Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Negotiating with Terror

In 2011, Israel set 1,027 prisoners free in exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit. More recently, the rise of ISIS and the murders of James Foley and Steven Sutloff and others have forced us to revisit this heart wrenching debate: Should we pay hefty ransoms or release dangerous criminals in exchange for the life and freedom of an innocent hostage?

The Ticking Bomb Dilemma

The recent "Torture Report" alleges that the brutal interrogation techniques used by the CIA in the aftermath of 9/11 were ineffective. But what if they did yield valuable information--would they have been justified? While the evils of terror must be combated, human rights must also be protected. How are we to balance these competing values?

Letters Of Light - Lesson 2 by Intown Jewish Academy

Eternal Bond

Once a soul has left this world, despite its exalted spiritual place, it can no longer perform mitzvot, and we become the hands and feet of the departed. Our actions here cause great delight for the souls above. This lesson discusses the customs of Kaddish, Yahrtzeit, Yizkor, and visiting the grave. It also discusses the ways that departed souls may communicate with us, and pray or intercede on our behalf.

Letters Of Light - Lesson 1 by Intown Jewish Academy

Reincarnation

The soul usually requires many lifetimes to complete its mission. Each lifetime adds to the experience of the soul so that currently we are able to draw upon the lessons of previous lifetimes. This knowledge allows us navigate our life and mission with greater hope and confidence. We will also consider the lives of famous Jewish personalities, and see how the mystics have explained the events of their lives through the lens of their past lives.

Death and Beyond

In this lesson, we examine death from the perspective of the soul. We look at the Jewish customs of death that aid the soul in its transition out of the physical world. We talk about Gan Eden, the pleasure the soul receives as a result of its positive actions in this world, as well as the process of Gehinom that is meant to cleanse the soul so that it can reunite with its source. The lesson also addresses the ultimate state of the soul when it returns to this world during the era of the Resurrection of the Dead.

Impart a Toolkit for Life

The tools your child needs to succeed include a great education, strong values, and an identity they are proud of. What role does each parent play in providing these? And how can you help your child discover the joy in Judaism and a proud sense of Jewish identity?

Full Devotion 5 - The Relationship Between Light And Vessel (February 8, 2015) by Intown Jewish Academy

Impart a Toolkit for Life

The tools your child needs to succeed include a great education, strong values, and an identity they are proud of. What role does each parent play in providing these? And how can you help your child discover the joy in Judaism and a proud sense of Jewish identity?