Join us bi-weekly for an enlightening Torah class that delves into the weekly Torah portion. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to uncover the layers of meaning and relevance within the Torah's timeless teachings. Together, we explore the narratives, laws, and ethical teachings found within the weekly Torah portion, allowing us to draw inspiration and guidance for our lives today. Classes in August are on zoom, Sign up below to receive link. Wednesday, July 31 2024 Why It Really Hurts Understanding the Source of Our Pain–and How to Heal It The world is filled with pain, grief, and so many challenges. But a surprising Chasidic text reveals that our pain is rooted in G-d’s pain–providing a deep foray into Jewish mysticism and a novel pathway for healing. Wednesday, August 7 2024 Holy Land, Holy People Our Connection to Israel Is Sacred The chronology of events leading up to our people’s first entry into the Land teaches us that to maintain our connection with this sacred land, we must guard not only its borders, but our own sacred heritage. Wednesday, August 14 2024 The World Doesn’t Exist Why Nothing Can Get in the Way of Good The world around us feels very real, and even more real the more we experience it. But the kabbalists taught that it actually isn’t. Discover an entirely new way of looking at the universe, and emerge empowered to never back down from doing the right thing. Wednesday, August 21 2024 G-d Isn’t an Accountant Why One Mitzvah Is Better than a Thousand Sins Accepting bribes is an objective ethical no-no. G-d, too, takes no bribes, the verse tells us. But some form of bribes He does take: the power of teshuvah, repairing our relationship with Him, will always be accepted on High. Wednesday, August 28 2024 Portal to Infinity To Activate the Magic, You’ve Got to Follow the Recipe Many find the high level of detail in Jewish observance frustrating, or even petty; could an infinite G-d really care if I light Shabbat candles a minute later or earlier? Well, actually, the answer is yes: deviating from the recipe will not bake the cake! Wednesday, September 4 2024 To Be Human Is to Be Like a . . . Tree? Identifying the Hallmark of Our Humanity—And How to Make It Last We humans are funny creatures: we think and feel, we become inspired, and we understand; yet somehow those experiences rarely align. We think one way and feel another. Understanding the true source of humanity makes it all click. Wednesday, September 11 2024 Arguing Effectively Hint: Don’t Go in It to Win It Public discourse has been poisoned, with debate almost always devolving into nasty bickering with no winners. An in-depth analysis of the Torah commentator Rashi’s silence on a verse offers a key to arguing effectively, with peaceful outcomes. Wednesday, September 18 2024 Negative Newsfeeds: Not the New Normal A Handy Hack to Living a More Positive Reality Habituation can be a nasty thing; living a certain reality for too long normalizes it, no matter how inherently crazy it is. But a Talmudic comment about the nature of exile reveals it wasn’t meant to be this way—and empowers us to remain uncomfortable with, and challenge—aberrations. Wednesday, September 25 2024 Unity Torah Taking Your Part in a Community Legacy The global Jewish family is much heralded. But what can you do practically to take a proactive role in it? Discover the beauty, depth, and power of purchasing just one small letter in a Torah scroll. Wednesday, October 2 2024 Self-Generated You Have What It Takes to Make Changes The High Holidays bring with them feelings of inspiration and the need to change. But what will it take to really make that change, once and for all? The answer, in one word, is "You." All you need is an honest appreciation of the need to change—and change will come. Wednesday, October 9 2024 The True Story Seeing Past the Noise Why do people decide to improve? What motivates positive change? In the eyes of one Talmudic sage, the answer is always the same: a deep desire to return to G-d. It’s the deeper story of your story: now take the time to uncover it. Wednesday, October 16 2024 You’re Committed? Great. Now Appreciate It Too Learning How to Like the Things We Love Commitment is a wonderful thing. In fact, it’s the bedrock of all successful relationships. But it’s not enough. The progression of joyous steps in the Sukkot festival teaches us that it’s equally important to appreciate and like it, too. Full Name* First Name Last Name E-mail* Phone Number* Area Code Phone Number Submit Should be Empty: This page uses TLS encryption to keep your data secure.
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