reason doesn't mention any spiritual payback.

Saul: Qualities of a Leader

What are the signature strengths that make a person great? What is the difference between being smart and being wise? In the story of our ancestors' quest to install their first king, we dissect Saul's character, his humility and wisdom, and the key weakness that led to his downfall.

Saul: Qualities of a Leader

What are the signature strengths that make a person great? What is the difference between being smart and being wise? In the story of our ancestors' quest to install their first king, we dissect Saul's character, his humility and wisdom, and the key weakness that led to his downfall.

Jephthah: Gaining Perspective

What propelled Jephthah to do the unthinkable -- to sacrifice his own daughter? Emotions often cloud our judgment. How do we gain perspective at such times? This lesson examines Jephthah's failures, exploring alternative ways in which he might have dealt with his situation, and how we can respond when facing similar circumstances.

Jephthah: Gaining Perspective

What propelled Jephthah to do the unthinkable -- to sacrifice his own daughter? Emotions often cloud our judgment. How do we gain perspective at such times? This lesson examines Jephthah's failures, exploring alternative ways in which he might have dealt with his situation, and how we can respond when facing similar circumstances.