Torah Cafe

One of the strangest stories in the Torah is when Balaam decided to go and curse Israel but G-d sent obstacles to disuade him from going. One such event was when Balaam hit his donkey and the donkey began to speak back to him. J

A fascinating discussion about the strange story of the talking donkey and the lessons for us today.

One of the most important Jewish events in modern Jewish history, was the split in Hungarian Jewry in 1870. It marked the first time Jewish communities officially split over theological differences, changing how Jews have since thought about their identity. 

A fascinating class about an unknown but important event in history whose impact continues to this day. 

One of the central values in Judaism is not speaking bad about others, Lashon Hara in Hebrew. While gossip has become a staple in our society today, our Jewish traditions are strongly opposed to it. 

A discussion about the rules and precautions we must take not to speak evil of others, the dangers such speech can bring and the benefits of living a gossip free life.

Music played a central role in the service at the Temple in Jerusalem. While sacrifices were offered, the Levites played a variety of music and sang songs of praise to G-d. Yet, while traditional synagogues sing songs of praise and prayer, they generally do not accompany the songs with music. 

What is the role of instrumental music in Judaism? Why was it used in the Temple in Jerusalem, but generally not used today? Can a community add music to its prayers if it wishes?

A fascinating discussion about the role of music in Jewish prayer.

The word "Amen" is used by Jews throughout our prayers and in daily life to respond to blessings. What does the word Amen mean? Where does it come from? When is it appropriate to respond Amen and when is it not? Are there other appropriate responses to a blessing?

A fascinating discussion about the origins and meaning of "Amen".

There is an old custom to stay awake and study Torah all night on the eve of Shavuot. Many recite the Tikkun, a collection of readings from the written and oral Torahs. Where did this custom originate, and what is the reason for it?

A fascinating discussion about the custom of staying awake on Shavuot Night

Pirkei Avot is one of the earliest classic Jewish works of ethics. Pirkei Avot is a collection of inspirational teachings and life-lessons from the sages of the Mishnah (0-200 CE). It was written as part of the Mishna over 1,800 years ago.  There is a widespread custom to study Pirkei Avot on Shabbat afternoon of the weeks between Passover and Shavuot.

A fascinating discussion about Pirkei Avot. why it was written and some of its important lessons. 

The Zohar has been a difficult and elusive book throughout our history. A large tome, written in Western Aramaic and cryptic in its meaning the Zohar has mystified scholars and layman alike. The history of the Zohar, who wrote it and who studied it remain debated among scholars. 

A discussion about the Zohar's author Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the book itself.

(This class was originally taught in 2016)

Are the Torah's words meant to be taken at face value? If the Torah says something, should we accept it as written? It may come as a surprise to many that one of the central belief in Judaism is that the Torah was never meant to be taken at face value. Rather the Torah was written in code and we can only understand it if we know how to decipher the code. 

A fascinating discussion about the Torah, its meaning, and an exploration of examples where we believe the Torah meant something other than what is written. 

The Torah forbids us from eating fruit of a tree that has been planted within the past 3 years. This prohibition is called Orla. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the fruit of the 4th year was brought to Jerusalem and eaten there.  What is the reason for the law of Orla? How is it observed today?

A fascinating discussion about Orla, fruit in the first 3 years.