Following a writing exercise, Rabbi Jonathan and members of the class share their statements: "This I Believe..."

This week we address the world of Bri'ah, the world of concepts, intellect, and belief, the frameworks that determine how we approach the other worlds. What are our core values and beliefs that shape our worldview?

Tikkun Olam means "repairing the world." In Judaism, we speak of Four Worlds, the worlds of action, emotion, intellect and spirit. In this course our goal is to set our course for the New Year on all of these levels.

How are we to treat a member of our own community who alienates himself and makes himself "other"? In these poignant Talmudic tales about Rabbi Elisha Ben Avuyah loses his faith and leaves the Jewish fold. He is shunned by all except his friend and student Rabbi Meir, who refuses to cut off the relationship and continues to love and connect with his dear friend.

In these teaching stories about Hillel and Shammai's very different attitudes toward prospective converts to Judaism, we learn "to be flexible like Hillel, not rigid like Shammai."

More on the compelling Biblical commandments to love and care for the stranger, with a wide ranging discussion.

The commandment to protect and care for the "ger", the stranger, occurs more times than any other instruction in the Torah. We explore all of these citations, and discuss their humanizing intent.

Rabbi Jonathan in a wide ranging interview with Mia Berman, the host of “Mia’s World” on City World Radio Network. The host also plays several of Rabbi Jonathan’s recordings.

http://www.cityworldradio.com/mias-world/

The Children of Israel are finally ready to set out on their journey from Mount Sinai. But the test of radical trust in YHVH proves too difficult, and high drama ensues.

Exploring the significance of the first born in the symbol system of Torah