Good Is Good, Better Is Better, and Best Is Best

Why Jews Spend So Much on Their Religion

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at Atlanta on June 15, 2022)

Jews do Judaism with grandeur. Thousands on an etrog, fine china for Shabbat dinner, and gilded synagogues that match the finest architecture anywhere. But why? Because we understand that when it comes to our relationship with G-d, only the best will do. Anything less may not be lacking, but it is wanting—and we’ll have none of that.

Learning How to Love - Part 50

"Secrets of the Menorah"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 13, 2020)

The menorah is one of our most beloved mitzvot, and has become one of Judaism's most prominent symbols. While the message of the menorah seems fairly straightforward, it does contain its secrets. The Kabbalists reveal deeper meanings embedded within the menorah -- powerful lessons that can profoundly impact our lives.

Among the secrets of the menorah is its ability to heal the fractures that exist between us and bring us together. Seen in this light, the menorah is the ultimate unifier. And this truth is encoded in something so basic to the mitzvah that we might overlook it -- the specific placement of the menorah.

In this very special Chanukah-edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we conclude our series "Learning How to Love" and discover the healing power of the menorah and the Festival of Lights.

Learning How to Love - Part 49

"The Voice"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 6, 2020)

Of the three "garments of the soul," speech seems to be relatively mild, wedged as it were between thought and action. Speech doesn't have the creative flair of thought. Nor does it have the practical effect of action. Speech, it seems, is merely the Door Dash of our psyche, transmitting our thoughts and feelings to others.

But not according to Kabbalah.

The Kabbalists teach us about the tremendous power of speech -- in some ways more innovative than thought and more influential than action. It is the realm of speech that is most critical in our personal development and our development of the world. And it is speech that quite literally summons forth an influx of light from the Ein Sof into our earlthy realm.

In this very special session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the power of speech, and learn why The Voice (your voice -- not the reality show) might just be the greatest gift we possess.

Learning How to Love - Part 48

"Fire"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 29, 2020)

Fire is one of the most magical elements on earth. It is of nature, but beyond nature. The nature of fire is radically different from the natures of all other forms of existence; whereas theirs is to solidify their existence, fire's nature is to undo its own existence.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the most spiritual entities are likened to fire -- starting with the Torah. The Talmud adds fire to fire when it describes Torah thus: The Torah given to Moses was written with black fire upon white fire, sealed with fire, and swathed with bands of fire.

Two fires. Black fire. White fire. What does it mean? What does it tell us about Torah and the life purpose Torah communicates?

In this special holiday edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore what the Kabbalists teach us about fire and the duel, fiery nature of Torah.

Learning How to Love - Part 47

"Up & Down"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 22, 2020)

In the ancient Kabbalistic text Tikunei Zohar there is an enigmatic statement: "The Infinite Light extends upward without end, and extends downward without limit."

Many subsequent generations of Kabbalists have discussed and debated its meaning. Is it simply speaking to the infinite expanse of the light, above and below? Or is it perhaps speaking of two dimensions of reality, born of these two distinct "movements" of the infinite light?

In this light-filled edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we mine this Kabbalistic teaching and come away with profound insights about the nature of creation and human personality, and discover pathways to creating peace and harmony among us all.

Learning How to Love - Part 46

"Pure Delight"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 15, 2020)

There are many forms of pleasure -- some higher, some lower. Lower pleasures provide temporary thrills that are fast fading. Loftier pleasures last longer, stretching beyond the initial explosion of exhilaration.

But, as the Kabbalists explain, there's another distinction among pleasures; not quantitative, but qualitative. Most pleasures are compository by nature, possessing a less potent sort of delight. And then there are the pure pleasures -- experiences that are essentially delightful.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore "Pure Delight." We trace the spiritual origins of pleasure and chart its plurality, ultimately arriving at a powerful recognition of what's truly delightful.

Learning How to Love - Part 45

"Truth"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 8, 2020)

Ever feel like it's getting harder and harder to know the truth -- to separate fact from fiction? It might seem like a new challenge, but in truth, the Kabbalists tell us that it's been going on since the beginning.

According to Kabbalah, this world is called "The World of Falsehood." The higher, spiritual realms exist in a state of transparency to Source and reveal the truth of their own created reality. But our physical realm? As you and I know all too well, this world stands in denial of divine truth, proclaiming self as its own master. As Pharaoh was wont to say: "The Nile is mine -- and I created myself!"

So what to do in a world built on lies? The Kabbalists have a solution. See, there's one beacon of truth in a world that feels so false, one ray of light in what seems to be a space of impenetrable darkness.

That source of truth and hope? In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee you'll find out!

Learning How to Love - Part 44

"Peace's Secret Weapon"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 1, 2020)

From the beginning of our journey we've operated with a simple premise: the archenemy of holiness is division and conflict.

See, everything begins with One. And even as existence unfolds from Oneness in all its glorious diversity, it's essential, natural unity shines through. Until reality concretizes in our created space -- then, tension and discord reign.

But there is a tool of unity that is ever available, a throwback from a primordial reality where everything was only and obviously unified. This is peace's secret weapon. And when you and I embrace it and utilize it, we can work past all of the forces that drive us apart and -- finally -- come together.

In this momentous session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we fuse ancient mystical teachings with modern behavioral science to discover a powerful path toward unity and love. This is wisdom that will blow your mind, and change your life.

Learning How to Love - Part 43

"Equilibrium"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 18, 2020)

We explore the pre-tzimtzum state of reality, and the true nature of peace. What did it look like before the Big Concealment? What constituted the primordial fabric of reality? What is the most critical component of cosmic peace and equilibrium? And what does all of this mean for us today?

In this unforgettable edition of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore these important and timely questions.

Garments of the Soul - Part 5

“Be a Tzaddik”

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 2, 2023

The ways of the heart are mysterious, and at times, deceitful. As much as we try to seize control of our inner selves, we often find ourselves tripping over the whims of our heart.

Which makes the soul's pre-birth commitment all the more strange. 

The Talmud relates that before it is sent into this world, the soul is administered an oath to "be a tzaddik." Now, a tzaddik is someone who is in full control of their inner self. But how can that be mandated of the soul?! There are far too many extenuating factors that go into the drama of life. How can one ever be certain that they can be a true blue tzaddik?

The answer to this question, as formulated by the mystics, is simply marvelous. It reshapes our vision of self, and reimagines the reach of human potential. Indeed, what seems beyond reach is, in fact, attainable. If we only know the secret of the tzaddik.

In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the miraculous reach of human potential.