Torah Unraveled: Recent Episodes
The Torah Center ATL
The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~ Support our work! http://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 39: Parashat Re'ehThe Real Meaning of TzedakahWhy Giving Shouldn’t Feel Like EarningRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026Giving tzedakah during the High Holidays reminds us that we’re all recipients of G-d’s generosity. In this lesson, we’ll examine how tzedakah reflects a deeper truth: our actions only carry weight because G-d has chosen to give them meaning. And for that, we are eternally grateful.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 17The Power of ReputationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026Imagine a mighty and fearsome king. You live in constant reverence of him and his decrees. You'd never dream of crossing his will.Here's the strange part: you've never actually met him.Some leaders rule through interaction. Others rule through reputation alone. What gives reputation that kind of power over an entire nation? Can we even measure something so intangible? And what can we borrow from it for our own lives?In this session of Kabbalah Café we unpack the hidden power of reputation.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 16What's Your NumberWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 26th, 2026Numbers hold deep meaning in Judaism. Some are famous, like 18 (chai), 10 (utterances, commandments), and 7 (creation). Others are a bit more low-key, like 42 and 49.Both of these latter numbers are multiples of seven, and both mark real stages of spiritual growth. But they pull in opposite directions. 42 is the ache of yearning, reaching for something beyond us. 49 is the steady work of integration, making that something part of who we are.A healthy human being, Kabbalah teaches, has a healthy 42 and a healthy 49.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the mystical significance of numbers, and discover what they reveal about our own spiritual journey.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 15IndecisiveWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 19, 2026Have you ever stood frozen, unsure which path to take? Chances are, you were missing a little malchut.The Kabbalists speak of the sefirot, the cosmic forces that shape us from without and within. Malchut is the last of these, and the most decisive. It's the force that takes an idea and makes it real, that turns potential into action, that gets things done.Without malchut, even the loftiest vision stays a dream.In this session of Kabbalah Café we uncover the secret of malchut and learn how to draw on its power in our own lives.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 14Creation's Hidden CodeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 5th, 2026The Torah’s account of Creation is more than the story of how the world came to be. It is a map of how Divine energy flows into reality every single moment.Why was light created before the sun? Why does the Torah separate Creation into seven distinct days? And what does any of this have to do with our own personalities, relationships, and spiritual growth?Kabbalah teaches that each day of Creation corresponds to one of the seven emotional sefirot, the Divine attributes through which G-d continually creates and sustains the universe. Kindness. Discipline. Harmony. Endurance. Humility. Connection. Presence. Together, they reveal the hidden blueprint of existence and the inner architecture of the human soul.In this session of Kabbalah Café we journey through the seven days of Creation and uncover the profound spiritual forces that continue to shape our lives today.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 38: Parashat EikevThe Night of OpportunityThe Magic of Evening Torah StudyRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026While most people use their evenings to relax or unwind, Jewish tradition teaches us to connect with G-d through Torah study at night. Discover how the quiet of the night can deepen your Torah study and transform your life.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 37: Parashat Va’etchananMemory Is LifeThe Fine Line between Advice and AgendaRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 21, 2026Torah study isn’t just a learning experience—it’s the key to life itself. But what happens when we forget the teachings we’ve absorbed? Explore why Torah isn’t just information, it’s the breath of life—and how forgetting even one word can have profound spiritual consequences.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 36: Devarim / 9 AvBuilding From the RubbleThe First Step to Rebuilding What’s BrokenRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 14, 2026Sometimes, things fall apart to make room for something better. This class dives into how life’s most painful moments can be reframed as the start of something new. Harness the energy of breakdowns to fuel breakthroughs, and discover how to find purpose in every twist of life’s journey.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Sinai and Civics - Lesson 4The Separation of PowersWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 1, 2026Three branches of government. The separation of church and state. See how America’s system parallels the Torah’s ancient division of powers — and how they each understand the role morality plays in the public square.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 35: PinchasFrom Rebellion to RedemptionHow Korach’s Sons Crawled out of the Abyss—and How You Can TooRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 30, 2026Jews in the Soviet Union risked everything to free the Rebbe. Despite impossible odds, their self-sacrifice led to an unexpected victory. What allowed them to succeed where logic said they couldn’t?The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 13Your Name, ExplainedWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 28, 2026Shakespeare famously said a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Kabbalah respectfully disagrees.Kabbalah teaches that a name is a physical echo of a corresponding spiritual reality. Your name is a precise configuration of those letters, rooted in the unique source of your soul and inscribed above long before you were born.See, the soul enters the body in stages. Being called by name is the moment the soul's vitality fully binds to the body. That's why not just any name will do.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the secret energy of names and the deeper truth behind the name you've carried your whole life.
Torah Studies 5786Class 34: Chukat-BalakThe Strength to Overcome the ImpossibleWhen Faith Defies the OddsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 23, 2026Jews in the Soviet Union risked everything to free the Rebbe. Despite impossible odds, their self-sacrifice led to an unexpected victory. What allowed them to succeed where logic said they couldn’t?The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Sinai and Civics - Lesson 3In G-d We TrustWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, June 24, 2026What is “The American Dream”? Discover the surprising story of how a Biblical concept came to shape America’s ideal of equal opportunity and mass prosperity.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 43With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 18th, 2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 12Adam's First DayWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 21, 2026Imagine you are Adam, the first human being.One moment, you do not exist. The next, you awaken to a world bursting with life, beauty, and possibility. You open your eyes for the very first time. Everything is new. Everything is a miracle.How would you feel? What would you do?Our tradition traces Adam’s very first moments after creation. The Midrashic and Kabbalistic teachings reveal where he went, what he experienced, and the mission he set out to accomplish on that first extraordinary day of life. The deeper we explore these teachings, the more remarkable that day becomes.In this session of Kabbalah Café we trace Adam’s first footsteps and learn how to greet each day with fresh eyes and a sense of wonder.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Sinai and Civics - Lesson 2The Roots of EqualityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, June 17, 2026It wasn’t always self-evident that all people are created equal. So why did the founders think it was? Discover the story of this foundational American and Jewish value.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage.~Support our work!thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 42With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 11th, 2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 33: KorachThe Leadership DilemmaPower vs. InfluenceRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026What makes a great leader? Power or influence? In this class, we’ll explore the difference between Korach’s power grab and another episode that challenged Moses’s legacy of leadership. Discover why true leaders don’t just command; they inspire others to lead.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our workhttps://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Sinai and Civics - Lesson 1The Foundations of the CovenantWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026From the Pilgrims on, America’s founders drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible. America was founded, not by conquest, but by a shared promise—a covenant. See how these factors helped make America the most welcoming nation for Jews in our long Diaspora.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 11The Mystery of FireWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 7, 2026Have you ever become excited about something you’re learning? Ever felt emotionally invested in an idea? When that happens, what are you actually experiencing? Is it an idea, or a feeling?In the human being, intellect and emotion seem to occupy different worlds. Ideas emerge in the mind, while feelings reside in the heart. Are they destined to remain separate, or can thought and emotion converge into a single experience?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore classic Jewish mystical texts that trace the journey from mind to heart, revealing how understanding evolves into feeling and how our deepest emotions are often born from our highest ideas.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 41With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 4th, 2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 32: ShelachFrom Honest Scouts to Sinister SpiesThe Slippery Slope of Moral ErosionRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 9, 2026The spies didn’t wake up evil: they slipped there. What starts as a minor shift in intention can spiral into a full-blown moral disaster. This class exposes the subtle missteps that led them to betrayal and shows you how to catch the warning signs before it’s too late.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 31: Beha’alotechaRestrain or Transform?Finding Balance between Holding Back and Growing ForwardRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026Should spiritual growth focus on restraining negativity, or actively cultivating goodness? Is there space for both, or must we choose? This discussion explores the balance between self-restraint and transformation in our spiritual journey.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 10The Mystery of FireWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 31st ,2026.Fire is one of creation’s great mysteries. It gives warmth and light, consumes and transforms. Unlike any other force in nature, it reaches beyond itself, always rising upward.But where does fire come from? What secrets does it hold about the nature of the soul and our connection to the Divine?In this Kabbalah Café class we explore the mystical origins of fire, uncover two distinct forms of flame, and discover how each reflects a different dimension of the human spirit.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Kinus TorahYear 3 - ShavuosDoes Torah Endorse SlaveryA Serious Look at Difficult TopicWith Mendel GoldbergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 24, 2026The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Jewish LawHow Torah Navigates Modern LendingWith Rabbi Yacov BarberRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 24, 2026The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 30: NasoSameness Is a ShameWhy King David’s “Songs” Missed the MusicRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026When life feels monotonous, it’s not the world that’s flat: it’s our angle. This class reveals how David’s “songs” teach us to find the living face hidden within life’s sameness.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 29: ShavousChabad's Loud TruthFrom Sinai’s Thunder to Boldness in the StreetsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026Chabad’s loud, unapologetic approach to Jewish outreach might seem surprising—but it’s quite ancient: it mirrors the dramatic revelation at Mount Sinai. Thunder and lightning accompanied the Giving of the Torah, and Chabad’s visible presence in public spaces reaffirms that every corner of the world belongs to G-d.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 9Cultivating LeadershipWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 17th ,2026.Kabbalah teaches that the human soul contains ten distinct inner powers. Yet among them, one stands apart: malchut, leadership.What makes someone a leader? Where does the drive to lead come from? Are leaders born, or can leadership be cultivated? And if it can, what does real leadership actually require?The mystics uncover a surprising truth about leadership and its source. As it turns out, authentic leadership has far less to do with self than we tend to imagine.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the spiritual energy of malchut and discover the deeper secret to becoming a more effective and meaningful leader.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 8Decoding AngelsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 10 ,2026.Angels appear throughout Torah as messengers, protectors, guides, and agents of judgment. They carry different names, assume different forms, and fulfill different missions.Which begs the question: what exactly is an angel?Kabbalah speaks extensively about angels, revealing their personality, purpose, and place. And according to the mystics, they may be far closer to us than we think.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Kabbalah's map for decoding angels.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage.~Support our work!thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 39With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 7th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 28: BamidbarIs It Worth Teaching Them So Young?When Early Education Feels Pointless, but It Might Be EverythingRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026Is it really worth investing in a child’s education when they’re too young to understand? This class dives into the debate over whether we should push early learning, the value of small efforts, and why we trust that our work, even when unseen, will shape the future.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage.~Support our work!thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
For All Humankind - Lesson 4It Will Get BetterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 13, 2026History is a story of purpose and progress, not endless cycles of doom. See how this makes every moral choice a stepping stone to a harmonious future.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 27: Behar - BechukotaiWhen Questions Bring BlessingTurning Curiosity into FaithRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026We all ask “how” when faced with uncertainty. The Torah shows that some questions come from fear—and others from faith. This class explores how sincere curiosity and humble effort invite Divine blessing, even when we feel least worthy.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
For All Humankind - Lesson 3Educating ChildrenWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026Is raising kids all about career-prep? What should we teach our children at school and at home? See the critical purpose that makes family life so central to Judaism’s universal morality.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 38With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, April 30th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 7How Far Is It to Heaven?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 3 ,2026.The universe is vast. Which prompted the ancient sages to wonder: how far is it to heaven?The Talmud gives an answer, declaring it a journey of 500 years. But what kind of distance is that? Is heaven a place we can actually reach?Fortunate for us, the mystics provide some much-needed context. It's not so much a journey as it is a construct. The universe, as vast as it is, is defined and limited. And that heightens the mystery, the impossibility, of creation itself.In this session of Kabbalah Café we hitch our wagons to the mystics and explore the hidden architecture of the cosmos, in a galaxy far, far away.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
For All Humankind - Lesson 2Is Morality Obvious?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026Can logic create morality? Explore the value of innate human dignity, where it comes from, and the trouble with pinning new sources to a timeless moral principle.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 26: EmorMore than Just DayHow One Day of Rest Can Transform the WeekRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026Shabbos isn’t just a day of rest: it influences every part of our lives, extending its impact far beyond the twenty-five hours. Discover how the mindset and practices of Shabbos shape our entire week.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 37With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, April 23rd ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 6When the One Becomes ManyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 26th ,2026.If everything is, at its core, undivided Divine energy, where does difference begin? Where do edges form in a reality flooded with infinite light? What makes one thing this, and not that?Kabbalah answers: through the secret of the Divine Names.The Infinite itself is beyond all names, beyond all definition. But the names revealed in Torah are not labels; they are channels, vessels, frequencies through which the boundless light constricts, refracts, and becomes knowable.Every name is a doorway. Every name is a way the One becomes many, without ever ceasing to be One.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the Divine Names and begin to trace the hidden architecture of reality itself.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
For All Humankind - Lesson 1 The Message of Abraham With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, April 22, 2026Our universal message isn’t “Be Jewish,” so what is it? See how Judaism’s universal concern began with Abraham and what ethical monotheism means in practice.
Torah Studies 5786Class 25: Acharei-KedoshimHelping or Hustling?The Fine Line Between Advice and AgendaRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 21, 2026Ever given advice that seemed like it was for someone else, but . . . maybe you kind of benefited too? This class dives into the fine line between genuine help and self-serving agendas, showing you how to ensure your actions are truly for others—not just for your own gain.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage.~Support our work!thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 36With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, April 16th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 5Cracking the CodeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 19th ,2026.There is a code that powers all of existence, a kind of Divine DNA. This code forms the fabric of reality. And it is composed of letters.The mystics teach that the Hebrew letters G-d used to create the universe are not just symbols, but living channels of energy that continue to sustain creation at every moment. Through Kabbalistic wisdom, we can begin to decode these letters and uncover the life-force beneath the surface of everything.In this session of Kabbalah Café we use Kabblistic wisdom to crack the code of creation.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 24: Tazria-MetzoraThe Art of Loving RebukeHow to Correct Others without Hurting ThemRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026In a world full of flaws, it’s easy to point out others’ mistakes—but the Torah teaches us that rebuke must always come from a place of love. Discover how to correct others with compassion, ensuring your words heal rather than harm.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 4Understand Your FeelingsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 12th ,2026.Emotions are big. In Kabbalah, they are likened to mountains: broad, tall, and sweeping. They have ups and downs, and they ebb and flow. Sometimes, they can feel out of control. But another truth about emotions is that they can be really hard to understand. We might feel something strongly, but be unable to identify it precisely or discern its origin.Kabbalah gives us the tools to understand our feelings. By mapping the human soul, Jewish mysticism provides the language to name our emotions, recognize their source, and exercise greater self-control.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the soul of feelings and the power of self-mastery.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 23: Pesach Boot CampFreedom with a Bitter EdgeWhy We Eat Matzah with CharosetRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026Pesach is fast approaching, and we have just what you need to get ready! This high-energy 60-minute session delves deep inside the soul of the Festival of Freedom to prepare you to make the most of your holiday experience.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 3Letters of LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 22, 2026.What is reality made of beneath the surface?The Kabbalists offer a surprising answer: letters.Kabbalah teaches that creation unfolds through Divine speech, a living language that continuously brings the world into being. Like code that powers a system, these letters form the inner mechanism of reality.This points to both the beauty and fragility of life. Change the code, and reality changes.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the inner architecture of creation and discover how language powers life.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 34With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, March 19th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 22: VayikraGuilt and Grace in Our ApologiesThe Offerings That Shape Our RepentanceRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026Is it ever too late to make a real change? Jewish tradition teaches that some sins call for the deep work of transforming our character. This class explores the symbolism behind the sin and guilt offerings, showing how repentance can be nurturing or tough as we face our mistakes head-on.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
When G-d PrayedA Study in the Art of AnthropomorphismWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026G-d prayed, sinned, and even requested a blessing from a human being. Talmudic anthropomorphisms highlight the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how being vulnerable shapes the character and essence of our relationship with G-d.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 15Mike the Headless Chicken, Part 2The Legend and the Law ReturnsWith Rabbi Shmuly WolffRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 15, 2026
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 14Can AI Be Self-Aware?A Jewish Legal and Ethical View of Artificial IntelligenceWith Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 8, 2026
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 13Mike the Headless Chicken, Part 1The Legend and the LawWith Rabbi Shmuly WolffRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 22, 2026
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 11Basi L'ganiWhy Did It Take the Rebbe 40 Years to Make This Point?With Rabbi Isser NewRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 25, 2026
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 10Faith Under DuressJewish Law When Survival Is on the LineWith Rabbi Daniel FreitagRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 18, 2026
HalachaWith Rabbi Josh WohlfarthRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 11, 2026
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 8Creating a Jewish Family Through AdoptionWith Rabbi Chaim LindenblattRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 14, 2025
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 33With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, March 12th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption - Part 2The Nature Of a MiracleWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 15th,2026.What is the greater expression of G-d’s power: creating the laws of nature, or breaking them?We tend to think of miracles as the ultimate display of the Divine: a dramatic suspension of reality, a flash of infinity tearing through the fabric of the world. A reminder that G-d stands beyond nature and can overturn it at will.But Kabbalah dares to ask a deeper question.What if the true wonder is not when the rules are broken, but when they hold? What if the consistent order of nature is itself the greater miracle? What if the real display of Divine power is not chaos, but harmony?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the hidden architecture of creation and discover the astonishing power concealed within the ordinary.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 21: Vayakhel-PekudeiAnchors in the StormThe Strength Found in the Small DetailsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 10th, 2026It’s the little things that keep everything in place. This class explores how the pegs of the Tabernacle in the desert teach us that even the smallest details are essential to the bigger picture. Just like anchors in a storm, these overlooked elements provide much-needed stability.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Rabbah bar bar Chanah's strange parables hold the secret to Jewish survival and offer powerful tips on how to rise above life's challenges.
Torah Studies 5786Class 20: Ki SisaThe Broken VesselWhy Letting Go Opens the Door to G-d’s WisdomRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026We try to hold ourselves together, but the deepest truths come when we’re willing to break. This class explores what we gain when we stop clinging and start surrendering.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Redemption -- explores this very question through a powerful mystical text authored in 1940 by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, shortly after his dramatic rescue from war-torn Europe.At that moment, Judaism stood at a crossroads. The old world was collapsing, and in America many believed that Jewish life would inevitably have to change. “America is different,” people said.In this remarkable discourse, the Rebbe offers a bold spiritual vision: the natural and the supernatural are not opposites. The deeper purpose of creation is that the ordinary world itself can reveal the Divine.Creation and redemption are not just historical ideas. They are forces alive within each of us.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 31With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, February 26th ,2026.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Forging Forward Exploring Futuristic ResponsaWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026As technology reshapes our world at dizzying speed, new Halachic questions emerge. In this lesson, we explore how ancient wisdom meets tomorrow's uncharted questions.The Torah Center ATL takes pride in offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful educational programs to all. People from a diverse spectrum of life find the Torah Center to be a warm and non-judgmental community in which to experience the richness and authenticity of Jewish learning and heritage. ~Support our work!https://thetorahcenteratl.org/donate
Torah Studies 5786Class 19: PurimPlaying by Nature’s Rules Can Get You KilledWhy Fitting In Is the Riskiest StrategyRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026The Jews in Persia thought they were safe—they had power, prestige, even a queen in the palace. Then came Haman. Purim teaches that our survival isn’t natural at all. Trusting politics and assimilation is choosing wolves; trusting G-d is choosing the Shepherd.
The Fifth FactorHow Emotional and Situational Wisdom Shape Rabbinic ResponsesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026Responsa abound with examples in which rabbis offered not only legal replies but also profound sensitivity and discernment, addressing the needs of individuals and communities with compassion and wisdom.
Torah Studies 5786Class 18: Parshat TerumahThe Argument That Never EndsJudaism Is a Lot Less Dogmatic Than You ThinkRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026If Torah were just a rigid rulebook, how could centuries of debate still rage about mitzvot observed since Sinai? Judaism thrives on the mystery, the questions, and the back-and-forth. Disagreement isn’t dysfunction—it’s discovery, and it’s what keeps the Torah endlessly alive.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 27Three Paths to PeaceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 15th,2026.Conflict feels stitched into the human story. History unfolds in waves of war, rivalry, and resentment, as if tension were the pulse beneath our collective heartbeat. Division can seem so constant that we mistake it for destiny.Yet the Jewish mystics insist that beneath the noise lies a deeper music. What we call conflict is often the friction of a hidden unity pressing to be revealed. Separation is a surface illusion; at our core there is oneness. Peace, then, is not wishful thinking. It is sacred perception and practice, learning to see the Divine within ourselves and within those we resist, and living in a way that protects that awareness.In this session of Kabbalah Café we study Kabbalistic teachings on tension and resolution and uncover three tools to transform war into peace.
Counterweights ConsideredThe Push and Pull within Halachic DecisionsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026Embedded within Halacha are fundamental Torah values that often serve as counterweights, subtly recalibrating outcomes in ways that defy initial expectations.
Torah Studies 5786Class 17: Parshat MishpatimThe Whole Half A Half-Shekel Teaches Total CommitmentRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026We hesitate to go all in—with people, with places, and with commitments—because we’re not sure it’s safe. We’re always ready to move on. But some things call for everything we’ve got. This class looks at one ancient mitzvah that helps us know when to stop hedging and start showing up.
WaterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 8th,2026.Our lives move in rhythms that pull us in opposite directions. There are moments of burning passion and restless ascent, and moments of quiet satisfaction and stillness. Times when the soul longs to climb higher, and times when it knows to pause, breathe, and take in what has already been achieved.Kabbalah names these two movements fire and water. Fire rises, driven by holy dissatisfaction and yearning for more. Water flows downward, calm and settled, at peace with what is. We are meant to live both: to strive and to return, to reach upward and to settle inward.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the soul of fire and water, and discover how to consciously activate both energies in our spiritual lives.
Precedent in PractiseHow Past Rulings Are Applied to New RealitiesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026From medieval blood libels to modern hot-air balloons, responsa reveal how new questions are answered by returning to the past, showing how Halachah remains current through careful reasoning and timeless principles.
Torah Studies 5786Class 16: Parshat YitroGood without G-d? Not for LongMorality without an Anchor DriftsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026Atheists can be moral, but when temptation hits, what keeps those morals in place? Judaism teaches that goodness without G-d is like a house without a foundation—it may look fine, but the first storm topples it. Faith doesn’t replace values; it makes them last.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 26With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, 29th January, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 25Beyond the MatrixWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 1st,2026.Most of us live inside the matrix. We operate within time and space, within the limits of nature, and within the constraints of physical reality. We learn how to adapt, how to function, and how to survive by working within the rules of the world as it appears to us.But Kabbalah teaches that there are people who live beyond the matrix. They are not removed from reality, but connected to a deeper one. They move through this world while drawing from a higher source, relying on the supernatural as naturally as others rely on gravity.OIn this session of Kabbalah Café we explore what it means to live beyond the matrix -- and how each of us can step outside it, even if only for moments at a time.
Torah Studies 5786Class 15: Parshat BeshalachOne Song, a Million VoicesA True Leader Can Make Us OneRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026Jews argue over food, politics, and prayer books. Yet, standing on the shores of the Red Sea, we sang one song in perfect unison. True unity isn’t about agreeing on everything; it’s about finding the leader and moment that brings our deepest oneness to the surface
Torah in the TrenchesThe Hands-On Reality of Halachic Decision-MakingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 28, 2026Rabbis don't rule in a vacuum. The responsa of this lesson show how Torah law meets real-world facts and scientific insight, bridging sacred texts and the complexity of everyday life.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 29With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, January 22nd,2026.The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 24Shabbat FoodWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 25th,2026.When you think of Shabbat food what comes to mind? Maybe fresh challah, gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, and potato kugel (if you're Ashkenazi).But according to Jewish mysticism, the real story isn’t just what we eat on Shabbat -- it’s what changes.On Shabbat, all of reality is more spiritually aligned. The world itself is elevated. And because food is part of that world, what we eat on Shabbat is fundamentally different from what we eat during the week. It might be the same ingredients, but it's on a different level.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Shabbat’s weekly upgrade, and how to consciously tap into the energy that’s on our table.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 28With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, January 15th,2026.The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 27With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, January 8th,2026.The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 23Boss ModeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 18th,2026.The tzadik is one who is unencumbered by the challenge of materialism. Unlike the rest of us, he or she has gained mastery over their animal soul, to the point that it no longer rears its distracting head.So how does the tzadik relate to the real world? Like a boss. As the mystics explain, the tzadik moves through life without material resistance, refining and elevating the natural world without challenge or strife.Now, what does this have to do with the rest of us who might not yet be a tzadik? Is there a message and model that we can follow and integrate in our own experiences?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we break down the spiritual anatomy of a tzadik and learn how to live, in our own way, in boss mode.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 22Spiritual ImmaturityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 11th,2026.We live in bodies, think in images, and understand the world through our senses. Even when we reach for the spiritual, we do so using physical language, metaphors, and frames of reference. Our imagination climbs toward heaven -- but its ladder is made of earth.The Kabbalists call this katnut, spiritual immaturity: a state in which physicality is our first and loudest perception. It’s why prayer can feel heavy, why Divine abstraction seems unknowable, and why true, essential G-dly connection feels out of reach. The soul knows there is more, but the mind keeps translating infinity into something finite.In this session of Kabbalah Café we take an eye-opening journey into these inner limits and beyond. Together, we explore how the wisdom of Kabbalah charts a path past the dominance of the physical, toward a deeper and more authentic encounter with the Divine.
Torah Studies 5786Class 14: Parshat BoTime: Humanity’s Last FrontierEvery Hour Is a Holy Hour; Every Second, SacredRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026You can sanctify a lulav, a shofar, even flour and water. But can you sanctify Tuesday at 3 p.m.? The first mitzvah given to the Jews was about shaping time itself. It’s a reminder that we don’t just count days—we make them count.
Torah Studies 5786Class 13: Parshat Va'eiraLight at the End of the TunnelSpiritual Clarity Is Closer Than You ThinkRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026In a world full of noise, true peace can feel elusive. But thanks to the teachings of Chasidus, we’re fortunate to live in a time when spiritual, moral, and Divine clarity is closer than ever. G-d’s revelations to Moses in Va’era show us the light that’s available to us today: a light we would do well to embrace.
Dispatches of DevotionHow Responsa Reveal Unshakable Jewish LoyaltyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 21, 2026Whispered in hiding, posed under siege, and asked in the shadow of death, many questions of the responsa literature read as stirring declarations of faith, testifying to unwavering commitment to Judaism and ethical living.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 21Spiritual SubterfugeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 4th,2026.Integrity is Divine. Truth is holy. And yet, Kabbalah teaches that not every holy act looks holy on the surface.The sparks of G-dliness trapped in our physical world didn’t fall there through honesty and light alone. They were taken through distortion, disguise, and deception. And to rescue them, the soul is sometimes asked to work within that same treacherous terrain.Not deception for ego. Not manipulation for gain. But spiritual cunning in service of redemption.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the sacred mission entrusted to us, and the surprising tools we must employ to bring light back where it belongs.
A PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 28th,2025.Of all spiritual practices, prayer may be the most demanding. The mind wanders. The heart resists. Presence feels elusive. And yet, perhaps because of this, prayer is the most powerful ritual we possess.Kabbalah lifts the veil on prayer, revealing its inner architecture and hidden purpose. The mystics teach that prayer is not merely spoken words, but a spiritual technology that can elevate consciousness, realign the soul, and draw divine flow into our lives.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the art of prayer and learn how, when approached with intention, it can radically transform our days.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 19The Art of MeditationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 21st, 2025.Most of us think of meditation as emptying the mind. Slowing the breath. Letting thoughts drift away.Kabbalah takes a more focused approach.Rather than clearing the mind, Kabbalistic meditation trains it. It uses specific ideas, images, and intentions to direct attention and shape inner awareness. Thought is not a distraction here. It is the tool.When practiced properly, this kind of meditation is grounded and practical. It can sharpen clarity, deepen presence, and become a steady, meaningful part of daily life.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Jewish mystical meditation and try it together. No prior experience needed.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 18Whistle While You WorkWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 14th,2025.Work consumes so much of our lives, yet so often it feels painfully ordinary. We show up, we grind, we earn, but why? If the paycheck arrived without the effort, would our work still matter?Kabbalah says yes, profoundly so.The mystics reveal that work is a spiritual design. Every task, every interaction, every challenge is arranged to draw out the deepest purpose of our soul. When we uncover the inner architecture of work, the mundane becomes luminous and our daily routine becomes a path of transformation.In this session of Kabbalah Café we discover the spiritual power hidden inside the work we do every day.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 17The Joseph FilesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 7th,2025.Only one person in the entire Torah is described as “successful.” Remarkably, it’s the man hated by his brothers, exiled from his home, sold into slavery, and left to languish in prison for twelve years.Joseph.Kabbalah teaches that his greatness didn’t rise in spite of those hardships, it emerged because of them. His challenges carved the depth, resilience, and inner beauty that allowed him to transform the world around him.And that’s the secret: success begins on the inside. It’s a mindset, a soul-set.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive into Joseph’s story and uncover practical, empowering tools for thriving, no matter what life sends your way.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 16Cosmic UnityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 23rd,2025.Monotheism has been around for thousands of years, but the truth behind its belief was historically only known to a select few mystics.See, proclaiming that there is but One G-d is all fine and good -- until you wonder why numbers matter. But what if monotheism is less about the number of deities and more about the very construct of reality? What if monotheism is about recognizing that although reality may appear to be diverse and independent, it is in truth pulsing with unified divine energy?In this session of Kabbalah Café we study three perspectives on the nature of reality, and walk away with a deeper appreciation of the mystical doctrine of cosmic unity.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
Torah Studies 5786Class 12: Parshat ShemotStill Here, But Why?Survival Explained—Or NotRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 6, 2026Empires collapse, yet Jews endure. Pascal pointed to us as proof of the Divine. This lesson goes further: survival without Torah is just inertia. What makes us the “Eternal Nation” is our bond with eternal truth, not just the fact that we’re still standing.
Torah Studies 5786Class 11: Parshat VayechiDon’t Get Too ComfortableExile Is Never HomeRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 30, 2025Jacob had everything he needed in Egypt—comfort, family, and freedom to live Jewishly. But he still begged to leave. This class challenges the illusion of exile as a resting place and calls us to yearn for something more.
Torah Studies 5786Class 10: Parshat VayigashThe Man Behind the ClothingHow to Stay Whole in a World That Won’t Sit StillRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 23, 2025Life demands constant reinvention, but your soul doesn’t need to change with your outfit. This class dives into the story of Joseph to uncover the secret to staying grounded and spiritually centered—even as the world pulls you in every direction.
Torah Studies 5786Class 9: ChanukahLoud and LitFighting Back against Fitting InRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 16, 2025When things go right, we like to think we earned it. But the Torah teaches otherwise. This class reveals how all success is really G-d’s doing—and how recognizing that truth opens the flow for even greater blessing.
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 6I Mean Something, Therefore I AmWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 10, 2025Before you do anything, you are worthy. Discover Judaism’s empowering understanding of your inherent worth as an individual and as a Jew, and how it calls us to even greater achievement.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 25With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, December 4, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.
Torah Studies 5786Class 8: Parashat VayeishevJewish Success StoryIt’s Not You, It’s HimRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 9, 2025When things go right, we like to think we earned it. But the Torah teaches otherwise. This class reveals how all success is really G-d’s doing—and how recognizing that truth opens the flow for even greater blessing.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 5The Broken TabletsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Can it be that the greatest divine revelation in human history failed to communicate its most basic message? Examining the dynamics behind the story of the Golden Calf and the Broken Tablets, we gain insight into some of the foundational underpinnings of the Jewish faith.
TorahElective Procedures in Jewish LawWith Rabbi Shmuly WolffRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 7, 2025
Torah Studies 5786Class 7: Parashat VayishlachWill the Real You Please Rise?Wrestling with Your Own GreatnessRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 25, 2025Yaakov didn’t just fight an angel—he fought the part of himself that was scared to lead, scared to rise. This class explores how growth often means stepping into a version of yourself that feels too big, and why that’s exactly what G-d wants.
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 5Meaning in the UnchosenWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 3, 2025Some things are clearly meaningful, but what if everything is? Explore a vision of life where every event and circumstance catalyzes growth and leads to greater purpose.
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 6Can a Doctor Refuse To Treat Terrorists?With Rabbi Ben AtwoodRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 23, 2025
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 5Havdalah HangoverWhat to Drink When You Don't Want to DrinkWith Rabbi Levi LoebensteinRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 9, 2025
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 4Can Torah Get Science Wrong?With Rabbi Yacov BarberRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 2, 2025
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 3Is Cholov Yisroel Milk Kosher?With Rabbi Aryeh HolzerRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 26, 2025
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 2The Overturning of Roe v. Wade: A Jewish PerspectiveWith Rabbi Shlomo Chaim KesselmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 14, 2025
Sunday KolelYear 3 - Lecture 1Someone Kept Stealing My Food. So I Poisoned It.Halachic Boundaries of Defense.With Rabbi Pinchas FinkRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 7, 2025
Torah Studies 5785Class 42: Parshat Ki TavoMotivated by NatureWhen Doing the Right Thing Feels Like the Only ThingRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 9, 2025You believe in Judaism—but sometimes it’s hard to follow through. This class explores a surprising Rashi, a mystical take on first fruits, and a powerful truth: You already have all the motivation you need. You just have to tap into it.
Torah Studies 5785Class 41: Parshat Ki TeitzeiDuty CallsG-d Loves Brute CommitmentRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 2, 2025This class explores how fulfilling mitzvot out of duty—without passion—still earns G-d’s favor and brings Divine blessing. Discover the power of simple, committed observance.
Torah Studies 5785Class 40: Parshat ShoftimWholeheartedChoosing Trust Over CertaintyRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 26, 2025What’s wrong with wanting to know what the future holds? This class explores the Torah’s directive to “be sincere with G-d”—to live with wholehearted trust rather than constant calculation.
Torah Studies 5785Class 39: Parshat Re'ehNot Just Me, Myself, and IWhy Your Actions Are Bigger than YouRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 19, 2025How have the Jewish people remained distinct despite centuries of exile and cultural influence? This class uncovers the deeper force that has preserved Jewish identity—a spiritual resilience implanted by Moses.
Torah Studies 5785Class 38: Parshat EikevMissing Piece That Says It AllWhat a Single Letter Reveals about Torah, Miracles, and LifeRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 12, 2025How have the Jewish people remained distinct despite centuries of exile and cultural influence? This class uncovers the deeper force that has preserved Jewish identity—a spiritual resilience implanted by Moses.
Torah Studies 5786Class 6: Parashat VayeitzeiWherever You Go, There You AreFinding G-d’s Purpose in Your DetoursRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 25, 2025Life doesn’t always go according to plan—but what if that was the plan? Discover how Yaakov’s journey shows that every twist in the road is Divinely charted, and every challenge holds a spark waiting for you to uncover.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 24With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 20, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 23With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 13, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 22With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 30, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 21With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 23, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 20With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, September 18, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 19With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, September 11, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 18With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, September 4, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 17With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 28, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 16With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 21, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 15With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 12, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 4Joseph and His BrothersWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 20, 2025Our exploration of the deeper significance of the conflict between Joseph and his brothers takes us from a history of Jewish leadership, to the structure of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, to an enigmatic debate recorded in the Talmud on the question: Which is greater, learning or action? We discover that there are two parallel quests embedded in the human soul, each of which—as well as the tension between them—is essential to our mission in life.
In every area of life, we straddle both realms, and can look to the Jacob-Esau story for guidance in navigating this duality.
Torah Studies 5786Class 5: Parashat ToldotMake It YoursFinding Your Voice Inside the TraditionRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 18, 2025Does following a tradition mean losing yourself? Not at all. This class unpacks how Judaism doesn’t ask you to silence your individuality—it invites you to channel it. Real authenticity isn’t about walking away from what you’ve inherited but about making it unmistakably your own.
Torah Studies 5786Class 4: Parashat Chayei SarahBuy Local, Reach GlobalJudaism Isn’t Just for JewsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 11, 2025Judaism was always meant to be a global force for good, and why even the Torah’s most private miracles were world events.
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 4Meaning in the Rhythms of TimeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 19, 2025As time flies by, is it just more of the same? Discover the rich texture of Jewish time, and how attuning ourselves to each moment’s message enables profound spiritual purpose.
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 3To Make or Not to Make MeaningWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 12, 2025Even if it happens every day, daily life needn’t feel ordinary. See how every part of the day can be as significant as your highest aspirations.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 2Noah’s ArkWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 6, 2025Can G-d's plan for His world fail so catastrophically that the Creator regrets its very creation? And if it can, why can't it happen again? How does the rainbow symbolize the new world generated from Noah's Ark? Exploring the answers to these questions reveals the inner dynamics of the relationships that define our lives: the relationships between parent and child, between teacher and student, between employer and employee, and between G-d and us.
Torah Studies 5786Class 3: Parashat VayeiraNot My Thing? Not the Point.Stepping Out of Character When the Moment Demands ItRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 4, 2025Avraham was the embodiment of kindness, so why did he confront G-d with harshness? Because when a soul is on a mission, comfort doesn’t matter. This class challenges us to rethink what real service looks like, and how far we’re willing to go for it.
Torah Studies 5786Class 2: Parashat Lech Lecha Just Do ItObedience, Not Inspiration, Is the Heart of JudaismRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, October 28, 2025Judaism isn’t a system of values or a path to personal growth—it’s a relationship, and G-d defines the terms. Learn how Avraham’s first step wasn’t about what he believed or felt but about simply doing what G-d said.
Torah Studies 5786Class 1: Parshat NoachDon’t Walk Into the Ark AloneGiving Up on Others Is Never an OptionRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, October 21, 2025When someone close to us is drifting from a spiritual or moral life, how far are we expected to go to help them? Through the Torah’s complex portrayal of Noach and a powerful debate in the Zohar, this class challenges us to think differently about responsibility, prayer, and the meaning of never giving up.
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 2To Make or Not to Make MeaningWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025When life lacks luster, should we invent a more meaningful way of seeing things? Or is there already a purpose hiding in plain sight?
from which Adam and Eve ate illuminates many of the questions we grapple with in our own lives. Why do we desire things that we know are bad for ourselves and for others? Why does everything we achieve require hardship and struggle? How much should we care: Is it better to be objective and true or subjective and engaged?
The Kabbalah of Meaning - Lesson 1 The Meaning We Seek With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025When we have it all, we still need something more: purpose. Discover four fundamental human qualities that provide lasting fulfillment.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5786 - Session 1Rosh Hashanah: The Silent ConnectionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 16, 2025Rosh Hashanah is more than a new year; it’s a wake-up call to reconnect with G-d. This class reveals how even a mitzvah done on autopilot can spark a profound connection.
Fascinating Facts - Lesson 5It's All Hebrew to MeAn Exploration of the Holy TongueWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 6, 2025From abracadabra to kippa and Yom Kippur, this lesson dives beyond semantics into the depths of Hebrew etymology. We’ll uncover insights into seemingly arbitrary Hebrew names, and discover words that offer perspective into the heart of key Jewish concepts.
Torah Studies 5785Class 37: Parshat Va'etchananThe Unbreakable BondThe Secret to Our Survival against All OddsRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 5, 2025How have the Jewish people remained distinct despite centuries of exile and cultural influence? This class uncovers the deeper force that has preserved Jewish identity—a spiritual resilience implanted by Moses.
Tisha B'Av Women's Class Women's ClassConstructive DestructionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 27, 2025How could G-d have allowed His Holy Temple to be destroyed?In this special Tisha B’Av class for women, we explore a powerful Chassidic perspective that reveals the deeper meaning behind destruction—one that leads not to despair, but to renewal and growth.We all experience moments of setback, disappointment, and loss. This class offers a transformative lens to help us reframe personal challenges as a catalyst for rebuilding with even greater strength and purpose.
Laughter is the Best MedicineThe Healing Power of HumorWith Rabbi Abba PerelmuterA lighthearted approach to solving some of life’s difficult issues will have us smiling through our tears. By always looking at the bright side of life we can help things turn out for the best. Get ready to laugh your worries away with beloved rabbi and humorist Abba Perelmuter.
Fascinating Facts - Lesson 4Taking a Bite Out of LifeKosher Food FactsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 30, 2025Ever wondered what it is about Jews and food? What makes food kosher? Why is pork considered the quintessential non-kosher chow? With tasty surprises along the way, we’ll learn a thing or two about Jewish diet in this mouth-watering, eye-opening session.
Torah Studies 5785Class 36: Parshat DevarimUpward Is the Only OptionStagnation, Even in Holiness, Leads to RegressionRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 29, 2025In life and in our relationship with G-d, progress is not optional -- it’s essential. This class explores the deeper meaning behind Moses’s rebuke of the Jewish people for lingering at Sinai, and how this teaches us the necessity of spiritual growth and constant motion. Discover why the best time to move forward is always now.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 4ParasitesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 27, 2025There are energies in the universe that do not shine with their own light. They feed off others.They consume without giving, exist without serving, and cloak themselves in distortion. The Kabbalists call this kelipah -- a shell that hides truth, a force that masks the Divine.Where holiness gives and humbles, kelipah takes and inflates. It steals in two ways: from the lowest dregs, or by reaching beyond the veil, into realms too subtle for discernment, where even darkness can disguise itself as light.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the spiritual mechanics behind these parasitic forces, and learn how to guard your light from being drawn into their orbit.
Fascinating Facts - Lesson 3Under the InfluenceAngels, Blessings, and Evil EyesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 23, 2025What is the evil eye? How does it work? Are we accompanied by guardian angels? Do they have wings? Join us as we enter the hidden world of the occult and investigate the fascinating interaction between matter and spirit.
Torah Studies 5785Class 35: Parshat Matot-MaseiLeading with HeartWhen Leadership Means Feeling the PainRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 22, 2025Leadership isn’t about taking charge—it’s about taking on the pain of those you lead. Learn from Moses and the tribal princes how true leadership grows from empathy, not duty, and why genuine care always leads to action.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 3The Prophecy on Your PassportWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 20, 2025Is there still prophecy in the world?According to Jewish mystics, the answer is yes, just not in the way you might expect. While the era of classical prophecy ended 2,500 years ago, a spark of it remains every time a parent names a child.A name, Kabbalah teaches, isn’t just a label. It’s a spiritual channel, a bridge between soul and body, chosen not only by intuition or tradition but guided by something higher. Your name is the prophecy on your passport, the divine imprint that shapes your identity and purpose.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the hidden power of names. Through biblical stories and mystical insight, we uncover how names carry destiny, identity, and divine truth.
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 2The Peace ProcessWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 13, 2025The need for peace in our world is undeniable. We witness conflicts between nations, discord between communities, and tensions even between neighbors. Yet the most essential and often overlooked need for peace lies not on the global stage, but within the individual.Each of us is a composite of opposing forces. The intellect aspires, the emotions surge, the soul seeks transcendence, while the ego clings to comfort and familiarity. We inhabit the space between these competing impulses, often feeling fragmented, unsettled, or internally conflicted.This inner dissonance is not merely psychological -- it is spiritual. And it calls for resolution.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the mystical understanding of inner peace as taught in Kabbalah: not as the absence of conflict, but as the harmonious integration of divergent energies.
Torah Studies 5785Class 34: Parshat PinchasEternal MomentsHow the Everyday Connects Us to the InfiniteRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 15, 2025Daily rituals can feel like a grind, but what if they’re your bridge to the eternal? This class uncovers how the daily sacrifice in the Temple shows us that every moment holds a chance to experience G-d’s infinite light. No special occasion needed.
Fascinating Facts - Lesson 2Sunrise, SunsetExploring the Jewish Life CycleWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 16, 2025Why celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah? What’s with breaking glass under the wedding canopy? Peppered with astounding insights along the way, we’ll journey from birth through burial, infusing meaning and relevance into the customs and traditions of the Jewish life cycle.
Fascinating Facts - Lesson 1The Story of Your LifeHow to Read the TorahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 9, 2025Is “an eye for an eye” meant to be taken literally? Was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge an apple? Did the Jews actually cross the Red Sea? We leap beyond a Hebrew School comprehension of the Bible, as we explore the deeper significance of its stories and their profound lessons for life.
Torah Studies 5785Class 33: Parshat BalakThe Strength to SurrenderWhy Letting Go Is the Ultimate PowerRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 8, 2025Strength is often seen as control, but Judaism defines it as surrendering to something greater. Balaam’s prophecy likens the Jewish people to unshakable mountains, rooted in ancestral strength. This class explores why true power lies in self-sacrifice and choosing holiness over convenience.
Torah Studies 5785Class 32: Parshat ChukatThe Power of Letting GoForgiveness, Healing, and the Path to True UnityRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 1, 2025Does forgiveness mean withholding punishment, or does it require something deeper? This class explores Moses’s response to the people’s rebellion, revealing that true forgiveness restores unity and helps others heal—just as G-d does for us.
Gimmel Tammuz Women's ClassHow To Lead So Others Will LeadWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 29, 2025One of the first things we did together as a people was sing. But how exactly did three million people sing the same song? There are three Talmudic opinions: Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Nechmyah. According to the first, Moses sang the song himself, according to the second, the nation repeated Moses’ song, and according to the third, Moses only opened the song, and it was continued by the people. What is the logic behind this argument? It revolves around the question of what is the role of a leader? To inspire loyalty, to create followers, or to craft leaders?
Kabbalah CaféAll for the Sake of Heaven - Part 1The Magic of MaterialismWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 22, 2025What if your next coffee, conversation, or business meeting could unleash fierce divine energy?Welcome to our new Kabbalah Café series, where we dive into the profound mystical work "All For the Sake of Heaven," a spiritual roadmap that redefines how we engage with the world.While other paths teach retreat from the material, Kabbalah reveals a deeper truth: the physical isn’t a distraction, it’s a portal. The mundane moments of daily life hold the power to connect us with the Divine, and this series will show you how.Together, we explore how to elevate ordinary activities like eating, working, and relating, discover inner harmony with self, world, and G-d, and transform physical living into a spiritual mission.This is practical mysticism at its most powerful -- real, accessible, and deeply relevant.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 31Beings From Another RealmWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 15, 2025Souls don’t belong here. They’re celestial beings on a terrestrial mission, sent from Above for a limited time with a sacred task. According to Kabbalah, that mission is nothing less than cosmic repair: to mend the fallout from the primordial “shattering of the vessels.”But there’s a catch. The soul has to play its part. If it drifts too far into the spiritual, the balance breaks -- heaven outweighs earth, and the mission stalls.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the soul’s tightrope walk between heaven and earth. We uncover how G-d calibrated creation with perfect precision, reveal two surprising dimensions of teshuvah, and unlock the secret to spiritual optimization in a fractured world.
Torah Studies 5785Class 31: Parshat KorachLove Every Jew, No ExceptionsWhy Even the Wicked Deserve Our LoveWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 24, 2025Is there ever an exception to the mitzvah of loving your fellow Jew? This class explores Moses’s remarkable love for Dathan and Abiram—his lifelong adversaries—and what it teaches about seeing beyond faults to the hidden goodness in every Jew.
Torah Studies 5785Class 30: Parshat ShelachStronger Than AngelsWhy We Can Thrive Where Even Giants FailedWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 17, 2025The spies feared that materialism would overwhelm the Jewish people, just as it had corrupted the fallen angels. But Caleb saw things differently. This class explores why our souls are stronger than angels—and how we can embrace the physical world without losing our spiritual identity.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 14With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 12, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 13With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, June 5, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 9With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 8, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 8With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 1, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 12With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 29, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Torah Studies 5785Class 29: Parshat Beha'alotechaLove Letters to G-dWhen Doing a Mitzvah Feels Too Good to MissWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 10, 2025Why do Jews celebrate doing mitzvot: duty, tradition, or something deeper? This class explores the joy of fulfilling G-d’s will, inspired by those who refused to miss the Paschal offering. Discover how each mitzvah delights G-d and transforms our Judaism.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 30Angry NeighborsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 8, 2025You think you've got complicated neighbors? Let me tell you a story about neighbors who got so rowdy G-d Himself needed to step in.It all goes back to the fateful day the Torah was to be given at Mt. Sinai. Moses ascended the mountain, but then, in the eleventh hour, a protest was submitted. Who, you may ask, submitted the protest? None other than the heavenly angels. Turns out the notion of giving the Torah to humankind was fraught with legal difficulty. In fact, it took some deft maneuvering from G-d and Moses to save the day.What was the angels' claim? And how was their argument negated?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the showdown at Sinai and learn the deeper, cosmic purpose of Torah.
Torah Studies 5785Class 28: ShavuotTimeless Truths in TorahWhy the Torah’s Teachings Never ExpireWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 27, 2025At first glance, some of the Torah’s teachings may seem outdated or irrelevant. But beneath their physical application lies an eternal spiritual truth. Explore how the Torah speaks across generations, revealing timeless lessons about the alignment of Heaven and earth and the enduring relevance of its wisdom in every age.
Kinus Torah Pesach 5785"Don't Delegate Mitzvahs"With Rabbi Levi TzukernikRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 18, 2025
Kinus Torah Pesach 5785"Fast of the Firstborn"With Hatomim Shraga CharytanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 18, 2025
Kinus Torah Pesach 5785"No Breaking Bones: The Spiritual Psychology of the Korban Pesach"With Rabbi Yisroel Noach LipskerRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 18, 2025
Colorful Profiles - Lesson 4Heroes and HostagesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 28, 2025Four rabbis are captured by 10th-century pirates, Germany’s foremost Jewish leader is held for ransom, and thousands of East European Jews languish in Ottoman slave markets—how did Jewish communities respond?
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 29In Hot WaterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 25, 2025How should you lead -- a business, a family, a life? With a firm grip or a soft touch? With discipline or compassion?Jewish mystics teach that just as no two faces are alike, no two souls are the same. Some souls are wired for chesed -- kindness, expansiveness. Others are rooted in gevurah -- strength, restraint. That spiritual DNA shapes who we are at our core.But what about G-d? What’s G-d’s default mode -- gentle and giving, or exacting and firm? The Kabbalists have an answer. And it’s not what you might expect.In this session of Kabbalah Café, we’ll explore the surprising side of G-d’s personality, and why, according to ancient teachings, G-d wanted the world to start off… in hot water.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 11With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 22, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Torah Studies 5785Class 25: Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim“I Jew. You Jew. I Love You”Learning to Love Even the Difficult RelativesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 6, 2025We’re commanded to love every Jew as ourselves—but how is that realistic? This class uncovers the Torah’s strategy for cultivating genuine love through action and through learning Rabbi Akiva’s insight: We’re not just a nation; we’re a family.
Torah Studies 5785Class 27: Parshat Behar-BechukotaiWhen Regret Falls ShortThe Value of Imperfect RepentanceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 20, 2025Is repentance still meaningful if we expect to falter again? This class explores the Torah’s nuanced view of partial repentance, showing how even imperfect regret holds value and can restore our discomfort with sin.
Colorful Profiles - Lesson 3Unsung HeroinesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 21, 2025A businesswoman saves thousands from the Inquisition and rebuilds Jewish life across the Mediterranean, and a female Torah scholar shapes Halachic discourse while raising a family, feeding students, and caring for the sick—see the secret ways women shaped Jewish history.
Torah Studies 5785Class 26: Parshat EmorRewriting Who You AreReal Change Can—and Should!—Be UncomfortableWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, May 13, 2025True goodness isn’t only about following your instincts—it’s about reshaping them. The Torah’s mitzvot of giving don’t just teach generosity; they force us to break our natural tendencies, surrender control, and give even when it’s uncomfortable. This class explores why real growth means going beyond what feels right and learning to do what is right.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 28Four Dimensions of SinWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 18, 2025Before the world began, a cosmic debate unfolded: what should happen to the sinner?Some voices argued, no second chances. Break the system, and you’re out. Others pushed back: there has to be a way to repair, to return.Then G-d weighed in.Not only can the sinner come back -- they can come back stronger. Greater than before. Not a step backward, but a launch forward. Double the strength.But here’s the deeper question: what does that say about sin itself? Is it a flaw in the soul, or a hidden doorway to transformation? And why did G-d open this up for discussion in the first place?In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive deep into the nature of sin, in four dimensions, and uncover a radically redemptive path forward. One that speaks to all of us.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 10With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, May 15, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Colorful Profiles - Lesson 2Influential JewsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 14, 2025Spain’s top Torah scholar leads a Muslim Army, an Amsterdam rabbi with a printshop talks England into readmitting Jews, and a rabbi teaches a Catholic scholar and saves Central Europe’s Jewish books—how did they integrate Judaism into their influence?
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 27A Magical CupWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 11, 2025A cup appears deceptively simple. It's a vessel for transferring liquid from source to lips, its contents seemingly unchanged throughout their journey.But imagine a cup with transformative power. Such a vessel doesn't merely hold what's poured into it; it enhances, alters, and elevates its contents. By the time you drink, you're experiencing something profoundly different from what you originally poured -- something richer, deeper, more potent.Kabbalah reveals a remarkable truth: we ourselves are these magical vessels. Each of us receives Divine light and energy, and within the depths of our being lies the extraordinary ability to transform that essence. What flows through us doesn't merely pass unchanged. We reshape it, reimagine it, recreate it.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore this hidden power we all possess, the capacity to fundamentally alter the nature of creation itself, bending reality toward greater purpose and meaning.
Colorful Profiles - Lesson 1Courageous ConvertsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 7, 2025A Roman prince outwits his uncle to study Torah, an Italian priest studies his way to a new life, and a Polish noble meets an old Jew studying Talmud on a Paris park bench—see their journey to Judaism and what came next.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 26“The Biggest Question”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 4, 2025It’s the oldest question in the book: Why are we here?Not because we have somewhere else to be -- this universe is all we’ve ever known. But still, the question echoes. Why this world? Why us?The Kabbalists are obsessed with this question. For them, it's not just philosophical, it's real. It's alive and dynamic. It opens doors to purpose, to mission, to the very heart of existence.And while they offer many answers -- some poetic, some logical, some otherworldly -- only one gets the title of the "true" answer. And it’s the wildest one of all. Of course it is. These are Jewish mystics, after all.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive into the deepest of deep questions, and discover an answer that just might change how you see everything.
Torah Studies 5785Class 24: Parshat Tazria-MetzoraThe Treasure of Words:Transforming Harmful Speech Into Hidden Gems of the SoulWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 29, 2025This lesson reexamines tzaraat as a powerful message about the impact of our words. Through Rashi’s commentary, discover how avoiding gossip and embracing mindful speech can transform negativity, uncover hidden potential, and elevate the way we communicate and live.Does healing absolve the need for amends? Learn how the Torah balances personal resilience with moral accountability, emphasizing that true repentance begins with repairing harm to others.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 25“Paradox Busters”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 27, 2025The Kabbalists offer us a vision of creation that’s full of tension and mystery. They teach that G-d’s infinite light is so pure, so boundless, that it leaves no room for anything else. In that state, creation is impossible. And so, the light is drawn back, concealed. Space is made for a world to exist.But then they tell us something even more astonishing: that the ultimate purpose of it all is for G-d’s own Essence -- the very Infinity that seemed too vast to allow creation -- to dwell within creation. Not above it, not outside it, but inside its most limited corners.So how does the Infinite enter the finite? How does the impossible become the goal?That’s where we come in. Human beings, with the capacity to do something no angel can do: reach beyond ourselves. Transform. Return. Through the fierce, focused strength of teshuvah, we bridge what logic says can’t be bridged. We don’t just navigate the paradox -- we embody it.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the impossible dream of G-d, and discover how we carry the key to making it real.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 7With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, April 24, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Torah Studies 5785Class 23: PesachA Cup for Elijah and a World of HopeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 8, 2025Elijah’s cup at the seder stands as more than just a custom—it’s a symbol of our unshakable belief in redemption. This lesson delves into its origins, halachic mysteries, and enduring message of faith, connecting past promises to future hope.
You Be the Judge 2025Lesson 3: Burden of ProofWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, April 2, 2025When two people lay claim to an object, how can we decide who is right? Upon whom does the burden of proof fall, and what kind of evidence will the court require?
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 24“The Soul of Passover”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 6, 2025The Jewish year revolves around two powerful seasons: Tishrei and Nissan.Tishrei brings the heavyweight trio—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Nissan is all about Passover. At first glance, the holidays might seem similar: we pray, we celebrate, we eat (well, for most of them). But there’s a deeper current running through them—one that changes everything.Kabbalah teaches that Tishrei is all about an “awakening from below,” our effort to reach upward. Nissan, on the other hand, is an “awakening from Above,” a divine spark that lifts us. These opposite energies shape not just the holidays, but how we show up for them.In this session of Kabbalah Café we journey through the Jewish calendar and unlock its spiritual rhythm. The insights will transform how you experience every holiday—starting with the upcoming holiday of Passover, the Festival of Freedom.
Torah Studies 5785Class 22: Parshat VayikraSorry, Not Sorry?:The Torah’s Approach to Accountability and HealingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 1, 2025Does healing absolve the need for amends? Learn how the Torah balances personal resilience with moral accountability, emphasizing that true repentance begins with repairing harm to others.
Torah Studies 5785Class 21: Parshat PekudeiIf These Walls Could Speak:How the Stories We Live Are Worth RepeatingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 26, 2025Why does the Torah recount the Mishkan’s construction in such detail? This class delves into Rashi’s commentary to reveal how repetition highlights the profound significance of our shared stories.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 22“What Your Tears Are Telling You”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 23, 2025Tears tell a story. They flow for beauty, pain, wonder, and awe. They can deepen our suffering or bring release. Some tears come from the body—triggered by physical sensations. Others come from the soul—born of something deeper, something Divine.The soul’s tears remind us of its presence, of the spark of infinite beauty within us, too often buried in the physical. And when the soul cries, it shakes us to our core.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive deep into the power of a good cry. We learn to recognize the soul’s tears, decode their message, and transform them into action that lifts us beyond where we stand today. Because when the soul speaks, it’s not just meant to be felt—it’s meant to move us.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 6With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, March 27, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
You Be the Judge 2025Lesson 2: Your Money or My LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 26, 2025If you’re forced at gunpoint to surrender your neighbor’s property to robbers, are you liable for compensation? We examine real cases, including one stemming from the Holocaust, in which this issue had to be addressed.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 23“The Anatomy Of A Hug”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 30, 2025Affection takes many forms—words that reassure, actions that uplift, a touch that lingers. But among them all, a hug stands apart. A hug speaks without words, heals without effort, and transcends the barriers of the mind, reaching straight into the heart.When a child stumbles, they don’t ask for explanations or solutions—they reach for a hug. And though we grow older, that instinct never fades. In moments of sorrow, fear, or loneliness, nothing soothes the soul quite like the warmth of another’s embrace.What is it about a hug that holds such power? Why does it comfort us in ways nothing else can? And what deeper mysteries does it reveal?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the anatomy of a hug. By tracing its physical form and unlocking its spiritual essence, we uncover the profound magic hidden within this simplest of gestures.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 5With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, March 20, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
You Be the Judge 2025Lesson 1: Finders KeepersWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 19, 2025What happens when objects are abandoned for long periods of time or are unavailable due to the ravages of war? Are there circumstances under which people, against their will, can lose the right to their property?
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 3With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, February 27, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 4With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, March 6, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Torah Studies 5785Class 20: Parshat VayakhelRules of Engagement:When Religion Sparks SpiritualityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 18, 2025Does religion stifle spirituality? This lesson explores the balance between discipline and Divine inspiration through Rashi’s take on the Mishkan’s construction and its profound link to Shabbos.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 21"The Man Who Tasted Every Sin"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 16, 2025Elazar was a man consumed by excess, a relentless seeker of pleasure who bowed to no law but desire. No indulgence was too extreme, no temptation too forbidden—he lived only for himself, reveling in a world without limits.But then—at the height of his reckless reign—something shattered. In a single, electrifying moment, his entire existence flipped. The transformation was swift, yet its shockwaves ripple through eternity.In this session of Kabbalah Café we take a gripping journey into the life and legacy of Elazar—a man who seemed utterly lost, yet in an instant, rewrote his fate. His story is proof that no matter how far we fall, redemption is always within reach.
Torah Studies 5785Class 19: PurimAchashveirosh's Feast: Inside The Party That Changed HistoryWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 11, 2025My Religion, My ChoiceBalancing Autonomy and Faith in a World of Endless ChoicesIn a world of limitless choices, is religion a restriction or a liberation? By diving into the Purim story, this lesson uncovers how individuality and free will play a starring role in spiritual life. King Achashverosh’s feast holds surprising lessons about balancing autonomy with faith.
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 6: Are We Bound by Fate?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 11, 2025If G-d already knows what we will do tomorrow, is our “free choice” nothing more than an illusion? And with so many powerful influences outside of our control—or even our awareness—influencing our choices, how “free” could they possibly be?
Torah Studies 5785Class 18: Parshat TetzavehFarbrengens: Where Heaven Meets EarthDiscovering the Spiritual Magic of Chasidic GatheringsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, March 4, 2025Step into the world of the Chasidic farbrengen—a warm, transformative gathering that echoes the sacred connections of the Tent of Meeting. Learn how these vibrant, heartfelt get-togethers bring Jews closer to each other and to G-d, infusing life with spiritual vitality, unity, and joy.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 17“Soul Mission”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 9, 2025One of the deepest Kabbalistic mysteries is the one closest to home: Why does G-d send a pure, radiant soul from the heights of divine perfection into a world of darkness and struggle?The question becomes even more profound when we grasp the soul’s true essence. Kabbalah teaches that a soul is not merely from heaven—it is a literal “piece” of G-d Himself. And yet, this divine spark is cast into the physical realm, leaving us to wonder: What could possibly be gained from such a descent?The mystics reveal a paradoxical truth—one that transforms our understanding of purpose, absence, and the soul’s ultimate power.In this transformative session of Kabbalah Café we trace the soul’s journey and uncover the hidden meaning behind its mission on earth.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 20"Epiphanies On Demand"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 2, 2025There are moments in life—big, dramatic, earth-shaking moments—when everything snaps into focus. Suddenly, we see our priorities with crystal clarity. Maybe it’s the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, or a major shift in career or relationships. These moments don’t just wake us up—they transform us.But what if we didn’t have to wait for life to shake us awake? What if we could create our own breakthroughs, on demand? Are we at the mercy of fate, or can we spark our own epiphanies?According to Jewish mystics, the answer is clear. Through powerful Kabbalistic meditations and self-development practices, we can ignite our own moments of awakening—unlocking deeper purpose, clarity, and transformation from within.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive into these profound teachings. Together, we’ll explore mystical tools that can revolutionize the way we grow, evolve, and connect with our truest selves.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 19“Why Angels Have Wings”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 23, 2025Birds have wings. Insects have wings. Airplanes have wings. Wings make flight possible.But there’s another kind of being described with wings—angels. Why do angels have wings? What are they for? And if angels are spiritual beings without physical form, what kind of “wings” do they actually have?The Kabbalists reveal a deeper meaning. Angelic wings aren’t for travel—they’re for transcendence, lifting them ever higher in their journey toward the Divine.But how do angels ascend? Why wings? Why two? And what does this teach us about our own spiritual path?In this session of Kabbalah Café we decode the mystery of angelic wings—and discover what they teach us about our very human relationship with G-d.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 18“Heaven Stands, You Climb”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 16, 2025Heavenly beings are often seen as superior to their earthly counterparts—pure, untethered by materialism, and free from the weight of the mundane. Meanwhile, we grapple with struggle and imperfection.And yet, scripture calls angels and celestial souls static. They remain in a fixed state of spiritual purity, unchanged and unchallenged. We, on the other hand, are built for transformation. Our journey on earth is one of growth, friction, and profound change.What makes Heaven so still and earth so dynamic? Why are we capable of evolution while they remain constant?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the powerful contrast between Heaven and earth—and uncover the hidden gift of spiritual struggle.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 6The Talmud Until Today: Talmudic Literature and Fifteen Centuries of Constant StudyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 5, 2025See how and why the Talmud became the core of Jewish law and discover the vast literature of responsa, legal codes, and commentaries that continue the conversation until today.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 11“Reality Reversed”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 15, 2024It’s easy to believe that our reality is shaped by Divine mechanics. After all, this is the basic law of spiritual gravity: what is below has descended from forces above. In this view, we are at the tail end of a complex spiritual ecosystem that pulls the levers controlling our physical reality.However, there’s another way to view reality. In this conception, what is above is triggered by the actions below. The choices you and I make each day are so consequential that they literally alter Divine reality.This is a radical perspective, one that may sound almost preposterous! The idea that we, mere mortal beings, wield such influence is nearly inconceivable. Yet, this is exactly what Kabbalah teaches us.In this session of Kabbalah Café we pull back the curtain on reality and discover, once and for all, who is really in control.
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 5: What is Consciousness?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 4, 2025All injustice and strife, and even personal unhappiness, can be traced to selfishness. Yet self-esteem is essential for a healthy psyche and a productive life. To navigate this paradox, we first need to unravel the mystery of self-awareness: Where does our sense of self come from?
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 1“Who Are You?”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 29, 2024Our soul is the essence of who we are. It is our core, our spirit, our true motivator and driving force. Yet, as much as we know about the existence of our soul, many of us do not truly know what our soul is made of.Our new Kabbalah Cafe series, "Know Your Soul," gives you the incredible opportunity to get to know your soul, from the inside out, through studying the dazzling teachings of Jewish mysticism.The text dates back to 1898, and was originally penned in honor of the High Holiday season. The teachings are as relevant, timely, and incisive today as they ever were. Give yourself the gift of spiritual discovery and sensitivity!
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 4“Critical Care”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 20, 2024The sefirah of gevurah gets a bad rap. Everybody loves chesed -- it's kind, generous, giving, loving. But gevurah? Too strict, too demanding, too judgy.The funny thing is, Kabbalah teaches that gevurah holds the greatest power. In fact, the very word gevurah means "strength." Which tells us there's a specific power in the unleashing of gevurah that doesn't exist in the other sefirot, chesed included.What is gevurah's superpower? Why does it hold the key to true personal growth? And how can we maximize gevurah's benefits while minimizing its liabilities?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the sefirah of gevurah and tap into its unique power.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 10“Alignment”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 8, 2024Before the beginning, there was chaos. Chaos marked by destruction. Where light and vessel collided, and all that remained were shards of spirituality embedded in the substructure of creation.We are the beings tasked with mopping up this primordial collapse. More precisely, our job is to realign those displaced shards with their G-dly source -- a task known in Kabbalah as "avodat habirurim.But to align others one must first be aligned. And this is the topic of our upcoming discussion: how to be in alignment.In this session of Kabbalah Café we journey to a galaxy far, far away, and discover that the key to healing the universe lies within.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 16"Breakthrough"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 2, 2025There are times in life when everything flows smoothly. When our health, finances, and family life are stable and secure. When life feels good.And then there are moments when everything seems to fall apart. We fight, we beg, we plead, we ask why -- but sometimes, the conditions don't change.Because in those moments, we are the ones who are supposed to change.The mystics teach this profound truth of life: hardships and challenges are disruptors, designed to force us out of a state of complacency (life is good) and into a state of urgency (I must change). And this urgency is the impetus for growth.In this breakthrough session of Kabbalah Café, we lean into the rocky parts of life and learn why, in the grand Divine design, our struggles stir our soul toward deeper awareness, resilience, and transformation.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 12“How to Be Holy: A Guide for Humans”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 5, 2025Few things are as obscure and ambiguous as holiness. The dictionary defines holy as "dedicated or consecrated to G-d or a religious purpose." But what does it mean to be dedicated or consecrated to G-d? Is that a decision? A feeling? An action?Jewish mysticism has a very unique vision of what it means to be holy. The Kabbalists formulate a definition of holiness that is at once radical, actionable, and profoundly challenging. And it's important to know this, as it constitutes the very purpose of our being.In this session of Kabbalah Café we clear the fog surrounding holiness and lay out a path for being more holy human beings.
Kabbalah Café Know Your Soul - Part 13 "Spiritual SuperFood" With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 12, 2025 Did you know that fine wine makes you clever? Or that a good steak makes your mind sharper? This advice comes from the Talmud. And if it sounds a bit curious, not to worry: the Jewish mystics explain exactly how this all works. See, food is not just something that contains physical calories. It also contains profound spiritual energy -- energy that is sourced beyond that of seemingly superior life forms. This is the secret of the food on our dinner plates, and the mystery behind some of our favorite delicacies. In this delectable session of Kabbalah Cafe we look at the mystical origin of food, its divinely ordained purpose, and the meaning behind the spiritual superfoods.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul – Part 14"More Than Life Itself"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 19, 2025 Is it possible to love someone or something more than life itself? The premise of that statement is that there is a form of love that is so strong that it can even surpass the love of one's own self. But if love is predicated on selfhood –– "I love" –– then wouldn't love be limited to the very parameters of existentialism? Enter Kabbalah. Kabbalah speaks of multiple dimensions of self, topping out with a dimension of self that is utterly beyond any notion of selfhood. It is from this space of so-called self that the purest, boldest, most limitless form of love manifests. And it is this self that the mystics guide us to encounter. In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah Café we scale the sheer face of self, peer beyond ego's facade, and discover the many faces of our own being.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul – Part 15"The Day Tragedy Struck"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 26, 2025It was the moment an entire nation had been waiting for. The moment that embodied, in every way, the hopes and dreams of a people that had worked so hard to make it a reality.This was going to be the day they found acceptance from Above, the day they would finally feel loved and embraced and whole again. Forgiven. At last.And then, tragedy struck. At the peak of their joy, two of their finest were taken. Smitten, in unimaginable irony, by the very fire that was at the center of their celebration. Only this fire was not the life-affirming kind; this was the life-taking kind.In the aftermath of the tragedy, there was no shortage of theories and finger-pointing. Humans need reasons; we have an intrinsic need for the inexplicable to make sense. But the most daring of angles comes from the teachings of Kabbalah. The mystical tradition has a way of flipping the apparent on its head. Here, too, tragedy is seen as elevation, retribution as reward. And this tale holds the key to what it means to live life on the razor’s edge of the spirit-material divide.In this unforgettable session of Kabbalah Café we read the story of unimaginable loss through the lens of the Jewish mystics, and gain an entirely new perspective on the meaning of human striving.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 8“Eternal Life”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 17, 2024In the beginning, human beings were designed to live forever. G-d told Adam that he would live eternally, unless he did one crazy and reckless thing -- eating from the Tree of Knowledge. We know how the story ended: Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, and mortality was born.Why were humans originally slated to live forever? How did eating the forbidden fruit -- fruit! -- change that? And what is the appeal of eternal life anyway?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the promise of eternal life and gain mystical insight into the nature of spirit, matter, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 3“Kelipah, Kelipah Everywhere!”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 13, 2024Reality, say the mystics, is divided into three categories: the good, the bad, and the neutral. These latter two realms are called "kelipah."What, exactly is kelipah? Why does it contain two dimensions? And what should our approach be when encountering kelipah?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the Kabbalistic mystery of kelipah, and learn why it holds the secret of our very purpose of being.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 2“Snow White & The Seven Sins”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 6, 2024Snow White may tell the tale of a wicked queen driven by vanity and jealousy, but Kabbalah spins another drama altogether.In Kabbalah, "snow white" is a reference to Divine chesed (kindness), one of the original energies that spawned creation. Yet, the mystics remind us that this was not the only energy employed -- G-d also unfurled His power of gevurah (strictness). In fact, in the architecture of creation gevurah preceded chesed.All of this begs the question: why would a good and kind G-d prefer gevurah to chesed?In this session of Kabbalah Café we take a deeper look at the energies of chesed and gevurah. We discover where they come from, what makes them tick, and how they influence us and all of creation. In the process, we learn the secret to personal growth, and gain a profound appreciation for tough love.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 6“Break In Case of Emergency”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 3, 2024The mystics reveal what lies under the hood of the human being. Inside the body lies the soul. Inside the soul lies ten soul powers. And inside the ten soul powers lies the "ahava mesuteres" -- the core energy and light of the soul.Ahava mesuteres literally translates as "hidden love" of G-d. The mystics explain that it's not so much that the soul's core love is hidden, but that it's protected and firewalled from nefarious influences. Which means that the soul's innermost fire forever burns, no matter what is thrown its way.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dig deep and discover the core essence of our being. We explore the mysterious hidden love we all possess, and find out why, so often, we only access this gift in case of emergency.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 9“The Soul of Desire”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 24, 2024In exploring the contours of the soul, Kabbalah teaches that there are several tiers of soul powers. Some powers are functional, some are emotional, and some are intellectual. And then, towering above the cognitive faculties of the soul, lies ratzon -- desire.Ratzon is the most powerful part of the soul. It operates by brute force, pushes the other soul powers away, and dominates -- literally -- by sheer will. Where does ratzon get its force from? Why is it so much stronger than the other soul powers? And how can we harness its force for good?In this session of Kabbalah Café we study mystical teachings on ratzon and discover hidden truths about our own abilities.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 7“The G-d Particle”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 10, 2024The G-d particle is real. No, I'm not talking about the Higgs boson -- that's a completely different class. :) What I'm talking about is the actual G-d particle, the "piece" of G-d that supports and sustains all of existence, without which nothing would be.See, it's easy to take existence for granted. Things are because they are, we might believe. But in the world of Kabbalah, nothing just is. Things are made, animated, and constantly sustained -- intentionally. Which means that the G-d particle is not a one-off phenomenon; it is the ongoing truth of our reality.In this session of Kabbalah Café we dive deep inside the making of the universe and discover the implication of the G-d particle in our lives.
Kabbalah CaféKnow Your Soul - Part 5“How to Cure Spiritual Apathy”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 27, 2024We've all experienced moments when our heart has felt like stone -- unmoved, uninspired. Times when we knew we should feel something, times when we even felt we should feel something, but we still didn't. Because despite our best intentions and efforts, sometimes, our heart simply does not respond the way we'd like.The Kabbalists call this condition "timtum halev," spiritual and emotional apathy. Which is a great way to describe the problem. But what's the solution?The answer, my friends, is found in a mysterious passage of Zohar, the mystical Book of Radiance -- a passage that likens the human body to firewood.In this session of Kabbalah Café we study Zohar and discover the Kabbalistic path for moving from spiritual apathy toward spiritual sensitivity.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 5How the Talmud Thinks: A Unique Method of Logic—and Why It MattersWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 26, 2025Understand the Babylonian Talmud’s rigorous mode of legal reasoning, how it balances dueling principles to arrive at clear legal boundaries, and how its elegant logic fuels deeper learning.
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 4: Why Does Evil Exist?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 25, 2025Why do bad things happen to good people? The question has been asked—and answered—for thousands of years. But even if we understood the purpose of evil, would this make it more palatable and acceptable? Would it aid us in our efforts to defeat evil?
Torah Studies 5785Class 17: Parshat TerumahA Tree of Hope Grows in the DesertThere’s Tangible Promise for a Better TomorrowWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 25, 2025From acacia wood in the wilderness to the sparks of holiness within us, this lesson uncovers G d’s timeless signs of redemption. Discover how Jacob’s foresight and Rashi’s wisdom inspire unshakable belief in Mashiach’s imminent arrival.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 2With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, February 20, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 4To Create the Talmud: How the Sages Shaped Its Structure and SubstanceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 19, 2025Meet the pivotal sages in the Talmud’s story—from Rav and Shmuel’s first academies to Rav Ashi and Ravina’s final text—and see how they wove in stories as well as ethical and philosophical teachings.
Demystifying Tanya - Lesson 1With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, February 13, 2025The Tanya is a cornerstone of Jewish spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of the soul, the struggles of human existence, and the path to a purposeful life. In this new weekly series, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of its core ideas, making the text accessible and relevant for modern seekers.Guided by Rabbi Freeman’s expertise and his masterful new translation of the text, participants will uncover the Tanya’s teachings on topics such as free will, inner conflict, and spiritual growth. The series blends textual study with practical applications, offering tools for navigating life with clarity and intention.
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 3: Who is G-d?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 18, 2025What are we talking about when we talk about G-d? Is “G-d” just a word we use when we can’t explain something? If G-d cannot be explained or described, does this not render the concept of “belief in G-d” completely meaningless?
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 2: Is Time Travel Possible?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 11, 2025Is time the engine that drives the whole of existence, or is it just a product of our subjective experience? If the future is impenetrable, the past irretrievable, and the present moment too fleeting to meaningfully inhabit, what part of our lives can we call our own?
What Is?Rethinking Everything we Know About Our UniverseLesson 1: Is the World Real?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 4, 2025Everything that we experience, we experience inside our heads, leading to the intriguing question: Maybe there is no existence outside of our minds? But perhaps a more fundamental question would be: What practical difference does it make if the world is real or not?
Torah Studies 5785Class 16: Parshat MishpatimLaws or Love? Finding G-d at SinaiTurning Law Into Love and Duty Into ConnectionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 18, 2025Is Judaism just a rulebook, or is it something deeper? This class explores the dual layers of the Mount Sinai experience—G-d’s laws as a manual for life, and the covenant as a bond of love. Discover how the Torah’s narrative structure invites us to balance discipline with devotion, creating a relationship with G-d that’s both structured and personal.
Torah Studies 5785Class 15: Parshat YitroLove Me, Love Me Not?Exploring G-d’s Love and Our Limitless PotentialWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 11, 2025Is G-d’s love dependent on our actions? Using Rashi’s commentary on the Ten Commandments, this lesson unveils a relationship defined by unconditional love and infinite potential, even in moments of spiritual distance.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 3Decrypting the Mishnah: How the Sages Studied, Debated, and Understood the MishnahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 12, 2025Discover the tools, methods, and principles the sages employed in the centuries-long effort to unpack the Mishnah’s full practical implications.
Torah Studies 5785Class 14: Parshat BeshalachPrayer, a Jewish Love LanguageWhy Jews Pray Even When They Don’t Have ToWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 4, 2025At the shores of the Red Sea, the Jewish people prayed—not out of fear, but because prayer is what Jews do. Explore the profound idea that prayer isn’t just a plea for help: it’s an intrinsic expression of love and connection with G-d.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 2The Mishnah: The Origins, Authors, and Contents of Judaism’s First Legal CodeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 5, 2025See how Jewish law shifted from oral tradition to written code and encounter the Mishnah’s precise style, tight structure, and tolerance for debate—and its spiritual significance in Jewish life.
Sunday Kolel"Jewish Castle Law: Home & Community Defense in Halacha"With Rabbi Elisha PearlRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 2, 2025
Sunday Kolel"Laws of Chanukah: Illuminated"With Rabbi Doron PodlashukRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 15, 2024
Torah Studies 5785Class 13: Parshat BoTomorrow’s Questions, Today’s AnswersPassing the Torch of Faith to the Next GenerationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 28, 2025Explore the meaning behind the Simple Son’s question in the Passover Haggadah and uncover Rashi’s profound insights into the concept of “tomorrow.” This lesson bridges generational divides, offering timeless strategies to connect with those who seem worlds apart.
Decoding the Talmud - Lesson 1The Jewish People and the Talmud: Why Jewish Life Orbits a Book of LawWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 29, 2025Jewish law’s ultimate record is the Talmud, but what is Jewish law? Explore its nature, scope, and roots in the written Torah and Oral Law—and see learning’s central role in Jewish practice and culture.
Oneness in Creation - Part 12“The Kabbalah of Time"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 22, 2024People worry about their money, But they don't worry about their time. Money ultimately doesn't help, And time doesn't come back.There's a lot of truth to this old Jewish proverb. We so often take time for granted. Yet, time is the ultimate non-fungible commodity. And none of us knows when our time is up.Kabbalah reveals profound secrets about time -- its origin, its nature, its preciousness, and our responsibility toward it. The better we understand time, the better we can utilize every moment for the purpose it was created.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Jewish mystical teachings about time. We dive into the secret of the soul's journey, discuss the mission with which we've been entrusted, and gain deep insight into our relationship with time.
Oneness in Creation - Part 11“You Promised!"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 15, 2024In a time beyond time, in a space beyond space, your soul was selected and prepared for its mission on earth. It was briefed on the mission's objectives, goals, and strategies. It was told of the challenges it would face, and it was given access to the spiritual tools it would need.And then came the Great Oath, when your soul took the "Tzadik Pledge."What, exactly, do souls promise before they descend below? And what is the purpose of this promise if we have no conscious memory of it?In this session of Kabbalah Café we discuss the soul's experience before birth, and explore the promise you and I took so long ago.
Oneness in Creation - Part 10“Why Do We Wander?"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 1, 2024It's a truth of the Jewish story: we are a wandering people. Abraham wandered. Jacob wandered. Moses and the generation of the Exodus wandered. And for the last 2000 years, we too have wandered. Why all the wandering?On the surface, it may seem due to our lack of worthiness. Our indiscretions caused the Holy Temples to be taken away from us, and led to us being a people unsettled. But there's so much more to the story.The Kabbalists explain that Jewish wandering has a positive, G-dly purpose. For it is only in our wandering that we can complete the task we have been given, and help guide the world toward its originally intended alignment. And that grants it profound meaning.In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the soul of Jewish wandering and discover the spiritual purpose of our travels.
Oneness in Creation - Part 9“Work Like a Mensch!”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 25, 2024One of the hardest things to get right is our work/life balance. How much time and energy should we allocate to our work? How much should we allocate to our other pursuits? These questions are amplified when we think in terms of our spiritual beliefs. If G-d is in control of all that happens, does that render our work superfluous? If our faith dictates that G-d will take care of us no matter what, what is our role in "making a living"? And if we do work, and work hard, does that call our faith into question?These are big questions. And they're all addressed by the Jewish mystics.In this session of Kabbalah Café we take a magnificent look at the interplay between faith and work, and effort and emunah. What we walk away with will inspire both our physical and spiritual efforts.
Find the Light. Be the Light.An Evening of Inspiration in Loving Memory of Ashira Rabinowitz, and in the Spirit of ChanukahWith Guest Speaker Mrs. Shimona TzukernikSpiritual Mentor, Scholar & AuthorRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 29, 2024
Torah Studies 5785Class 12: Parshat Va'eiraHow Big Questions Bring Us Closer to G-dReframing Doubt as a Pathway to Spiritual GrowthWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 21, 2025Can doubts strengthen belief? This class redefines the role of difficult questions in Judaism, showing how challenges can deepen our understanding and connection to Torah.
Torah Studies 5785Class 11: Parshat ShemotThe Ideal JewHint: It’s Not a RabbiWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 14, 2025Scholars and clergy are great, but they’re not the ideal Jew. What is the ultimate goal for all of us? The story of two defiant midwives in ancient Egypt and their Divine reward offers a profound clue.
Unraveling the Mysteries of LifeThe New World of Genomic MedicineWith Eric Green, MD, PhDDirector, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIHRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 15, 2025Just over two decades ago, researchers completed a historic effort to read out the approximately 3 billion “letters” of DNA that make up the human genome. Progress since then has been breathtaking and spectacular, including the emergence of real-world examples involving the use of a patient’s genomic information to improve their clinical care—something known as genomic medicine.Dr. Eric Green is Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and one of the scientists who led the effort to map and sequence the human genome during the Human Genome Project. In this talk Dr. Green describes the story of human genomics and how genomics is becoming mainstream in medicine—including some important applications for the Jewish community.
Women's Teves ClassLighting Icicles & Reviving the Dead: Chassidus in the Month of TevesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 5, 2025This class -- based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 15 -- explores the cold of the month of Teves in spiritual terms, focusing on the calling to transform cold materialism into warm inspiration.
Torah Studies 5785Class 10: Parshat VayechiYou Can Clean Up Your Own MessNo Mistake Is Too Great to FixWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, January 7, 2025The Jewish people have faced many challenges, some self-inflicted, yet we’ve always persevered. Jacob’s parting blessing to his son Benjamin teaches that no challenge is insurmountable.
Torah Studies 5785Class 9: Parshat VayigashWhen You’re in Pain, Start YellingStanding Up for Your BeliefsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 1, 2025When Joseph, still in disguise, threatens to keep Benjamin, Judah steps up and throws a tantrum. What happened to diplomacy? Discover the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Torah Studies 5785Class 8: Parshat VayeishevKeep ClimbingTrajectory Is All That MattersWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 17, 2024Who builds a city on a mountain slope? An ancient Mesopotamian city captures a key Jewish tenet: two people can be on the same slope but moving in different directions. The lesson? Always aim for the upward trajectory.
Yud Tes KislevFinding Serenity: How Chassidus Offers Peace of Mind in a Stressful WorldWith Rabbi Ari ShishlerRecorded in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 18, 2025
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 6The Art of Forgiveness: Restoring Relationships through ReconciliationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 18, 2024How can we rebuild after hurt? Explore a realistic approach to forgiveness that addresses wrongs while overcoming resentment, rescuing connections, and rebuilding relationships.
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 5The Art of Influence: Guiding Others with Love and EffectivenessWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 11, 2024Learn the limits of “live and let live.” See how Jewish texts chart a kind, considerate, and effective path for offering critique and guidance grounded in genuine love and respect.
Torah Studies 5785Class 7: Parshat VayishlachBroaden Your HorizonsWhat an Ancient Sage’s Travels Teach about Exploring New IdeasWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 10, 2024Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest sages, was also an explorer. Learn why this pious scholar traveled to learn about other cultures and what it teaches us about embracing new ideas.
Torah Studies 5785Class 5: Parshas ToldotIt’s Not So Good to Be a Goodie-GoodieThe Beauty of ‘The Struggle’With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 26, 2024Would you choose to be free of all negative temptation? A close study of two sets of twins in Genesis—Jacob and Esau, along with Peretz and Zerach—argues that the answer should be "No!" Discover the value of struggling against temptation.
Torah Studies 5785Class 6: Parshat VayeitzeiJacob’s Moral DilemmaDon’t Be Pious at Someone Else’s ExpenseWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, December 3, 2024Marrying two sisters was forbidden, but so was crushing someone’s feelings. Jacob faced a tough choice and prioritized his values, teaching an eternal lesson about balancing piety with compassion.
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 4The Art of Positivity: Uncovering More Good in Those Around UsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 4, 2024How can we stay connected to flawed people? Learn to identify biases that misconstrue our view of others, and unlock the tools Jewish thought offers for seeing the goodness hiding in plain sight.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 10: Self MasteryWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, November 19, 2024Develop the gift of self mastery. This is the power of the Garments of the Soul.
Torah Studies 5785Class 4: Parshas Chayei SarahWhat Do You Love about Israel?It’s More than Falafel and the IDFWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 19, 2024Polls show Jews worldwide love the Holy Land, but what makes it so special? A close analysis of Rashi’s comments on Abraham’s conversation with his butler reveals a critical, often overlooked idea about the love for Israel.
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 3The Art of Disagreeing: Navigating Differences with Respect and UnderstandingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 20, 2024Does love conquer all? Explore when direct communication on hard topics is healthy, and when it’s not, and see how to sidestep personal offense, maintain grace, and achieve growth while navigating conflict.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 9: Soul GarmentsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, November 12, 2024Develop the gift of self control. These are the Garments of the Soul.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 8: MalchutWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, November 5, 2024Translate your vision for the world into personal action. This is Malchut.
Torah Studies 5785Class 3: Parshas VayeiraA Jewish Take on HospitalityInviting Guests: Greater than Seeing G-d HimselfWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 12, 2024Judaism places immense value on hospitality. The Torah recounts how Avraham paused his Divine encounter to welcome travelers. Explore the logic behind this seemingly exaggerated graciousness and its profound implications.
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 2The Art of Listening: Enhancing Connection through Mindful CommunicationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 13, 2024See how your attention shapes every relationship. Discover the power of attentive listening and why every word shared is worthwhile, and gain practical tools for effective, active listening.
Torah Studies 5785Class 2: Parshas Lech LechaGlobal Reach, Local ConcernNever Too Big to Care for Those Closest to YouWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, November 5, 2024It's a common trap: achieving global influence while forgetting family and friends. Avraham's name change associated with his promotion from local chieftain to world leader teaches us to avoid this pitfall and remember the importance of those nearest to us.
Nurturing Relationships - Lesson 1The Art of Empathy: Nurturing Soulful Bonds and Deepening RelationshipsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 6, 2024Unlock the source of all great social connections and see how Judaism’s understanding of empathy enables deep, meaningful friendships that nourish your soul.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5785 - Session 3Sukkot: Unlocking JoyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 15, 2024The month of Tishrei is a study in paradox. The first half of the month is filled with days of awe; the second half, with days of joy. Because this reflects the truth of life: there's a time to be serious, and a time to celebrate.But what is the key to unlocking true, deep, lasting joy? The answer, turns out, is found in an ancient Temple ritual that punctuated the second night of Sukkot.In our third and final session of High Holiday Boot Camp we explore some of the lesser known practices of Sukkot and learn the secret to living with pure joy.
Women's Yom Kippur ClassApologize Like You Mean It: The Avodah of Yom KippurWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, October 9, 2024This class -- based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 24 -- shares two perspectives on the avodah of teshuvah and making amends, making the case for a reckoning that truly shifts our very being.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 7: YesodWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, October 29, 2024Explore strategies for developing long-lasting and meaningful personal relationships. This is Yesod.
Torah Studies 5785Class 1: Parshas NoachRashi: An IntroductionA Primer for a New Year of Torah StudiesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, October 29, 2024Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, known as Rashi, a celebrated eleventh-century sage, authored the most authoritative commentary on the Torah. This lesson introduces students to the rich world of scholarship dedicated to his work. This year, embark on a fascinating journey into Rashi's profound insights and timeless wisdom.
Election 2024Lesson 5: The EconomyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, September 23, 2024Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom.Polls show that the #1 issue for Americans in this election cycle is the economy. Apparently, we care a lot about our bottom line. But when it comes to strengthening the economy, there are so many different approaches. One approach is to lower taxes and the cost of everyday goods, so as to put more money in the hands of working Americans. Another approach is to reduce taxes on businesses, so as to stimulate jobs creation. A third approach is to tariff foreign imports, so as to encourage domestic production and build the US workforce. And there are many other approaches.In Lesson Five of Election 2024 we explore the topic of the economy from a unique and refreshing Jewish perspective. We analyze the biblical economic model to discover Torah's approach to taxation and building a thriving economy.
Unity TorahTaking Your Part in a Community LegacyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 24, 2024The 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.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5785 - Session 2Yom Kippur: Revealing Your TruthWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 8, 2024Why 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.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5785 - Session 1Rosh Hashanah: Making ChangeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 1, 2024The 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.
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 6: Life Is Short(ish)With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, September 25, 2024By now we’ve come to appreciate death as the next phase in our ongoing personal missions. In our final lesson, we use what we’ve learned to revisit our priorities in this current phase and find ways to fill every moment with everlasting significance.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 6: Netzach & HodWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, September 24, 2024When both internal and external barriers to growth are removed, anything is possible. This is Netzach and Hod.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 5: Gevurah & TiferetWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, September 17, 2024Criticism can build or destroy. Find out how to appraise yourself and others in ways that will lead to improvement. This is Gevurah and Tiferet.
Election 2024Lesson 4: AbortionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, September 16, 2024Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom.In our third lesson, “Abortion,” we explore the topic of abortion from a uniquely Jewish perspective. When does life begin? Is a fetus considered to be “alive”? Under what circumstances should abortion be permitted? When might it be deemed obligatory? Through studying classic Talmudic and Halachic texts we will develop a profound framework of understanding the origins of life, and be better equipped to address some of the most difficult questions.
Negative Newsfeeds: Not the New NormalA Handy Hack to Living a More Positive RealityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 17, 2024Habituation 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.
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 5: Where We Go AgainWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, September 18, 2024Reincarnation: more than a fascinating topic, Judaism provides a practical way to imagine this mystical process, and explains why it is important both to departed souls and to our lives today.
Election 2024Lesson 3: The Healthcare DebateWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, September 9, 2024Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom.Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom.In our third lesson, “The Healthcare Debate,” we explore the topic of healthcare from a unique and empowering Jewish perspective. Whose responsibility is our health care? Does a society have the right to require its members to buy health insurance? What is the role of our own free choice in solving health care problems? And is health care insurance a contradiction to trust in G‐d?We'll study fascinating Biblical, Talmudic, and Halachic texts, and come away with a solid understanding of the important principles that drive Torah's view of healthcare.
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 4: Where We GoWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, September 11, 2024For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of heaven and frightened by the threat of hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.
Arguing EffectivelyHint: Don’t Go in It to Win ItWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 10, 2024Public 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.
Be Like a TreeIdentifying the Hallmark of Our Humanity—And How to Make It LastWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, September 3, 2024We 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.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 4: ChesedWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, September 10, 2024Learn a new definition of love, and increase its presence in your life. This is Chesed.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 3: BinahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Wednesday, September 3, 2024Bring joy into your life, and steer your way to positive change. Harness the power of Binah.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 2: ChochmahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, August 27, 2024How do self-perception, inspiration, and motivation impact what you can become? Discover the power of Chochmah.
The Kabbalah of Character 2024Lesson 1: KeterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on Tuesday, August 20, 2024What is your reason for being, and what can you do about it? Discover what Keter can do for you.
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 3: The Mourning AfterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 28, 2024What is the Jewish grieving process and what is the significance of its various traditions? This lesson provides a meaningful Jewish perspective on grief itself, as well as practical shiva etiquette both for mourners and for those who wish to comfort them.
Election 2024Lesson 2: Immigration & SecurityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 19, 2024Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom.In our second lesson, “Whom Shall We Welcome,” we learn a wise and sensible Jewish approach to the immigration debate. How do we balance the value of protecting human dignity and opportunity against the value of protecting the interests of one’s own citizens? Should we as a society tilt toward tightening immigration policy or loosening it up? We will look at a number of real case studies taken from Jewish history and come away with fundamental principles that can be applied to the question of border security.
Portal to InfinityTo Activate the Magic, You’ve Got to Follow the RecipeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 27, 2024Many 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!
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 2: Taking LeaveWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 21, 2024Is death painful for souls? Is my presence felt when I visit a grave? Judaism’s pre-burial and burial rituals accompany the soul’s gradual transition from a limiting physical life to a completely spiritual one. We discuss those rituals and how, once freed, the soul’s connection to the living continues in new and powerful ways.
G-d Isn’t an AccountantWhy One Mitzvah Is Better than a Thousand SinsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 20, 2024Accepting 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.
Election 2024Lesson 1: Crime & Gun ControlWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 19, 2024Election season is in full swing and the biggest issues facing our country are front and center. In this new series we cut through the politics to examine five critical issues through the lens of Torah wisdom. In our first lesson, “To Bear or Not To Bear,” we address one of the perennial big issues: the gun debate. We look at the constitutional debate and the impactful 2008 Supreme Court ruling, and explore what Judaism has to say about it. Should the law favor greater freedom or greater restrictions on guns? Discover a powerful Jewish approach.
Oneness in Creation - Part 8“The Invisible Hand”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 18, 2024There was a time when prevailing Jewish thought was that most of what goes on in the world is driven by a confluence of choice and happenstance, and not by Divine intervention.Then the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, came onto the scene. One of the primary teachings he shared was the notion of hashgacha pratis, highly specific and fully integrated Divine intervention. Nothing, he taught, happens by chance. Not even a leaf blowing in the wind. That leaf -- its every movement, its precise path down to the ground -- is directed by G-d, and is part of the master plan of history.This teaching caught many by surprise. By and large it hadn't been mentioned in earlier generations. And while today, the idea of hashgacha pratis is mainstream, its true meaning is as stunning as ever -- and as transformative.In this unforgettable session of Kabbalah Café we explore the Baal Shem Tov's most controversial idea and its radical ramifications.
Oneness in Creation - Part 7“When Angels Lost”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 11, 2024What would you give to see G-d? For the opportunity to behold the Creator of the universe? That would be priceless, right?Well, what if I told you you could see G-d? And not just at a special time or in a special place -- but as you are, right now. That would be pretty incredible, right?In this epic session of Kabbalah Café we receive guidance from the Jewish mystics on how to see G-d, and return to tell the tale. I know -- Moses was told he cannot see G-d and live. But with the tools of Kabbalah we unlock a most transformative divine perception.
Journey of the Soul 2024Lesson 1: Demystifying DeathWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 14, 2024Why are humans so anxious about death and dying? For many, the abrupt finality of death makes life itself seem futile. By exploring how our life force—our immortal soul—never ends but merely shifts roles, we begin to view life and death as two harmonious steps on the same journey
How Israel Wins: Part 2The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Vision for Achieving Lasting PeaceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 7, 2024As Israel engages in yet another war against those sworn to her destruction, and as antisemitism rises across the globe, the question on everyone’s mind is: Are there real practical solutions?“How Israel Wins” is a new, two-part seminar that presents the Torah’s roadmap for how Israel can achieve lasting strength and peace, as articulated by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.Discover the Torah’s powerful guidance on issues of security, strategy, and warfare, and explore the proactive role we can all play to foster a safer and more peaceful future for both Israel and the broader Jewish community.PART 2: ISRAEL’S P.R.We discuss a new and powerful P.R. approach, one that reshapes Israel’s relationship with the world and addresses the complexity of relying on friends like America for Israel’s security needs.
Holy Land, Holy PeopleOur Connection to Israel Is SacredWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 6, 2024The 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.
Oneness in Creation - Part 6“When Angels Lost”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 4, 2024In the battle between humans and angels, the safe money is on the angels. But once upon a time, in a land far, far away, one human did the unthinkable: he bested angels -- and lived to tell the tale.To truly grasp this incredible moment, we first need to understand who and what angels are. And then, who and what humans are. Only then can we piece together this cosmic puzzle.In this out-of-this-world edition of Kabbalah Café we scale heaven's infinite heights, peer behind the mystical curtain, and uncover the truth behind this epic celestial Battle Royale. What we learn will forever change the way we see ourselves, our purpose -- and our white fluffy friends.
How Israel WinsThe Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Vision for Achieving Lasting Peace With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 31, 2024As Israel engages in yet another war against those sworn to her destruction, and as antisemitism rises across the globe, the question on everyone’s mind is: Are there real practical solutions?“How Israel Wins” is a new, two-part seminar that presents the Torah’s roadmap for how Israel can achieve lasting strength and peace, as articulated by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.Discover the Torah’s powerful guidance on issues of security, strategy, and warfare, and explore the proactive role we can all play to foster a safer and more peaceful future for both Israel and the broader Jewish community.PART 1: ISRAEL’S SECURITYWe address the security reality in Israel today, tackling the thorny question of how Israel can protect itself against an enemy that hides behind human shields, as well as the ethics of preemptive strikes and collateral damage.
Why It Really HurtsUnderstanding the Source of Our Pain—and How to Heal ItWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 30, 2024The 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.
Oneness in Creation - Part 5“The Masks We Wear”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 28, 2024 We all wear masks. I don't mean the dress-up-for-Purim as an actor or former US president kind. I mean the kind we wear in plain sight to hide our true selves, to conceal our deepest thoughts and desires, and instead put on a show for those around us.Truth is, we learned this from G-d. G-d was the first one to wear a mask, to conceal His true identity. The Kabbalists call this "tzimtzum." We might call it the greatest challenge ever created. Because not knowing the truth leads to all the problems...In this session of Kabbalah Café we examine the art of the mask, study its utility and trial, and learn how to ultimately demask the divine.
Make Israel HereDiscovering the Unique Meaning of Every Stage, Place, and Part of LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 24, 2024Competing forces, people, and urges vie for your attention in every stage of life. A unique story of talking lottery pieces teaches us to stop, focus, and drill down into whichever stage you’re at right now. Tomorrow, you’ll focus on tomorrow.
Oneness in Creation - Part 4“Hello Darkness”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 21, 2024It seems almost axiomatic that darkness precedes light. That's the way it was when G-d created the world, and that's the way it so often plays out in our experience. Light is attained only after struggling with and vanquishing the darkness.But what is darkness? Is it merely the absence of light, or does it have its own independent energy? These questions have been discussed and debated over the centuries by laymen and philosophers alike. And now, we have the chance to examine what the Jewish mystics have to say about this.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the soul of darkness and discover why darkness is, indeed, a necessary key to light.
Do Not NegotiateSometimes It’s Best Not to Answer At AllWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 16, 2024Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where everyone engaged in honest dialogue, asking questions not to challenge or deride, but only to genuinely learn? Sadly, that isn’t our world (yet). A garish story in the Torah teaches us that when someone isn’t looking for an answer, it’s best not to engage at all.
Oneness in Creation - Part 3“Jewish Meditation”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 14, 2024 Ask most people what meditation is and they'll likely describe an Eastern form of meditation, replete with deep breathing, relaxing, clearing the mind, and being present. Jewish meditation dates back nearly 3800 years -- yet is far less known. In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Jewish meditation: its history, its process, and its techniques. We learn what differentiates Jewish meditation from all others, and discover how its regular practice can radically transform our lives for the better.
Gimmel Tammuz 2024Think Big: Personal Lessons From the RebbeWith Rabbi Raleigh ResnickRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 7, 2024In this talk in honor of the 30th yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Raleigh Resnick shares powerful insights and stories related to the Rebbe's call to each and every person to "Think Big" and challenge ourselves to achieve greatness.
Sing Your SongOn Nature, Miracles, and True LeadershipWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 9, 2024Seldom do the Jews sing in the Bible. But when they do, it’s glorious. A closer look at the only two instances of such song and who led the cast brings us to a profound conclusion about the role of miracles in our lives, and the true measure of leadership.
Women's Gimmel Tammuz Class"The Age of NeutralityNow Your Actions Matter"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, July 8, 2024This class on the maamar Ve'atah Tetzaveh offers a powerful understanding of the unique mission and role of our generation, where our decisions truly matter.
The Universe Begins with One Person: YouNavigating the Great “Universalism vs. Particularism” DebateWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 2, 2024The pendulum of history has swung back and forth on this question: What’s more important: the collective, or the individual? Discover how the Torah’s original rabble-rouser, Korach, made a bold, ambitious claim that, one day, will be proven correct.
"Live Free or Die” Is What G-d WantsThe Watershed Moment When Truly Choosing G-d Was BornWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 25, 2024It would seem that it’s a binary choice: doing what I want, or doing what G-d wants. But G-d’s ambivalent reply to the Jew’s request to send spies teaches us that if we work hard enough, we can get the best of both worlds.
Oneness in Creation - Part 2“Documentary Hypothesis”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 23, 2024In a far away land, not too long ago, some scholars gathered and came up with a new theory. The theory was that the bible was not authored by a Single, Divine Authority, but was rather the product of a number of mortal authors, whose disparate work was subsequently cobbled together to form a whole work.This theory became known as the Documentary Hypothesis.One of the key drivers of this theory is the anomaly well-known to anyone who's studied the bible in its original Hebrew: the use of multiple names for G-d. Why would multiple names be used for a Single G-d? Must be, these scholars suppose, that these names are artifacts of diverse authorship.Unless, of course, these different names actually mean something...In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah Café we explore original sources to discover what Jewish mysticism has to say about the different names of G-d. Far from being arbitrary, each of G-d's names is precise, and reflects another Truth of the Source.
Oneness in Creation - Part 1“The Journey Begins”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 16, 2024Nearly 100 years ago, a Kabbalistic text was penned that revealed the mystical meaning of the most famous Jewish prayer: the Shema.The Shema is featured in our mezuzot and tefillin scrolls. It's the first prayer we learn to recite as children, and the last we utter before we pass on. It's the subject of the very first passage of the very first chapter of Mishnayot, and punctuates the soaring finale of the Yom Kippur service.But what does the Shema mean? What are we really declaring before G-d and before ourselves?In this new Kabbalah Café series we open a century-old Kabbalistic text and embark on an exhilarating journey to reveal the mystical truth of the Shema!
There’s No Such Thing as an AntisemiteThey Really Hate G-d, Not UsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 18, 2024Antisemitism is the world’s oldest and strangest form of hate. No matter the reason or circumstance, people just can’t stop hating the Jews. It turns out that it’s really G-d they hate. And if that’s the case, we’d do well to trust in G-d and rely on Him to defend Himself.
The Kabbalah of CheeseburgersShavuot ClassWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 9, 2024Food is such an integral part of Jewish life. Every simcha celebration, every lifecycle event, every Jewish holiday, every Shabbat, is punctuated with a lavish feast.But while the menu for holiday and Shabbat meals typically consists of meat or chicken, on Shavuot we traditionally eat a dairy meal—followed, by some, by a second meat meal.Why the change? Why the dairy?In our special Shavuot edition of Kabbalah Café we delve deep inside the spiritual and psychological reasons for this custom, based on the Kabbalistic symbolism of meat and milk. We explore the spiritual energies that drive these foods, and discover the mystical meaning behind the prohibition of mixing meat and milk. Plus, we learn why angels and humans enjoy very different menus.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 26“The Four Worlds”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 2, 2024The mystics teach us the secrets of creation. One of those secrets is the fact that we are not alone; there are other worlds, many other worlds, beyond ours.Although the worlds are vast and numerous, Kabbalah reveals the details about four primary worlds. These form the stepping stones of creation and compose the architecture of existence.In this session of Kabbalah Café we break down these four dimensions of reality and illustrate what each is made of. In doing so, we discover that the four worlds are not just cosmic, but microcosmic -- residing inside each one of us. Understanding this changes the way we see everything.
The Most Precious Thing in the WorldEvery Moment of Torah Study Is an Infinite Opportunity. Literally.With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 4, 2024Is the Torah just a really nice moral code? A great history book? A book of laws? Can it, or will it, ever change? Discover the true value of our people’s defining book.
Decisions of Fate - Lesson 4A Body’s DignityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, June 5, 2024Might autopsy violate the dignity of the human body? Learn the Jewish view on the respect to which the deceased is entitled and how the sanctity of human life continues after death.
Decisions of Fate - Lesson 3Pregnancy QuestionsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Explore questions of pregnancy through the lens of Jewish texts. Is a fetus a human life or a part of the mother’s body? When pregnancy endangers a woman’s life, may she, in good conscience, carry the pregnancy to term?
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 29"Organ Donation in Jewish Law"With Rabbi Doron SilvermanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 19, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 28"The Law of the Spirit: Scotch, Sherry Casks & Bourbon in Halacha"With Rabbi Yaakov ZehnwirthRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 12, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 27"Immersive Torah Study"With Hatomim Levi CharytanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 5, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 26"Is an Early Seder Kosher?"With Rabbi Levi ChitrikRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 5, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 25"The Impact of a Mitzvah"With Hatomim Mendel SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 5, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 24"Make Your Days Count: The Spirit of Sefirat Ha'Omer"With Rabbi Yossi NewRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 5, 2024
Sunday Kolel & Kinus TorahYear 2 - Lecture 23"The Death of Aaron's Sons"With Hatomim Nosson GuraryRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 5, 2024
Gratitude Is Good for YouSaying “Thank You” Isn’t Just about Doing the Right ThingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 28, 2024The benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude are well explored. A somewhat obscure law about dedicating fields to the Temple brings us to a surprising perk: expressing gratitude can bring tangible goodness into your life.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 25“The Mystic in the Cave”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 26, 2024 Lag Ba'Omer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, is a day of celebration honoring the life and legacy of the great tzaddik Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Rabbi Shimon lived in Israel close to 1900 years ago. For thirteen years he was forced to hide in a cave with his son Rabbi Elazar, to escape Roman persecution. When he finally emerged from hiding, he began teaching the deepest Torah secrets that had ever been revealed.Rabbi Shimon's teachings form the core of Jewish mystical wisdom, and are recorded in Kabbalah's primary work: The Zohar.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the man behind the legend. We look at the events that shaped Rabbi Shimon's character and his teachings, and take the opportunity to study his original teachings.
Decisions of Fate - Lesson 2Extending LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 22, 2024How does Judaism balance the desire to preserve life with concerns of reducing suffering? See how Jewish values inform a dignified approach to end-of-life care and advance medical directives.
You’re Never Alone A Unique Solution to a Dreadful Societal ProblemWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 21, 2024Even in the age of connectivity and the proliferation of something called “social media,” people have never been more lonely. A niche law in the Torah’s treatment of a servant provides a poignant companion to anyone at any time: G-d Himself.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 24“The Kabbalah of Israel”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 12, 2024No other land on earth is as fiercely contested as Israel. This small footprint of land measuring roughly 9,000 square miles has been the subject of countless wars and at the center of millennia of conflict.What is it about Israel that makes it so desired and so contested? Why have so many lived and died for the right to this land? What is the secret to Israel's spiritual potency?In this groundbreaking session of Kabbalah Café we explore the Kabbalah of Israel. We take a spiritual tour of the land to discover what makes it tick and why so many are drawn toward it. Plus, we find out why two of the original twelve tribes were hesitant to settle in the land. The answer will surprise you!
A Jew Is a Jew, Is a Jew, Is a JewAppreciating the Untouchable Preciousness of Every JewWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 14, 2024The Four Species we shake on the Sukkot holiday famously represent four different types of Jews. From the way the Torah describes each plant, we learn a valuable lesson about the immutable value of every Jew -- regardless of what they do, or do not do.
Decisions of Fate - Lesson 1Experimental TreatmentsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, May 15, 2024When emerging treatments offer hope of recovery, when is the risk justified? Discover the Jewish ethics of risking your life in the hope of extending your long-term prospects.
Prosaic HolinessYour Most Distant and Unholy Moment Is G-d’s Greatest OpportunityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 8, 2024The reality of life for so many is a series of banal, mundane, and oftentimes downright unholy moments. What are we supposed to make of this frustrating situation? A lesson from the lifespan of a fruit in Jewish law teaches us that G-d is best found in precisely these moments.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 23“The Invisible Man”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 5, 2024There was once a man who felt invisible. His own brothers didn't see him -- at least, not the real him. When he tried to share his deepest fears and dreams, they shot him down, accusing him of all sorts of ill-intent, when all he meant was to give them a window into his soul. They shunned him, cast him away, and severed contact for decades.And when through a miraculous turn of events they did eventually reconnect, his brothers couldn't fathom the man they were meeting. Who was this man? And why was his life such an enigma?In this session of Kabbalah Café we take a mystical look at the Invisible Man of biblical fame. We gain Kabbalastic insight into his life and times, and learn why their fraternal rift is the human story of eternal conflict.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 22“Welcome to the Tannery”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 14, 2024Few workplaces enjoy as foul an odor as a tannery. It's because of this that the tannery, where animal hides are processed into leather, has a unique place in Jewish law. In original halachic zoning law, a tannery must be situated to the east of the city, past its outskirts, so that its odor should not disturb the city residents. A tannery is not to have a mezuzah on its doors, due to it having a similar status as a bathroom. And a synagogue that is in disuse may not be repurposed as a tannery; that is simply too far a downgrade.Yet, the mystics are fond of employing the tannery as a metaphor for the internal work that each of us is called upon to do. Our Divine soul is tasked with working, softening and reshaping our body and animal soul, like the tanner who labors to make the hide usable. This is the very why and wherefore of our being, our central purpose.In this remarkable session of Kabbalah Café we explore life inside the tannery, and discover real-life lessons for making our own inner animal more of a mensch.
The Mystery of GematriaHebrew NumerologyLesson 3: Holiday CodebreakingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, April 10, 2024Gematria is a Kabbalistic tradition that interprets biblical verses on the basis of the numerical equivalents of Hebrew letters. Until now, these teachings were locked away, reserved for those who could decipher the ancient mystical texts. Not anymore.In this three-part journey inside the world of Hebrew numerology you will learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 22"Here Comes the Taxman: Jewish Law on Paying Taxes"With Alex Dinur, EsqRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 7, 2024
Spiritual Surrender - Part 21“Mystical Tools for Managing Guilt & Shame”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, April 7, 2024We've all done things we're not proud of. And maybe it's not something we did, but something we said. Or didn't say. Looking back, it's hard not to notice our missteps and feel that familiar tug of guilt.Point is, to feel guilt about the past seems perfectly normal -- and perfectly healthy. Think about it this way: if we didn't feel bad about the mistakes we made, what would that say about our character?A step beyond guilt is shame. If guilt is about what we've done, shame is about who we are. And that cuts deeper.Whether it's guilt or shame, the mystics label both toxic. They are firmly in the "negative emotions" category, and we are taught to do everything in our power to avoid succumbing to their seduction.So how do we deal with guilt and shame in a healthy way? Ah, I'm glad you asked! :)In this session of Kabbalah Café we pop the hood of human consciousness and grapple with our deepest, darkest emotions and fears. We learn where they come from and gain Kabbalistic tools to manage them. Because they, too, have a purpose.
The Mystery of GematriaHebrew NumerologyLesson 2: Exposing SecretsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, April 3, 2024Gematria is a Kabbalistic tradition that interprets biblical verses on the basis of the numerical equivalents of Hebrew letters. Until now, these teachings were locked away, reserved for those who could decipher the ancient mystical texts.Not anymore.In this three-part journey inside the world of Hebrew numerology you will learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
Women's Pesach Class"How Deep Is Your Egypt?Five Steps to Inner Freedom"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, April 2, 2024This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 16, Va'era, offers a powerful understanding of teh depth of Egyptian corruption on a national and personal level, while providing profound insights on the Haggadah.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 20“Spiritual Nihilism”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 31, 2024We've all been misunderstood at some point. But what if that misunderstanding led to disaster, birthing a movement that would spin out of control and challenge everything you stood for?That's exactly what happened to Antignos of Socho, a great Jewish scholar who lived 2200 years ago. One of his seemingly innocuous teachings spun out of control, creating a splinter-society that would challenge the authenticity of Torah -- to this very day.The story of Antignos serves as a cautionary tale for all of us. It highlights the need to be super careful about not only what we say, but how we say it. And the Jewish mystics show us how.In this session of Kabbalah Café we look at the power of words, beliefs, and relationships.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 21"Alternative Medicine in Jewish Law"With Rabbi Binyomin AlonRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 31, 2024
The Mystery of GematriaHebrew NumerologyLesson 1: Numerology MechanicsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, March 27, 2024Gematria is a Kabbalistic tradition that interprets biblical verses on the basis of the numerical equivalents of Hebrew letters. Until now, these teachings were locked away, reserved for those who could decipher the ancient mystical texts. Not anymore.In this three-part journey inside the world of Hebrew numerology you will learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 20"The Hidden Mechanics of Bein Hashmashos"With Michael KleinmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 17, 2024
Spiritual Surrender - Part 19“The Missing Letter”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 10, 2024Hebrew, our tradition tells us, is the language of creation. It is the original language G-d used to create all existence, and the first language spoken by Adam and Eve. Every Hebrew letter is precise -- in its architecture, meaning, and numerology. So it's a big deal when a letter goes missing, when it vanishes in thin air. You might call it a scandal of biblical proportions, one worthy of a thorough investigation.In this session of Kabbalah Café we will attempt to solve "The Case of the Missing Letter." We will lay out the clues, examine the evidence, interrogate the suspects, and -- hopefully, if all goes well -- discover a satisfying conclusion to this mystical mystery.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 19"Genetic Testing & Prophylaxis: Halachic Guidance on Preventive Health"With Rabbi Mendy LebowitzRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 10, 2024
Women's Parsha Class"Why Aharon Made the Golden CalfThe Key to Faith, Joy & Inner Peace"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, February 27, 2024This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 11, Ki Sisa, offers a powerful understanding of Aharon's involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf, and teaches us the surprising key to faith, joy & inner peace.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 18“Mr. Nobody”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, March 3, 2024I know a man who calls himself Mr. Nobody. It's one of those nicknames that if somebody else calls you by it you might get offended, but if you've come up with it then clearly you like it. And he likes it.The interesting thing is that this man is far from a nobody. He's someone quite special. He's a person with great accomplishments -- in his business and in his community. But he doesn't like to stand out. The good that he does, he doesn't make it about himself. He's in it for the cause.He's not a nobody because he doesn't make an impact. He's a nobody because it's not about him. And that's a beautiful thing.In this session of Kabbalah Café we look at the quality of nobody-ness. We look at what drives human beings to make our presence known, and where we can draw the strength to let go of ourselves and be a little more transparent. In doing so, we'll have taken on the greatest battle of all: the battle against our own ego.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 18"Will The Real Adar Please Stand Up?"With Rabbi Dovi BarberRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 3, 2024
Advice for Life - Lesson 6Spiritual HeightsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 28, 2024The Rebbe forged a unique path to guiding individuals on their spiritual journey; he set incredible goals yet remained remarkably practical. Discover how the Rebbe’s approach helps us realize our most profound potential.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 17“Love Is Overrated”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 25, 2024If you're judging by what's out there in literature, film, and music, you'd be sure that this crazy little thing called love is the key to happy relationships. Hey, all you need is love, right?Well, the Kabbalists would like to have a word. See, as the Jewish mystics see it, love -- ahavah -- is but one ingredient in relationships. The other is yirah -- respect. And respect, well, that's the real glue that holds people together.In this session of Kabbalah Café we break down the core elements of love and respect and trace them back to their soul origins. In the process, we discover how they can show up in both healthy and unhealthy ways, and learn why, ultimately, love is overrated.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 16“The Heel (A Spiritual Drama)”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 18, 2024The heel, by all accounts, is the lowest part of the body. Yet it stands, in many ways, head and shoulders above the rest.Say you're testing the temperature of a hot bath, or trudging on uncertain terrain, or needing to stand a little taller. Who you gonna call? You guessed it, the heel. And it's not just physical heels that have a surprising upside. Spiritually, the heel represents a dimension that is sneaky-lofty, so low that you think it's worthless, yet so valuable precisely because it's overlooked.In this session of Kabbalah Café we examine the heel in all its permutations: human heels, cosmic heels, historical heels, even Divine heels. We learn what Jewish mysticism has to say about the core strength of the heel, and discover why our tradition teaches that Adam's heels shone like the sun.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 17"The Halachic Prenup"With Rabbi Adam StarrRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 25, 2024
Advice for Life - Lesson 5Above AdversityWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 21, 2024When buckling under the struggles of health, livelihood, relationships, or raising children, thousands turned to the Rebbe for the strength to continue. Discover how the Rebbe guided individuals to see the inner meaning of their challenges as the key to managing them.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 16"Civilians in War: Human Shields. Enemy Support. International Law"With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 18, 2024
Advice for Life - Lesson 4Healthy at HeartWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 14, 2024Explore how the Rebbe’s unending positivity offers a roadmap for building a healthy self-concept and navigating a contemporary world awash with anxiety and mental-health challenges.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 15"Battle of the GavelsArkaos: Civil Litigation vs. Beis Din"With Rabbi Shlomo Chaim KesselmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 11, 2024
Spiritual Surrender - Part 15“Lessons from Peloton”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 11, 2024The mystics teach that everything in existence can teach us a lesson about our spiritual purpose. Specifically, those things that we personally encounter hold a precise message for us.Which brings me to the Peloton Bike, the darling of 2020 home fitness equipment. On the Peloton, the rider is in full control, with the ability to adjust cadence (pedaling speed) and resistance (pedaling difficulty). Those two numbers combine to produce the output, the power/energy the rider expends. Increase cadence and resistance, and the output goes up. Decrease cadence and resistance, and the output goes down. This expresses a remarkable Kabbalistic truth: the greater the difficulty of the spiritual task, the greater the energy that is expended to complete the task -- and the greater the Divine light that is radiated.In this session of Kabbalah Café we take an incredible ride through Jewish mysticism and discover why, in our realm, it is precisely imperfection that yields the greatest output. Along the way we discover the true value of art, and gain insight into the ancient rent-a-donkey market.
Advice for Life - Lesson 3Wholesome HealthWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, February 7, 2024Discover the Rebbe’s answers for patients, physicians, and professors seeking guidance on questions of health and treatment. Explore the core ways that physical health connects to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 14“The Soul of the Entrepreneur”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, February 4, 2024What drives success? What motivates someone to push beyond ordinary limits, to stand up to challenges and persevere? Is it the power of a dream? Does it come from some inner need? Is the spirit of entrepreneurship innate? Can it be taught or learned?The teachings of Kabbalah are unique in that they explore the human being not from the outside-in, but from the inside-out. Utilizing Kabbalah's unique template of the soul, the Jewish mystics are able to map human consciousness and subconsciousness, tracing powerful inner forces like motivation and desire.In this powerful session of Kabbalah Café we examine the soul of the entrepreneur, and learn mystical life hacks for enhancing creativity and stoking desire.
Six Biggest Jewish Questions AnsweredWith Rabbi Judah DardikRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, February 1, 2024Rabbi Judah Dardik is renowned scholar and educator from Israel. He is the Assistant Dean of Orayta, and directs the Center for Jewish Leadership and Engagement in Yerushalayim.
Advice for Life - Lesson 2Family BlissWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 31, 2024How can we create a warm and healthy home? Examine the Rebbe’s correspondences to uncover a goldmine of clarity on family relationships, domestic harmony, education, and creating a healthy home environment.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 13“Interior Design”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 28, 2024In the last few sessions of Kabbalah Cafe we explored spiritual parallels to what by all accounts are fairly common domestic activities. We developed the connection between cooking food and tikun olam, and between laundering clothes and mitzvah observance.In this session, we look at the mystical side of interior design. What does it mean to set the decor of the home, spiritually? What lessons can we learn from the way we perceive the value and utility of objects? And is there a Kabbalistic form of feng shui? Discover the deeper truth behind beautifying your living spaces!
Spiritual Surrender - Part 12“Clean Laundry”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 21, 2024 There's an art to cleaning clothes. The key is understanding what you're dealing with. What kind of garment is it? What type of fabric? What kind of stain? How long has the stain set?The mystics teach that every material reality has a metaphysical parallel. That means that there are spiritual garments too. And these spiritual garments need to be cleaned, just in a different way. Not with Tide, but with pride -- and joy, and love.In this special edition of Kabbalah Café we explore spiritual cleanliness and discover a pathway for inspired living.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 11“Spiritual Cuisine”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, January 14, 2024There's a core Kabbalaistic axiom that states that everything that exists in the mundane exists in the spiritual as well. In the language of the mystics, "G-d created one corresponding to the other."This opens a vista of insight into the goings on of the world. More than mere physical activity, terrestrial life provides a powerful parallel to the metaphysical. The objects around us, the hierarchies in creation, the processes by which we live, all of these have their correlating spiritual experience.Which brings us to food. Few things excite us like a good meal. And good meals require prep -- lots of prep. Well, this is true of the spiritual as well. One could say that our purpose in life is to provide G-d spiritual "nourishment." That makes us divine chefs. And to pull this off we need to do the right prep.In this epic session of Kabbalah Café we explore the mystical meaning of spiritual cuisine. We learn about our unique mission, and how we go about living our best life.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 10“Mystical Secrets of Success”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 31, 2023Of the hundreds of characters mentioned in the Jewish bible, only one is referred to as being successful. Who is this "man of success"? None other than Joseph.Considering all the trauma Joseph experienced, this is nothing short of astonishing. Here's a man who endured the pain of jealousy, hatred, kidnapping, attempted murder, slavery, and an ancient Egyptian dungeon. Yet, remarkably, Joseph is the only biblical figure labeled a success.What was the secret to his success? How did he rise to the top no matter what adversity he faced? Why did those around him consistently trust him with outsized power and authority?The key, the Kabbalists explain, lies in Joseph's attitude -- an attitude born of a unique spiritual perspective. It was his distinct approach to his work that opened up doors that would otherwise remain shut, and propelled him to the top.In this spectacular session of Kabbalah Café we unlock the mystery and discover mystical secrets of success.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 9“Ecstacy/Agony”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 24, 2023The Kabbalists speak of two archetypal forms of Divine service: one marked by ecstasy, one by agony. Each is the product of a unique form of meditation detailed in the mystical texts -- the sole difference being the precise orientation of our thoughts.Focused outward, our thoughts evoke feelings of spiritual joy, gratitude, and love. Focused inward, they produce self-judgment and discontent. Both approaches are valid. Both are holy. Unless they are driven by ego. Then, both the joy and discontent are anything but holy.In this special edition of Kabbalah Café we look at the most important ingredient of spiritual growth. We discover why meditation is not enough, and why the secret lies in the ancient work of Aaron, the first High Priest.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 8“Flying Too Close to the Sun”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 17, 2023Greek mythology tells the story of Icarus, who was given a set of wings by his father and then warned not to fly too high, lest the sun melt his wings. Which is exactly what happened. Icarus flew too close to the sun, his wings melted, and he plunged into the sea.Human beings have a little Icarus in us. We're driven to seek the light, to climb the greatest heights -- but sometimes, the high is too high, and the only way is down. Sometimes, we believe we're spiritually invincible, only to awaken to the sobering reality that we are mortal beings tasked with Divine responsibility in the here and now. And if we don't recognize this truth sooner than later, we run the risk of spiritual burnout.In this session of Kabbalah Café we look at where the drive to fly too close to the sun really comes from. We discover how this desire took down the greatest human beings ever to live, and see how it is at the root of so much that ails the human condition today. Plus we learn powerful Kabbalistic wisdom on avoiding the fate of Icarus.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 7“Modern Maccabee”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 10, 2023It's the story we all know. The short version is, "they tried to kill us, we won, let's eat." The longer version is that the Syrian Greeks tried to squeeze Judaism out of the Jew, the Jewish people miraculously defeated a much stronger enemy, and then a little oil burned for a lot longer than it should.Here's what I think. I think we know this story so well, that we stop asking the critical questions. Like, why do we make such a big deal about the oil, when the military victory seems like the main feature? Or, why were the Jews so bent on kindling the menorah with pure olive oil, when any oil would have worked at that point? Or why do all Jews observe the mitzvah of Chanukah in the most extreme way, by lighting the menorah with ascending lights?There's a lot about this story that we take for granted. But we shouldn't. Because in these details, in these questions, lie profound insights into the very nature of Judaism and our relationship with G-d. Lessons that teach us so much about the art of spiritual surrender.In this special Chanukah edition of Kabbalah Café we examine the story of Chanukah through the lens of Kabbalah, and come away with incredible gifts of wisdom and inspiration.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 6“The Art of Surrender”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, December 3, 2023"G-d, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."-The Serenity PrayerAcceptance and surrender is one of the keys of a healthy human being. It is essential to sobriety. It is also essential to managing grief.And yet surrender gets such a bad rap.In this session of Kabbalah Café we look at the mystical notion of surrender, and learn how we can apply its principles to our spiritual life. The wisdom we discover will change the way you define spiritual progress, and motivate you to challenge your inner inhibitions.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 5“Soul Mapping”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 19, 2023Each soul is unique. Each soul has a distinct personality, its "soulprint." And each soul stems from a unique source Above.The mystics describe this along the cosmic superhighway. Some souls are from Yetzirah, the world of Formation. Some are from Beriah, the world of Creation. And then there are the rare few souls that derive from Atzilut, the world of Emanation.These latter souls are not like the others. They feel differently. They perceive differently. And their experience in the world is nothing but extraordinary.Ever met a highly sensitive, spiritual soul? A soul that seems that it doesn't belong here. Then you might have met a soul from Atzilut.In this incredible session of Kabbalah Café we climb the cosmic ladder and trace the origins of our souls. The soul mapping that we do might just change the way you see yourself, and your purpose of being.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 14"End of Life Issues: Euthanasia, Organ Donation & Brain Death"With Rabbi Daniel FreitagRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 28, 2024
Advice for Life - Lesson 1Meaning at WorkWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 24, 2024Earning a living can provide meaning beyond the paycheck. Discover the Rebbe’s unique understanding of how work and financial decisions connect to life’s purpose.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 13"Bris Milah: Current Halachic Controversies"With Rabbi Ariel AsaRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 21, 2024
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 12"Cracking the Code: DNA in Halacha?With Rabbi Gedalya HertzRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 14, 2024
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 11"Can I Drive My Tesla on Shabbos?The Electric Debate"With Rabbi Shlomo Chaim KesselmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 17, 2023
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 10"The Mistake of Mistakes:The Beginning of All Avodah According to Chassidus"With Tzvi KilovRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 3, 2023
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 9"The Mystery of Meat & Milk"With Rabbi Binyomin FriedmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 19, 2023
Eight Lights. Eight Lessons.With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 6The Essence of EverythingWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, December 6, 2023Uncover the reality that precedes everything, the essence of the Divine Self, and the surprising purpose of our physical universe. Learn insights into the human self’s deepest motivation and purpose and our capacity to repair wrongs.
Chanukah Boot CampGet Spiritually Fit for the HolidayWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 30, 2023The Festival of Lights is fast approaching, and we have just what you need to get ready. This 60-minute session delves deep inside the soul of Chanukah to help you make the most of your holiday experience. Featuring a conversation of eight critical Chanukah themes in light of the current challenges facing Israel and Jews around the world.
Women's Chanukah Class"Miracles: Achieving the Impossible"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, December 4, 2023This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 15, Chayei Sarah, offers a revolutionary understanding of the miracle of Chanukah -- and shows us how to be the miracle in our own lives.
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 5The Great ConcealmentWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 29, 2023Explore the process of tzimtzum, or how G-d conceals His infinity to create space for our reality. See how this translates into guidance for empowering others and seeking growth potential in life’s darkest moments.
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 4The World of ChaosWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 15, 2023Study the primordial spiritual universe of Tohu (Chaos), its purpose in creation, and its enduring impact on human nature. Discover the roots of inner moral conflict and the key to harnessing our negative natures to achieve fulfillment.
Jews & Food - Part 4Sacred ConsumptionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 9, 2023Is there anything inherently holy about the act of eating? Not just what we eat, but how? Jewish life is filled with opportunities to gather around the table and break bread (and latkes, cheesecake, brisket, you name it!). In our final session of Jews & Food we tackle the question of why? What makes eating so Jewish? And what does that mean for our lives?
Jews & Food - Part 3The Meat of the IssueWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, November 2, 2023Fat, blood, and cheeseburgers! In this session we chew on some tough questions: Why are some parts of an animal spiritually upliftable and others, not? What happens if we eat non-Kosher? And most importantly -- why should we care? All this and more is on the table in the third lesson of Jews & Food.
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 3The Infinite LightWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 8, 2023Observe how G-d’s infinite light unites diverse sefirot and how we can replicate this phenomenon to overcome human differences and create harmonious relationships. Plus, see how willpower mirrors infinity and enables us to overcome obstacles.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 4“Rocket Science”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, November 5, 2023One of the big challenges rocket scientists faced in launching a spacecraft is the issue of friction -- or, more precisely, the complete lack of friction in outer space.See, in our atmosphere, all a rocket has to do to gain propulsion is to push against another body that provides resistance. That's true of the solid surface of the earth, as well as of our atmospheric pressure -- there's what to push against. But what happens when the rocket breaks free of our atmosphere and enters outer space, which is nearly a pure vacuum? When the air around the rocket has no pressure of its own, what exactly do you push against? And if you can't push against anything, how do you move forward?The secret, scientists discovered, was hiding in plain sight: in Newton’s third law of motion. Yes, the idea that for every action in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction changed everything. But here's the kicker: it not only paved the way for space travel, it also opens an entirely new pathway in our personal and spiritual growth. In this out of this world session of Kabbalah Café we explore galaxies far, far away, and learn powerful life lessons from the physics that get us there.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 8"Your Halachic Guide to Black Friday"With Rabbi Chaim FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 5, 2023
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 7"Is It a Mitzvah to Live in Israel?The Practical Laws of Settling the Land"With Rabbi Yitzchok WerbinRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 29, 2023
Women's Bitachon Class"No Fear: How to Cultivate Bitachon and Live Fearlessly"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, October 31, 2023This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 36, Shemos, explores the core of bitachon -- what genuine trust of G-d is based on, and how bitachon creates blessings in our lives.
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 2The Dawn of LimitationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, November 1, 2023Probe the Divine realm of G-d’s ten sefirot and the corresponding powers of the soul. Discover how knowledge of our soul’s root can clarify individual purpose and provide guidance for maximizing strengths and managing weaknesses.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 3“Vanishing Act”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 29, 2023I remember the first time I saw a David Copperfield special as a kid. I was mesmerized. Here was a man that could make big things -- national landmarks! -- vanish. I knew then that this was magic; it wasn't real, it was an illusion. But it was breathtaking nonetheless. Now that I think about it, what he actually did might have been the most impressive of all: making something that's here appear not here.Copperfield is not the first to pull this off. And no, I'm not talking about earlier magicians and illusionists. The first to pull off this spectacular vanishing act is G-d. G-d -- for the express purpose of granting space for otherness -- makes Himself "disappear." Or, more precisely, G-d makes Himself appear to disappear.Much Kabbalistic ink has been spilled explaining the mystery of Divine vanishing. In this session of Kabbalah Café, we'll head down the rabbit hole to explore just how G-d pulled off the biggest trick of all: a world that sees itself, but not its Creator, who's hiding in plain sight.
Jews & Food - Part 2Soul FoodWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 26, 2023If every bite we take is really another chance to uplift Divine sparks, then why restrict our diet? The laws of Kashrut seem counterproductive and unnecessary in light of the above. In our second session of Jews & Food, we delve into the spiritual realm, uncovering the Divine source of different foods and the impact that they make on our souls.
The World of Kabbalah - Lesson 1The Evolution of EgoWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Examine the three spiritual worlds linking G-d’s initial plan to our physical universe and how they correspond to human thought, speech, and action. Plus, see how this insight helps us sidestep rash decisions and implement habits for intentional living.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 6"Israel's Hostage Crisis:The Human and Halachic View"With Rabbi Ilan FeldmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 22, 2023
Spiritual Surrender - Part 2“Night & Day”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 22, 2023 In the beginning, we are introduced to duality. G-d initially says, "Let there be light" -- but soon after, there was evening and there was morning. Night and day.This duality exists not only in the atmospheric realm, it exists inside each one of us too. We are an amalgam of night and day, a mix of dark night moments and bright day moments. One moment we may feel hope, the next despair.The duality is normal. Yet, it evokes tension, and perhaps concern. Why do we experience such internal shifts? Wherein stems this internal duality?In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the origins of duality on the highest spiritual levels, and seek to understand how divine dichotomy leads to a soul split. Through this process we get to know the two names each one of us possesses, and better appreciate the role we play in G-d's master plan.
Spiritual Surrender - Part 1“Struggle & Triumph”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 15, 2023In this powerful new Kabbalah Café series we examine the varying forms that our relationship with G-d can take, and discover how we access different spiritual personas throughout our spiritual journey. The text will teach us incredible insights about our inner selves and our higher purpose, and impress upon us the gift of letting go.
Jews & Food In the Beginning There Was Supper With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 19, 2023The first time G-d speaks to man in the book of Genesis, it is to give him one commandment: A list of trees from which he can and cannot eat. From Adam and Eve to Isaac and Jacob, all the way through the Prophets and beyond, Judaism is rife with links between spiritual pursuits and gastronomic experience. But why? What is the connection between the soul and the stomach? And can food -- the most basic of human necessities -- really be a gateway to the Divine? Find out in this first taste of Jews & Food.
Kabbalah of Positivity & ResilienceWith Rabbi Laibl WolfRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, October 25, 2023In a Fractured World You Need toChange Your Head-SpaceStrengthen Your Resilience with Spiritual Training Skills of Meditation and PositivityRabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf of Australia has been a worldwide teacher of spirituality for almost two generations. He draws upon contemporary positive psychology side-by-side with ancient spiritual wisdoms to create a unique synthesis of past and present, reshaping people’s lives and values.Having trained in law and psychology, he is an unusual blend of Chassidic Rabbi, therapist and teacher, who has shared at the Fortune 500 Convention, the International Psychological Conference, the Gawler international Wellness convention, as well as various spiritual and even Buddhist ashrams. He has been described as “a Jewish synthesis of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Steven Covey.”
Israel: An Evening of Torah & Unity"Standing with IsraelLessons from Torah’s Architecture"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 12, 2023Our tradition speaks of the power of Torah study, prayer, and charity to bring more light into our world and shake the heavens in times of distress. Join us as we gather in solidarity and strength, and study Torah for the merit of our brothers and sisters in Israel.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5784 - Session 3Sukkot: The Ascetic MaterialistWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 27, 2023Is the Sukkah meant to be a temporary or a permanent experience? The same question can be asked about life itself: are we to view it as merely a stepping-stone to a future destination, or the main feature? Examining the nature of the holiday of Sukkot sheds light on the meaning and purpose of life.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5784 - Session 2Yom Kippur: Room For ImprovementWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 20, 2023That we can always improve is pretty much a no-brainer. Yom Kippur comes along each year and adds: Today, your soul receives a reboot. You're a new person now. You can improve -- and dramatically so.
High Holiday Boot Camp 5784 - Session 1Rosh Hashanah: The Secret of ShofarWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 13, 2023)There comes a time when thinking people stop and ask themselves, ''Do I really matter?'' It's a scary question. The shofar-blowing ceremony provides a reassuring answer: Beyond anything you might do, G-d decided you matter-and that's who you are. Go ahead and relish that.
Garments of the Soul - Part 13“Bathed in Light”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 10, 2023Before the soul is sent on its mission to the lower realms, it bathes in the pure Light of the Divine, unencumbered by challenge or concern, and without the need for mediating forces.But once the soul has descended below and engaged in the fierce battle that constitutes its predestined mission, upon its return Above it now needs intervening forces in order to behold the Light.Those forces? The garments sewn of physical mitzvot.In this session of Kabbalah Café we will dig deep inside Jewish mystical literature to discover the true power of a mitzvah, and learn why the more physical the good deed the higher the Light it can contain. We'll also discuss the difference between pre- and post-descent souls, and see how the World of Action radically changes everything.
The Hebrew CourseLesson 5: The FinaleWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, September 7, 2023Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.
Money Matters - Lesson 4Fabulously Wealthy or Filthy Rich? The Ethics of CEO CompensationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, September 6, 2023In recent years much fury has arisen from reports that CEOs of Americas biggest companies take grand bonuses and huge salaries. Is it morally wrong to seek extravagance? Are those who criticize their good fortune just jealous, or is their disgust valid? This lesson will discuss some of the moral problems related to CEO compensation, including some conflicts of interest.
Sunday KolelYear 2 - Lecture 5"The Halachic Mechanism of Bitul B'Rov:How Powerful is the Majority?"With Rabbi Shlomo Chaim KesselmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 3, 2023
Garments of the Soul - Part 12“Reinvent Yourself”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, September 3, 2023 Reinventing yourself and chasing personal growth? That's like hitting refresh on your life, helping you discover more about yourself and adapting to new things. It's about breaking free from those old ruts, becoming better versions of yourself, and improving your relationships, both human and Divine.But it's no cakewalk. Changing up your game and reinventing yourself is a real uphill battle. You're up against those stubborn habits, the fear of stepping into the unknown, and societal pressures. It demands guts, patience, and a truckload of resilience. But the rewards of transformation make it a worthwhile endeavor.In this session of Kabbalah Café we look at Kabbalistic wisdom on personal change. We explore the spiritual challenges of reinvention, and more importantly, learn soulful tools to achieve change.
The Hebrew CourseLesson 4: The Vowels, Part 2With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 31, 2023Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.
Women's Rosh Hashanah Class"Your Needs Are Holy: Understanding Prayer"With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 29, 2023This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 19, Rosh Hashanah - Vov Tishrei, explores deeper themes of prayer and our relationship with G-d, clarifying why we ask for personal needs while we stand before G-d.
A Historic Evening with Esther BaschThe Honey Girl of Auschwitz An Inspiring Story of Hope, Courage, Love, and ForgivenessRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 21, 2023Seventy-eight years since the liberation of Auschwitz, there are not very many voices that can share the story of the Holocaust with our generation.Witness history as 95-year-old Esther Basch, nicknamed “The Honey Girl of Auschwitz,” shares her firsthand account of her survival against all odds, and how she rebuilt her life out of the shadows of darkness and ashes of destruction. Esther’s unique story is filled with hope, courage, love, and forgiveness.
Money Matters - Lesson 3State of the Union: The Right to Organize, Bargain Collectively, and StrikeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 30, 2023The controversy over union rights is recurrently strewn across U.S. headlines. What does Jewish law have to say about whether workers should have the right to unionize and bargain collectively? And does it matter whether they are public- or private-sector employees? Should the right to strike be granted, despite the harm it can cause to society? Does the type of industry make a difference? This lesson will present the Talmud's enlightening spin on unionization, collective bargaining, and strikes.
Sunday Kolel Year 2 - Lecture 1 "Can't Touch This? A Deep Dive Inside the Laws of Muktza" With Rabbi Sruli Klaristenfeld Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on August 27, 2023
Sunday Kolel & Kinus Torah - 3 "Your Practical How-To Guide to Tevilas Keilim" With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on August 20, 2023
Sunday Kolel & Kinus Torah - 2 "Why Dip Pots?: The Rationale of Tevilas Keilim" With Hatomim Shraga Charytan Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on August 20, 2023
Sunday Kolel & Kinus Torah - 1 "Staying Grounded: The Laws of Orla" With Hatomim Mendel Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on August 20, 2023
Money Matters - Lesson 2 Morally Bankrupt: The Ethics of Debt Discharge With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 23, 2023
In times of old, when a debtor was not able to repay his debts, he was sold as a slave or thrown into prison. Today, we have bankruptcy laws that protect individuals from this fate. But is it ethical to borrow without repaying? If someone earns the money later in life, should they be obligated to repay their settled debts?
This lesson explores the Jewish legal perspective on bankruptcy, emphasizing how we can incorporate secular local laws and customs into Jewish law.
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 6 Penny for Your Thoughts With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 21, 2023
Both Jewish and secular legal systems have rules outlawing unfair competition, or "encroaching on another's boundaries." In the modern world, the boundaries of these rules are tested by considering the degree to which ones thoughts are protected.
Can one own an idea? Are patents and copyrights concepts that are recognized by Jewish law? See how ancient cases can have some surprisingly modern applications.
Garments of the Soul - Part 11 “Love 2.0” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 27, 2023
Love is complicated. Sometimes, it might not be easy to know when love is actually love, because it's hard to separate your feelings about the other from your feelings about yourself.
Do you love the other -- or do you love the way they make you feel? Those are two very different things indeed, and the way we answer that question has a lot of bearing on the nature of our relationship.
In this session of Kabbalah Café we will delve deep into the spiritual nature of love. We'll explore the origins of love, and learn how to align our love with its divine source. In doing so, we will discover a new way to love... Love 2.0.
Garments of the Soul - Part 10 “Mystic Therapy” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 20, 2023
It is a foundational teaching of Kabbalah that we have control over our thoughts. Unlike the belief that human beings are victims of their subconsciousness, Jewish mysticism declares that we have the ability to be in control of our own cognition.
This means that despite whatever lurks beneath the surface of our mind, we can consciously choose what we will process at any given moment.
This belief is incredibly empowering and freeing. It lifts a fatalistic weight off our shoulders, and energizes us to be the masters of our inner domain. We are not slaves -- we are our own masters.
In this powerful session of Kabbalah Cafe we open our minds to Kabbalistic open mindedness, and discover just how potent our meta cognition is.
Garments of the Soul - Part 9 “Kabbalah Couture” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 13, 2023
Human beings have been wearing clothes ever since Adam got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. And though the purpose of clothing seems obvious, the mystics reveal a deeper side to human attire.
See, clothes serve a dual function. They simultaneously hide and reveal, obscure and divulge. This is the Paradox of Prada, the Conundrum of Coach, the Dilemma of Dior. And anytime you're dealing with paradox, you know something mystical is at hand...
In this fashion-first session of Kabbalah Café we break down clothing and expose its true mystical origin. You'll discover why clothes are not just necessary for our body, but for our soul too.
The Hebrew Course Lesson 3: The Vowels, Part 1 With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 24, 2023
Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!
In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.
The Hebrew Course Lesson 2: The Letters, Part 2 With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 17, 2023
Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!
In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.
The Hebrew Course Lesson 1: The Letters, Part 1 With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, August 10, 2023
Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!
In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.
Money Matters - Lesson 1 Hot Tips: The Ethics of Insider Trading With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Information is a valuable commodity -- this fact has been made clear by recent stories of high-profile prosecutions on insider trading charges. But is it fair to require companies to make information readily available to people who did not expend the time, effort, and money to attain it? Can stealing or misusing information be likened to property theft? How do we set up markets which ensure that risk is apportioned fairly?
In this lesson, we will compare and contrast what American law and Jewish law have to say on the subject.
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 5 The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 14, 2023
When truth and justice conflict, which value takes primacy? May a lawyer lie or withhold knowledge in order to ensure a just outcome? Must one trust that the system will ensure an appropriate outcome, or is it the responsibility of those in the legal profession to bend the rules so that a fair outcome is reached?
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 4 Words That Wound With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, August 7, 2023
What happens when a playwright portrays a public figure in a negative light? Can the playwright be sued for slander and character defamation? Is there special protection accorded artists so that they may be free to create? Are their artistic statements held to different standards than assertions made in the press or in the context of regular public discourse? Or are all people equally accountable for their hurtful words?
Garments of the Soul - Part 8 “Mystic Therapy” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, August 6, 2023
Once, in the late 1700s, a young boy asked his sagely grandfather: "What is the purpose of mystical study?"
His grandfather, who was a leading Kabbalist, replied: "The entire purpose of Jewish mysticism is to transform the nature of a person's character."
Each person is woven of a complex spiritual matrix, which helps form the nature of our character. But we are not intended to be static creatures. Every living being must grow, and for us, that means to grow on the inside too.
Kabbalah charts a path of internal growth and change. And it is this path that is the focus of our conversation.
In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore two methods of personal change. We learn the fascinating account of where these approaches originate and where they diverge, and come to discover the sustainable beauty of the mystical path toward inner transformation.
Women's 9 Days Class "Secrets of the Lost Ark: Lessons in Loss, Resilience & Rebuilding" With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, July 24, 2023
This text-based class on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 21, Parshas Terumah, explains where the Ark is hidden today and the powerful lessons this teaches us about loss, resilience, and rebuilding.
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 3 The Right to Life With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, July 31, 2023
A woman must decide whether to abort a fetus so that she can provide a marrow transplant for her dying sister. How can we balance the interests of the yet unborn fetus with the interests of those who have already entered this life?
Garments of the Soul - Part 7 “Studying With the Angels” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 30, 2023
There's an old adage that says, "Torah speaks to the terrestrial realm, and alludes to the celestial realm." Which means that while Torah guides us in very real and practical terms, it also contains lofty spiritual messages.
But there's another version of this saying: "Torah speaks to the celestial realm, and alludes to the terrestrial realm." According to this version, the Torah originates -- and primarily speaks -- in heaven. It just so happens that it also hints to the goings on in the physical dimension.
Which tells us something astounding. There's an entire universe of Torah that's studied above, by angels and souls. This is the reality that Kabbalah exposes us to. And this is what we will be exploring together on Sunday.
In this uplifting session of Kabbalah Café we go beyond the surface and study Torah with the angels. We take a biblical passage, look at it on a basic surface level, and then reveal its higher truth. Prepare to be amazed!
Semichas Chaver Chabad Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 10 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on July 18, 2023
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 2 The Ebbing Flame With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, July 24, 2023
Families facing the imminent death of a loved one grapple to make end-of-life decisions that impart the final moments with dignity and respect. They wonder when medical intervention is morally required, and when it is excessively intrusive. Must life be preserved at all costs, or can it be permitted to gracefully ebb away?
Garments of the Soul - Part 6 “Perfectly Imperfect” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 23, 2023
In the mystical tradition the human being is torn between two inner drives, one lower and one higher. Life is lived in a state of perpetual tension, pulled toward both selfishness and selflessness.
We know the score. Sometimes we rise and embrace our noblest selves. Sometimes, not so much.
It is in this space of frustrated internal discord that we find two profound and seemingly contradictory Kabbalistic meditations:
- Our imperfection is by Divine design.
- We can achieve perfection despite our inherent imperfection.
Which is it? Are we to embrace our flawed humanity, recognizing that this too is G-dly? Or are we to cut through the noise to find the pure, unblemished essence within, and activate its force in our lives? Which approach is ideal? Which is practical?
In this powerful session of Kabbalah Café we peer into the deepest teachings of Jewish mysticism to discover our true meaning and purpose. What we discover will change the way you look at yourself, and redefine perfection.
Talmudic Ethics - Lesson 1 My Brother, My Self With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on July 17, 2023
A parent in the Holocaust struggles to decide whether to ransom his son from certain death, because he knows that the guard will seize another Jewish boy in his son's stead. Explore under what circumstances people may protect their own interests first, and when they must sacrifice themselves rather than bringing harm to another.
Semichas Chaver Chabad Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 9 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on July 11, 2023
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Vortlekh un Shprikhverter: Sayings and Proverbs Yiddish wisdom distilled into very short formulas With Professor Miriam Udel (Recorded live on June 15, 2020)
Maybe you remember your Bubby or Zaidy speaking it. Maybe you’d like to watch Shtisel without the subtitles. Whatever the reason—this course is for you!
Join Emory University Professor Miriam Udel for an epic four-session online Yiddish course. You’ll gain a Taste of Yiddish and learn the basics of speaking the “Mame Loshen.”
The Mystery of Hebrew Numerology - Lesson 2 "Exposing Secrets" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on August 17, 2020)
This thrilling three-part journey takes you inside the world of Hebrew numerology. Learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
Overcoming Folly - Part 47 "Pit of Doom" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 23, 2022)
Life is not without its ups and downs. But sometimes we trip and fall into a big pit, a hole that pulls us down far below.
The pit of doom is an equal-access danger. No one is immune to it, no matter how great one might be. Actually, the greater one is the more susceptible they are to falling hard...
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the spiritual meaning of the pit of doom. We learn about the vices that niggle at us and our dangerous dance with temptation. And we discover the most treacherous voice of all -- the one that threatens to take us all the way down. Knowing this will empower us to walk our path with confidence!
Daily Power Parsha 12.3.21 (Mikeitz) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on December 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.3.21 (Ki Tisa) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on March 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.23.21 (Tetzaveh) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on February 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.6.21 (Shemot) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on January 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.2.20 (Ki Tavo) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on September 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.14.20 (Re'eh) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on August 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.27.20 (Va'etchanan) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on July 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.20.20 (Devarim) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on July 20, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.16.20 (Matot-Maasei) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on July 16, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.29.20 (Chukat-Balak) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on June 29, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.25.20 (Naso) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on May 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.27.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on April 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.21.20 (Tazria-Metzora) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on April 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.26.20 (Vayikra) A Quick Daily Dose of Torah Inspiration With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live on March 26, 2020
Seeing is Believing It’s Time to Take an Honest Look at Ourselves With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
If someone told you they met a ten-foot giant, you probably wouldn’t believe them. But if you actually saw the guy, well, you saw him. End of story. To see is to connect—and that’s the key to a meaningful Judaism, and a lodestar for constant progress: look at the past, connect with it, and take the appropriate lessons to heart.
Equality vs. Individuality: Are They a Conflict? If I am I Because You Are Not Me, Then I am Not I and You Are Not You With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
The people of Sodom famously chopped off the legs of short visitors to fit the standard size bed sold in Macy’s of Sodom. Equality, after all. How do we find the balance to counter the guillotine of equality without falling prey to the morbidity of individualism?
The Day G-d Gave Us the Torah... Or Not? Making Sense of the Holiday of Shavuot With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
Shavuot is known as the day the Torah was given. A look at the phenomenon of crossing the international date line before the holiday unravels a whole new element to the holiday-and lends us fresh perspective on what it means to be Jewish.
Three is the Magic Number Achieving Harmony in the Face of Controversy With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
There’s something extremely satisfying about settling a dispute between two parties. Of course, it would be nice if everyone agreed about everything, but that’s just not happening. Or would that even be preferred? Apparently, when G-d married heaven and earth in the present we called Torah, He taught us this: One is good, but to make two into one is even better. And that’s the magic of three.
Revival of Ruth How to Make Judaism Real With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
Shavuot is the day we received the Torah, and on it we read the Book of Ruth. What is the reason for this custom, and what can we learn from it? Ruth teaches us what it means to accept the Torah—on the Torah’s terms.
The Sound of Silence Shedding Bias for Personal Growth With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
How do you unite with another human being, to become “like one person with one heart”? This lesson suggests going for a hard reset by putting yourself aside and focusing on others to reveal the common bond.
Challenging Intuition Three Life-Lessons from King David's Counselor With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
Just when you think you have everything figured out, you discover a whole new realm of depth that takes you to the next level. This class finds personal meaning in three pearls of wisdom from the last testament and life lessons of Achitofel, King David's advisor.
The Kabbalah of Cheesecake What's the Fuss over Milk and Meat? With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
Unyielding. Compassionate. Standing firm. Giving in. What is the ideal temperament? This lesson sheds Kabbalistic insight into the relevance of Torah here on earth, and the laws of mixing milk and meat.
The Rabbi and the Heretic A Dialogue of Torah’s Timeless Messages With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta
One of the most important Chassidic insights is the unique partnership of mutual giving that exists between G-d and the Jewish people. G-d does his part by giving from above, while we do our part by giving from below. But if there is one event in Jewish history that seems to contradict this principle of mutual action, it is the giving of the Torah at Sinai. To be sure, the Jewish people had to prepare themselves to receive the Torah, but the act of giving the Torah itself on Shavuot clearly seems to be a uni-directional effort, a one-way street that is embedded in the name of the event itself: Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah: G-d gave us the Torah and we received it. In this class we will explore an extraordinary revelation and insight by the Lubavitcher Rebbe: That Matan Torah was of course an act of giving, but G-d was not the only active contributor. There also was an extraordinary act of giving that we ourselves did, which helped to define what is arguably the most important day in human history. It was a rarely mentioned contribution by Moshe on behalf of the Jewish people. It was an act of human initiative at Sinai that substantially adds to the ongoing partnership that has existed ever since between the human and the Divine, between G-d and the Jewish people. This idea will be brought to light through examining the contrast in views between the Rabbis of the Talmud and the groups that don’t believe in the Divinity of the Oral Law.
“The Rebbe’s Revolution” A Day of Learning: An Evening of Inspiration In Honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe With Rabbi Manis Friedman (Recorded live on June 21, 2020)
Counting Diamonds: The Rebbe on the Value of the Individual A Day of Learning: An Evening of Inspiration In Honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe With Mrs. Shifra Sharfstein (Recorded live on June 21, 2020)
“Excuse Me, Are You Jewish?" How the Rebbe Reclaimed the Essence of Judaism A Day of Learning: An Evening of Inspiration In Honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe With Rabbi Ari Shishler (Recorded live on June 21, 2020)
Marching Orders: The Rebbe’s Final Discourse & Call to Action A Day of Learning: An Evening of Inspiration In Honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe With Rabbi Ruvi New (Recorded live on June 21, 2020)
When Does this All Get Better? The Rebbe on Hope and Destiny A Day of Learning: An Evening of Inspiration In Honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe With Mrs. Dena Schusterman (Recorded live on June 21, 2020)
Bequeathing the Heritage A Primer for Acting, Feeling, and Identifying as Jewish With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 19, 2021)
What is the defining feature of a healthy relationship? Doing things for each other? Remaining committed even when there’s betrayal? Perhaps another intangible we’re not even talking about? The joyous holiday of Sukkot provides a good primer for these important questions.
I Love You. I See Your Flaws. Let’s Improve True Love Doesn’t Blind; It Embraces and Hopes for Better With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 8, 2021)
Come to think of it, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are really the same thing: two serious days about making things right for a new year. So why do we need them both? “High Holiday” doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it could do. So why the double-act? Discover the true meaning of Yom Kippur.
Canceling the Culture of Cancel Culture Finding Common Ground from a G-dly Perch With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 1, 2021)
In divisive times, when neighbors, friends, and even family turn on one another, it is more important than ever to find common ground that unites us all. Indeed, the New Year provides us an opportunity to gain a G-dly perspective on humanity that will surely bring us together.
Rewrite History The Superpower of the Baal Teshuvah With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 25, 2021)
Have you ever wished you could rewrite the past and retrieve a broken part of yourself? Through a surprisingly fresh look at the horrible list of curses in our parshah, we discover a most incredible power: the power to redeem the irredeemable.
How Humility Keeps You High Recognizing Your Limits Is the Secret to True Growth With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 18, 2021)
To assume infallibility is a dangerous game. History has demonstrated time and again that he or she who deems themselves beyond reproach is most often the first one to fall. A fresh look at the mitzvah to erect a fence on the roof of our home brings this message into stark relief.
Let Go and Move Forward To Leave Egypt, You Must Really Leave It Behind. All of It With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on August 11, 2021)
A Jewish king is not allowed to own too many horses. Sounds interesting, but why? So he doesn’t head back to Egypt and settle there. A fascinating ride through some complex halachic intricacies lands us at the doorstep of this important conclusion: There’s no such thing as “partially” leaving Egypt.
A Perfect Exchange Gaining Perspective on the Things That Vex Us Most With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on August 4, 2021)
“I have given you blessing and curses; take a good look and make the right choice!” Scripture declares. Is this really such a choice that requires examination? A deep look at some thorny theological questions gifts us this nugget: How we look at life is, indeed, entirely ours to choose.
Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop Giving Up Halfway Is Not an Option With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 29, 2021)
Have you ever started a new pet project or embarked on a new “year of change”—and then you fell flat just a couple of months in? This class argues that when fate sets you down a certain path, G-d expects you to see it through to the end. The good news? He empowered you to do it. So, carry on.
The Uncomfortable Truth Appreciating That We’re Catching Up to the Torah With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 21, 2021)
There’s a certain sense of wonderment that children seem to lose as they mature. An inspired Mishnah and a curious quirk in the mitzvah of Torah study urge us to maintain that sense of wonder—and the humility that comes with it.
The Mark of True Love Doing What’s Best, Not What’s Easiest With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 14, 2021)
A puzzling debate between an eminent Torah sage and a band of heretics leads to the former coming out with this bizarre statement, “If Moses loved the Jews so much, why did he keep them in the desert for forty years?” The answer: Because he truly loved them.
“I’m With You There, Too” How Our Mistakes Are Part of the Master Plan With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 7, 2021)
You may have heard that all challenges thrown your way are there to lift you up to a better space. But dare we argue that even your wanton misdeeds and the malicious sins you commit: they, too, are part of G-d’s vision for a better you? We can, and we will.
Gatekeepers of the Torah Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 30, 2021)
Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do Does the Torah really belong to every Jew? Aren’t there class divisions in Judaism: say, for example, the priests and the rabbis? Perhaps the Torah actually highlights some of our differences? No, it does not. In this lesson, discover how.
Redefining Messiah Are You Waiting for the Right Messiah? With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 23, 2021)
Ask anyone in synagogue what Messiah is, and you’ll get answers about utopia, peace, love, and harmony. While that’s not untrue, it’s time to take a proper look at the legal definition of Messiah so we know what we’re waiting for. The answer may surprise you.
A Rational Mind Is Great. It’s Also Extremely Limiting Why Logic Alone Is Not Enough With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 16, 2021)
It’s wonderful, even necessary, to understand and appreciate religion. But just as you don’t love your spouse, your children, or your parents strictly because it makes sense, so it is with G-d: to really enjoy the relationship, your commitment must run faith-deep. Discover this idea in the obscure laws of the red heifer.
Aim High Emulating Korach’s Noble Intentions With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 9, 2021)
For too long, Korach has been perceived as a one-dimensional villain. This class argues that there’s much to learn from his intentions. After all, there’s something to say about someone who has a passionate drive to connect with the Divine. Ask yourself: Does a lack of G-d in your life make YOU cry?
The Imperative to Reach Out and Help Another Can We Sacrifice Personal Morals to Help Another? With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 2, 2021)
Juggling personal morals and values with the need to help another is a thorny ethical dilemma. Taking a closer look at the Torah’s juxtaposition of two random events makes one thing very clear: staying in your own comfort zone is not an option.
The Age-Old Balance of Individualism vs. Collectivism An Audacious Argument to Find Yourself in the Location Least Expected With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on May 26, 2021)
It’s a struggle of identity that has challenged humanity since the beginning of time: How do we maintain our unique individuality while identifying with the broader community? Many years ago, the veteran sage Hillel presented a bold answer while discussing the laws of the Passover sacrifice, and we’re privileged to explore it still.
Sing Your Song Listening to the Unique Rhythm of Every Single Day With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on May 19, 2021)
A year, a month, or even a week is arguably consequential. But a day? A day is but a mere blip on the radar, gone before one can think! The Levites’ songs in the Temple and our memorialization of them in the morning prayers forcefully argue to the contrary: every day is an entirely new tune.
Education Starts from Day One Every Person Counts from Their First Day on Earth With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on May 12, 2021)
There’s something about a cute little child that perhaps causes us to dismiss them, not seriously considering just how important they are in the chain of history. A detail about the Levite count in the desert sets the record straight.
Shabbat: A Day of Rest? Reimagining the Essence of Shabbat With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on April 28, 2021)
It’s a classic question: What does it mean that G-d “rested” on the seventh day? Was He tired? Discover the true core of what Shabbat is all about—and the tremendous opportunity that comes with it. You may be surprised: it’s not about sleeping in.
The Road Ahead Is Right in Front of You. Just Take the First Step An Effective Piecemeal Approach to Progress With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on April 14, 2021)
The story of sacrificial scents wafting in the air inspiring Jews to do a radical mitzvah in the middle of the night sounds too fantastical to be true. Thankfully, it is true, and the message it tells us is one of attainable and practical change.
The Joy of Family Judaism’s Overemphasis on Raising the Next Generation With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on April 21, 2021)
Parenting is arguably the most and least rewarding job on the planet. It’s tremendous work, but yields immeasurable joy. Judaism has always promoted family life; in fact, the very first mitzvah in the Torah is to have children. Discover how this value has served us so well—and should continue to do so.
Chosen Nation Sorting through the Myths With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 27, 2022)
Is it racist to make the claim that we’re the “Chosen Nation”? What does that even mean in the first place? A closer look at the Chosen Land (spoiler: Israel) uncovers an edifying take on this much-abused idea. Far from privileged pretentiousness, to be chosen is a responsibility and a demand.
You Have It in You Remember: Your Soul Came First With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 20, 2022)
“I can’t do it, it’s too hard, and I don’t have what it takes!” Sound familiar? It turns out that the prophet Jeremiah said the same thing to G-d Himself. G-d’s answer? A stirring string of verses opening the haftarah imparts the rousing message that your soul came before all the challenges you will ever face, so you have all the firepower you need.
The Making of a Nation Determining the Precise Moment the Jewish Nation Was Born With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 13, 2022)
Avraham was the first Jew, right? But wait. What about the events at Mount Sinai, when everyone received the Torah: Wasn’t that the moment of nationhood? Come to think of it, were the Jewish people not born at the Exodus from Egypt? An enthralling roller-coaster ride through the literature explores this important question.
“It’s Not My Thing” Is Not an Excuse When the Hour Demands, Rise to the Occasion With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on July 6, 2022)
We all have our comfort zones. You’re forgiven for wanting to stay there. But remember this: If you do, you will never grow. Worse yet, when someone else needs you, they’ll receive no answer. A curious plot twist in an ancient desert story with clouds of glory and heavenly mann calls us to get uncomfortable and be there for someone else—even if it’s not “your thing.”
Different, Yet Equal “We’re All the Same!” Is Tempting. It’s Also Premature With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 29, 2022)
Korach’s rebellion that saw him yelling, “We’re all equal, why do you, Moses, get the fancy title?!” can be mistaken for a romantic everyman’s struggle. In a way, Korach really was on to something, but ultimately, he was mistaken. Walk the tightrope of “different but equal” through the lenses of our nation's first uprising of the proletariat.
You Matter. Yes, Even You G-d Doesn’t Only Pay Attention to Big Things and Important People With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on June 22, 2022)
“Omnipresent” is a word thrown around as a name for G-d, which is a fancy way of saying, “He’s everywhere and always paying attention.” It’s a great name: G-d really is paying attention to everything He created, and He cares very much about what they do—including you.
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.
Garments of the Soul - Part 4 “Adulting” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 25, 2023
Once upon a time, all our decisions were made for us. What we wore, what we ate, who we socialized with, where we went, what we did when we went where we went -- all of those decisions were made by others.
Until we grew up.
The transition between dependence and self-determination is often a bumpy one, marked by missteps and failure. As a parent witnessing this progression, it can sometimes feel as though it would have been better to keep things as they were, to keep hand-holding. But at some point you must let go. For that is the way of life: progress is the product of agency, and the product of agency is a measure of regress.
The Kabbalists explain that the same occurred historically in the adolescence of our people. As we matured, G-d let go. That gave us the space we needed. But it also gave rise to some of the greatest missteps of our history, including the disaster of the spies. Such is the price to pay for progress.
In this epic session of Kabbalah Café we jump into the episode of the spies and uncover what really happened. We'll learn why ten of the greatest Jewish leaders turned against G-d's promise, and why -- perhaps more shockingly -- Moses allowed it to happen.
Semichas Chaver Chabad Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 8 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 27, 2023
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Semichas Chaver Chabad Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 7 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 20, 2023
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Beyond Right - Lesson 6 Beyond Presumption of Innocence With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 14, 2022)
While a presumption of innocence can protect defendants from liability, it is not quite a declaration of uprightness. Jewish law goes so far as to presume every person's core goodness. In this class we explore the sources of this positive perspective on human nature and its practical ramifications.
Beyond Right - Lesson 5 Beyond Lawful Ownership With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 7, 2022)
Is the claim of ownership anything more than a subjective social agreement? A foundation of Chasidic thought is that material possessions contain spiritual energy that is specific to their owners. This perspective has legal and moral ramifications for how we relate to our possessions and the possessions of others.
Beyond Right - Lesson 4 Beyond Personal Freedom With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 31, 2022)
With 613 commandments in the Torah and myriad rules expounded in the Talmud, can Judaism ever be called "liberating"? In this lesson we delve into the Exodus and the Covenant at Mount Sinai for a new definition of freedom, and then we explore how the value of personal liberty guides Jewish law about the employer-employee relationship.
Beyond Right - Lesson 3 Beyond Taking Offense With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 24, 2022)
You may feel a moral urge to speak up against an offensive action and protect others from harm. What should this translate into a legal responsibility as well? Judaism has a very broad definition of mutual responsibility, and this lesson explored the lengths to which we must go to prevent offenses abs protect people from harm.
Beyond Right - Lesson 2 Beyond Restitution With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 17, 2022)
Offender rehabilitation is a value all can agree on, but does it have a role to play in the legal system? This lesson explores the Jewish value of rehabilitation, known as teshuvah: Who can do it, how is it done, what it achieves, and the rules we and our legal systems can play in facilitating it.
Beyond Right - Lesson 1 Beyond Good Neighbors With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 10, 2022)
Most laws are designed to protect the rights of people and their property. But Judaism’s civil code is driven by a different goal: shaping an upright society. In this lesson we explore how this value guides Jewish law, establishing its attitude toward neighborly disputes and interpersonal ethical dilemmas.
Lesson 7 - To Live in Deed With Mrs. Leah Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 9, 2022)
From birth, to marriage, to death, and beyond, Jewish traditions mark the contours of our lives. If there isn’t a Kaddish, there’s a Kiddush, bat mitzvah, or chupah... Here, we survey the key life cycle rituals so as to more deeply appreciate their significance—that of the rituals, and of the life events they are associated with. Not just an accompaniment, these practices mold our major life steps and give us language to celebrate or to commemorate. Even more, they work to complete the soul’s journey on earth.
Lesson 6 - The Kinds of Kindness With Mrs. Leah Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 4, 2022)
Sure it’s nice to be nice, but sometimes you need specifics. Rather than relying on vague ethical pronouncements, the Torah gets into the nitty-gritty and ensures that we express our love in the concrete, with commandments like giving charity, hosting guests in the home, comforting the bereaved, and returning lost property. Beyond simply studying how to properly perform these action mitzvot, this class presents them in a new light, making us rethink the general nature of the ethical obligations we bear toward our fellow human.
Lesson 4 - A Slice of Life With Mrs. Leah Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 31, 2022)
From baking to breaking to thanking, there is a host of special practices uniquely associated with bread, starting with separating challah—the special mitzvah entrusted to Jewish women—to the special role bread plays on Shabbat and the festivals. So, what’s the deal with dough? In this class, we look at the symbolism of bread, take a crash course in the fascinating rituals that surround it, and meditate on the deep significance bread has in our lives.
Lesson 3 - Endlessly Blessed With Mrs. Dena Schusterman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 10, 2022)
Like some sort of Jewish mantra, berachot are better known as those brief blessings recited over food. As it happens, there are blessings for sighting a rainbow, when on a road trip, and even after visiting the bathroom. Isn’t it all a bit much? To learn more, we will go through the various classes of berachot and skim the intricate laws governing which benedictions are said, and when. We’ll discover how reciting a few words at the right time can transform a given activity or event and make it more mindful, focused, and grounded.
Lesson 2 - Soul Food With Mrs. Leah Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 20, 2021)
Is there anything more emblematic of religious dogma than keeping kosher? Kashrut determines not only what we eat, but also where and how we travel, and whom we break bread with. And for what purpose? To gain insight into the kosher lifestyle, we survey the basics of the dietary code and weigh whether these laws are really about staying healthy—or staying spiritual. Then, moving from the kitchen to the factory, we’ll hear firsthand from experts in the field to learn just what it is a certification agency does.
Lesson 1 - Unroll the Scroll With Mrs. Dena Schusterman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 15, 2021)
A small scroll, wrapped up, placed in a case, and affixed to a door, the mezuzah is so tiny you could miss it if you weren’t looking for it. And yet it contains so much. More than Ring or Nest, the ultimate in home gadgetry has always been the mezuzah. Scroll down! Follow the mezuzah from its manufacture to the end user experience by learning what it takes to be a scribe, the process of writing a mezuzah, how it’s actually installed, and the true power of that little piece of parchment.
You Be the Judge Lesson 6 - The Do-Gooder With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on April 12, 2022)
If your neighbor’s son mows your lawn without asking you first, is he entitled to compensation? How about someone who decides on his own to pay your debts? What do you owe a do-gooder?
You Be the Judge Lesson 5 - The Taskmaster With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on April 5, 2022)
Employees are accorded certain rights and protections that are not granted to independent contractors. But just who is considered an employee?
You Be the Judge Lesson 4 - The Neighbor Advantage With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 29, 2022)
Jewish law dictates that when a property is sold, the neighbors must be given the first option of purchase. Must one sell to a neighbor if there is a higher bidder?
You Be the Judge Lesson 3 - Burden of Proof With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 22, 2022)
What happens if two people lay claim to the same object but have no witnesses or documents to bolster their claim? Is possession always nine tenths of the law?
You Be the Judge Lesson 2 - The Accidental Treasure With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 15, 2022)
Your contractor demolishes a bathroom wall and discovers a rusting lockbox containing cash. Who gets to enjoy this unexpected windfall?
You Be the Judge Lesson 1 - Inheriting the Fruits of Sin With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 8, 2022)
Can murderers inherit from their victims? This lesson compares the approaches of Jewish and secular law to this audacious claim.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 6 Mind and Matter The Influences of Meditation on Practice, and of Practice on Meditation With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 1, 2022)
In Judaism, meditation is not just an ascetic practice; rather, it is directly harnessed to the real world through practical mitzvot. This lesson explores the fascinating two-way relationship between mitzvot and meditation: meditation and intention lend purpose to the mitzvot, but mitzvot also elicit meditative effects and are themselves a form of meditation.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 5 Mind Your Business Reframing the Routine With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on February 22, 2022)
Most of us dispense the majority of our time on the mundane grind of daily living. That sounds antithetical to spiritual living, but this lesson demonstrates that meditation can reframe every part of life and inject profound spiritual meaning into the most mundane activities. With the proper mindset and intention, simple behaviors like working, eating, and sleeping are transformed into purposeful and spiritually significant acts.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 4 Mind Your Time The Purpose and Power of the Present With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on February 15, 2022)
Perhaps now more than ever, we can all relate to the struggle of feeling mentally or emotionally scattered and distracted. This lesson presents a path of meditation that focuses on the perpetual nature of creation, through which it highlights a revolutionary depth to living in the present moment. The lesson promotes a mindful awareness that allows us to recognize the value of each moment as an end, in and of itself.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 3 Mastermind The Benefits of Divine Closeness With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on February 8, 2022)
G-d is often perceived as some distant force, and spirituality is something static. This lesson rips off the veil, demonstrating that G-d’s presence it is dynamically animating all of existence in the present, and that G-d is purposefully guiding all of reality in all of its diverse details. It promotes the application of this awareness as a guide to developing a Divine consciousness, and shows how this can be effective in increasing our joy, resilience, and sense of purpose.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 2 Mind Yourself! Reflecting Inward to Find the Divine With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on February 1, 2022)
Spirituality is often perceived as distant or irrelevant to daily reality. This lesson explores the innate spiritual sense that our souls possess and demonstrates the means of harnessing it through meditation. This leads us to experience a spiritual depth to reality and to find profound meaning in our every experience.
Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 1 Do You Mind? The Surprising Powers of Jewish Meditation With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 25, 2022)
Often associated with other religions, meditation is an authentic Jewish practice that plays a key role in Jewish life and spirituality. This lesson delves into the foundational underpinnings of Jewish meditation to discover how it can be harnessed as a mindfulness practice to overcome negative feelings and produce positive ones. Taking this a step further, it promotes the power of positive meditation to shape reality.
Garments of the Soul - Part 3 “Espionage” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 18, 2023
There's an art to being a spy. It's about gaining trust and access... and then exploiting that trust and access for your own purposes. It's about turning against those who you've become close with. It's about working the con. And the stakes are high.
When looking throughout biblical literature, we encounter multiple spy stories. Some work out well; others end in disaster. Which evokes some questions: What makes a spy mission work? What are the key ingredients to successful espionage? And how can we apply those ideas to achieve greater success in our own personal and spiritual lives?
In this spectacular session of Kabbalah Café we examine the art of espionage from a uniquely mystical perspective. Discover what the Kabbalists say about infiltrating the enemy, and making it out spiritually intact.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 23 "Total Immersion: Exploring the Laws of Designing & Building a Mikvah" With Rabbi Tzali Levin Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 18, 2023
How to Think Like a Chasidic Master - Lesson 3 "The Alter Rebbe & R' Levi Yitzchack of Berditchev" with Spiritual Mentor Mrs. Nomi Freeman (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 24, 2022)
Over the last three centuries the Chasidic movement has spawned a revolution in Judaism, breathing new soul into an ancient faith. But what do we know about the leaders of the movement? How do these great minds think? And is it possible for us to learn to think like them?
Join acclaimed spiritual guide Mrs. Nomi Freeman as we transport through time to visit Chasidic legends such as the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk, Reb Zushe of Anipoli, and the Alter Rebbe, and reveal the mindsets of these great masters.
How to Think Like a Chasidic Master - Lesson 2 "R' Elimelech of Lizensk & R' Zushe of Anipoli" with Spiritual Mentor Mrs. Nomi Freeman (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 17, 2022)
Over the last three centuries the Chasidic movement has spawned a revolution in Judaism, breathing new soul into an ancient faith. But what do we know about the leaders of the movement? How do these great minds think? And is it possible for us to learn to think like them?
Join acclaimed spiritual guide Mrs. Nomi Freeman as we transport through time to visit Chasidic legends such as the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk, Reb Zushe of Anipoli, and the Alter Rebbe, and reveal the mindsets of these great masters.
The Kabbalah of the Matrix - Session 3 "The Essence" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on December 21, 2021)
Discover the truth of reality as exposed by the teachings of Kabbalah. You'll stretch your consciousness and decode the paradox of existence.
The Kabbalah of the Matrix - Session 2 "The Blue Pill" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on December 14, 2021)
Discover the truth of reality as exposed by the teachings of Kabbalah. You'll stretch your consciousness and decode the paradox of existence.
The Kabbalah of the Matrix - Session 1 "The Red Pill" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on December 7, 2021)
Discover the truth of reality as exposed by the teachings of Kabbalah. You'll stretch your consciousness and decode the paradox of existence.
Victory Of Light - Part 18 "The Brilliant Darkness" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on March 30, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 17 "Unbounded Joy" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on March 16, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 16 "How Transformation Happens" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on March 9, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 15 "The Spiritual Science Of Change" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on February 23, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 14 "Expressing Your Core" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on February 16, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 13 "Living Authentically Part II" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on February 9, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 12 "Living Authentically Part I" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on February 2, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 11 "The Inner Cruse Of Oil" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 26, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 10 "Irrational Rationale" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 19, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 9 "Defiling Your Oil" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 12, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 6 "The Mind's Limits" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 5, 2014)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 7 "Breaking From Self" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 22, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 6 "Rejecting G - D" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 15, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 5 "Accessing The Unaccessible" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 8, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 4 "My Enemies Have Made Me Wise" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 1, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 3 "Holiness" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 17, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 2 "Inside Outside" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 10, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Victory Of Light - Part 1 "The Story Of Chanukah" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on October 27, 2013)
Victory of Light is an exposition on the deeper significance of Chanukah, viewed through the lens of Chabad Chasidic teachings.
The war of the Greeks was a spiritual one, aimed at eradicating the notion that Torah and mitzvot are holy, G-d given and Divine. The hellenistic Greeks wished to secularize Judaism, to turn it from a suprarational "faith" into a very rational system of philosophy and moral conduct. And in this sense the Greek Empire is very much alive: there still exist forces -- from both without and within -- that wish us to forget that Judaism is G-dly.
The victory of the Jews over the Greeks represents the victory of the suprarational over the rational, the G-dly over the secular. We therefore immortalize Chanukah by lighting fiery lamps against the darkness of night, celebrating the Victory of Light.
Jewish Wisdom + Neuroscience Two Interactive Sessions to Take Your Parenting to the Next Level With Rabbi Eliyahu & Dena Schusterman (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 29, 2022)
Join veteran parents and educators Rabbi Eliyahu and Dena Schusterman for an incredible interactive two-part series on parenting. The Conscious Parenting Masterclass presents the latest neuroscience along with tried-and-true Jewish wisdom, guiding you toward effective whole-child parenting.
Jewish Wisdom + Neuroscience Two Interactive Sessions to Take Your Parenting to the Next Level With Rabbi Eliyahu & Dena Schusterman (Recorded live at Atlanta on March 21, 2022)
Join veteran parents and educators Rabbi Eliyahu and Dena Schusterman for an incredible interactive two-part series on parenting. The Conscious Parenting Masterclass presents the latest neuroscience along with tried-and-true Jewish wisdom, guiding you toward effective whole-child parenting.
The Great Oven Debacle When the Rabbis Overruled a Heavenly Decision With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on October 14, 2021)
After exhausting his arguments, Rabbi Eliezer makes a carob tree jump, reverses a stream of water, crumbles the walls of the study hall, and evokes a heavenly voice, all to make a point. What is so important about Rabbi Eliezer's message? How is it relevant to us today?
A Ticket to Paradise The Security of Stagnation and the Challenge of Change With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on October 21, 2021)
How can a small donation surpass a lifetime of life-risking devotion? Illogical rates at a "rent-a-donkey" location and a royal dispute about sheep and goats teach us the dangers of stagnation and suggest a path to radical growth.
Greek Riddles A Camouflaged Theological Debate With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live in Atlanta on October 7, 2021)
A snake's gestation period, a butcher's head for sale, and how to mend a broken millstone are just a few of the paradoxical riddles in a battle of wits between Jewish and Athenian sages, presenting profound intellectual challenges to the fundamentals of our faith.
TanyaTalks - Getting Real With Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 21, 2021)
The 19th of Kislev marks the 223rd anniversary of the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (known as the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad) from Russian imprisonment, and the start of a new era of proliferation of Jewish mysticism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman is the author of one of the greatest works of Jewish spiritual wisdom ever penned—the book of Tanya.
TanyaTalks - Talking Birds With Rabbi Zalman Lipskier (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 21, 2021)
The 19th of Kislev marks the 223rd anniversary of the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (known as the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad) from Russian imprisonment, and the start of a new era of proliferation of Jewish mysticism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman is the author of one of the greatest works of Jewish spiritual wisdom ever penned—the book of Tanya.
TanyaTalks - The Answer to All the Questions With Rabbi Shlomo Sharfstein (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 21, 2021)
The 19th of Kislev marks the 223rd anniversary of the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (known as the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad) from Russian imprisonment, and the start of a new era of proliferation of Jewish mysticism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman is the author of one of the greatest works of Jewish spiritual wisdom ever penned—the book of Tanya.
Bequeathing the Heritage A Primer for Acting, Feeling, and Identifying as Jewish With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on September 19, 2021)
What is the defining feature of a healthy relationship? Doing things for each other? Remaining committed even when there’s betrayal? Perhaps another intangible we’re not even talking about? The joyous holiday of Sukkot provides a good primer for these important questions.
Canceling the Culture of Cancel Culture Finding Common Ground from a G-dly Perch With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on September 1, 2021)
In divisive times, when neighbors, friends, and even family turn on one another, it is more important than ever to find common ground that unites us all. Indeed, the New Year provides us an opportunity to gain a G-dly perspective on humanity that will surely bring us together.
Garments of the Soul - Part 2 “Delicacies” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 11, 2023
It's one of the most dramatic tales in the Torah. Isaac wishes to bless his older son Esau before his passing, so he sends him on a mission to prepare his favorite dish. In the meantime, Jacob, the younger son, sneaks in disguised as his brother and takes the blessings. The fallout would change the course of history, but it's a seemingly throwaway line at the beginning of the story that informs us of our personal duty and destiny:
"Make for me delicacies such as I love."
These are the words Isaac tells Esau. But as the mystics teach us, these are also the words G-d tells each of us.
See, G-d has a mature and sophisticated palette. G-d's taste is not static and monolithic, but rather diverse and dynamic. G-d loves not just one delicacy, but two. And that changes everything.
In this unforgettable session of Kabbalah Café we discover the secret of Divine gastronomy, and learn the real reason why sometimes it feels that our spiritual goals are out of reach.
Garments of the Soul - Part 1 “Three Kinds” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 4, 2023
The title of our new series is "Garments of the Soul." The focus of this text is on examining the composition of the human soul to discover the keys to personal growth and transformation.
By better understanding the failure of the biblical spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Israel, we will gain priceless insight into the workings of our character and what determines personal success and failure.
In our opening session, we look at three kinds of people, as described in Talmudic and Kabbalistic literature.
Have a Little Faith - Part 11 “The Dark Side of the Moon” With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, May 21, 2023
Marking time is a sacred ritual. The ancients used sundials and other rudimentary tools to measure and record time. Today, we have more sophisticated systems -- atomic clocks, swiss mechanisms, and calendar apps.
But one thing hasn't changed. While much of the world marks time by the sun, the Jewish people roll by the moon.
Which begs the question: Why is Judaism so lunar obsessed? And what does that tell us about our own unique personalities and purpose?
In this session of Kabbalah Café we take a mystical walk on the dark side of the moon. We unravel the spiritual energy behind the solar and lunar systems, and discover why our calendar follows the light that's here today, gone tomorrow.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 22 "Why the Cover Up? The Rhyme & Reason for Head Coverings" With Rabbi Chaim Schwartz Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 11, 2023
Legends of the Talmud Studies in Ein Yaakov Lesson 2 With Rabbi Naftaly Zakon Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Everyone loves a good story. This series explores some of the most fascinating and mysterious Talmudic tales, compiled in the classic work Ein Yaakov. These stories open our eyes to the thinking of our Sages, and provide rich layers of wisdom and personal guidance.
Legends of the Talmud Studies in Ein Yaakov Lesson 1 With Rabbi Naftaly Zakon Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Everyone loves a good story. This series explores some of the most fascinating and mysterious Talmudic tales, compiled in the classic work Ein Yaakov. These stories open our eyes to the thinking of our Sages, and provide rich layers of wisdom and personal guidance.
Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 4 "Change of Heart" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 16, 2021)
Psychology, neuroscience, and recent history show us that neither friend nor foe should ever be taken for granted. With a bit of subtlety and conviction, and always with trust in G-d, we find that the dark days of the past are no cause for pessimism ahead.
Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 3 "The Promised Land" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 9, 2021)
Today, hatred of Jews commonly manifests itself as antagonism toward the Jewish State. This class distinguishes all-out antisemitism from some more nuanced sub-strains. It also examines the state of Israel education and the very nature of Jewish nationhood.
Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 2 "No Apologies" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 2, 2021)
We look at some of the explanations for antisemitism that have been offered throughout the ages to emerge with an important principle: the problem with hating Jews lies not with the Jews but with the haters. Internalizing this hate is not a healthy response.
Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 1 "The Eternal People" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 26, 2021)
By taking another look at the statistics, studying our people’s remarkable perseverance, and exploring the concept of Providence, we can find eternal cause for confidence and optimism while we implement plans to secure ourselves and our communities.
Hot Topics: Jewish Wisdom on Timely Issues Lesson 4 - Deafness, Sign Language & Hearing Aids in Halacha With Rabbi Mendel Adelman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 8, 2021)
Explore the most complex and controversial topics through the brilliant lens of Jewish law and ethics. This new course takes on bleeding edge issues related to technology, medicine, gender, and the environment. Join Talmudic scholar and Jewish legal expert Rabbi Mendel Adelman to discover how ancient Jewish wisdom can powerfully inform our modern world.
Hot Topics: Jewish Wisdom on Timely Issues Lesson 3 - WiFi, Patents & Copyrights in Halacha With Rabbi Mendel Adelman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 1, 2021)
Explore the most complex and controversial topics through the brilliant lens of Jewish law and ethics. This new course takes on bleeding edge issues related to technology, medicine, gender, and the environment. Join Talmudic scholar and Jewish legal expert Rabbi Mendel Adelman to discover how ancient Jewish wisdom can powerfully inform our modern world.
Hot Topics: Jewish Wisdom on Timely Issues Lesson 2 - DNA Evidence in Halacha With Rabbi Mendel Adelman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on Monday, October 25, 2021)
Explore the most complex and controversial topics through the brilliant lens of Jewish law and ethics. This new course takes on bleeding edge issues related to technology, medicine, gender, and the environment. Join Talmudic scholar and Jewish legal expert Rabbi Mendel Adelman to discover how ancient Jewish wisdom can powerfully inform our modern world.
Hot Topics: Jewish Wisdom on Timely Issues Lesson 1 - Transgenderism in Halacha With Rabbi Mendel Adelman (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on Monday, October 18, 2021)
Explore the most complex and controversial topics through the brilliant lens of Jewish law and ethics. This new course takes on bleeding edge issues related to technology, medicine, gender, and the environment. Join Talmudic scholar and Jewish legal expert Rabbi Mendel Adelman to discover how ancient Jewish wisdom can powerfully inform our modern world.
You Be the Judge An Exhilarating Exploration of Jewish Civil Law With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Lesson 3 Burdens of Proof If two people lay claim to an object, how can we decide who is right? Upon whom does the burden of proof fall, and what kind of evidence will the court require?
You Be the Judge presents real cases brought before the beit din, the court system of Jewish Law. We provide the cases and the primary source texts from the Talmud, and you grapple with the facts in order to arrive at satisfying solutions. You will have the opportunity to question, discuss, and argue, based on principle and precedent. You need no prior knowledge of the Talmud and no formal legal training. There are no prerequisites other than an open mind. You take the lead. You Be the Judge!
You Be the Judge An Exhilarating Exploration of Jewish Civil Law With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Lesson 2 Your Money or My Life What happens if under gun point, you deliver the property of your neighbor to robbers? Do you have to compensate your neighbor? We examine a real case, stemming from the Holocaust, in which this issue had to be addressed.
You Be the Judge presents real cases brought before the beit din, the court system of Jewish Law. We provide the cases and the primary source texts from the Talmud, and you grapple with the facts in order to arrive at satisfying solutions. You will have the opportunity to question, discuss, and argue, based on principle and precedent. You need no prior knowledge of the Talmud and no formal legal training. There are no prerequisites other than an open mind. You take the lead. You Be the Judge!
You Be the Judge An Exhilarating Exploration of Jewish Civil Law With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Lesson 1 The Parasite Is it fair to do business using your neighbor's cow? May you sublet your apartment for more than you pay in rent? How do we distinguish creative opportunity from crass opportunism?
You Be the Judge presents real cases brought before the beit din, the court system of Jewish Law. We provide the cases and the primary source texts from the Talmud, and you grapple with the facts in order to arrive at satisfying solutions. You will have the opportunity to question, discuss, and argue, based on principle and precedent. You need no prior knowledge of the Talmud and no formal legal training. There are no prerequisites other than an open mind. You take the lead. You Be the Judge!
Feminine Faith - Part 21 "Playing In G-D's Sandbox" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 20 "Masculine Suns And Feminine Moons" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 19 "The Hedonist, The Spiritualist, And The Jew" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 18 "Fixing Or Cultivating" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 17 "The Line And The Void" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 16 "Mother Earth And Motherhood" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 14 "The Ten Powers Of Your Soul" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 15 "Masculine And Feminine Energies" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 13 "When Inspiration Is Killed" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.Feminine Faith - Part 13 "When Inspiration Is Killed" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 15, 2012)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Semichas Chaver Chabad Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 6 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 6, 2023
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Feminine Faith - Part 12 "How To Let Go Of Fear, Anger & Resentment" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on January 8, 2012)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 11 "G-D Within The Chaos" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 25, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 10 "The Existence Of Nothingness" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 18, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 9 "When Time Stops" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 11, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 8 "G-D In The Street" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on December 4, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 7 "Pharaoh's Education" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 20, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 6 "Role Of Stars And Angels" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 13, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 5 "There Is No Hierarchy" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on November 6, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 4 "Birth Of Idolatry" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on October 23, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 3 "When Faith Is Lost" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on October 16, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 2 "Faith Vs Trust" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on October 9, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
Feminine Faith - Part 1 "Getting To The Source" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at Atlanta on October 2, 2011)
Feminine Faith examines a mitzvah traditionally observed by women—Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, in which women rejoice by refraining from normal work.
The Rebbe’s profound text explores the unique gifts of the feminine—its connection to the undivided essence of G-d’s reality in a way that transcends the masculine drive for mastery and control of nature’s cause and effect.
This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines—the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and brought untold misery to millions, and to Jews especially.
The Case against Passive Parenting You Can’t Control the Result, but You Can Certainly Control the Process With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 8, 2022)
In one the Bible’s most rousing stories, a weeping childless woman makes a solemn vow to consecrate her son to G-d, should she be so blessed. The woman is Chanah, and the son the prophet Samuel. From what would appear to be a dubiously legal move, we learn that parents must do their utmost to guide their children along the proper path.
The Indomitable Power of Torah Whatever Your Reason, Keep at It. Eventually It’ll Rope You In. With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 1, 2022)
Conventional wisdom would say that if you’re studying something for the wrong reasons, you shouldn’t study it at all. But that’s not what the Torah says. And that’s because there’s a unique dynamic at play: the Torah is G-d’s wisdom; eventually, it’ll awaken something inside of you.
You’re Feeling Uninspired? Great. Now’s Your Chance Discovering the Spiritual Opportunity of a Human Moment With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 25, 2022)
When things are clicking and you’re feeling inspired, well, it’s just great. But here’s the problem: that’s not reality. Life is messy, challenging, and often leaves you exhausted and uninspired. What to do then? It is precisely then that you have a real chance to finally do what G-d always wanted you -- and the entire world -- to do.
The Divine Is in the Details Discovering the Majesty of the Minutiae in Judaism With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 18, 2022)
Do it this way. Not larger than an ounce, not smaller than the size of your fist. Check for the kosher symbol, and make sure you eat before this time and make Kiddush after that time. Judaism is hyper-detail-oriented, and some find it more devilish than divine. But that’s a simple misunderstanding of just how great a mitzvah really is.
Do It Because It’s The Right Thing to Do Give Selflessly, Even If You Get Nothing out of It With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 11, 2022)
Suppose you accidentally left a twenty-dollar bill outside and only after the fact you realized that someone who really needed it found it and bought lunch. Do you deserve any credit? From an awkwardly placed verse in a discussion about sacrifices we learn that yes, such a donation may just be the most noble of all.
When You Love Enough to Care Seeing Another Person for Who They Really Are With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 4, 2022)
When you love them, you love them, that’s it. But what happens when you don’t? There’s no love switch, is there? A deep look into the soul of another Jew and what she really wants reveals that yes, indeed there is.
Leave the Past Behind The Case against the Apology Tour With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 27, 2022)
You did something wrong. Of that, you’re sure. Does that mean you must forever publicly beat your chest to be accepted in polite society? A closer look at the High Priest’s confession on Yom Kippur tells an empowering story about how we ought to look at our past—and our future.
Redemption Is Never Over Reliving the Exodus in Real Time With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 6, 2022)
Family and friends gather around the seder table, and once again, we do the same thing we’ve been doing for millennia. Is there anything interesting or personal about this ritual that can elevate it to stardom? A closer look at the language used in the Haggadah exposes the secret of the Exodus: It never really finished. It’s waiting for you.
The Case for Spiritual Adrenaline Understanding the Unnatural Nature of Time Itself With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 30, 2022)
Rosh Hashanah is in the autumn, right? Well, sort of. There’s a case to be made for the month of Nissan, just before Passover, being considered the “beginning of the year.” What’s the point of this alternate beginning? It’s about mapping an unnatural and miraculous way of being onto the very course of time itself. Surprisingly, for a Jew, it’s a happy partnership.
So You Think You’re Perfect? Think Again. There’s Always Something to Repair With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 23, 2022)
Apologizing and acknowledging our own shortcomings is always hard, and if we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes we’re just not willing to go through the pain of that acknowledgment. The always-available purification ashes in the Temple tell a very different story—one of empowerment and positivity.
Going the Extra Mile When You Care, It Makes All the Difference With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 14, 2022)
No one likes being forced into doing things, and when we are, the results are always a bit lackluster. As this class reveals, the Purim story brings the Jewish story full circle, exposing just how important it is to not only do what you must, but to really care about it, too.
When It Comes to Judaism, It’s Personal You Did a Mitzvah? Time to Throw a Party! With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 9, 2022)
Some throw parties when they graduate college, others for a promotion, while others for their birthday. But when was the last time you attended a party that celebrated, say, finishing a Torah study course, or a year of lighting Shabbat candles? An obscure celebration of wood donations in the Temple by a select few families shows the way.
There’s a Temple Inside of You. Go Ahead and Find It. Discovering the Meaning of the Deepest Parts of Your Soul With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 2, 2022)
The Temple and its predecessor, the Tabernacle, hold a very prominent place in Judaism. But they were destroyed millennia ago. What relevance do they have today? A fascinating story of a stubborn sage, who refused to budge until he received an answer from G-d, furnishes the answer.
I’ll Do It For You The Secret Glue to Sustainable Relationships With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 24, 2022)
What, really is the secret to long-lasting and committed relationships? All human relationships are but a mirror of our relationship with G-d, and so, we arrive at this simple conclusion: when you’re doing it for each other, and not so much with each other, that’s when you know your connection has lasting power.
Embracing Opposition How to Look Adversity in the Face and Declare, “I’m Not Afraid of You!” With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 16, 2022)
Are you experiencing any opposition lately? Are things just not working out? What do you tell yourself to power through? From the tragic story of the Jews sinning with the Golden Calf to a fascinating tale about a bull talking to Elijah the prophet, widen and deepen your perspective to embrace those challenges and emerge all the better.
When’s Your REAL Birthday? Your Birthday Celebrates Realized Potential. Go Ahead and Realize Even More With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 9, 2022)
Your Birthday Celebrates Realized Potential. Go Ahead and Realize Even More People love celebrating; yahrtzeits not so much. Surprisingly, while the birthday and yahrtzeit of our first leader, Moshe, occurred on the same date, it is technically only his passing that is commemorated. Why? Because your true birthday is more about what you’ve done than about what you can do.
Judaism: A Religious or National Project? Three Sides of the Same Coin With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 2, 2022)
There’s much chatter on this question. Throw in the mix the many other possibilities of what “Judaism” may or may not be. So, what is it, after all? The story of the nascent Jewish nation emerging from Egypt, entering the Holy Land, and finally building a Temple for G-d has some answers.
Put on the Blinders Keep Your Eyes on the Prize and Don’t Stop Moving With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 26, 2022)
A dry, legal, and highly technical clause of Jewish finance law is picked apart in a psychological/religious analysis. We emerge with powerful lessons for maintaining the sense of dignity and perseverance we need to power through our intended mission in life.
All Access Exploring Judaism’s Approach to Mitzvah Observance for People with Disabilities With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 19, 2022)
Judaism is rich with values, teachings, and . . . practices. Many don’t even think about their physical ability to fulfill those practices, but what about those who physically cannot? Is the mitzvah of tefilin not for someone without an arm? Is someone with impaired hearing denied access to the beauty of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah? Of course not! Discover how.
You Are in G-d’s Hands: Can You Believe It? You Are Not Entirely the Product of Your Own Success With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 12, 2022)
Who doesn’t worry about finances? In an ever-changing economy with so much uncertainty, even those with “stable” jobs are being forced to reckon with a queasy sense of worry. By looking to our ancestors who harvested miraculous manna in the desert, we can find much-needed stability: trust in G-d.
The Real Reality When Keeping Your Commitments Gets Rough, Remember What’s Real With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 5, 2022)
In days of old, the Jewish calendar was determined by the High Court based on the sighting of a new moon. In a radical and extremely counterintuitive law, we read that the court had the power to proclaim a new month even when the moon wasn’t yet seen; in other words, the courts could dictate reality. Discover how you, too, can dictate the “real” reality.
The Peril of Indifference Take a Stance With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 29, 2021)
Sometimes we are in the mood and sometimes we resist. And sometimes we simply don’t care. But we learn from the plague of frogs that we can’t just sit back and relax. It is in these moments that it is important for us to face ourselves and make decisions.
Living in “DeNile” The Perils of Overreliance on Self, and What to Think Instead With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 22, 2021)
Is the “self-made millionaire” the ultimate success story we should all look up to? Is everything really in our control, our dreams limited only by our capacity to carry them out? Not so fast. That’s an Egyptian mentality. Baby Moses floating in a basket down the Nile has a very different message to share.
A Life of Worth is a Life Worth Living Life’s Hard? Welcome to the Chance of Your Lifetime With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 15, 2021)
“If anyone would offer to sell me a moment of future suffering for a billion dollars, I wouldn’t buy,” a famous rabbi once said. “But if anyone would propose to buy a moment of my past suffering for a billion dollars, I wouldn’t sell either.” Discover his secret.
Don’t Tell Me Anything Until I Know You Care Joseph’s Master Class in Effective Communication With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 8, 2021)
Arguably one of the most dramatic narratives in the Torah, the showdown between Joseph and his brothers and the ensuing emotions after Joseph’s big reveal contain timeless lessons for anyone looking to up their communications game.
It’s Dark Out There? Look Again Chanukah Celebrates the Quest for Light. Leave the Speeches for Later With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 1, 2021)
Families gathered together in raucous joy to hear the story of the holiday. Sound familiar? Yes—for Purim, not Chanukah. You want to know why there’s no Chanukah Megillah? Because when you’re busy blazing up the darkness, there’s no time for stories.
Expand Your Life Story. Also, Be Selective The Characters and Events Shape the Conclusion With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 24, 2021)
What keeps your air conditioner working, your orange juice pulp-free, and your coffee grounds out of your cup? A filter. Your life’s story needs one, too: you should embrace, expand, and engage with as much as possible, and when you do, make sure your filter is extra fine.
Summon Up All Your Resources and Win the War Lessons from Frederick the Great on How to Be the Best Version of Yourself With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 17, 2021)
Have you come up short in any personal battles lately? Jacob’s tactics against his ruthless brother Esau all the way down to a great Prussian military leader teach us a timeless tactic: don’t be a one-trick pony; focus all you’ve got on one front, and you’ll win the war.
A Jerusalem Jew in Times Square You Want to Make an Impact? Be Real With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 10, 2021)
Are you a worldly Jew or a Jew in this world? What is your primary orientation? Jacob’s brash and forceful reply to his conniving uncle reveals that it wasn’t his business acumen that was so impressive; instead, it was his zealous commitment to his ideals. We can do the same.
This Holy Land Is Your Land The Uniqueness of Israel and Our Special Right to It With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 3, 2021)
Debated in the halls of the UN and fought for with much spilled blood, Israel’s Jewish ownership is contested time and again. From the beginning of time itself, G-d designated this unique land to stand apart from any other, and gave it to His people. It’s time to take a better look.
Lose Your Audience and Feel Good About It Sometimes, It’s Best to Shrink Your Audience to Amplify Your Message With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 27, 2021)
Was there ever something you felt strongly about, yet kept to yourself for fear of losing your audience? It’s a tough call each time, and the divergent legacies of Abraham and his wife Sarah are quite instructional. Ultimately, it’s Sarah who wins the day.
A Well of Love Sustainable Love Is a Quiet Affair With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 20, 2021)
To be “in love” is to be generous, wide open, and full of dreams. That’s a great first step—but it’s only the first step. Abraham, the first Jew, was a man of kindness, yet the wells of emotion he dug were ultimately stuffed up. It took his quiet, disciplined son, Isaac, to redig them and open them forever. It’s much the same in our lives, too.
Lawless Leaders vs. Moral Mentors How Important Is Character to Being a Top Dog? With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 13, 2021)
When a leader’s star begins to rise, people tend to scrutinize their character. But how important are their personal morals anyway? After all, the main thing is getting the job done, right? The lengthy narrative of Abraham’s life story clues us in.
Torah and Science: Best of Friends The Synthesis Runs a Lot Deeper Than You Think. Just Do it Right With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 19, 2021)
Many have grappled with the apparently irreconcilable differences between religion and science; “Religion is the domain of faith; science, that of reason,” is a common attitude. A new read of when G-d disrupts a grand feat of modern engineering teaches a refreshing approach.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 21"Twilight Zone: Making Shabbos Before It's Shabbos"With Rabbi Tzvi FreemanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on June 4, 2023
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 21"Halacha & Personal Care"With Rabbi Mendel LermanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 21, 2023
60 Days - Lesson 2Accessing the Spiritual Energy of Elul & Tishreiwith Spiritual Mentor Mrs. Nomi Freeman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 24, 2021)Join renowned mystic and guide Mrs. Nomi Freeman to unlock the transformative possibilities of the Jewish months of Elul and Tishrei. Mrs. Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of spiritual development and has inspired and mentored tens of thousands of people across the globe.
60 Days - Lesson 1Accessing the Spiritual Energy of Elul & Tishreiwith Spiritual Mentor Mrs. Nomi Freeman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 24, 2021)Join renowned mystic and guide Mrs. Nomi Freeman to unlock the transformative possibilities of the Jewish months of Elul and Tishrei. Mrs. Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of spiritual development and has inspired and mentored tens of thousands of people across the globe.
The Vindication of an Idolatrous KingSeeing the Divine within EverythingWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 29, 2021)The lessons of a vinegar-fueled lamp; singing toddlers; and a tale of a king, a sage, and a dream affect how we judge others and help us to find purpose in our nation's exile and within all that transpires in our lives.
When G-d PrayedA Study in the Art of AnthropomorphismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 22, 2021)G-d prayed, sinned, and even requested a blessing from a human being. Talmudic anthropomorphisms highlight the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how being vulnerable shapes the character and essence of our relationship with G-d.
Whale of a TaleLife Lessons from Gargantuan Fish, Geese, and CorpsesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 15, 2021)An island turns out to be the back of a mammoth sea creature, oceanic waves rise miles high, and an encounter with the "dead of the wilderness:" Rabbah bar bar Chanah's strange parables hold the secret to Jewish survival and offer powerful tips on how to rise above life's challenges.
Resurrection of the DeadLesson 1: Flesh Over SpiritWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 1, 2021)What the Resurrection of the Dead tells us about life -- today.
Resurrection of the DeadLesson 2: Discovering Your Deepest SelfWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 8, 2021)What the Resurrection of the Dead tells us about life -- today.
Resurrection of the DeadLesson 3: Quantum LeapWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 15, 2021)What the Resurrection of the Dead tells us about life -- today.
The Body 2.0The End of Aging and Radical Life ExtensionWith Rabbi Asher Crispe(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 8, 2021)Join us for two mind-expanding sessions with renowned mystic and futurist Rabbi Asher Crispe. Explore the outer limits of bleeding-edge science and its convergence with Jewish and Kabbalistic thought.
Anytime, AnywhereJewish Insights into Time Travel and TeleportationWith Rabbi Asher Crispe(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 1, 2021)Join us for two mind-expanding sessions with renowned mystic and futurist Rabbi Asher Crispe. Explore the outer limits of bleeding-edge science and its convergence with Jewish and Kabbalistic thought.
Life is Short-ishHow Death Informs LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 2, 2021)By now we've come to appreciate death as the next phase in our ongoing personal missions. In our final lesson, we use what we'eve learned to revisit our priorities in this current phase and find ways to fill every moment with everlasting significance.
Where We Go AgainUnderstanding ReincarnationWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 23, 2021)Reincarnation: more than a fascinating topic, Judaism provides a practical way to imagine this mystical process and explains why it is important both to departed souls and to our lives today.
Where We GoHeaven and HellWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 16, 2021)For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of Heaven and frightened by the threat of Hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.
The Mourning AfterGrief and ConsolationWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 9, 2021)What is the Jewish grieving process, and what is the significance of its various traditions? This lesson provides a meaningful Jewish perspective on grief itself, as well as practical shiva etiquette both for mourners and for those who wish to comfort them.
Taking LeaveOur Evolving Relationship with the DepartedWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 2, 2021)Is death painful for souls? Is my presence felt when I visit a grave? Judaism's pre-burial and burial rituals accompany the soul's gradual transition from a limiting physical life to a completely spiritual one. We discuss those rituals and how, once freed, the soul's connection to the living continues in new and powerful ways.
Demystifying DeathPerspective on Life and BeyondWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 26, 2021)Why are humans so anxious about death and dying? For many, the abrupt finality of death makes life itself seem futile. By exploring how our life force-our immortal soul-never ends but merely shifts roles, we begin to view life and death as two harmonious steps on the same journey.
This Can Happen - Lesson 6"And Then…"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 8, 2021)We’ve seen why the Redemption needs to happen and the human role in making it happen. Now peek into that perfect—and perfectly possible—world as the prophets and sages vividly describe it!
This Can Happen - Lesson 5"Out of the Blues"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 1, 2021)So, will we wake up one day in a glorious wonderland? Or is the Redemption more of a gradual process? Let’s study the sources on the actual transition from our reality today into a world of revelation.
This Can Happen - Lesson 4"We're Getting There"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 25, 2021)Judaism sees all of history as one connected journey toward a single desired destiny, In this lesson, we look back to identify four distinct epochs that show us how far we've traveled on the way to a truly good world.
This Can Happen - Lesson 2"Who needs a redemption?"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 27, 2021)Though it will solve every speck of ill in the world, the idea of Redemption is not a response to strife. Rather, it's an independent and foundational tenet of Jewish belief. Where does it fit within the bigger story of Creation?
This Can Happen - Lesson 3"Superhuman vs. super humans"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 11, 2021)Waiting for a Messiah to come to save humanity feels a little... un-Jewish. But what if Redemption is a natural reaction to humanity's own cumulative actions? Let's discover the effect we've already had on the reality of the world.
This Can Happen - Lesson 1"Start With the Science"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 20, 2021)In a society marked by chaos and discord, it's hard to believe our world is actually better than it's ever been. Let's dive into the data of what's wrong - and what's right - with the world.
Overcoming Folly - Part 67"Life Before the Snake"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 24, 2022)So what was life like before the snake pestered Adam and Eve?Imagine a world of idyllic beauty, a place of physical and spiritual perfection. A world where people intuitively know what's right and what's wrong. A world in which lines are clearly defined and the mission is clear.Welcome to the Garden of Eden.And then everything fell apart...In this unforgettable session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at what went wrong that fateful Day 6 of creation. We learn why the very psyche of human beings changed forever, and how you and I can get back to that pre-snake reality -- and even higher.
Overcoming Folly - Part 66"Holy Folly Batman"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 17, 2022)There's something to be said about behavior that falls neatly inside the range of what's considered "normal." After all, the rational and logical approach certainly has its advantages.But it also has its limitations.See, there's a modality of living that defies the normal and the rational. Not that the person acts irrationally. No, they act in a superrational manner, not allowing natural, logical limitations to get in the way. This way of living higher was championed by kings, prophets, and mystics.In this epic session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we study Jewish mysticism and discover how to live life a little higher than the norm. This, my friends, is "Holy Folly."
Overcoming Folly - Part 65"American Idol"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 10, 2022)It was 2400 years ago, during the leadership of the prophet Nehemiah, that one of the most dramatic episodes in Jewish history took place. The Jewish people had just returned to the Holy Land after 70 years of exile in Babylonia, and they had one thing on their mind: slay the urge for idol worship.See, the destruction of the Holy Temple and all the calamities that befell the people were due to the sin of idolatry. And that nefarious urge, that heated desire, that fierce temptation, was still very much alive and well.So they fasted for three days, prayed fervently for G-d's mercy, and then -- incredibly -- the urge to worship idols vanished.Today, we may not get excited about the prospect of bowing down to little stone statues. But we have our own, subtle, forms of idolatry. We have our "American Idols." And while the worship may look different, the problem is oh so familiar...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore modern forms of idolatry and discover the spiritual threat of convincing ourselves that other forces have control over our life and destiny.
Overcoming Folly - Part 64"M$king M$ney"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 26, 2022)If you're looking for the "secret of wealth," the "five keys to becoming rich beyond your wildest dreams," or the "next can't-fail investment opportunity"... there are no shortage of sources promising all the above and more.Kabbalah has its own secret to attaining wealth. Jewish mystical wisdom teaches a path to material success -- and this path is paved with spiritual consciousness. Because the physical and metaphysical are much more intertwined than we might think...In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we discover the interplay between spirit and matter, and learn how money just might grow on trees -- if you have the right tree. :)
Overcoming Folly - Part 63"The Miracle of Teva"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 19, 2022)Mother Nature seems so... natural. And so different than the miraculous. We intuitively sense a great divide between phenomena that belong to nature and those that are of a supernatural order. But is that duality valid?According to the Jewish mystics, absolutely not! Nature and the supernatural are more alike than we'd imagine. In fact -- and this gets really paradoxical -- nature expresses the supernatural even more than a miracle. The line between them is thus blurred.In this EPIC session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we dive deep into the mysteries of the universe and chart the lines of nature and the supernatural. We learn what miracles teach us about our everyday lives, where an Israeli sandal company got its name, and how all of this can drastically change the way we show up for work.
Overcoming Folly - Part 62"Creation vs. Evolution"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 12, 2022)January 9, 2007. That date may not stand out to you, but it should. Because on that day, everything changed. Our lives today are radically shaped by what happened on that day.See, change can come in two forms. It can be iterative, or it can be revolutionary. Iterative change is gradual and progressive. Radical change happens all at once. It hits you upside the head. You never see it coming. But once it comes it packs a big punch.In this week's session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we trace the spiritual origins of radical and iterative change. We see how the universe is predicated on both systems, and how each plays an important role in our collective and personal loves. Plus, we discuss and debate the virtues of modern technology.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 6Make Up or Break Up?With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)How far should you go to make a marriage work? This lesson explores Jewish insights on divorce that provide powerful instruction on how to stay married when the going gets tough.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 5Danger AheadWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)How does one defend a marriage from the threats of boredom from within and temptation from without? This lesson shows ways to form and fortify an exclusive and powerful relationship.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 4Becoming a Better HalfWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)Marriage can bring out the best and worst in people. This lesson focuses on the individual character traits that influence marriage. We also explore how marriage can be a tool for self improvement.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 3Will my Spouse Ever Change?With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)What if only one partner is committed to improving the marriage? This lesson examines the ideal of an expectation-free relationship, and how to value your partner for who they are.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 2Jewish Bedroom SecretsWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)Judaism has much to say about the physical side of marriage. This lesson draws upon the wisdom of the Kabbalah and shares practical tools to increase spousal intimacy of heart, mind, body, and soul.
Art Of Marriage - Lesson 1The Case for MarriageWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy)Is there still a need for marriage in today’s world? What purpose does it serve, psychologically and spiritually?
Semichas Chaver ChabadLaws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 5With Rabbi Mendy WinebergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 30, 2023Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Semichas Chaver ChabadLaws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 4With Rabbi Mendy WinebergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 23, 2023Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Overcoming Folly - Part 62 "Creation vs. Evolution" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 12, 2022)
January 9, 2007. That date may not stand out to you, but it should. Because on that day, everything changed. Our lives today are radically shaped by what happened on that day.
See, change can come in two forms. It can be iterative, or it can be revolutionary. Iterative change is gradual and progressive. Radical change happens all at once. It hits you upside the head. You never see it coming. But once it comes it packs a big punch.
In this week's session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we trace the spiritual origins of radical and iterative change. We see how the universe is predicated on both systems, and how each plays an important role in our collective and personal loves. Plus, we discuss and debate the virtues of modern technology.
Overcoming Folly - Part 61 "The Parable" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 29, 2022)
What's a parable? It's a clever way of delivering a message through a seemingly unrelated story or example. We use a parable when the original idea is too fine or sensitive to put out there as-is. Instead, we couch the message in something more immediately relatable -- and then hope the listener unpacks the real message and gets the point. :)
The Kabbalists tell us something remarkable. Our universe is conceived and built through the use of parables. Reality, as we see it, is nothing but a parable. The real message lies beneath the surface. And it's our job to uncover the truth.
Good news! Kabbalah gives us the know-how and the tools to unpack this cosmic parable. All we need to do is gain this mystical knowledge and apply it to our reality. Which is exactly what we're going to do in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Overcoming Folly - Part 60 "Bitter/Sweet" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 15, 2022)
Where does flavor come from? What makes an apple sweet and a grapefruit bitter? Is it the seed? The soil? Another factor?
Also, why do we refer to kind, thoughtful gestures as "sweet," and angry, resentful actions as "bitter"? Do they actually have a taste? What's the deeper reason behind the taste/behavior connection?
In this multisensory edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we study Jewish mystical wisdom on the origin and philosophy of flavor. We trace the spiritual source of sweet and bitter and discover the shocking truth about the interconnectedness of multiple universes.
Overcoming Folly - Part 59 "Talmudic Tussle" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 8, 2022)
They say, "Two Jews, three opinions." (Or is it four?) But sometimes, there can be two Jews with one opinion. And when the stars align, you might even get three Jews with one opinion...
In this Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at the strange case of the Talmudic dispute that has more bark than bite. This three-way tussle in fact disappears when held under the light of Jewish mystical wisdom. The conclusion is as inspiring as it is remarkable. And we are be privileged to journey through this together at Kabbalah class.
In this magical session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we prepare to see the Talmud -- and the very mechanics of the universe -- in a whole new light.
Overcoming Folly - Part 58 "Pure Love" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 1, 2022)
Against the backdrop of life's disappointments emerge moments of pure love -- sweet, tender, giving moments that envelop us in an embrace that tells us we are safe and valued. Unconditionally.
Pure love can come from a fellow human being. It can also come from G-d. In its divine incarnation, pure love is experienced in quite a strange way. Because often, pure G-dly love doesn't feel like love at all.
In this epic session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we peel back the layers of the universe and encounter love in its pure primordial state. We discover why this form of love is so mysterious, and why the mystics liken it to a state of darkness.
Overcoming Folly - Part 57 "Daily Spiritual Energy" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2022)
Life can sometimes seem like one endless stretch of time, with one day blending and blurring into the next. The different days of the week can come to feel like random markers in time, devoid of any meaningful substance or significance.
But not in the Jewish mystical tradition.
In Jewish mystical thought, each day is understood to have its own energy and vitality. The seven days of the week are not just seven iterations of the identical thing. They are individual creations possessing a unique form of spirit and purpose. Energy-wise, Sunday is radically different from Monday. And Monday is fundamentally different from Tuesday. Each day is a unique segment of time tasked with a distinct mission.
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we study the spiritual energy of time, noting the unique energy flow of each day of the week. We learn what truly distinguishes one day from another, and be invigorated to honor the specific purpose of each day of our lives.
Overcoming Folly - Part 56 "Fire. Air. Water. Earth." With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2022)
The ancient philosophers spoke of four essential elements of which all existence is composed -- fire, air, water, and earth. These elements are the core building blocks of life.
The Jewish mystics explore the significance of these four elements. Each is an archetype representing an entire realm of reality, distinct from the others. Together, they represent the fusion of four disparate worlds, the intimate union of heaven and earth.
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we peel back the layers of existence and uncover the fabulous four properties that drive beingness. The story each tells is incredible. Together, they are breathtaking.
Overcoming Folly - Part 55 "Reality in Four Dimensions" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 27, 2022)
The Jewish mystics speak of four supernal planes of existence, or "worlds." These spiritual realms exist in parallel to each other. That means that the identical realities are found in all four worlds; the only distinction is the extent by which that reality has unfolded and evolved.
The same is true within the microcosm that is the human being. Our personality unfolds and evolves along a continuum spanning four distinct dimensions, each in parallel to the other.
Understanding the fourfold mechanics of the universe helps us make sense of so much -- both outside and inside us. It is the key to accessing creativity, increasing productivity, and ultimately gaining higher consciousness.
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the four supernal realities, their cosmological parallels, and what it all means for us.
Overcoming Folly - Part 54 "Mystical Division" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 20, 2022)
Bigger is better. Or so we've been told.
But life is not a cliche. And the truth -- as we know from experience -- is that bigger is not always better. Sometimes, too much of a good thing is exactly that: too much. Sometimes, division is a sounder approach than multiplication.
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore mystical division, learning how and why cutting blessings down to size is good for everyone involved. What we discover will positively impact every area of our lives, from the spiritual to the physical.
Overcoming Folly - Part 53 "Anatomy of a Leader" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 13, 2022)
Leadership is in high demand and short supply. We seek leaders who guide, uplift, and inspire -- especially in times of crisis and challenge. But we do not always find what we are seeking.
See, leadership is not a perfectly intuitive quality. Leaders are not always born that way. More often than not, leadership is born of need. Ordinary individuals thrust into scenarios that beg for someone to step up and lead. If they dare...
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we examine the anatomy of leadership as outlined by the Jewish mystics. We learn about the soul-source of leadership and how it blossoms and develops. And we discover how to tap into our own reservoir of leadership.
Overcoming Folly - Part 52 "Discover Your Why" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 27, 2022)
Much of our lives is spent in the world of what. There's what we're thinking. What we're saying. What we're doing.
But go deeper. Beyond the world of what is the world of why. The why is what drives, controls, and directs the what. Show me why you do what you do, and I will know what it is that you do. And how you do it.
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we peel back layers of consciousness to discover our deeper why. We learn powerful mystical insights on desire, pleasure, and motivation, and gain insight on how we can realign our lives with our deepest held why -- the why that speaks to the truth of our existence.
And that changes everything...
Overcoming Folly - Part 51 "The Kabbalah of Wealth" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 20, 2022)
The pursuit of wealth raises a bunch of questions that challenge our spiritual and theological convictions.
For example, if G-d is in control, why do we need to work to earn a living? And if it is our efforts that produce our wealth, then what role does G-d play?
What does it mean when we say that our blessings are allocated on Rosh Hashanah? What is the role of daily prayer?
In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we take an exquisite look at the Kabbalah of Wealth. We examine the dynamics that govern wealth creation, and articulate the role of both human and Divine input. All told, our discussion opened up a fresh and liberating perspective on work and wealth.
Overcoming Folly - Part 50 "Rock Bottom" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 13, 2022)
There's an intriguing Talmudic statement that goes like this: "If a person says, 'I will sin and then repent,' they are not given the opportunity to repent." But why not? Isn't there a path always open for those that wish to come back?
One answer lies in our understanding of why people are often not willing to really change until they've hit rock bottom. What is it about hitting the bottom that fuels change? And is there a way to create that catalyst without actually hitting bottom?
In this honest and powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore human imperfection and the narratives that hold us down. Recognizing the patterns that keep us stuck can give us the ability to get out. And that changes everything.
Overcoming Folly - Part 49 "Three Knots" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 6, 2022)
The Zohar -- the Book of Radiance -- describes three beings that are inextricably bound to one another. When these three "knots" are tight, all is well in the universe. But when their connection fades, the very fabric of the universe begins to unravel.
What are these three knots? Why is their connection so critical to the wellbeing of the universe? And what does any of this have to do with us?
In this exciting session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we examine the three knots of Kabbalah, and uncover the ties that bind us to our purpose and keep creation sustained.
Overcoming Folly - Part 48"How Free is Free Choice"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 30, 2022)Free choice is one of the foundational principles of Judaism. Maimonides notes that if we take away the notion of free choice, the very edifice of Torah and mitzvot ceases to be relevant. After all, if we simply cannot be expected to follow a given precept, then what's the point of being mandated to do so?Yet, the idea that you and I are truly free to choose as we wish is likewise questionable. Are we really free to choose as we wish? How do we reconcile human choice with Divine omniscience? And if human agency is granted unconditionally, is it ever possible to determine what is absolutely "right" or "wrong"?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we dive headfirst into the mystery that is free choice. We explore the role of human agency through the lens of the great Jewish philosophers and mystics. Along the way, we learn dazzling insights into the purpose of life -- and our role in its achievement.
Overcoming Folly - Part 46"The Sophisticates"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 16, 2022)Which is better, simplicity or sophistication?For centuries sophistication was deemed the Jewish ideal. Understanding the ins and outs of Torah, being proficient in the intricacies of Jewish law, mastering the meditations of prayer -- these were considered ideals.And then came the revolution that would rock the world.Just at the time that the world was discovering reason with the Age of Enlightenment, the Baal Shem Tov started his own movement, known as the Chasidic Movement. His philosophy upended accepted norms, placing supremacy on action over theory and sincerity over sophistication. He championed the everyperson and in doing so uplifted a generation.Its effects are felt to this very day.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study Jewish mysticism and explore the pros and cons of sophistication and simplicity. The lessons we learn will apply to each one of us, and radically change the way we look at ourselves and others.
Overcoming Folly - Part 45"The Great War"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 9, 2022)The mystics speak of two forces that lie within every human being. A Divine force and an animal force. The former pulls us upward; the latter, downward.And we? We are stuck in the middle. Our very existence is fraught with tension. The tension of being pulled in two different directions -- at the exact same time.How can we manage the tension? How do we deal with the constant struggle between our higher and lower selves? Is there a way to satisfy both inner forces, or must we choose one over the other?In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we peel back the layers of our soul to discover what exactly is behind the inner tension that we all feel. After mapping the challenge, we then chart a roadmap for successfully navigating the great war of life.
Overcoming Folly - Part 44"Parallel Universes"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 2, 2022)The Jewish mystics speak of realms beyond ours -- metaphysical spaces that exist in parallel to our physical reality.Generally, there are four "worlds": Emanation, Creation, Formation, and Action. These realms unfold from one another. But while forward progress is made, the roots of reality remain in place.In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah & Coffee we examine the mystical landscape of parallel universes and come to an astounding conclusion -- that the lower the realm is, the more it reflects the ultimate purpose of existence.
Overcoming Folly - Part 43"Lessons From a Corpse"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 26, 2021)Of all creatures, only the human was created first as a lifeless body and then infused with a life-giving soul. Not the trees. Not the birds. Not the animals. They were all created alive.Why the two-step creative process with human beings? Why do Adam and Eve begin their adventure lifeless? And what does this all mean for us?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we unravel the mysteries of creation and learn timeless lessons from the first corpses in history -- bodies who would ultimately join the living.
Overcoming Folly - Part 42"Do Angels Have Bodies?"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 19, 2021)Physical beings have bodies. That makes sense. But what about spiritual beings? Do angels have bodies?The philosophers and mystics speak of all life consisting of fundamental elements -- building blocks that wrap together to form a particular life form. Physical existence has four primary components. Spiritual existence has two. But does that mean that angels have a sort of matter and dimensionality?In this soul-thrilling session of Kabbalah & Coffee we unravel Kabbalistic DNA and decipher the angel genome. What we learn will radically affect how we see ourselves, our purpose, and our destiny.
Overcoming Folly - Part 41"Two > One"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 12, 2021)It's good to have a friend. It's even better to have a good friend.The value of friendship is noted throughout the spectrum of Jewish thought, including the works of Kabbalah. Spiritually, friendship adds an ally that can fend off kelipah and negativity. As the mystics put it, getting together with another makes it two G-dly souls against one animal soul.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the soul of friendship and learn why having a good friend is not just a bonus -- it's a necessity. In the process we discover what it takes to be a good friend to another, and the key to being an influencer.
Overcoming Folly - Part 40"The Great Oath"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 5, 2021)The Talmud describes in meticulous detail the pre-birth state of the fetus. And it's fascinating! Not so much the fetus's physical development -- for that we have medical and scientific knowledge. No, what's really incredible is the Talmud's description of the spiritual development of the fetus.The entirety of this spiritual development dramatically affects us post-birth, in every stage of our lives. But it's one of the last items on the pre-birth spiritual development checklist that really impacts us. This is the Great Oath that's given to the soul -- right before it fuses with the body.What is the oath all about? And why does a soul need an oath in the first place?In this very special session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we decode the soul's epic pledge and discover the impact it has on us today.
Overcoming Folly - Part 39"Kings of Chaos"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 20, 2021)Once upon a time, there was chaos.Before there was a beginning -- there was Tohu. A realm of big lights and small vessels. A world where powerful forces dominated, and no kings shared their crowns. This was unsustainable.Tikkun followed. A realm of small lights and large vessels. A world where order ruled, and cooperation was the name of the game. This was finally sustainable.Our reality has elements of both Tohu and Tikkun. Our personalities likewise reflect both dimensions -- for better or for worse. The job of life is to manage these dueling realities within and without and keep moving forward, fulfilling the purpose for which we were animated.In this week's session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we take a look inside to discover how these two otherworldly realms are manifest inside our own characters and struggles. We dive deep into our own inner "chaos" and "order" and learn how to better manage the tension.
Overcoming Folly - Part 38"The Origins of Temptation"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 14, 2021)Life certainly seems rigged sometimes. It can feel that the deck is stacked against us morally and spiritually. It's hard to do what we know is right when what's wrong feels so good.Which might understandably evoke some frustration. Why does it have to be this way? Why is it so hard to live an upright and purposeful life? Why is it easier to slip into our lower self than to rise into our higher self?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the origins of temptation. We learn about the cosmic source of our basest desires and see how they match up against our purer selves. Along the way we learn about the origins of life, the emergence of the soul, the significance of lifecycle milestones, and the meaning of the mystical realms of Tohu and Tikun.
Overcoming Folly - Part 37"It's Not My Fault!"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 31, 2021)It's not easy to accept responsibility. There seems to be a natural human tendency to deflect and blame and point fingers at others -- all in order to shift responsibility elsewhere. Instead of internalizing, we externalize.Of course, this shifting and blaming detracts from our ability to correct and grow. Yet, we seem to prefer the comfort of excuse to the discomfort of fault.Where does the need to blame come from?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we will explore the origins of excuses and learn why human beings have such a difficult time accepting responsibility. We see how blame is sourced in some of the deepest crevices of the soul -- and at the same time discover some powerful tools to combat deflection.
Overcoming Folly - Part 36"The Metaphysics of Ethics"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 10, 2021)What drives our sense of ethics? Are certain things wrong because they are hurtful to others, or are they wrong in an absolute sense? In other words, are ethics utilitarian or are they absolute?These questions have driven much philosophical debate. And they have also driven an entire field of discussion in the Jewish mystical texts.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore what the Kabbalists have to say about the origins and essence of ethics. We will discover the metaphysics of ethical behavior, and walk away with deep truths about what makes some things right and what makes some things wrong -- and why it all matters.
Overcoming Folly - Part 35"Giving Up"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 3, 2021)2500 years ago an incredibly dramatic episode took place. The scene was Babylonia, where the Jewish people had been exiled following the destruction of the First Temple. The prophet at the time was Ezekiel. The people were going through a tremendously difficult time, their national and spiritual identity having been ripped away from them.It was at that time, as recorded in the Book of Ezekiel, that the people decided to give up. They wanted to hand in their Judaism, to relinquish their faith, to be like all the other nations. The Jewish experiment, they believed, was over.Ezekiel's response sends chills up the spines of all who hear it. And it holds a powerful message for us today.In this very special session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we turn back the pages of Jewish history to discover a time not so different from ours, when our people questioned their identity... and received a reminder for the ages.
Overcoming Folly - Part 34"The Kabbalah of Prayer"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 26, 2021)Prayer is perhaps the most misunderstood Jewish ritual. It's the one Jewish practice that people often feel most disconnected from. Eating matzah? Sure! Listening to the shofar? Absolutely! But praying? Sorry, gotta run... :)Which is ironic. See, prayer is all about feeling and connecting. To not feel and to not connect is antithetical to the whole experience. And yet, all too often, here we are.So what to do?In this very special Sukkot-edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we dissect the art of prayer through the eyes of the mystics. The Kabbalists open up the soul of prayer and help make it accessible to you and I. In this class, we discover the transformative Kabbalah of prayer.
Overcoming Folly - Part 33"Pray it Loud"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 19, 2021)Jewish law is clear on the matter: there's no need to shout when praying to G-d. That's because G-d hears all prayers. To shout would indicate that we believe that G-d cannot hear unless we raise our voice -- which is simply not true.But there's an exception to this rule. Once a year, we are permitted -- and even encouraged -- to raise our voice and pray it loud and proud. The typical concern goes out the window, outweighed by an overriding consideration. With all respect we say to G-d: You don't need us to shout, but we do!In this special pre-Sukkot edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the deeper meaning of prayer and the power of raising our voice. As we see, how we say is as essential as what we say.
Overcoming Folly - Part 32"The Soul of Trauma"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 12, 2021)Jewish history is complicated. There have been plenty of good times, but there have been plenty of challenging times too. The trials and tribulations of our history have done much to influence our thinking and sometimes even overshadow the good in our perception.Clearly, there's a fair share of Jewish trauma.Yet -- and here's a pretty big idea -- the mystics explain that this trauma comes with a blessing. Inherent in Jewish challenge is its very opposite, the antidote to pain and suffering and the factor that brings the greatest joy and serenity. In fact, it's by tapping into the "Soul of Trauma" that we neutralize it and release its effect.In this special High Holiday 5782 edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we take a walk on the deeper side and discover the roots and soul of Jewish trauma.
Overcoming Folly - Part 29"Rule Breakers"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 22, 2021)There are some who play by the rules... and some who don't. Some people just don't want to conform to whatever expectation there might be -- social, spiritual, or otherwise. They'd rather write their own script than act in someone else's play.But the truth is, as Kabbalah explains, the rule breakers are also following a set of rules. It may look a bit different, but there's a script for the unconventional just as there is for the conventional.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at the nature of rules to determine what constitutes rule following and rule breaking. We go back to the origin of rules to discover the primordial structure of the cosmos, and from there we discover how both the trodden and the untrodden are equally plotted. And we learn why understanding this can radically improve our lives today.
Overcoming Folly - Part 31"Discovering Your Authentic Self"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 5, 2021)Much has been said about the virtues of being authentic. Being authentic is good for our relationships, health, and happiness. But what exactly does it mean to "be authentic"? And what is our authentic self anyway?We will take a profoundly mystical lens to these very modern questions. Knowing who we really are and what we're about is the key to self-actualization and fulfillment... and Kabbalah has much to say about all of this.In this special holiday-edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the magical contours of self and soul and discover how to live our best and most authentic lives. There's no greater gift that we can give ourselves in preparation for the New Year!
Overcoming Folly - Part 30"Choose the King"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 29, 2021)There's an ancient Jewish parable that goes like this:A king entered a country accompanied by a duke, a prefect, and a commander.... One person said, "I will choose the duke as my patron." Another said, "I will choose the prefect as my patron." And still another said, "I will choose the commander as my patron." There was a clever person [among them] who said: "T will choose the king, because the others are all subject to replacement, whereas the king is not subject to replacement."Four people, four choices. Yet only one of them makes the "clever" choice. But why not? Why didn't the others choose the king? Isn't that the obvious choice? Would everyone choose the Big Boss if given the opportunity?Ah yes, this story has much to tell us about our own lives and our own choices...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we have an honest conversation about the choices, kings, and the real dilemmas that life throws our way.
Overcoming Folly - Part 28"Light Leaks"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 15, 2021)Remember those old film cameras? The ones where you actually opened the back of the camera and dropped in a roll of 35mm Kodak film?Ah, the good old days! :)One "feature" of film is that (by design) it's highly sensitive to light. Which means if you open the back of the camera while the film is unspooled you'll expose and ruin the film.These light leaks are one of the potential pitfalls of traditional film. And, as the Kabbalists teach us, the same phenomenon can occur in the spiritual realms as well. When the light is too bright, when the recipient is too sensitive, havoc ensues...In this very special LIGHT edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at the mystical meaning of lights, leaks, and how this impacts our reality in so many more ways than we can imagine.
Overcoming Folly - Part 27"The Kabbalah of TikTok"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 8, 2021)Ever watch a TikTok video? You know, the ones where people are lip syncing and dancing in perfect(ly hilarious) choreography? Great -- so we're on the same page then! :)See, there are two types of dancing. There's spontaneous, I'm-not-thinking-about-how-I-move-or-how-I-look-when-I-move dancing. And then there's very intentional, very deliberate, very choreographed dancing.Two different experiences. According to Kabbalah, they are two very different experiences of the soul, originating in two very different places within the soul.In this TikTok inspired edition of Kabbalah, we get to know the contours of your soul and how it manifests in your body. And discover the spiritual meaning of going viral.
Overcoming Folly - Part 26"The Great Reckoning"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 1, 2021)"There is a reckoning for everything." So goes the teaching of our sages in Ethics of the Fathers.Science has taught us that matter and energy are never lost, that one small flap of a butterfly's wing can unleash major consequences across the globe, that we are more intertwined -- and in more ways -- than we can imagine.What is true physically is certainly true spiritually. Our spiritual efforts and actions never occur in isolation. They stand for eternity, for better or for worse.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we delve inside Jewish mystical wisdom on interconnectedness. We see how our actions affect each other and the world at large. And we see how on the deepest level of Truth, nothing is ever wasted or lost.
Overcoming Folly - Part 25"Fool's Wisdom"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 25, 2021)The world is governed by wisdom -- except when it's not.The cosmic energy of chochmah guides the flow of Divine beneficence into our reality. There is a method to the madness, a higher plan, an accounting for all.But sometimes, wisdom (even the higher version) is made to look foolish.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the inner workings of chochmah and learn the incredibly critical role it plays in keeping balance -- and then we see how even the most exquisitely laid plans can come crashing down.
Overcoming Folly - Part 24"Non-Binary Spirituality"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 4, 2021)There is a realm beyond ours, a realm so wildly transcendent that our actions simply do not carry the same significance. In this realm "good" and "bad" are not as tightly defined as we might like. Which leads to a radical scenario where evil can rise above goodness.As you might imagine, this Kabbalistic teaching has far-reaching implications, altering some of the basic definitions of reality. And it explains so much that puzzles us about the nature of reward and consequence.In this edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we discover a far-away, upside down world... that changes everything.
Overcoming Folly - Part 23"Revenge of the Dark Side"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 27, 2021)If something seems too good to be true -- it usually is.Sure you can cut the line, break the rules, play the con... but only for a time. At some point, the jig will be up. And when that happens, the house of cards you built will come tumbling down.Spiritually, too, we can play by the rules -- or try to outsmart the system. And while the latter might seem to be an attractive and effective option, it's not a sustainable model.In this edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at the allure -- and danger -- of dancing with the dark side, and discover why revenge is darkness's only option.
Overcoming Folly - Part 22"Fighting Kelipah"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 20, 2021)Kelipah is the force that obscures holiness within the universe and our own selves. It is the "shell" that covers the true essence of a thing, creating the appearance of something entirely different.Our job? Remove the shells!In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we dive deep inside the world of kelipah and discover how to combat the obfuscating exterior of reality. We describe different types of kelipah -- hard shells, soft peels -- and learn the spiritual process by which we access hidden truth.
Overcoming Folly - Part 20"The Royal Feast"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 6, 2021)There was once a king who threw a lavish feast. No expense was spared; the finest dinnerware was used, the most exquisite food served.And then, in the middle of the celebration, uninvited guests arrived -- guests who would eat of the feast, even without the king's consent...The mystics deploy this parable to speak to the inner workings of the universe and the flow of divine energy into the world. There are invited guests, and there are uninvited guests. Our job? Get on that guest list!In this special session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we step into the palace to enjoy the royal feast and learn lavish spiritual and practical lessons.
Overcoming Folly - Part 21"The Power of a Mitzvah"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 13, 2021)The Torah contains 613 mitzvot -- 248 positive commandments ("do's"), and 365 negative commandments ("do not's"). But what exactly is a mitzvah? Is it a Divine command? A good deed? An item on some cosmic spiritual checklist?It's all of the above... and so much more!In this very special edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we take an unforgettable journey to discover the true power of a mitzvah -- and the impact every mitzvah makes. We look at the meaning of mitzvot in general, and also take a deep dive into the soul of specific mitzvot.
Overcoming Folly - Part 19"Misdirected Energy"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 30, 2021)The mystics speak about the flow of Divine energy. The cosmic life force flows from Above to below, from the realms of greatest spiritual consciousness to the realms of least spiritual consciousness. Throughout this process, the energy flows precisely where it needs to go -- to the spaces that are open and receptive to its influx.But sometimes the energy can be siphoned and misdirected. Sometimes the flow of cosmic life force can find itself in spaces that are antithetical to its very essence, resulting in an infusion of G-dly energy in a space that seems quite unG-dly.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore misdirected energy, and learn profound insights into the nature of the universe and our own soul.
Overcoming Folly - Part 18"Happy Pigs"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 24, 2021)The Talmud says something super fascinating: "There is nothing richer than the swine." Apparently, the Talmudic sages deemed pigs to be wealthy (and happy). But why exactly?The Kabbalists provide an incredible explanation. Understanding the swine's riches necessitates a broader understanding of the mechanics of the universe, the difference between holiness and unholiness, and the nature of light and shadow.These are exactly the topics we explore in this Kabbalah & Coffee. We see how the dualistic nature of reality leads to a state where swines swoon with joy -- and holiness harbors quiet longing.
Overcoming Folly - Part 17"Talking Birds"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 16, 2021)"Polly want a cracker?"There's something magical about a talking parrot. Hearing a bird speak evokes amusement and delight. But why the joy in a talking bird?The Kabbalists provide the answer to the mystery behind our feathered-friend joys. And the secret they reveal touches on the primordial mechanics of the universe.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we take a spiritual look at ornithology and learn powerful cosmic lessons from the language of parrots.
Overcoming Folly - Part 16"The Kabbalah of Investing"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 9, 2021)Etched on the glass bottles of yesteryear were the words "No Deposit, No Return." The meaning was that if you wanted your bottle deposit back, you had to return the empty bottle to the store.But this phrase speaks a powerful truth in our lives as well. To achieve a great payoff requires an equally great investment. Profit only comes to those who have skin in the game. No deposit, no return.The Kabbalists reveal a similar truth in the cosmic realms. To achieve the greatest spiritual light demands a fierce spiritual investment. And as is the nature of investments, this process is fraught with danger and drama. Until, hopefully, it pays off, big time...In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we trace the origins of investing and discover the greatest bet ever placed.
Overcoming Folly - Part 15"When the Moon Complained"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 25, 2021)Once upon a time, the moon was big and bright. In fact, it was as big and bright as the sun. It shone of its own light, and it ruled in the sky.But the moon was not alone. There was another sovereign orb, a shining star that rivaled the moon's light. This rival was none other than the sun.So the moon came before G-d and lodged a complaint. "Two rulers cannot rule one kingdom," the moon declared. "This town ain't big enough for the both of us. Something needs to change!""I agree," said G-d. "So now go diminish yourself!"And from then on, the moon lost its light.This, the Talmud says, is the origin story of the moon, a celestial body that reflects a light not its own and waxes and wanes through its monthly sky dance. And this tale contains powerful insights about the nature of existence and the purpose of our lives.In this absolutely magnificent session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the Kabbalah of the moon, the sun, the complaint, and the aftermath. You will never look at the sky the same again!
Overcoming Folly - Part 14"Thirsty Light"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 18, 2021)According to Kabbalah, the Shechinah is thirsty.The Shechinah is the Divine light that is tasked with projecting the created universe into being. That light's journey is complex, having once been part of the Source infinite light and now extending into an unknown space. That light also possesses a consciousness, an awareness we associate with sentient beings.Hence, the light is thirsty.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we follow the epic journey of the Shechinah, from source to projection to ultimate exile, charting every dramatic turn and twist. In doing so we discover why the universe is so volatile by nature, and why ultimately, it is by the smallest of margins that we are conscious of our Source.
Overcoming Folly - Part 13"Why Evil Prospers"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 11, 2021)Among the great philosophical questions people ask is why do good people suffer? And while that is certainly a discussion-worthy topic, so is the flip side of the coin: Why do evil people prosper?In this weeks Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the dynamics of evil and prosperity from a Kabbalistic perspective, and discover their respective spiritual roots. We learn why nice people finish last, and how we can hack the system that seems to reward indiscretion.
Overcoming Folly - Part 12"Red Lines"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 21, 2021)We all have "red lines." Lines past which we do not allow ourselves to venture. "That is too dangerous, that is too harmful, I would never do that," we tell ourselves.Until we do. And then our red lines become green lines.In this weeks Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the spiritual side of red lines. Where do our red lines really come from? What are the deeper internal forces that tell us what's ok and what's off limits? How do those dynamics change over time? And is there ever a way to reclaim our lost innocence?
Overcoming Folly - Part 11"Form & Function"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 14, 2021)In everything there is form and function; what a thing is, and what it does. In the language of Jewish philosophy, this is the division between chomer and tzurah.In an ideal scenario, chomer and tzurah align perfectly. Form follows function, and function informs form. Great design is reflective of this core principle.But not always do form and function align...In this special design-edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we dive deeply into the architecture of great design and discover the exquisite beauty of the natural universe. Along the way we'll encounter the human being, who breaks all the rules of design -- and yet carries an unparalleled power.
Overcoming Folly - Part 10"Code Hacking"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 7, 2021)The mystics tell us that the universe is shaped by Divine code. G-d created the world using language -- known as the Ten Utterances -- and those letters and words form the fabric of existence.This is where the power of humankind comes into play. See, human beings have been granted free choice, which, in the understanding of the Kabbalists, means that you and I have access to the source code of creation. We can build or break the system. We can heal or harm the world. That is our choice; the power is in our hands.In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore G-d's vulnerability in handing us the keys to the kingdom, and learn what it means to hack the code of creation.
Overcoming Folly - Part 9"Body Language"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 28, 2021)In the last several decades scientists have done extensive studies on body language. Their findings are very telling: our physical posture has much to say about how we're feeling and what we're thinking. Furthermore, our body language radically affects how others relate to us.If you think this is fascinating, just wait until you see what the Jewish mystics have to say about body language!In this very special session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we'll look at the symbiotic relationship between body and soul, and learn how the shape of the body conforms to the energy of the soul -- and how in turn the body influences the soul. What we discover will dramatically change the way we look at the duality of spirit and matter.
Overcoming Folly - Part 8"Unwanted"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 21, 2021)Human will is a complicated thing.There are things that we want -- and there are things that we don't want but need in order to get the things that we do want. So even though we don't want that, we kind of do. Because of the other things that we really want.See, it's complicated...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore human wants and desires, dividing our experience into two realms: the wants, and the wants not (but sort of want). Understanding this will reveal the deepest secrets of the universe, and help us make sense of the energy flow that sustains all of reality.
Overcoming Folly - Part 7"Living Waters"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 14, 2021)Not all waters are created the same.In Jewish law, certain rituals require the use of "living waters" -- water that flows from a live source. There are specific conditions that govern these waters, including the degree to which the water continuously flows. If there is any breach in the flow -- even temporarily, even infrequently -- the waters are no longer considered "living."The Kabbalists draw a parallel between these waters and our lives. Our existence, too, flows from a Source that is certainly "alive." But how consciously do we connect to our Source? That is a question only we can answer...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the magical nature of water and gain profound insights into how we may truly live our best lives.
Overcoming Folly - Part 6"Truth, Lies & Stories"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 7, 2021)The mystics refer to this world as alma deshikra -- the world of falsehood. Not that there isn't truth in our world; there certainly is. But none of us can escape the lies of this plane of existence.In a sense, our very perception of reality is the first big lie. The fact that we perceive ourselves as fully autonomous beings, the fact that we don't immediately sense our Divine Source, is the first untruth upon which all others are built. The first Big Truth that we must learn, then, is about the true nature of reality -- the true nature of life itself.In this action-packed session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore truth, lies, and the marvelous stories we tell ourselves. We will take a deep look inside the origins of deception and learn practical guidance to help align ourselves with truth. Because, as Kabbalah teaches, without truth there can be no life.
Overcoming Folly - Part 5"How to Train Your Dragon"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 31, 2021)Each of us is born with an inner "animal," referred to in Kabbalah as the nefesh habehamit. The nature of this inner animal varies from person to person. Its particular likes and dislikes -- along with the intensity of its passion -- is unique to every individual. Just as no two people are alike, so are no two animal natures alike.But there is a common truth to all animal natures: the more we feed the animal, the stronger it becomes.In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the animal within, discover its virtues and liabilities, and most importantly, learn how to train our inner dragon.
Overcoming Folly - Part 4"Kabbalah with Benefits"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 24, 2021)Sure, studying Kabbalah is thrilling for the mind and soul. But what are the larger benefits?In this powerful meta-session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we turn the lens on Kabbalah and explore the profound benefits of studying Jewish mystical thought. We discuss three unique advantages to Kabbalah study, tracing its impact on our psyche, heart, and spirit. In the process, we experience these very benefits for ourselves.
Overcoming Folly - Part 3"Evolution x4"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 3, 2021)The Jewish mystics speak of four dimensions of created reality, four planes of existence, four kingdoms of life. Though carefully defined, these are not static strata of creation. They are rather dynamic, morphing, and evolving realities.The Kabbalists take this one step further: the more we really understand what a living thing is, and what its specific parameters are, the more we understand what it can -- and is destined to -- evolve into.In this special 2021 edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore evolution from a Kabbalistic perspective. We learn how life continuously morphs and elevates spiritually, and discover what this means for our own spiritual growth and evolution.
Overcoming Folly - Part 2"Human Pleasures, Ranked"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 27, 2020)What do you enjoy?Human beings are attracted to a plethora of things, spanning the gamut of the human experience. Kabbalah ranks human pleasures, and plots them on a chart ranging from lowest to highest. The lower the pleasure, the less uniquely human it is. And the reverse is true with higher pleasures.In this eye-opening session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the full range of human pleasures, ranking them on scale from 1 to 5. What we discover is that some of our greatest pleasures are not so "human" at all -- while some activities that we might otherwise overlook speak to the essence of our being.
Overcoming Folly - Part 1"The Power of the Mind"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 20, 2020)Our new discourse is entitled "Overcoming Folly," and it is a magnificent exploration of the spiritual and psychological forces that drive human behavior.Why is it that we often make choices that we know are self-destructive? Why do we tend to rationalize irrational behavior? And what can we do about our powerful lower tendencies?In this epic new series "Overcoming Folly", we study the Kabbalah of the human psyche.
The Judaism & Wealth SeriesJewish Wisdom on the Ethics of BusinessWith Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 18, 2021)The Judaism & Wealth Series teaches Judaism’s brilliant approach to the economic dilemmas we encounter in our personal and professional lives. This powerful new series reveals a sensitive, fair, and unshakable economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish tradition and experience—an ancient yet fresh spin on how we view the ethics of money.
The Judaism & Wealth SeriesJewish Wisdom on the Ethics of BusinessWith Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 11, 2021)The Judaism & Wealth Series teaches Judaism’s brilliant approach to the economic dilemmas we encounter in our personal and professional lives. This powerful new series reveals a sensitive, fair, and unshakable economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish tradition and experience—an ancient yet fresh spin on how we view the ethics of money.
The Judaism & Wealth SeriesJewish Wisdom on the Ethics of BusinessWith Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 1, 2021)The Judaism & Wealth Series teaches Judaism’s brilliant approach to the economic dilemmas we encounter in our personal and professional lives. This powerful new series reveals a sensitive, fair, and unshakable economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish tradition and experience—an ancient yet fresh spin on how we view the ethics of money.
Lesson 7 - Jew’s Ongoing YearningDiscovering a Deeper HappinessWith Mrs. Leah Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 27, 2021)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 6 - Joining Others = YieldsPerfectly Happy Being ImperfectWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 15, 2021)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 5 - Judging Ourselves? Yes!Perfectly Happy Being ImperfectWith Mrs. Leah Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 15, 2021)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 4 - Journey from Oy to Yay!Overcoming Stress through PositivityWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 15, 2021)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 2 - Journey of YourselfStaying honest, humble and happyWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 21, 2020)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 3 - Job Opening - You!What Am I Here For?With Mrs. Leah Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 18, 2021)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Lesson 1 - Just Over Yonder?Finding Happiness in Life’s GiftsWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 16, 2020)It’s a question that has launched a thousand self-help seminars, a riddle that has perplexed multitudes, a mystery that enthralled the ancients: What is the secret of happiness? Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy?This extraordinary course goes beneath the surface to find answers. Synthesizing timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, we look at how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. Packed with spiritual insights you can apply to real life, you’ll love every minute of discovering the Code to Joy.
Decoding Talmud - Lesson 4Explore the Breathtaking Brilliance of Talmudic StudyWith Rabbi Mendel Jacobson(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 5, 2021)Join Talmud scholar Rabbi Mendel Jacobson for a thrilling four-part journey inside the beautiful depths of the Talmud. Learn Talmudic logic, gain language and study skills, and examine a legal topic that will come to life before your eyes.
Decoding Talmud - Lesson 3Explore the Breathtaking Brilliance of Talmudic StudyWith Rabbi Mendel Jacobson(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 22, 2020)Join Talmud scholar Rabbi Mendel Jacobson for a thrilling four-part journey inside the beautiful depths of the Talmud. Learn Talmudic logic, gain language and study skills, and examine a legal topic that will come to life before your eyes.
Decoding Talmud - Lesson 2Explore the Breathtaking Brilliance of Talmudic StudyWith Rabbi Mendel Jacobson(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 15, 2020)Join Talmud scholar Rabbi Mendel Jacobson for a thrilling four-part journey inside the beautiful depths of the Talmud. Learn Talmudic logic, gain language and study skills, and examine a legal topic that will come to life before your eyes.
Decoding Talmud - Lesson 1Explore the Breathtaking Brilliance of Talmudic StudyWith Rabbi Mendel Jacobson(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 8, 2020)Join Talmud scholar Rabbi Mendel Jacobson for a thrilling four-part journey inside the beautiful depths of the Talmud. Learn Talmudic logic, gain language and study skills, and examine a legal topic that will come to life before your eyes.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 6Korach’s RebellionWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 1, 2020)The story of Korach's rebellion against the leadership of Moses addresses a number of fundamental questions on the variety of paths we follow through life. If every individual has a direct relationship with G-d, why are there “hierarchies of holiness” in the communal structure established by the Torah? If the purpose of Creation lies in the sanctification of physical life, why is the spiritual deemed “higher” than the material? What determines when our differences devolve into conflict, and when they become the ingredients of harmony?
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 5The Broken TabletsWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 24, 2020)Can it be that the greatest divine revelation in human history failed to communicate its most basic message? Examining the dynamics behind the story of the Golden Calf and the Broken Tablets, we gain insight into some of the foundational underpinnings of the Jewish faith. What are “miracles” and “divine revelations,” and what purpose do they serve? How was the Torah communicated to us, and why is so much of it open to human interpretation? And on a personal level: What should we do with the “broken pieces” of our past failures?
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 4Joseph and his BrothersWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 17, 2020)Our exploration of the deeper significance of the conflict between Joseph and his brothers takes us from a history of Jewish leadership, to the structure of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, to an enigmatic debate recorded in the Talmud on the question: Which is greater, learning or action? We discover that there are two parallel quests embedded in the human soul, each of which - as well as the tension between them - is essential to our mission in life.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 3Jacob and EsauWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 10, 2020)The epic struggle between the most famous twins in the Bible assumes many forms: the contest between sword and word, between matter and spirit, between self-realization and self-transcendence. We learn that Creation itself comes in two formats: a powerful yet unstable “World of Chaos,” and a moderated and focused “World of Correction.” In every area of life, we straddle both realms, and can look to the Jacob-Esau story for guidance in navigating this duality
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 2Noah's ArkWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 3, 2020)Can G-d's plan for His world fail so catastrophically regrets its very creation? And if it can, why can't it happen again? How does the rainbow symbolize the new world generated from Noah's Ark? Exploring the answers to these questions reveals the inner dynamics of the relationships that define our lives: the relationships between parent and child, between teacher and student, between employer and employee, and between G-d and us.
Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 1The Tree of KnowledgeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 27, 2020)Unraveling the mystery of the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad” from which Adam and Eve ate illuminates many of the questions we grapple with in our own lives. Why do we desire things that we know are bad for ourselves and for others? Why does everything we achieve require hardship and struggle? How much should we care: Is it better to be objective and true or subjective and engaged?
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 18, 2020)IJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 15, 2020)IJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewpernatural - Lesson 4Para & NormalWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on May 17, 2023Most people believe in some version of a soul. Do souls continue to exist after death? Can they see us? In this lesson, we will explore what we know about angels, spirits, and extraterrestrial life for insights into our own soul’s nature.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2022)An Unorthodox Match by Naomi RagenIJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 30, 2022)The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-LeviIJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 12, 2021)Unstoppable by Joshua M. Greene
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 20, 2021)Concealed by Esther AminiIJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 11, 2021)The Dovekeepers by Alice HoffmanIJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 21, 2021)The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen LoigmanIJA’s Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 17, 2021)We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia HunterIJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 15, 2020)The Outskirts of Hope: A Memoir of the 1960s Deep South by Jo IvesterIJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 15, 2020)IJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Jewish Book ClubA Monthly Discussion Group for Fans of Great Jewish WritingLed by Ariela Rich(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 18, 2020)IJA’s new Jewish Book Club features the most captivating and exhilarating new Jewish literature. Join the club and take part in lively monthly online discussions led by Book Club expert Ariela Rich.
Bequeathing the HeritageA Primer for Acting, Feeling, and Identifying as JewishWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 19, 2021)What is the defining feature of a healthy relationship? Doing things for each other? Remaining committed even when there’s betrayal? Perhaps another intangible we’re not even talking about? The joyous holiday of Sukkot provides a good primer for these important questions.
I Love You. I See Your Flaws. Let’s ImproveTrue Love Doesn’t Blind; It Embraces and Hopes for BetterWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 8, 2021)Come to think of it, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are really the same thing: two serious days about making things right for a new year. So why do we need them both? “High Holiday” doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it could do. So why the double-act? Discover the true meaning of Yom Kippur.
Canceling the Culture of Cancel CultureFinding Common Ground from a G-dly PerchWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 1, 2021)In divisive times, when neighbors, friends, and even family turn on one another, it is more important than ever to find common ground that unites us all. Indeed, the New Year provides us an opportunity to gain a G-dly perspective on humanity that will surely bring us together.
Rewrite HistoryThe Superpower of the Baal TeshuvahWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 25, 2021)Have you ever wished you could rewrite the past and retrieve a broken part of yourself? Through a surprisingly fresh look at the horrible list of curses in our parshah, we discover a most incredible power: the power to redeem the irredeemable.
How Humility Keeps You HighRecognizing Your Limits Is the Secret to True GrowthWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 18, 2021)To assume infallibility is a dangerous game. History has demonstrated time and again that he or she who deems themselves beyond reproach is most often the first one to fall. A fresh look at the mitzvah to erect a fence on the roof of our home brings this message into stark relief.
Let Go and Move ForwardTo Leave Egypt, You Must Really Leave It Behind. All of ItWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 11, 2021)A Jewish king is not allowed to own too many horses. Sounds interesting, but why? So he doesn’t head back to Egypt and settle there. A fascinating ride through some complex halachic intricacies lands us at the doorstep of this important conclusion: There’s no such thing as “partially” leaving Egypt.
A Perfect ExchangeGaining Perspective on the Things That Vex Us MostWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 4, 2021)“I have given you blessing and curses; take a good look and make the right choice!” Scripture declares. Is this really such a choice that requires examination? A deep look at some thorny theological questions gifts us this nugget: How we look at life is, indeed, entirely ours to choose.
Once You Pop, You Can’t StopGiving Up Halfway Is Not an OptionWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 29, 2021)Have you ever started a new pet project or embarked on a new “year of change”—and then you fell flat just a couple of months in? This class argues that when fate sets you down a certain path, G-d expects you to see it through to the end. The good news? He empowered you to do it. So, carry on.
The Uncomfortable TruthAppreciating That We’re Catching Up to the TorahWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 21, 2021)There’s a certain sense of wonderment that children seem to lose as they mature. An inspired Mishnah and a curious quirk in the mitzvah of Torah study urge us to maintain that sense of wonder—and the humility that comes with it.
The Mark of True LoveDoing What’s Best, Not What’s EasiestWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 14, 2021)A puzzling debate between an eminent Torah sage and a band of heretics leads to the former coming out with this bizarre statement, “If Moses loved the Jews so much, why did he keep them in the desert for forty years?” The answer: Because he truly loved them.
“I’m With You There, Too”How Our Mistakes Are Part of the Master PlanWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 7, 2021)You may have heard that all challenges thrown your way are there to lift you up to a better space. But dare we argue that even your wanton misdeeds and the malicious sins you commit: they, too, are part of G-d’s vision for a better you? We can, and we will.
Gatekeepers of the TorahDispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You DoWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 30, 2021)Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do Does the Torah really belong to every Jew? Aren’t there class divisions in Judaism: say, for example, the priests and the rabbis? Perhaps the Torah actually highlights some of our differences? No, it does not. In this lesson, discover how.
Redefining MessiahAre You Waiting for the Right Messiah?With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 23, 2021)Ask anyone in synagogue what Messiah is, and you’ll get answers about utopia, peace, love, and harmony. While that’s not untrue, it’s time to take a proper look at the legal definition of Messiah so we know what we’re waiting for. The answer may surprise you.
A Rational Mind Is Great. It’s Also Extremely LimitingWhy Logic Alone Is Not EnoughWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 16, 2021)It’s wonderful, even necessary, to understand and appreciate religion. But just as you don’t love your spouse, your children, or your parents strictly because it makes sense, so it is with G-d: to really enjoy the relationship, your commitment must run faith-deep. Discover this idea in the obscure laws of the red heifer.
Aim HighEmulating Korach’s Noble IntentionsWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 9, 2021)For too long, Korach has been perceived as a one-dimensional villain. This class argues that there’s much to learn from his intentions. After all, there’s something to say about someone who has a passionate drive to connect with the Divine. Ask yourself: Does a lack of G-d in your life make YOU cry?
The Imperative to Reach Out and Help AnotherCan We Sacrifice Personal Morals to Help Another?With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 2, 2021)Juggling personal morals and values with the need to help another is a thorny ethical dilemma. Taking a closer look at the Torah’s juxtaposition of two random events makes one thing very clear: staying in your own comfort zone is not an option.
The Age-Old Balance of Individualism vs. CollectivismAn Audacious Argument to Find Yourself in the Location Least ExpectedWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 26, 2021)It’s a struggle of identity that has challenged humanity since the beginning of time: How do we maintain our unique individuality while identifying with the broader community? Many years ago, the veteran sage Hillel presented a bold answer while discussing the laws of the Passover sacrifice, and we’re privileged to explore it still.
Sing Your SongListening to the Unique Rhythm of Every Single DayWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 19, 2021)A year, a month, or even a week is arguably consequential. But a day? A day is but a mere blip on the radar, gone before one can think! The Levites’ songs in the Temple and our memorialization of them in the morning prayers forcefully argue to the contrary: every day is an entirely new tune.
Education Starts from Day OneEvery Person Counts from Their First Day on EarthWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 12, 2021)There’s something about a cute little child that perhaps causes us to dismiss them, not seriously considering just how important they are in the chain of history. A detail about the Levite count in the desert sets the record straight.
Shabbat: A Day of Rest?Reimagining the Essence of ShabbatWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 28, 2021)It’s a classic question: What does it mean that G-d “rested” on the seventh day? Was He tired? Discover the true core of what Shabbat is all about—and the tremendous opportunity that comes with it. You may be surprised: it’s not about sleeping in.
The Joy of FamilyJudaism’s Overemphasis on Raising the Next GenerationWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 21, 2021)Parenting is arguably the most and least rewarding job on the planet. It’s tremendous work, but yields immeasurable joy. Judaism has always promoted family life; in fact, the very first mitzvah in the Torah is to have children. Discover how this value has served us so well—and should continue to do so.
The Road Ahead Is Right in Front of You. Just Take the First StepAn Effective Piecemeal Approach to ProgressWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 14, 2021)The story of sacrificial scents wafting in the air inspiring Jews to do a radical mitzvah in the middle of the night sounds too fantastical to be true. Thankfully, it is true, and the message it tells us is one of attainable and practical change.
Semichas Chaver ChabadLaws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 3With Rabbi Mendy WinebergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 16, 2023Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Can We Pick and Choose in Judaism?Learning to Love the Entire PackageWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 7, 2021)Does every part of Judaism excite you the same way? A tragic death during the most joyous of times in the desert clues us in as to how we ought to approach our religious life—the exciting, the mundane, and even those parts that feel boring.
The Freedom to Be YouBreaking Free from the Confusion of Egypt to the Clarity of PurposeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 24, 2021)Fewer things can be as constricting, crushing, and stifling than waking up in the morning and not being able to answer why you should even get out of bed. Discover the recipe for freedom in the story of the Exodus. Hint: The road starts and finishes right in none other than . . . YOU.
When Humility Isn’t Healthy and Pride Is PerfectWhen You’re Truly Small, Then You’re Really BigWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 17, 2021)A curiously small letter appears in the first word of book number three of the Torah. With the help of a story about a famous Rebbe teaching his young grandson, what starts off as a lesson in humility turns into a much broader instruction on how to ace the balance between humility and pride.
The People Always Come First. Except for when They Don’tA True Leader Isn’t Concerned about Being a True LeaderWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 10, 2021)The last effective leadership book you read preached the qualities of placing others' needs before yours. But then life gets tricky, and certain times call for other priorities. What to do? A lofty effort of twelve noble leaders gone flat tells the story of true leadership.
Today or Tomorrow?A Rip-Roaring Ride across the Talmudic Sea to the Raging Waters of LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 3, 2021)Two Talmudic sages debated different things that seem entirely unrelated. Discover the hidden key that threads them all together, and by the time you’re done navigating the waters, you may just emerge with the ship of your life steered in a profound, new direction.
It’s a Different World Today. It’s Time to Play OffenseAsserting Our Judaism in a Society Ready to Hear Our MessageWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 24, 2021)The long and colored story of the Jewish people speaks volumes of oppression and denied opportunity. A debate between Mordechai and Esther coupled with Mordechai’s apparent outrageous behavior set the stage for a dramatic shift in thinking: it’s finally time we wear our ideals loud and proud.
The Timeless TempleBringing the Message of the Temple to Every Corner of LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 17, 2021)A holy Temple on a shining hilltop is a beautiful idea, but the true message of the Temple is realized in everyday life: when you help another person on your way to work, the Temple project is validated. It’s time we build our own Temples.
I Went in with an Escape Plan. It Didn't WorkThe Case for Going All-InWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 10, 2021)Have you tried doing something while trying to leave the back door open-you know, with your eyes on the way out just in case you don't get too excited about it? If yes, it probably didn't work. Discover the formula for maturing from "why not?" to "of course!"
Lift Your Hands above Your HeadReaching the Pinnacle of Human Achievement... and BeyondWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 3, 2021)Are you possessive about your own personal space? Through the lens of an interesting discussion about the parameters of personal space in Jewish law, discover the limits of your own personal growth -- and how to smash them, too.
Healthy BoundariesThe Gravity of Overstepping into the MundaneWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 27, 2021)Life presents all sorts of situations that challenge us to keep within our moral, ethical, and religious bounds. A lesser known law of Shabbat observance that cautions against wandering too far out of town teaches us the right formula for a healthy framework.
Tending to G-d’s ChildrenParenting Isn’t Only about YouWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 21, 2021)Let’s face it: parenting is really, really hard—perhaps one of the most challenging things in the world. So here’s a thought: your children are entrusted to you by G-d, so He must believe in you that you’re up to the job. Run with it.
Is There a Case for Perfectionism?A Time to Be Right, a Time to Do What’s RightWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 6, 2021)Elijah the prophet is one of the most beloved figures in Jewish lore, famed for mysterious visits and messianic tidings. But his life story was one of fire and brimstone. So who, really, is Elijah? Discover your inner Elijah and his historical counterpart, as well: none other than Moses.
Have a Little Faith - Part 10“Mob Men & Feminine Faith”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 14, 2023Picture this: A mob of people is standing around, gravitating toward something at the center. At that center is a calf of molten gold, fashioned just moments earlier by this very same mob, who is now turning to worship the graven image.Who are the people standing around? According to our tradition, the mob was composed only of men. The Jewish women did not take part in the sin of the Golden calf.What made the women impervious to this sin? What made them immune to the thrill of idol worship? And what does that teach us about the unique role of femininity in Jewish faith?In this powerful session of Kabbalah Café we explore the unique spiritual nature of women and learn what it has to do with faith. In the process, we'll discover why, according to Kabbalah, men are from Z'a and women are from Malchut.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 20"Does Halacha Trust Science?The Role of Blood Tests & DNA in Jewish Law"With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 14, 2023
Purpose Before ProcessHow the Creation of Light Creates a Road Map for Personal SuccessWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 14, 2020)Have you ever looked back at life and thought that maybe, just maybe, you’ve raced your way to a dead end? Psychologists, life coaches, and your next door neighbor all agree: To win the race of life, you must first know where you’re going. It turns out they’re all agreeing with none other than G-d Himself.
MessianicWhy Believing in Mashiach Is Fundamental to Our FaithWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 30, 2020)Maimonides famously classified believing in the messianic era as one of the thirteen principle of faith. Why? Discover how hoping, anticipating, and syncing with Mashiach underpins everything we do.
A Time to Cry, a Time to ActIf There’s Anything You Can Still Do, Do It!With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 23, 2020)There are many roadblocks to change. Lack of focus, lack of resources, or laziness, to name a few. An epic meeting between two long-lost brothers, climaxing in heartfelt tears, clues us in to more than one solution to these challenges. Their story will wipe your tears and get your engines going.
Every Victory Is Worth CelebratingYou Don’t Have to Win the War, So Concentrate on the BattleWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 16, 2020)“What is Chanukah?” asks the Talmud. Far from this being a simple question any Hebrew School kid can answer, the Talmud challenges us to ask what it is that we consider to be the primary lesson of the Chanukah miracle. Look to the candles and remember that it’s not so much about winning as it is about fighting.
The Treadmill of LifeIf Yesterday Was Good, Today Must Be Even BetterWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 9, 2020)Learning to take your first step as a baby was a true feat. As an adult, it’s hopefully not. That’s the way it works: Yesterday’s accomplishment becomes today’s norm—and it’s up to you to build from there. Access this truth by way of a curious Scriptural quirk about an obscure Canaanite city.
The Day Your Soul Is Set AfireThe Chassidic Holiday You’ve Never Heard of That Will Change Your LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 2, 2020)A famed Chassidic master taught that when we set out to conquer the world, we should only let our bodies out of the gate, remaining true to our soul. This pithy teaching contains the secret to the life you’re looking for, and there’s a whole new holiday to celebrate it. Lechayim!
Rooting Out RecidivismThe Quest to Cure the Problem, Not the SymptomWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 25, 2020)Fierce debates rage around questions of law and order, the rate of incarceration, and community policing. Yaakov’s swift departure from the fabled town of Be’er Sheva, to avoid peace talks, is the surprising setting in which the insight to these questions can be found.
To Plow Is to Sow Is to ReapTwo Sides of the Teshuvah CoinWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 18, 2020)To look at your life in shambles and exclaim, “Oy!” is decidedly unproductive. It may look good, but it’s not going to get you anywhere. Take a cue from Yitzchak, who prefaced a blessing to his son with . . . visions of a plowed field. Why? Because the engine for true growth is in the dismemberment wrought by the plowshares.
Don't Take the Easy Way OutBeing Gifted Is Great; Working Hard Is Even BetterWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 11, 2020)In what can arguably be the most un-Jewish thing to do, we read that Abraham insisted on paying full price for a piece of real estate. Why? Abraham’s purchasing habits, emulated by his descendant King David, teach a powerful lesson: in life, paying full price is the only way to truly make it yours.
Leaping into AwesomenessJudaism, Post-Sinai, Is Nothing Like It Was BeforeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 4, 2020)“Reach for the stars.” It’s a nice cliché, but really? – You can’t possibly touch the stars! Follow a winding path that starts with a deep analysis of our forefathers’ religious status to the mountaintop of Sinai, and discover how, indeed, you can reach even higher than the stars.
“You Do You,” They Said. Judaism Concurs.Finding Individual Expression in the Monolith of Jewish ObservanceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 28, 2020)Are you calm, excitable, loud, studious, ambitious, or shy? Or maybe something else? Whatever the answer, it seems that when it comes to religion, there simply isn’t any room for that. “Do this,” “Don’t do that,” and call it a day. Embedded in the covenant between G-d and Abraham is the secret of a personal Judaism.
Words Shape Reality. Use Them Wisely.Sometimes HOW We Speak Is More Important Than WHAT We SpeakWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 21, 2020)Much has been said about the power of words. So how do we balance the need to be articulate and clear with our desire to be sensitive and sanitary with our speech? The Torah’s precise choice of words shows us how.
Semichas Chaver ChabadLaws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 2With Rabbi Mendy WinebergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 11, 2023Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Celebrating CommitmentSecond Time's a CharmWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 30, 2020)This is another discussion about happiness. But this time, we're going to let your mistakes do the talking. The funny thing? Your mistakes are not only an obstruction to your joy, but they can very well be the catalyst for it. It's what you do after you've messed up that makes all the difference.
Don’t Lose the Forest for the TreesKeeping Your Eye on the Prize Is the Way to Win the Game of LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 23, 2020)One day, G-d appeared to a man and told him to go to a city named Nineveh. And then that man ran away from G-d. Sounds insane, right? After all, if things worked out crazy enough that G-d came to you, would you think of running from G-d? Turns out that oftentimes, we do the same thing. Discover how to avoid this costly mistake in your own life.
The Day G-d Split Adam and EveFrom Dependence to Independence to InterdependenceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 16, 2020)Instead of creating two distinct beings, a man and woman, the Torah tells us that G-d first created Adam and then “built” Eve from him. This curious design quirk contains profound lessons about relationships—both in our personal and our spiritual lives.
Four Letters of CreationG-d’s Name and How the World ExistsWith Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf(Recorded live on October 26, 2020)Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf of Australia has been a worldwide teacher of spirituality for almost two generations. He draws upon contemporary positive psychology side-by-side with ancient spiritual wisdoms to create a unique synthesis of past and present, reshaping people’s lives and values. Having trained in law and psychology, he is an unusual blend of Chassidic Rabbi, therapist and teacher, who has shared at the Fortune 500 Convention, the International Psychological Conference, the Gawler international Wellness convention as well as various spiritual and even Buddhist ashrams. He has been described as “a Jewish synthesis of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Steven Covey.”
Unleash Your CourageLiving Courageously in a Stressful WorldWith Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf(Recorded live on October 19, 2020)Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf of Australia has been a worldwide teacher of spirituality for almost two generations. He draws upon contemporary positive psychology side-by-side with ancient spiritual wisdoms to create a unique synthesis of past and present, reshaping people’s lives and values. Having trained in law and psychology, he is an unusual blend of Chassidic Rabbi, therapist and teacher, who has shared at the Fortune 500 Convention, the International Psychological Conference, the Gawler international Wellness convention as well as various spiritual and even Buddhist ashrams. He has been described as “a Jewish synthesis of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Steven Covey.”
Spiritual Meditation with Rabbi Laibl WolfCosmic LightWith Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf(Recorded live on October 26, 2020)
Spiritual Meditation 1Inner LightWith Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf(Recorded live on October 19, 2020)
The Mystery of Hebrew Numerology - Lesson 1"Numerology Mechanics"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 10, 2020)This thrilling three-part journey takes you inside the world of Hebrew numerology. Learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
The Mystery of Hebrew Numerology - Lesson 3"Mystical Numerology"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 24, 2020)This thrilling three-part journey takes you inside the world of Hebrew numerology. Learn the rules that govern Hebrew numerology, gain the skills to decode letters, words and phrases, and discover astonishing secret meanings that lie hidden beneath the biblical text.
Jewpernatural - Lesson 3Jinx & The Evil EyeWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on May 10, 2023Can telling someone about my good fortune make it go bad? Can their jealousy create problems for my success? It may sound superstitious, but in Jewish thought there’s a logical reason to be concerned about “the Evil Eye,” and there’s a practical way to ward it off.
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 650 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 8, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 550 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 1, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 450 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 25, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 350 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 18, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 250 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 11, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 150 Fun, Complex, and Controversial Questions About Jews & JudaismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 4, 2020)Ever wonder why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What Judaism says about Christianity? And why we put stones on a gravesite? Explore your biggest Jewish questions in this fun and interactive course!
Life After Life - Lesson 4The Resurrectionwith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 14, 2020)Death is life’s greatest enigma. All who are born are destined to die—but what happens then? This is a powerful exploration of what awaits on the other side. We look at the transition of death, the nature of heaven and hell, the reality of reincarnation, and the dramatic meaning of resurrection.
Life After Life - Lesson 3Reincarnationwith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 30, 2020)Death is life’s greatest enigma. All who are born are destined to die—but what happens then? This is a powerful exploration of what awaits on the other side. We look at the transition of death, the nature of heaven and hell, the reality of reincarnation, and the dramatic meaning of resurrection.
Life After Life - Lesson 2Heaven & Hellwith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 30, 2020)Death is life’s greatest enigma. All who are born are destined to die—but what happens then? This is a powerful exploration of what awaits on the other side. We look at the transition of death, the nature of heaven and hell, the reality of reincarnation, and the dramatic meaning of resurrection.
Life After Life - Lesson 1Death & Transitionwith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 23, 2020)Death is life’s greatest enigma. All who are born are destined to die—but what happens then? This is a powerful exploration of what awaits on the other side. We look at the transition of death, the nature of heaven and hell, the reality of reincarnation, and the dramatic meaning of resurrection.
Jewish Fireside Chat"Oil & Miracles"with Mrs. Becky Miller(Recorded live on December 13, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"What the Greeks Could Not Understand"with Mrs. Becky Miller(Recorded live on December 6, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"Everything I Know About Happiness, I Learned From Sadness"with Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson(Recorded live on June 14, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"How Can I Trust G-d When He Seems MIA"with Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein(Recorded live on May 31, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"Love is All You Need"with Rabbi Ronnie Fine(Recorded live on May 24, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"The Only Bad Question is the One Not Asked"with Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe(Recorded live on May 10, 2020)
Jewish Fireside Chat"Be a Radical"with Rabbi Shais Taub(Recorded live on April 26, 2020)
Heylik un Tayer: Holy and DearExpressions related to Jewish holidays, life cycle events and ritualsWith Professor Miriam Udel(Recorded live on June 29, 2020)Maybe you remember your Bubby or Zaidy speaking it. Maybe you’d like to watch Shtisel without the subtitles. Whatever the reason—this course is for you!Join Emory University Professor Miriam Udel for an epic four-session online Yiddish course. You’ll gain a Taste of Yiddish and learn the basics of speaking the “Mame Loshen.”
Di Yidishe Mishpokhe: The Jewish FamilyAunts and uncles, grandparents and grandchildren (including greats), in-laws…the whole mishpokheWith Professor Miriam Udel(Recorded live on June 22, 2020)Maybe you remember your Bubby or Zaidy speaking it. Maybe you’d like to watch Shtisel without the subtitles. Whatever the reason—this course is for you!Join Emory University Professor Miriam Udel for an epic four-session online Yiddish course. You’ll gain a Taste of Yiddish and learn the basics of speaking the “Mame Loshen.”
Lomir Zikh Bakenen! Let’s Get AcquaintedGreetings and introductions in YiddishWith Professor Miriam Udel(Recorded live on June 8, 2020)Maybe you remember your Bubby or Zaidy speaking it. Maybe you’d like to watch Shtisel without the subtitles. Whatever the reason—this course is for you!Join Emory University Professor Miriam Udel for an epic four-session online Yiddish course. You’ll gain a Taste of Yiddish and learn the basics of speaking the “Mame Loshen.”
Have a Little Faith - Part 9“Chaos in the Skies”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 7, 2023The ancient pagan world was steeped in the belief in gods who fought to establish dominance, and who thereby altered the course of world events. These gods were personifications of natural forces, like the sun, sea, wind, and rain, and their stories were remarkably similar across different civilizations. Through these stories, ancient people sought to explain the constant threat of chaos, whether from nature or invading tribes. The outcomes of battles between the gods, they believed, determined the fate of crops and the land -- establishing peace and plenty, or war and hunger. In this worldview humans had no control over these battles in the sky. They were powerless to prevent the chaos, and indeed seen as replaceable in this divine order.Jewish monotheism brought humanity a radical new way of understanding the universe. Gone were the jealous, warring gods. Instead, life was guided by a single, loving, good deity -- who had complete and sole control over all. And this changed everything....In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the true difference between polytheistic and monotheistic belief, and discover why elements in ancient Israelite society had such a hard time believing in One G-d who controls all. In the process, we'll find out what motivated the people to create and worship the Golden Calf.
Have a Little Faith - Part 8“The Secret Life of Angels”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 30, 2023Our tradition teaches that there's a whole squad of heavenly beings, angels, each with their unique identity and their unique mission. Just as no two people are alike, no two angels are alike.But what exactly differentiates one angel from the next? In a realm absent of material or even spacial definitions, what constitutes a thing's reality? More precisely, what makes a spiritual thing a "thing" at all?The answer lies in understanding spiritual energy. And that's exactly what we'll explore in this cosmic session of Kabbalah Café. We'll look at heavenly spheres, realms, worlds, energies, and yes, angels -- all to ultimately gain profound insight into the nature of life on earth.
Judaism at Home - Lesson 5Shabbat SymbolsWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 2, 2020)Why is Kiddush recited on wine? What is the significance of two covered loaves? Is it important to consume fish and meat on Shabbat? Why gefilte fish? Why cholent? This lesson explores the origins and rationales behind each of these customs, rendering what was heretofore a random assortment for the palate a holistic journey for the soul.
Judaism at Home - Lesson 4Rest AssuredWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 26, 2020)Shabbat is one of Judaism’s greatest gifts. In a society that prizes multitasking and prioritizes urgencies, Shabbat offers a welcome respite from the noise to ponder what is truly important. However, when it comes to the nitty gritty of Shabbat’s dos and don’ts, many find themselves perplexed by their logic and seeming pettiness. This lesson unveils the wisdom and neat construct inherent in the laws of Shabbat, and translates its model into practical guidelines for modern observance, infused with soul and spirituality.
Judaism at Home - Lesson 3Hear O IsraelWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 19, 2020)Whether deliberate or spontaneous, vocal or mental, we frequently find ourselves praying. Many find the concept of prayer distant and mysterious, and see the prayer book as a volume that’s closed to their intellection. This lesson seeks to bring prayer to the vibrant hearts and inspired minds of Jews everywhere. Participants will discover the philosophy of prayer, build familiarity with the prayer book, and gain an implementable understanding of the elegant structure and sophisticated mechanics that underlie our daily prayers.
Judaism at Home - Lesson 2Food for ThoughtWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)Our relationships with food are rather complex. We need to eat to survive, yet so many struggle with obesity, anorexia, and unhealthy eating habits. Unlike pop culture diets that come in and out of fashion, Judaism’s practical wisdom on eating has weathered millennia. By infusing this daily practice with practical insight and purpose, the Jewish rituals introduced in this lesson help us make our eating more mindful, healthful, and spiritually satisfying.
Judaism at Home - Lesson 1A Fresh StartWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)Can you predict how your day will be based on how you wake up in the morning? If yes, you’re not alone! How you wake up in the morning can set the tone for the entire day. This lesson takes a deep dive into Jewish morning routines to explore their rituals, rationales, and deeper messages to help get your day started on a positive note and make your mornings meaningful.
Think Different - Lesson 30The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 13, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 29The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 22, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 28The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 15, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 27The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 18, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 26The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 11, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 25The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 4, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 24The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 18, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 23The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 11, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 22The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 28, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 21The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 21, 2021)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 20The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 10, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 19The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on December 3, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 18The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 19, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 17The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 29, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 16The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on September 17, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 15The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 20, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 14The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 13, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 13The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on August 6, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 19"The Ethics of Bankruptcy"With Ian RatnerRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 7, 2023
Think Different - Lesson 12The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 23, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 11The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 9, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 10The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on July 2, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 9The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 25, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think DifferentThe Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 23, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 8The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 18, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 7The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 11, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 6The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 4, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think Different - Lesson 5The Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 21, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think DifferentThe Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 7, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Think DifferentThe Life-Changing Wisdom of TanyaWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 30, 2020)The book of Tanya is the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries. It has helped countless individuals access their deepest self and live with purpose and intention. Tanya’s wisdom is now accessible to you in this brand new series.
Semichas Chaver ChabadLaws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 1With Rabbi Mendy WinebergRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 2, 2023Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.
Miracles - Part 4With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on May 18, 2020)Miracles a new four-part series on the nature of the supernatural. This course draws from classic and spiritual Jewish wisdom to expose the inner mechanics of the universe.
Miracles - Part 3Reality Is Not What It SeemsRecorded live on May 11, 2020Miracles a new four-part series on the nature of the supernatural. This course draws from classic and spiritual Jewish wisdom to expose the inner mechanics of the universe.
Miracles - Part 2Reality Is Not What It SeemsRecorded live on May 4, 2020Miracles a new four-part series on the nature of the supernatural. This course draws from classic and spiritual Jewish wisdom to expose the inner mechanics of the universe.
Time is a ContinuumThe Past is Never Over, and the Future Always Within ReachWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live on April 1, 2020)At the dawn of their birth, the Jewish nation was gifted with two mitzvot -- offering the Paschal Lamb and the rite of circumcision. The deeper significance of these two mitzvot leads us to discover the key to successful, healthy living: the most important moment is the present -- precisely because it is so closely tethered to the past and the future.
Can Religion be Enjoyable?When Body and Soul Sit Down for DinnerWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live on March 25, 2020)There are fewer things more diametrically opposite than body and soul. Yet, they are tasked with working together. In this lesson, we learn that the Afikomen isn’t just a thing you steal at the end of the Seder for a new X-box—it’s a primer of how to be a religious pro: to do what you love and love what you do.
A Stranger to PassoverDeveloping a Taste for the DivineWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2019)Not unlike fine wine and whiskey, a taste for G-d needs to be developed. Passover is a time of personal connection, a time to become a real connoisseur of spirituality. This lesson explains how.
Consumer CultureBalancing Mind and MatterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaMany great sages sufficed with bread and water, shunning the caviar and the Rolls Royce. But is having a few extras really so bad? Discover how, when, and why we ought to make use of the finer things in life in a way that complements, rather than contradicts, our spiritual selves.
Jewpernatural - Lesson 2Stars & SignsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on May 3, 2023Judaism insists we can always influence our destiny for the better. Yet, the popular "Mazel tov" wish literally means "good astrology"! What role does destiny play in a tradition that believes humans have free choice?
Stealing FreedomWhen Jailbreaking Is the Only OptionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in Atlanta“You don’t have what it takes.” “Stop faking it.” “Who do you think you are?” Ever heard those before? Yeah, we all have. You want to turn things around, be a better you... despite all the naysayers. What to do? Take a cue from the Passover story and “snatch your afikomen” -- steal your way to a brighter future.
To Be FreeIs Freedom Subjective?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaHow can Jews claim to be free if they must obey the laws of Judaism? Why did we leave the bondage of ancient Egypt only to become the unquestioning servants of G-d? It is time to redefine what freedom is. Can this cherished value mean something other than “do what you want”?
Home Altar-ationBringing G-d Into Our Personal SpaceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaOf the four volumes of the Jewish Code of Law, there is just one tiny section about the synagogue. The rest is all about the kitchen, the bedroom, and the business place. So, where is the center of Jewish observance?
From Faith to FlavorThe Process of RedemptionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaThe seder is filled with laws, both biblical commandments and rabbinic decrees. Does it really matter if I have exactly four cups of wine? Yes, it does. Each detail reveals great depth in the theme of the night -- freedom -- and the theme of Judaism in general.
The Pursuit of LibertyAre We Really Free?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaDoes the message of Passover still ring true? Slavery still exists. Hardships grow. Our jobs and our responsibilities chain us down more than ever. Can we really celebrate our so-called freedom? It’s time to challenge our understanding of “freedom.”
Lessons from CaesarA Look at Jewish LeadershipWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaIn the Talmud, Moshiach is called Caesar. What does the Roman Emperor have to do with the Jewish Redeemer? A fascinating odyssey into ancient history and the future Messianic age uncovers a surprising model of leadership and personal growth.
The Freedom of DiscontentWhen Are You Truly at Liberty?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaAah, freedom! No work, lying on the beach, mind at rest. We challenge this conventional model of liberty and instead look at Passover, the festival of freedom, to discover that true emancipation is when we remain shackled to our raging minds and restless hearts.
The Taste of PassoverHow to Connect with FreedomWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaThe key to appreciate spirituality, Judaism, and ultimately, freedom.
The Freedom RideUnshackling the Prisoner WithinWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaThis lesson explores the secret behind the cups of wine at the Passover seder, uncovering four steps toward spiritual awakening and personal freedom.
Back to LifeRecovering from Life’s ChallengesWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaThroughout our history, there were times when all seemed lost. This class shows how to revive the spirit when all inspiration seems to have faded in our lives.
I Don’t KnowCan a Jew Live with Questions?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaWe don’t buy a car unless we know everything about it. We won’t vote for a politician until we make sure their agendas are aligned with ours. But when it comes to G-d, we can leave our questions unanswered and believe, nonetheless. Why?
Beyond Belief - Lesson 6Perfect WorldWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)What is G-d's ultimate vision for His creation? Where are we headed? And how does our concept of a perfect world affect the way we live our lives today? In this lesson we examine the Jewish beliefs of Mashiach and the resurrection of the dead, and how these ideas critically inform our present.
Beyond Belief - Lesson 5Seeking HeavenWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)In Lesson Two, we saw that G-d speaks to us through the prophets, but can we also speak to G-d? What can we learn about ourselves from the way in which we choose to pray? How does G-d respond to our actions and our words? Do we have to wait till after we die to find our eternal reward? Or can we find heaven (and hell) on earth? In this lesson, we examine prayer as a form of self-assessment, as well as G-d's reward and punishment of our actions.
Beyond Belief - Lesson 4Knowing G-DWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)Rambam describes G-d not first as Creator of the Universe, but as a personal G-d and Redeemer. We will discover that the first four principles are not meant to describe the "how" of creation, but the "why" of creation. Our understanding of the nature of G-d is a logical outgrowth of our reflection about the purpose of our being.
Beyond Belief - Lesson 3Universal CodeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)What are the implications of views the Torah is an unchanging eternal text? What would be different if we thought of it as a flexible evolving document that retained its central core but was adaptable in its details? This lesson describes an understanding of Torah as much more than a holy book. It is the spiritual DNA of our souls and our universe, an unchanging and unchangeable code that defines who we are and what we are meant to become.
Beyond Belief - Lesson 2Hearing The VoiceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)Why do we need prophets? How does one become a prophet? How does it feel to receive prophecy? How can we distinguish real prophets from false prophets? Are there prophets today? Prophecy is a realm that seems to us almost surreal, magical, beyond our experience. And yet Rambam identified prophecy as a critical linchpin of our faith. Examine the critical role of prophecy in a world in which G-d communicates with His creation.
Beyond Belief - Lesson 1With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)Is faith blind? In the Jewish sense, faith is less an act of unquestioning belief than an act of faithfulness, integrity, and trust. Rambam's principles are the thirteen "big ideas" that form the basis of our powerful bond with G-d. In our first lesson, we examine the principle of G-d's omniscience, a worldview that contrasts starkly with the Greek belief that G-d created the world and then left it to its own devices. This principle lays the groundwork for a personal and intimate relationship with G-d.
Tales to Inspire - Part 2Compelling Passover Stories, Timely MessagesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Tales to Inspire - Part 1Compelling Passover Stories, Timely MessagesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Talmud Tuesday - Tractate Pesachim - Part 3Study Tractate Pesachim About the Holiday of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Talmud Tuesday - Tractate Pesachim - Part 2Study Tractate Pesachim About the Holiday of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 3Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 2Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 30, 2020
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 1Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 23, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.27.22 (Matot-Masei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 27, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.26.22 (Matot-Masei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 26, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.25.22 (Matot-Masei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 25, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.22.22 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 22, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.21.22 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 21, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.20.22 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 20, 2022
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 18"Are You My Mother? Maternity & Surrogacy in Halacha"With Rabbi Shmuly WolffRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 30, 2023
Daily Power Parsha 7.19.22 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 19, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.18.22 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 18, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.15.22 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 15, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.14.22 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 14, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.13.22 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 13, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.12.22 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 12, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.11.22 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 11, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.7.22 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.8.22 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 8, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.6.22 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 6, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.5.22 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 5, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 7.1.22 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 1, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.30.22 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 30, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.29.22 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 29, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.28.22 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 28, 2022
Jewpernatural - Lesson 1Dreams & DirectionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded at The Torah Center ATL on April 26, 2023When should we follow our dreams, and when do we say it’s “just a dream”? Let’s explore where inspiration from a lifelike dream can take us. Plus: a time-honored Jewish routine for keeping nightmares at bay.
Daily Power Parsha 6.24.22 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 24, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.23.22 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 23, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.22.22 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 22, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.21.22 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 21, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.20.22 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 20, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.17.22 (Behaalotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 17, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.15.22 (Behaalotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 15, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.14.22 (Behaalotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 14, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.13.22 (Behaalotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 13, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.10.22 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 10, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.8.22 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 8, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.7.22 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.3.22 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 3, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 6.1.22 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 1, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.31.22 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 31, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.23.22 (Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 23, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.20.22 (Behar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 20, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.18.22 (Behar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 18, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.17.22 (Behar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 17, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.16.22 (Behar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 16, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.13.22 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 13, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.11.22 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 11, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.10.22 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 10, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.9.22 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 9, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.6.22 (Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 6, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.5.22 (Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 5, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.4.22 (Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 4, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.3.22 (Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 3, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 5.2.22 (Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 2, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.29.22 (Acharei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 29, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.28.22 (Acharei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 28, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.27.22 (Acharei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 27, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.26.22 (Acharei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 26, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.25.22 (Acharei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 25, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.12.22 (Pesach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 12, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.8.22 (Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 8, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.7.22 (Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.6.22 (Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 6, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.5.22 (Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 5, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.4.22 (Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 4, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 4.1.22 (Tazria)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 1, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.31.22 (Tazria)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 31, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.30.22 (Tazria)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 30, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.29.22 (Tazria)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 29, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.28.22 (Tazria)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 28, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.25.22 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 25, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.24.22 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.23.22 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 23, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.22.22 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 22, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.21.22 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 21, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.18.22 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 18, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.16.22 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 16, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.15.22 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 15, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.14.22 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 14, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.11.22 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 11, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.10.22 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 10, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.9.22 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 9, 2022
Have a Little Faith - Part 7“The Burning Palace”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 23, 2023There was once a man who saw a most strange sight: a grand palace thrown in disrepair, engulfed in flames. This palace had been fit for royalty. Yet here it was, abandoned and burning.The conclusion was obvious. This palace has no owner! After all, no one would allow their beautiful palace to fall into such disrepair! Clearly, there was no one in charge of this edifice.Until a voice emerged from the palace grounds and declared: "I am the owner..."In this session of Kabbalah Café we unpack this ancient parable and see how it depicts Abraham's discovery of the Creator, at a time when everyone believed the world to be abandoned and ownerless. We discover how this story captures a profound Kabbalistic truth about the nature of existence, while explaining the different names of G-d.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 17"Optical 'Allusions': Does What I Appear to be Doing Matter?"With Rabbi Nechemia GurevitzRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 23, 2023
Daily Power Parsha 3.8.22 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.7.22 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.4.22 (Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 4, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 3.2.22 (Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 2, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.29.22 (Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 1, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.28.22 (Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 28, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.25.22 (Vayakhel)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 25, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.23.22 (Vayakhel)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 23, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.22.22 (Vayakhel)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 22, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.21.22 (Vayakhel)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 21, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.18.22 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 18, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.16.22 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 16, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.15.22 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 15, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.14.22 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 14, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.11.22 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 11, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.9.22 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 9, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.8.22 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 8, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.7.22 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.4.22 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 4, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.2.22 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 2, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 2.1.22 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 1, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.31.22 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 31, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.28.22 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 28, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.26.22 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 26, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.25.22 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 25, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.24.22 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 24, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.21.22 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 21, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.20.22 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 20, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.19.22 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 19, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.18.22 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 18, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.17.22 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 17, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.14.22 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 14, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.12.22 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 12, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.11.22 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 11, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.10.22 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 10, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.7.22 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 7, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.6.22 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 6, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.5.22 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 5, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.4.22 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 4, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 1.3.22 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 3, 2022
Daily Power Parsha 12.31.21 (Va'eira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 31, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.30.21 (Va'eira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.29.21 (Va'eira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 29, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.28.21 (Va'eira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 28, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.20.21 (Shemot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.17.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.16.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.15.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.14.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.13.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 13, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.10.21 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.9.21 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.8.21 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.7.21 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 7, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.6.21 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.2.21 (Mikeitz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.1.21 (Mikeitz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.30.21 (Mikeitz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.29.21 (Mikeitz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 29, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.26.21 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.24.21 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.23.21 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.22.21 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.19.21 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.17.21 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.16.21 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.15.21 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.12.21 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.10.21 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.9.21 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.8.21 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.3.21 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.2.21 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 11.1.21 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.29.21 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 29, 2021
Have a Little Faith - Part 6“The Great Debate... Over a Leaf”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on April 2, 2023The Jewish story is filled with intellectual debates -- not just among contemporaries, but across the chasm of history.One such debate pertains to the notion of "Hashgacha Elyona," Divine attentiveness. To what extent is G-d aware of -- and concerned with -- mundane, material affairs? This was the subject of a fierce battle between the greatest philosophers and mystics of our faith, spanning a thousand years.The philosophers maintained one approach; the mystics another. The implications of this are huge and far reaching. And it all revolves around the life of a simple leaf.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore Divine attentiveness and learn what it means for us today.
Have a Little Faith - Part 5“The Kabbalah of Astrology”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 26, 2023If there's one thing Judaism is pretty clear on, it's monotheism, the belief in one G-d. There's one G-d, one Force, one True Reality. But where does that leave the other "forces" in nature? Do the stars have power? Do they contain messages for us? For that matter, is astrology kosher? Does Judaism approve or frown upon star-gazing? In this very special edition of Kabbalah Cafe you'll learn all about the Jewish view of the zodiac. From what exactly your birth sign means to choosing a spouse based on sign compatibility, you'll be amazed at what ancient Jewish mystical tradition teaches about the zodiac. Learn the mystical connection between the 12 signs of the zodiac, the 12 Jewish months, the 12 tribes of Israel, 12 of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and 12 attributes of the soul -- and what it all means for you. Discover the incredible secrets of the stars!
Have a Little Faith - Part 4“Your Jewish Horoscope”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 19, 2023Welcome to the world of horoscopes and fortune telling, of tarot cards and zodiac signs. For many, this space is quite popular, and for good reason. Human beings crave order and insight, and something -- anything -- offering insider information is quite literally valuable.But are these pursuits kosher? And are they legit?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we jump into the intriguing realm of psychics and magic, and separate fact from fiction. We discover the ancient Jewish connection to astrology and fortune telling, and learn what the mystics have to say about all of this.Here's my prediction: What we learn will shock you! :)
Have a Little Faith - Part 3“American Idol”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 12, 2023Idolatry runs deep in the veins of humankind. Sure, the first people knew who they were and where they came from. But soon after, everything changed. Those who initially dabbled into idolatry weren't intending to throw G-d away entirely. They were just trying to be nice, to not allow a perfect, pure Being to become mired in the fatal flaws of a fragmented world. But despite their noble intentions, the damage was done. And the reverberations are felt to this very day.This is a Kabbalah Café of historic proportions. We trace the surprising evolution of idol worship and see how it has manifested in every era, from ancient Pharaoh to our own modern American idols. Plus, we learn the unexpected truth behind the Golden Calf episode.
Have a Little Faith - Part 2“All That Glitters”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 5, 2023People sure do love shiny things. The glitzier the better! Even Moses, as an infant, went for the glitter, as relayed in one of the dramatic origin stories told about him.What is it that draws us toward gold? What is it about some sparkle and shine that so captures the imagination? And how do we battle the tendency to channel this objectification to the most important parts of our lives, like our relationships and faith?In this consciousness expanding session of Kabbalah Café we examine the quirks of the human psyche, and learn some really important life lessons along the way.
Have a Little Faith - Part 1“The Origins of Time”With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 26, 2023Our new Kabbalah Café series “Have a Little Faith” focuses on gaining spiritual and practical tools to develop our sensitivity to -- and faith in -- G-d. The text we're studying is a beloved Kabbalistic discourse first penned in 1880, and its wisdom is simply timeless.This discourse is a powerful meditation on the importance of the intuitive and the holistic and a sharp critique of the kind of mind that reduces the world and people to machines -- the kind of mind that took power in the years after this was written and has brought untold misery to millions.
Daily Power Parsha 10.27.21 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 27, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.26.21 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.22.21 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.21.21 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 21, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.20.21 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.19.21 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.15.21 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.14.21 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.12.21 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.11.21 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 11, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.8.21 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.6.21 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.5.21 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 5, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.4.21 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 4, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 10.1.21 (Bereishit)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.30.21 (Bereishit)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.24.21 (Vezot Habrachah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.23.21 (Vezot Habrachah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.17.21 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.14.21 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.13.21 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 13, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.10.21 (Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.9.21 (Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.3.21 (Nitzavim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.2.21 (Nitzavim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 9.1.21 (Nitzavim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.31.21 (Nitzavim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 31, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.30.21 (Nitzavim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.25.21 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 25, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.24.21 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.23.21 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.20.21 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.19.21 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.17.21 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.16.21 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.13.21 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 13, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.11.21 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 11, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.10.21 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.9.21 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.6.21 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.5.21 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 5, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.4.21 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 4, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.3.21 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 8.2.21 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.30.21 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.29.21 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 29, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.28.21 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 28, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.27.21 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 27, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.26.21 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.22.21 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.21.21 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 21, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.20.21 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.19.21 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.16.21 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.15.21 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.14.21 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.13.21 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 13, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.12.21 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.9.21 (Matot-Massei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.8.21 (Matot-Massei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.7.21 (Matot-Massei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 7, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.6.21 (Matot-Massei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.5.21 (Matot-Massei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 5, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.2.21 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 7.1.21 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.30.21 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.29.21 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 29, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.28.21 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 28, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.25.21 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 25, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.23.21 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.22.21 (Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.18.21 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 18, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.17.21 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.16.21 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.15.21 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.14.21 (Chukat)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.11.21 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 11, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.9.21 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.8.21 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.7.21 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 7, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.4.21 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 4, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.2.21 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 6.1.21 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.31.21 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 31, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.28.21 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 28, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.26.21 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.25.21 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 25, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.24.21 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.21.21 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 21, 2021
Context & Consequences of Israel's Proposed Judicial OverhaulWith Dr. Ken SteinEmory Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern History, Political Science and Israel StudiesPresident of the Center for Israel EducationRecorded Thursday, March 30 at The Torah Center ATLAs Israel turns 75 this spring, it is in the throes of a dynamic controversy over governance. Where might this ‘crisis’ or potential ‘political earthquake’ fit into Zionism’s history and Israel’s tomorrows still to come?For more than four decades, Ken Stein taught Middle Eastern History, Political Science and Israel Studies at Emory University. In the early 1970s he received his advanced degrees at The University of Michigan and studied for two years at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author of six books and dozens of scholarly articles. He was recognized for his intellectual integrity in speaking out against the falsehoods in former President Jimmy Carter’s 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Through Israel content enrichment, his Center for Israel Education has connected with 3,500 Jewish teachers and some 400,000 students across the world.
Daily Power Parsha 5.19.21 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.14.21 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.12.21 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.11.21 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 11, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 5.10.21 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.30.21 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 30, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.28.21 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 28, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.27.21 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 27, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.26.21 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.23.21 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.21.21 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 21, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.20.21 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.19.21 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.16.21 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.15.21 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.14.21 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 14, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.13.21 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 13, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.12.21 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 4.6.21 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 6, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.24.21 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.23.21 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 23, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.22.21 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.19.21 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.17.21 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.16.21 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.15.21 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.12.21 (Vayakhel-Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.10.21 (Vayakhel-Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 10, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.9.21 (Vayakhel-Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.8.21 (Vayakhel-Pekudei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 8, 2021
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 17 - Kiddush DrinksWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 28, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Daily Power Parsha 3.2.21 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 3.1.21 (Ki Tisa)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.24.21 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 24, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.22.21 (Tetzaveh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.19.21 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.17.21 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 17, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.16.21 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 16, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.15.21 (Terumah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.12.21 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 12, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.9.21 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 9, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.8.21 (Mishpatim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.5.21 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 5, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.3.21 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 3, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.2.21 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 2, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 2.1.21 (Yitro)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on February 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.29.21 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 29, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.27.21 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 27, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.26.21 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 26, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.25.21 (Beshalach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 25, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.22.21 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 22, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.21.21 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 21, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.20.21 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 20, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.19.21 (Bo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 19, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.15.21 (Va'eira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 15, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 1.8.21 (Shemot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 8, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 01.05.21 (Shemos)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 5, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 01.04.21 (Shemos)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 4, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 01.01.21 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on January 1, 2021
Daily Power Parsha 12.31.20 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 31, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.30.20 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.29.20 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 29, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.28.20 (Vayechi)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.25.20 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.24.20 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.23.20 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 23, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.22.20 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.21.20 (Vayigash)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.18.20 (Miketz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 18, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.17.20 (Miketz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.16.20 (Miketz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 16, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.15.20 (Miketz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 15, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.14.20 (Miketz)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.11.20 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 11, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.9.20 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 9, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.8.20 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 8, 2020
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 16"The Story of Life in 140 Characters - Through the Rebbe's Lens"With Rabbi Zalman LipskierRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 26, 2023
Daily Power Parsha 12.7.20 (Vayeishev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.4.20 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.3.20 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.2.20 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 12.1.20 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on December 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.30.20 (Vayishlach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.27.20 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.25.20 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.24.20 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.23.20 (Vayeitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 23, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.20.20 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 20, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.18.20 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 18, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.17.20 (Toldot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.16.20 (Toldos)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 16, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.13.20 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 13, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.10.20 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 10, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.9.20 (Chayei Sarah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 9, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.6.20 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 6, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.4.20 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.3.20 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 11.2.20 (Vayeira)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on November 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.30.20 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.29.20 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 29, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.28.20 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.27.20 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.26.20 (Lech Lecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 26, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.21.20 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.19.20 (Noach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 19, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.14.20 (Bereishit)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.13.20 (Bereishit)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 13, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 10.5.20 (Sukkot)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 5, 2020
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 16 - Kiddush DrinksWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 21, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 15 - Kiddush DrinksWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 14, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 15"Covered In Silver Foil: Kashering Your Home For Pesach"With Rabbi Yale NewRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 19, 2023
Daily Power Parsha 10.2.20 (Vezot-Haberachah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on October 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.30.20 (Vezot-Haberachah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.29.20 (Vezot-Haberachah)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.25.20 (Haazinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.23.20 (Yom Kippur)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 23, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.22.20 (Yom Kippur)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 22, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.21.20 (Yom Kippur)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.16.20 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 16, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.15.20 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 15, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.14.20 (Ha'azinu)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.11.20 (Nitzavim-Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 11, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.10.20 (Nitzavim-Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 10, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.9.20 (Nitzavim-Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 9, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.8.20 (Nitzavim - Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 8, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.7.20 (Nitzavim-Vayelech)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.4.20 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.3.20 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 9.1.20 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on September 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.31.20 (Ki Tavo)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 31, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.28.20 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.27.20 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.26.20 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 26, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.25.20 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.24.20 (Ki Teitzei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.21.20 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.20.20 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 20, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.19.20 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 19, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.18.20 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 18, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.17.20 (Shoftim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.13.20 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 13, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.12.20 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 12, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.11.20 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 11, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.10.20 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 10, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.14.20 (Re'eh)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.7.20 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.5.20 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 5, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.4.20 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 8.3.20 (Eikev)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on August 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.31.20 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 31, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.29.20 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 29, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.28.20 (Va'etchanan)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.24.20 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.23.20 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 21, 2020
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 14"Why is Matzah Flat?"With Rabbi Isser NewRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 12, 2023
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 13"Amalek! Genetic or Generic?"With Rabbi Yossi NewRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 26, 2023
Daily Power Parsha 7.9.20 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 9, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.8.20 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 8, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.21.20 (Devarim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.17.20 (Matot - Maasei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.15.20 (Matot-Maasei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 15, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.14.20 (Matot-Maasei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.13.20 (Matot-Maasei)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 13, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.10.20 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 10, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.7.20 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.6.20 (Pinchas)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 6, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.26.20 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 26, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.2.20 (Chukat-Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 7.1.20 (Chukat-Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on July 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.30.20 (Chukat-Balak)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.26.20 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 26, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.25.20 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.24.20 (Korach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.17.20 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.19.20 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 19, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.18.20 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 18, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.16.20 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 16, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.15.20 (Shelach)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 15, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.12.20 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 12, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.11.20 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 11, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.10.20 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 10, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.9.20 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 9, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.8.20 (Beha'alotecha)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 8, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.5.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 5, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.4.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.3.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.2.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 6.1.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on June 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.28.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.27.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.26.20 (Naso)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 26, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.22.20 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 22, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.21.20 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 21, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.20.20 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 20, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.19.20 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 19, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.18.20 (Bamidbar)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 18, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.15.20 (Behar-Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 15, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.14.20 (Behar-Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 14, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.13.20 (Behar-Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 13, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.12.20 (Behar-Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 12, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.11.20 (Behar-Bechukotai)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 11, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.8.20 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 8, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.7.20 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.4.20 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 4, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.5.20 (Emor)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 5, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 5.1.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on May 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.30.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.29.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 29, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.28.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 28, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.27.20 (Acharei-Kedoshim)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.24.20 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.23.20 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 23, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.22.20 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 22, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.24.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.25.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.27.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.20.20 (Tazria-Metzora)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 20, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.17.20 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 17, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.8.20 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 8, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.7.20 (Shemini)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 7, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.3.20 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 3, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.2.20 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 2, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 4.1.20 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on April 1, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.31.20 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 31, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.30.20 (Tzav)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 30, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.27.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 27, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.25.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 25, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.24.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Daily Power Parsha 3.23.20 (Vayikra)A Quick Daily Dose of Torah InspirationWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 23, 2020
Tales to Inspire - Part 2Compelling Passover Stories, Timely MessagesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Tales to Inspire - Part 1Compelling Passover Stories, Timely MessagesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Talmud Tuesday - Tractate Pesachim - Part 3Study Tractate Pesachim About the Holiday of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Talmud Tuesday - Tractate Pesachim - Part 2Study Tractate Pesachim About the Holiday of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 24, 2020
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 3Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta)
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 2Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 30, 2020
Maamar Monday - Passover - Lesson 1Original Chasidic Discourse on the Soul of PassoverWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live on March 23, 2020
The Lodestone: Navigating Judaism’s Moral CompassPart 4 - How does the moral compass affect Jewish law?With Rabbi Mendel Adelman
The Lodestone: Navigating Judaism’s Moral CompassPart 3 - Why Do Good People Suffer?With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanWhy do good people suffer? Explore Judaism’s position on morality, ethics, and law.
The Lodestone: Navigating Judaism’s Moral CompassPart 2 - Are Torah and Morality Synonymous?With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanAre Torah and morality synonymous? Explore Judaism’s position on morality, ethics, and law.
The Lodestone: Navigating Judaism’s Moral CompassPart 1 - Do We Really Know Right From Wrong?With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanDo human beings really know right from wrong -- or do we just think we do? Explore Judaism’s position on morality, ethics, and law.
Time to ImproveThe Jewish Concept of ProgressWith Rabbi Ari SollishAncient societies were staunchly anti-progress, considering human history locked in endless cycles. The Torah insisted otherwise: we can, must, and will change the world for the better; war will eventually cease; and justice and kindness will ultimately prevail-provided that this goal is harmoniously married to ethical monotheism. It charged the Jews with sharing this vision with humanity, and today's world is more open and eager than ever to hear our empowering message.
Dropping Out and Tunning InHow Shabbat Changed the World and Transforms Our LivesWith Rabbi Ari SollishOriginally, those who labored did so endlessly. The Torah introduced the concept of a day off, mandating all members of Jewish society to pause from work for a full day each week to focus on life's purpose, worship, and family. The ancient world ridiculed the Shabbat, but humanity has since recognized its tremendous benefits. The Jewish call to schedule time to focus on what is truly important is more critical now than ever.
Created Equal?Exploring a Not-so-self-evident TruthWith Rabbi Ari SollishHumanity long insisted that mastery over others was a birthright: some were born to dominate, and others to be dominated. In recent history, the Jewish ideals of equality and individuality have been widely adopted so that most people agree that no one is intrinsically inferior or superior. These concepts originate in the Torah's revelation that we are all equally created in G-d's image and that just as G-d cannot be redundant, nor can humans crafted in His image.
Divine ImageWho Says Life is Sacred?With Rabbi Ari SollishIt might seem axiomatic that human life is valuable, but a hard look athistory reveals that the concept of human life being precious wasonce considered utterly radical. To discover how this value broke itsway out of the exclusive domain of the Torah to become obvious toall, this lesson explores underlying dilemmas: What makes us human?And what are we here for?
Discovering OneThe Extraordinary Impact of MonotheismWith Rabbi Ari SollishAs a young man, Abraham, the Jewish people's original Patriarch, defied his pagan surroundings and began to introduce humanity to the concept of one G-d-the Creator and Director of the universe. This cornerstone of the Jewish faith gradually spread throughout civilization, bringing drastic changes not only to the global religious landscape but also to the way humanity views and approaches life.
No Man An IslandThe Bonds and Responsibilities of SocietyWith Rabbi Ari SollishAncient societies focused on self-survival and self-promotion, with the unfortunate left by the wayside. This was not seen as cruel or uncaring until the Torah introduced the radical concept of social responsibilities - such as assisting the needy and providing jobs - as a moral obligation of civilization and its individual members. It took centuries for the idea to infiltrate the rest of humanity, in a process that is far from complete. The Torah remains a powerful source of inspiration for social change.
Insight - Lesson 1Changing of the GardenA World Abloom in GoodnessWith Mrs. Dena SchustermanWith the Rebbe’s outstanding, indefatigable optimism, he taught that all that transpires in the universe are expressions of G-d’s beautiful “garden.” How can we dig beneath the surface and uncover that wellspring of goodness and virtue? Gain insight into a different view of the world.
Progress Will Always Include Setbacks. Get Ready.Cherish the Failures for They Are Part of the Journey ForwardWith Rabbi Ari SollishThe Torah scroll we all love and cherish has a set number of lines that correspond to . . . the number of journeys the Jews travelled in the desert. Why is that an important thing to know? Because the desert journey we immortalize includes all the journeys—even the ones that were beaten in hasty retreat. Your life is much the same.
Thank You for EverythingThe Joy of GratitudeWith Rabbi Ari SollishWe’re all fiercely possessive, taking joy in the things we own and the experiences we make. An ancient mitzvah that tells a farmer to bring his first fruit to the Temple turns into a lesson about possession: you don’t actually own anything. And the surprising thing is -- recognizing that will only make you happier.
Weighing Your ValuesIf It’s Important to You, You’ll Find a Way to Do ItWith Rabbi Ari SollishWhat’s that one thing in your life that no matter what, you make sure you have it? A cup of coffee in the morning? The morning news? A freshly laundered shirt? The point is: if it matters to you, it’ll happen. A stern warning about false weights in the Torah encourages us to bring that sense of “it matters” into our spiritual lives as well.
Mind over Matter Isn’t Just a SloganControlling and Directing Our Feelings with Laser PrecisionWith Rabbi Ari SollishJewish soldiers at the outset of military campaigns were instructed, “Do not fear!” But is it really possible to command fear away? How about the other way around—is it possible to will yourself into liking someone or something? Unsurprisingly, the answer is “Yes!”
The Gift of DignityGiving with a Smile Is Worth EverythingWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“I don’t care why you’re giving, the main thing is to give,” they tell us. And that’s true—almost always. But sometimes, a sour face or a snide remark can undo everything we accomplish when helping another. So please, by all means, give and give for whatever reason. But remember that a smile goes a long way, too
Don't Begin with the BasicsJewish Life Begins with the Loftiest Ideas-and That's FineWith Rabbi Ari SollishBeginning with a story when a Rebbe chased an imposter from his office, this class quickly brings us into an important discussion about religious instruction and every person's approach to their own faith. And it's all captured in one little word, "ekev-heel."
When Everything Finally “Clicks”No More “In One Ear, Out the Other”With Rabbi Ari SollishIt can take a lifetime to really “get” something, but when you do, it’s a whole different experience. A lesson about sound effects—or the lack thereof—teaches us what it means to experience real Judaism—and by extension, how to be a real person in every area of life.
What to Do When Your Life Is One Big Dumpster FireNew Perspectives for Life on the DownWith Rabbi Ari SollishAre you feeling that your life is one big unmitigated disaster? A horror film just waiting for an even more tragic ending? A deeper look at the smoldering ashes of a destroyed Temple lends us new perspective on how to turn things around and stop the bleeding.
Show Me the WayHow to Give Really Good AdviceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“If people wanted your unsolicited advice, they’d ask for it,” is just one quip of many about the albatross of bad advice. So how do we avoid this and actually be of help to those who need us? A closer look at the Torah’s treatment of the tragic case of the inadvertent killer shows us how.
Surfing Life’s WavesLessons from the Moon PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishLife is never a level ride. We encounter inspiration and plateaus, feelings of connection and of emptiness. Learn to dance to the rhythm of life and how to get up when you’re down, and discover a destination worth waiting for.
Say It Soft. Always.Effective Leadership Is Always Soft-SpokenWith Rabbi Ari SollishMoses was the Jewish nation's greatest leader. When he was punished for hitting a rock instead of speaking to it, a powerful lesson reverberated throughout the world: Resist the urge to lash out at another, for if you have to take a gamble, err on the side of caution and say it softly. Chances are it'll only work better.
Sometimes the Thought Doesn't CountIt’s Great to Mean Well, but Action Comes FirstWith Rabbi Ari SollishWhat’s better -- an ecstatic dance on a Himalayan mountaintop or a regular 7 o’clock morning prayer? Inspired imagination or prudent pragmatism? A lone man gathering sticks on Shabbat in the desert literally gave up his life to answer this pressing question. Discover his answer.
In the Blink of an EyeChange Can Happen a Lot Quicker Than You ThinkWith Rabbi Ari SollishYou’re stuck in a rut, and the light at the end of the tunnel is increasingly looking like an oncoming train. What to do? How to change? The speedy priests racing about their service in the Temple teach a lesson about our innate ability to turn things around in the blink of an eye. Deep within your soul, the solution is just seconds away.
Embrace Your MistakesHow the Reality of Sin Is All Part of the Master PlanWith Rabbi Ari SollishSo you made a mistake. You’re a wretched excuse of a human being, and you should hang your head in shame. Right? Wrong! If G-d and His providence over the world mean anything, it would quickly become clear that everything—and we mean everything—is all part of the master plan. Now it’s up to you to demonstrate how.
Bless You!Don’t Underestimate the Power of BlessingWith Rabbi Ari SollishJudaism bestows great power to the priestly class, enjoining them to bless the people. The eternal words of the Priestly Blessing are uttered at every occasion, and in this class, we discover the power and opportunity that every Jew has to unleash the force of blessing on whomever they so desire. Bless you!
“Seeing Is Believing,” They Said. They Were Wrong.It’s Time to Take an Honest Look at Our MistakesWith Rabbi Ari SollishIf someone told you they met a ten-foot giant, you probably wouldn’t believe them. But if you actually saw the guy, well, you saw him. End of story. To see is to connect—and that’s the key to a meaningful Judaism, and a lodestar for constant progress: look at the past, connect with it, and take the appropriate lessons to heart.
Equality vs. Individuality: Are They a Conflict?If I am I Because You Are Not Me, Then I am Not I and You Are Not YouWith Rabbi Ari SollishThe people of Sodom famously chopped off the legs of short visitors to fit the standard size bed sold in Macy’s of Sodom. Equality, after all. How do we find the balance to counter the guillotine of equality without falling prey to the morbidity of individualism?
“Tear This Wall Down!” or “Build This Wall!”?The Only Wall That Lasts Is Not a Wall at AllWith Rabbi Ari SollishMighty empires and institutions have come and gone. From the Roman Empire to the shocking collapses of Enron and Lehman Brothers, we know too well just how fragile even the mightiest things can be. As the arc of history can attest, the timeless traditions of our heritage are the lone indestructible fortress.
Count Me In!Just Because You Don’t Have to Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Want ToWith Rabbi Ari SollishWhen given a dispensation, does that mean you should cut and run? While our base instincts may say “yes!”, a small group of Jews clamoring for a second chance to fulfill a mitzvah in the desert teaches us this important lesson: when it comes to our lives, we ought to grab any opportunity we can.
There’s No Such Thing as Middle GroundThe Binary Nature of Good and Bad. You Choose.With Rabbi Ari SollishWe all enjoy downtime, when we can relax and just do our thing. What can be bad about that? In this fundamental discussion about the nature of good and evil, discover an entirely new definition of “good” and “bad”—and the incredible opportunity that comes along with it.
Purim Boot CampMordechai: Hero or Villain?The Untold Story of PurimWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on March 1, 2023)Purim is fast approaching, and we have just what you need to get ready! This 60-minute session delves deep inside the soul of Purim to prepare you to make the most of your holiday experience.
Step Up to the PlatePunching above Your Weight Is Solid StrategyWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on April 22, 2020)Does it make sense to pledge beyond your means? While conventional wisdom scoffs at the idea, an obscure detail tucked away in the laws of the metzora sacrifice lends it surprising legitimacy. Discoverer the power that comes with pushing yourself beyond your means and capabilities.
Time is a ContinuumThe Past is Never Over, and the Future Always Within ReachWith Rabbi Ari SollishAt the dawn of their birth, the Jewish nation was gifted with two mitzvot -- offering the Paschal Lamb and the rite of circumcision. The deeper significance of these two mitzvot leads us to discover the key to successful, healthy living: the most important moment is the present -- precisely because it is so closely tethered to the past and the future.
Can Religion be Enjoyable?When Body and Soul Sit Down for DinnerWith Rabbi Ari SollishThere are fewer things more diametrically opposite than body and soul. Yet, they are tasked with working together. In this lesson, we learn that the Afikomen isn’t just a thing you steal at the end of the Seder for a new X-box—it’s a primer of how to be a religious pro: to do what you love and love what you do.
Tradition vs. Hard EvidenceThe Battle Between Archaeology and AxiomWith Rabbi Ari SollishIs there some thread that binds the Jerusalem Temple’s golden candelabra, the gleaming headplates worn by high priests, and a hidden library of ancient scrolls in the Dead Sea region? A fascinating look at history, scientific discovery and the weight of tradition.
Find Yourself Among the CrowdIdentify Your Faults -- And Fix ThemWith Rabbi Ari SollishIt feels great to be part of a herd. Much comfort comes from belonging to a community, especially a collective with an inspiring leader. However, there comes a time when you must step aside and take responsibility for who you are as an individual. The good news? You emerge far better and stronger.
Answering Anti-SemitismThe Jewish Response to PrejudiceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“The Jews don’t fit in. They’re different.” The historical accusation has merit, doesn’t it? Are we not different in beliefs, dress, and in myriad other ways? How do we answer this charge? In the Purim story, the paradigm of antisemitism, we find the unexpected answer.
Jewish Education Starts From Day OneA Lesson in Jewish Education from a Baby-Faced CherubWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“Every day, set aside half an hour to tend to the education of your children!” declared the Rebbe. With an unorthodox set of graven images in the Holy of Holies for a backdrop, this class explores what it means to invest in Jewish education.
I Moved. It Changed My LifeGradual Change is Great; An About Face is Even BetterWith Rabbi Ari SollishA goring ox is sold to a new owner, and “Poof!” it becomes a tame calf once again. What’s the secret? Discover a radical and effective approach to self-improvement in the Torah’s lesser known discussions of mad cows and property law.
The Right Reason for Acting RightFeel-good is a Faulty BarometerWith Rabbi Ari SollishWe are constantly faced with moral dilemmas, sometimes so complex, every option seems worse than the next. How can we best navigate the moral mazes of life? The answer lies in an ancient multi-generational narrative that moves from Abraham to Amalek.
The Fourth MealLessons from the Post Shabbat MealWith Rabbi Ari SollishWe all love Shabbat. It’s a time to rest, recalibrate, pray, and of course, eat. But did you know that there’s another meal after Shabbat ends? Discover the ins and outs of this ancient tradition, and how it holds the key to realizing the magic of Shabbat throughout the week.
It’s Never Too Dark to See Someone ElseThe Darkness of DivisionWith Rabbi Ari SollishWhen our lives are filled with unity and hope, the light shines brightly. But when we are alone and there is little hope, just darkness remains. Just how bad is darkness, and what can we do to avoid it?
There’s No Such Thing as NeutralYou Cannot Be a Bystander to Your Own LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishOftentimes, “whatever” best sums up what you feel about your job, friends, or hobbies. But here’s the thing: There really is no such thing as “whatever” in life, for life is synonymous with passion and energy. And you must choose where to invest it before it chooses you.
Is the Gift of Gab Overrated?A Look at the Way Society Values Style over SubstanceWith Rabbi Ari SollishMoses couldn’t speak properly. This class uses his extraordinary leadership to explore the importance of speech, both literally and metaphysically. Why was the great leader of the Jews so flawed? Why didn’t G-d care? And what lessons does this provide for us today?
“Jewish Guilt” Is a Scam. There’s Really No Such ThingLessons from Joseph’s Majestic Behavior toward His BrothersWith Rabbi Ari SollishFrom this paragon of virtue, we cull tremendous life lessons on what it means to really do teshuvah, and how we can look at life’s “downs” not only as something tolerable, but an empowering step to a brighter future.
You Can Bring Mashiach. Yes, You.The Endgame Is in Our Hands, Now Let’s Get CrackingWith Rabbi Ari SollishIt’s a curious thing: Throughout the history of our people, rabbis have been predicting “end dates” for Mashiach’s arrival. What’s the point of that? Were they false prophets offering up empty promises? The answer is as refreshing as it is empowering.
The Need for Jewish PRWhy Jews Must Engage with the WorldWith Rabbi Ari SollishFaced with endless persecution, Jews either dived into wider society and washed away their identity, or withdrew into ghettos, cutting all contact with the outside world. It’s time for a new path. The menorah sheds light on how to blaze a radical third approach.
Stay FocusedThe Best Way to Win Is Not to EngageWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“Punch back!” “Stand your ground!” “Don’t let him get away with it!” are common battle cries we all hear in our social and spiritual development. But there’s a better way—find your mission and run with it; let the haters and challengers fall to the side.
Does G-d Need Our Prayers?Prayer Is All about UsWith Rabbi Ari SollishTo claim that G-d needs anything is nothing short of absurd. So why do we pray? you might ask. Well, prayer is actually a gift for the one praying, for it grants the person something they would never otherwise have had. And, surprise, surprise, it’s not money in your bank account.
Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?Love, Marriage, and the Cycle of TimeWith Rabbi Ari SollishExamine the psychological parallels of morning, dusk, and evening to unlock secrets of human behavior that produce consistency in our loving relationships.
Learning How to Love - Part 3"Chaos Theory"With Rabbi Ari SollishIn a realm before ours there was chaos -- "Tohu." There was a frenetic energy that carried through all the sefirot, causing them to clash and collide. In Kabbalistic terminology, the light was too great for the vessels. And so the vessels shattered.We live in the next realm, the realm of repair -- "Tikun." Here, the light is diminished, and the vessels remain whole. Here, the sefirot can work together in harmony. But there are still vestiges of chaos all around us...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the realms of Tohu and Tikun and discover the powerful roots of disunity and hate. Most importantly, we'll begin learning how to repair the damage.
Learning How to Love - Part 2"The Source of Strife"With Rabbi Ari SollishConflict seems to be all around us. We live in a time when tension among people is high, when divisiveness feels like the tragic norm. But there is hope.The Kabbalists teach us about the cosmic source of strife -- which stems from a realm beyond our own. Understanding the root of conflict helps us better contextualize it and work toward a solution. In a world of tension, the lessons Jewish mysticism teach us about the origins of strife -- and conversely, the origins of love -- come as a much needed salve and offer hope for a better way of being.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we climb the spiritual rungs to discover why it's so hard to get along -- and how to heal that.
Learning How to Love - Part 1"The Need for Love"With Rabbi Ari SollishAlthough "Love your fellow as yourself" is, as Rabbi Akiva taught, the great underlying principle of the Torah, actually achieving this love is a profound challenge for most people. Human personality is instead often given to baseless hatred.This landmark Kabbalistic discourse deals with the spiritual roots of such hatred, its practical consequences, and the remedies for it.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we begin Learning How to Love by establishing the need for love.
Refreshing RelationshipsRemodeling Our Approach to Love and RelationshipsWith Rabbi Ari SollishRelationships are the most rewarding and challenging features of human life. Healthy relationships are critical to positive emotions, but they are highly elusive. This lesson introduces a significant shift in the way we view the foundation upon which all of our relationships are based. This new perspective empowers us to enjoy better, lasting and more genuine relationships, even with individuals with whom we share little in common.
Living JoyfullyFinding HappinessWith Rabbi Ari SollishDespite considering ourselves successful in terms of health,finances, and relationships, we sometimes fall into a funk, feelingunexplainably lackadaisical or unhappy. This lesson explores theinner workings of happiness and examines our instinctive methodsof securing satisfaction. It then delivers a shift in perspectivethat sets a workable goal of inner contentment and fulfillment.
Peering Through PainAddressing Pain, Anguish and AnxietyWith Rabbi Ari SollishHarsh reality can bring genuine suffering and sadness, swiftly deflating the most optimistic attitudes. Well-meaning reminders that time heals, or that G-d knows what is best, do little to heal the searing pain of open wounds. This lesson explores methods of shifting our internal perspectives to allow the sun to shine in our lives despite the stark reality of our suffering.
Rethinking RegretAddressing Unhealthy GuiltWith Rabbi Ari SollishWe all slip up at times, sometimes drastically, and it is natural andhealthy to experience regret or guilt. However, if such emotionsbecome paralyzing and distressful, they seriously impede our effortsto maintain positive and successful living. This lesson explores the innerworkings of guilt and regret, and delivers a transformative methodof tackling guilt and spinning it into a catalyst for positive change.
Embracing FlawsAddressing shame, frustration, and feelings of inadequacyWith Rabbi Ari SollishSelf-disappointment can be deliberating: We long to view ourselves as ethical individuals but are frustrated at perpetually wrestling with character flaws such as pettiness, greed, thoughtlessness, anger, lack of integrity, or spiritual insensitivity. Reflecting on our own flaws produces a distinctive sense of shame and inadequacy. This lesson explains the intended role of character flaws in the human condition and explores methods of maintaining genuine optimism and positivity despite their lingering presence.
Achieving AuthenticityAddressing Impostor SyndromeWith Rabbi Ari SollishPositive emotions are paramount for successful living, buy genuine happiness and contentment are highly elusive. A common challenge is discomfort with our own accomplishments simple because we feel hypocritical. This lesson explores why positivity is critical, charts a path to trackling impediments to happier living, and unveils the means of expressing our innate authenticity.
Jewish Secrets of the SupernaturalPart 3 - SoulsWith Mrs. Nomi FreemanWhat is Judaism’s take on the occult? This is an otherworldly learning adventure as we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the supernatural forces in the universe. In this session we look at souls.Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
Jewish Secrets of the SupernaturalPart 2 - Spirits & DemonsWith Mrs. Nomi FreemanWhat is Judaism’s take on the occult? This is an otherworldly learning adventure as we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the supernatural forces in the universe. In this session we look at spirits and demons.Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
Jewish Secrets of the SupernaturalPart 1 - AngelsWith Mrs. Nomi FreemanWhat is Judaism’s take on the occult? This is an otherworldly learning adventure as we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the supernatural forces in the universe. In this session we look at angels.Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
A Snafu About CorfuThe Search for the Authentic EtrogWith Rabbi Ari SollishSome centuries ago, a great controversy arose in Europe: Was the beautiful etrog from the island of Corfu the preferred specimen for use on Sukkot, or was it unfit for use entirely? Get involved in one the most heated -- and intriguing -- rabbinic debates in recent history.
Broken PromisesKol Nidrei’s Message of HopeWith Rabbi Ari SollishOf all things, the Yom Kippur prayers start with the cancellation of vows. Couldn't we choose something a little more inspiring? Discover the fascinating historical background to this ancient tradition -- and the reason why Kol Nidrei is the perfect opening pitch.
How a Achieve a Joyful High HolidaysIn 30 Days or LessWith Rabbi Ari SollishThat picture of a Jew crying in the corner, bitterly remorseful about his or her past misdeeds is, agreeably, a scary one. But it’s also counterintuitive -- what happened to positive reinforcement? Find out how to ace repentance this season, and come out happier for it.
Heaven on Earth: Secrets of the Temple RevealedLesson 3 - Table & MenorahWith Rabbi Ari SollishDiscover the deepest secrets of Jerusalem's ancient Holy Temple in this three-week Kabbalistic excavation of the ancient Temple’s vessels. Unearth the Temple's holiest items and gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual functions, while developing the means to channel the Kabbalah of these vessels into your own life.
Heaven on Earth: Secrets of the Temple RevealedLesson 2 - Copper Altar & Golden AltarWith Rabbi Ari SollishDiscover the deepest secrets of Jerusalem's ancient Holy Temple in this three-week Kabbalistic excavation of the ancient Temple’s vessels. Unearth the Temple's holiest items and gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual functions, while developing the means to channel the Kabbalah of these vessels into your own life.
Heaven on Earth: Secrets of the Temple RevealedLesson 1 - Washbasin & ArkWith Rabbi Ari SollishDiscover the deepest secrets of Jerusalem's ancient Holy Temple in this three-week Kabbalistic excavation of the ancient Temple’s vessels. Unearth the Temple's holiest items and gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual functions, while developing the means to channel the Kabbalah of these vessels into your own life.
Anti-Semitism: Its Root, Our ResponsePart 2 - Our Response to Anti-SemitismWith Rabbi Ari SollishAnti-Semitism is defined as hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. We are experiencing an increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States and around the world. Why? And what should our response be? Join us for a timely look at the roots of hate, and what we can do about it.
Anti-Semitism: Its Root, Our ResponsePart 1 - The Spiritual Root of Anti-SemitismWith Rabbi Ari SollishAnti-Semitism is defined as hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. We are experiencing an increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States and around the world. Why? And what should our response be? Join us for a timely look at the roots of hate, and what we can do about it.
Talmud DecodedLesson 1With Rabbi Mendel AdelmanJump into the “Sea of Talmud”! Learn fundamentals of Talmud study as you explore the fascinating Jewish legal discussion on the topic of returning lost objects.
Communities that Pray TogetherFinding Meaning in Communal PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishSolitude seems most appropriate for soulful reflection and meditation and for experiencing a highly personal moment with G-d. This lesson examines the role of communal prayer, to which Judaism lends enormous weight, and leads us to the realization that solo prayer is severely limited in terms of our greater goals. It offers practical methods of balancing the personal and communal elements of genuine prayer to arrive at the ultimate prayer experience.
Standing in SilenceSynthesizing Divinity and Materiality in the AmidahWith Rabbi Ari SollishAt the peak of our prayers, we expect to encounter prayers about the soul, G-d, and spirituality -- temporarily abandoning all trivial and mundane matters. This lesson explores the Amidah prayer, the summit of our communion with G-d that, most surprisingly, is built around a series of requests for basic material needs. It offers deep and revolutionary insight into the relationship between G-d, spirituality, and our corporeal lives.
Hear O IsraelAchieving True Transcendence in PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishG-d created a complex universe bursting with wonder, beauty, and awe. But G-d is far beyond all that. Although we exist within the confines of nature, we can reach into the infinite presence of G-d beyond creation. This lesson explores the mysticism and meaning of the Shema prayer, Judaism's ultimate declaration of faith and our portal to a relationship with a G-d who is both transcendent and intimate.
It's All Hebrew to MeMaking Sense of Liturgy, One Step at a TimeWith Rabbi Ari SollishConfusing. Random, Repetitive. To the uninitiated in the deeper dynamics of powerful prayer, the Jewish prayer book is bewildering. This lesson bares the brilliance and strategy buried in the sequence of its many verses and prayers. It sheds light on the structure critical for genuine and intimate human-to-G-d dialogue, resulting in a step-by-step guide to our divine relationship.
G-d Plans and Man DemandsUnderstanding the Mechanics of PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishMaking personal requests of G-d sounds like trying to change G-d's decisions. Can we do that? This lesson explores the profound mystical workings of prayer, uncovering a complex process that G-d employs to orchestrate the minute details of this world, along with the means of effecting practical change. It guides us to the most beneficial state of mind during prayers and explains why an infinite G-d is waiting for us to pray for our mortal needs.
Out of the FoxholeA New Paradigm of PrayerWith Rabbi Ari SollishBurdensome. Unrealistic. Superfluous. Boring. A staple of human routine for millennia, prayer is nowadays often viewed as irrelevant. This lesson dissolves these negative labels by explaining the ultimate goal of prayer. It demonstrates the real-time relevance and indispensability of prayer for every human. And it guides us toward personalizing our prayers for a deeply meaningful experience.
Book Smart - Lesson 6Kabbalah & ChasidismWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 22, 2023Kabbalah is the Torah’s mystical dimension, containing its most powerful and empowering ideas. But for many centuries, the teachings of Kabbalah were carefully guarded secrets, transcribed only in the guise of esoteric terminology and metaphors, and taught only to a small, exclusive circle of mystics in each generation. Chasidism is both an extension of Kabbalah as well as a field of Torah in its own right, revealing the inner “soul” that unites the Torah’s various components and applying its most abstract spiritual teachings in personally meaningful ways.In this lesson, we survey the history of Kabbalah and Chasidism. We address the question of why these teachings were kept secret, and why and how they were eventually revealed. We then explore one of the core subjects of Kabbalah—the doctrine of the “Ten Sefirot”—beginning with a mysterious passage in the Zohar, followed by a series of Kabbalistic and Chasidic texts that examine the great paradox of G-d’s relationship with us, and the body-soul dichotomy that defines our own lives.
An Ounce of PreventionAddressing Crime Before It HappensWith Rabbi Ari SollishThe best way to improve the criminal justice system is by keeping people out of it. But before any attempt to prevent crime can be made, its causes and preconditions must be better understood. Judaism has long recognized the role of societal factors in the commission of crime: poverty and unemployment are significant, as are education, values, and personal character. This final lesson discusses the roots of criminality, several specific preventative policy proposals, and the various concerns associated with them.
Moving ForwardReacceptance and the Criminal Background CheckWith Rabbi Ari Sollish“All of your deeds are recorded in a book.” So declares the Rosh Hashanah liturgy, and so it is within the contemporary criminal justice system. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are released from prison and seek to rejoin society, but many are stymied by the public availability of their criminal records. Is it possible to find a balance between the needs of society, prospective employers, and ex-offenders? After surveying the contemporary situation, this class looks for answers in the paradigms of Jewish law.
Clean SlateHow Do Criminals Make Amends?With Rabbi Ari SollishWhat is the ultimate aim of the criminal justice system? If society seeks restitution for crimes and rehabilitation for criminals, it needs a better plan. It must consider what rehabilitation looks like, for which offenders and offenses it is applicable, and how to ensure sentencing contributes to this end. This class examines the extensive, systematic program of repentance laid out in the Talmud and considers what insights this process holds for the above questions and present-day criminal rehabilitation.
Justice, Justice Shall You PursueStandards of Evidence in the TalmudWith Rabbi Ari SollishJustice may be blind, but judges and juries must be clear-sighted. This lesson explores the concept of evidentiary standards as it arises in several overlapping areas of Talmudic and secular law. How can we assess the truth of testimony? Does every criminal confession pass muster, or are some inadmissible? When can informants be considered credible?
Judge, Jewry, and ExecutionJudaism and the Death PenaltyWith Rabbi Ari SollishSome crimes are irreversible. People make mistakes. Taken together,these two propositions suggest both the imperative and impediment for the death penalty and point to its central paradox. Can a human being have the authority to sentence another human being to death? How should we respond to the most serious crimes?
Lock and KeyWhat's the Point of Prison?With Rabbi Ari SollishA quick glance at the statistics suggests an uncomfortable truth: modern-day societies imprison people at a rate unparalleled, and indeed, unimaginable, in past times. Why is this so? Why do we lock people up, and what do we hope to achieve by doing so? This lesson considers and contrasts secular and Talmudic theories of criminal justice, before suggesting how to ensure a more just justice system.
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 6Secret Code: Genetics and the Ethics of Patient ConfidentialityA basic presumption of modern medical practice is that patients have a right for their medical history to be kept confidential unless they explicitly waive those rights. What happens, however, when those records contain information that might impact other family members? Do children have the right to know they are carriers of a particular disease, or may the parent keep that information private? This lesson looks at some ways of balancing the harm to the individual whose privacy is invaded against the need to provide family members with vital health information.
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 5With You In Mind: Ethical Treatment of People with Intellectual DisabilitiesThose suffering with mental illness have often been viewed in society as possessed by the devil, or otherwise evil. Jewish law, however, has long recognized this as a disease, and acknowledges both the limitations of responsibility that this state imposes, as well as the essential humanity of people suffering with mental illness. Jewish law recognizes that there may well be islands of ability at the same time that limitations exist. It encourages the maximum participation possible, while outlining the role the community must play in protecting their interests. The lesson also considers inclusion and integration, and the value of engaging all members of the community in active Jewish life.
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 4New Beginnings: The Ethics of Reproductive TechnologiesMany couples struggle with infertility. In their efforts to bear a child, they are often cast into the complicated ethical web of the new reproductive technologies, many of which call into question the very definition of a parent. In the age of sperm donation, egg donation, and surrogacy, can a child have more than two parents? How does Judaism look at “designer babies”? Can we pre-select the gender of the child to match parent preferences or to prevent genetic illnesses? How far must one go in the quest for biological children, and what recourse is there for those who are unable to bear children of their own?
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 3Rolling the Dice: Risky and Experimental TreatmentsOften, people with rare or incurable illnesses consider untested experimental treatment, gambling that they will be cured. May one participate in an experimental treatment with no guarantee of success that also has the danger of shortening life? Can we define the allowable odds? Do our personal preferences and values hold any weight? And does the same hold true for children? Does it matter that participating in this experimental treatment will provide important knowledge that will be helpful in curing others?
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 2Flesh of My Flesh: Organ Transplants in Jewish LawHundreds of thousands of people find their lives hanging in the balance as they hope for the gift of life in the form of a vital organ such as a heart, lung, or kidney. By receiving an organ, they are literally given a new lease on life. Yet there is a tremendous shortage of available organs. Does Jewish law allow the donation of organs, either from a live donor or one who is recently deceased? Do we have the authority to give a body part away? Might it go further, actively encouraging or even morally compelling one to donate under certain circumstances? This lesson provides a nuanced and compassionate look at the sensitive ethical issues governing organ donation.
Medicine and Morals - Lesson 1Choosing Life: The Obligation to Seek TreatmentThis lesson examines Jewish perspectives on pursuing medical care, as well as declining it. Is it ever acceptable, or even preferable, to simply rely on faith, prayer, and one’s own resources? How does Judaism justify medical intervention? And is it an obligation or a choice? May other family members force us to seek treatment that we do not want? This lesson examines the ethics of issues involving patient autonomy within the modern health care system.
Jews & Food - Lesson 4"Sacred Consumption"With Rabbi Ari SollishIs there anything inherently holy about the act of eating? Not just what we eat, but how? Jewish life is filled with opportunities to gather around the table and break bread -- and latkes, cheesecake, brisket, you name it! In this last installment of Jews & Food, we tackle the question of: Why? What makes eating so Jewish? And what does that mean for our lives?
Jews & Food - Lesson 3"The Meat of the Issue"With Rabbi Ari SollishFat, blood, and cheeseburgers! In this week's installment, we chew on some tough questions: Why are some parts of an animal spiritually upliftable and others, not? What happens if we eat non-Kosher? And most importantly -- why should we care? All this and more is on the table in the third installment of Jews & Food.
Jews & Food - Lesson 2"Soul Food"With Rabbi Ari SollishIf every bite we take is really another chance to uplift Divine sparks, then why restrict our diet? The laws of Kashrut seem counterproductive and unnecessary in light of the above. In our second session of Jews & Food we delve into the spiritual realm, uncovering the Divine source of different foods and the impact that they make on our souls.
Jews & Food - Lesson 1"In the Beginning There Was Supper"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe first time G-d speaks to man in the book of Genesis, it is to give him one commandment: A list of trees from which he can and cannot eat. From Adam and Eve to Isaac and Jacob, all the way through the Prophets and beyond, Judaism is rife with links between spiritual pursuits and gastronomic experience. But why? What is the connection between the soul and the stomach? And can food -- the most basic of human necessities -- really be a gateway to the Divine? Find out in this first taste of Jews & Food.
Decoding the Universe - Part 41"Refraction"With Rabbi Ari SollishPure Divine light is big. Too big, in fact, for most beings to contain. The light is so powerful, so vibrant, so infinite, that instead of benefiting the recipient it will actually destroy the vessel.Yes, some select creations can contain that pure light. But the rest must receive but a refraction of the light.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the Ohr Ein Sof (Infinite Light), the refraction of the light, and the incredible mechanism by which the Infinite Light can ultimately be received within the vessels of finite creatures.
Decoding the Universe - Part 40"Heaven"With Rabbi Ari SollishYes, Judaism emphatically does believe in heaven. But what exactly is heaven? And where is heaven?Jewish philosophy and mysticism discusses the notion of heaven at length. Heaven is not a static plane of reality, rather there are multiple dimensions that unfold from each other. Within each dimension is an entirely new reality.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the seven realms of heaven and discover deeper truths within our own being.
Decoding the Universe - Part 39"Building an Ark"With Rabbi Ari SollishWhen the going gets tough, when things become hectic, when the storms are raging -- it might be time to build an ark.G-d's call to Noah to build the ark is an eternal call to each of us. Create a space in which you will rise above the danger. Fashion a haven that serves to uplift rather than sink.The Hebrew word for ark is "teivah." That's also the Hebrew word for "word." Because our words are likewise designed to uplift and shelter.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at the spiritual characteristics of arks and words, and gain a profound understanding on how in construction and communication, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.
Decoding the Universe - Part 38"Renewal"With Rabbi Ari SollishMany of us think of the theme of renewal as the Jewish New Year approaches. With Rosh Hashanah comes a fresh energy -- in the language of the mystics, a "new light" that the world has never seen before.In truth, we may experience a taste of this every day. One of the foundational teachings of the Baal Shem Tov is that existence is renewed at every moment of existence. Nothing is just because it is; it's constantly being made to be.The ramifications of this worldview are staggering. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the Kabbalistic notion of cosmic renewal and learn the full implication of this teaching.
Decoding the Universe - Part 37"Letters of Light"With Rabbi Ari SollishHebrew is not just one of the thousands of languages in the world. Hebrew stands alone and unique. See, while other languages are created by life, Hebrew is the language of creation. It creates life.The ancient Kabbalists teach us that each Hebrew letter represents a unique flow of Divine energy from the Source-of-all into our world. This particular energy flow is manifest in the letter in four ways -- in its name, in its shape, in its sound, and in its numerology.In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee we begin to explore the deepest mystical secrets of the Hebrew letters -- the Letters of Light.
Decoding the Universe - Part 36"Hidden Worlds... Revealed!"With Rabbi Ari SollishReality as we perceive it is only the tip of the iceberg. There exist parallel universes that are hidden from sight, accessible only to those who possess a certain degree of spiritual mastery. These are the "Hidden Worlds."Kabbalah elucidates these Hidden Worlds, describing their state, form and function. They are radically different than the reality that we know -- yet strangely similar as well.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a tour of the Hidden Worlds and explore realities known only to few.
Decoding the Universe - Part 35"How It All Began"With Rabbi Ari SollishEver wonder how it all began? How we got here? Who and what was here when it started?You're not alone. These are questions that have swirled around the curious minds of human beings since time immemorial. Scholars, philosophers, scientists, and metaphysicists have all thrown their hat in the ring to offer resolution. So have the Jewish Kabbalists.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we dig deep to discover Kabbalistic wisdom on the origins of all things. Learn about the "stuff" of beginnings as we also learn about ourselves.
Decoding the Universe - Part 34"Why Words Matter"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe Kabbalists conceive of a reality where language plays a pivotal role. Nothing exists insofar as existence is concerned without letters and words. There are letters of thought, letters of speech, and even letters of action.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mysterious world of language and discover why, on every level imaginable, words certainly do matter.
Decoding the Universe - Part 33"Lucky No. 7"With Rabbi Ari SollishSeven is a highly significant number in Judaism. It is a number that is part of the natural fabric of the universe.The are seven colors of the rainbow.There are seven musical notes.There are seven foods with which Israel is blessed.There are seven dimensions of heaven.There are seven days of creation, and days of the week.And there are seven Divine emotive attributes, known as sefirot.The Kabbalists decode the numbers and reveal the dazzling connections between the seven mystical sefirot and the appearances of seven throughout our natural world.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explain some of the most essential features of our world in light of mystical math.
Decoding the Universe - Part 32"Seeing the Light"With Rabbi Ari SollishKabbalah teaches that G-d's ten sefirot are the building blocks of created existence. They act as creation's origin. As such, they are radically diminished from G-d's pure Essence -- which far transcends temporal reality.At the same time, Kabbalah emphasizes that there is a Oneness among G-d's Essence and G-d's sefirot. But how can G-d's Essence be far removed from creation and yet One with the sefirot that comprise the DNA of creation?In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the deeper meaning behind Kabbalah's oft-mentioned metaphor of light and discover how it addresses the sefirot quandary.
Decoding the Universe - Part 31"Paradox"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere's an inherent tension when it come to studying Kabbalah. Sure, the more you study the more you know. But at the same time, the more you know the more you realize how much you don't know.Take G-d's relationship with creation, for example. Kabbalah teaches us that G-d is so much "higher" -- loftier, transcendent -- than creation, to the point that the created realms cannot at all relate to G-d. That makes sense. But then Kabbalah teaches us that G-d is "one" with everything within creation, and that there is nothing outside of G-d. How can G-d be both "higher than" and "one with," at the same time?Ah, one of the great paradoxes of G-d. And the subject of this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Decoding the Universe - Part 30"Anthropomorphism!"With Rabbi Ari SollishIs G-d wise? Is G-d kind? Is G-d compassionate? Looking at Scripture and the many verses that describe G-s as being "wise," "kind," and "compassionate," the answer would seem to be yes.But Jewish wisdom begs to differ.The great scholar and philosopher Maimonides himself debunks this notions in his Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith. He writes:"We believe that this Oneness is neither a body nor a bodily force, nor is He subject to any bodily characteristics... For if He had a body, He could be compared to other bodies. All the corporeal terms used in the Scriptures to describe Him -- such as walking, standing, sitting, speaking etc. -- are metaphorical... This is the third Principle, as affirmed by the verse (Deuteronomy 4:15) 'You have not seen any image,' that is to say, you cannot conceive of Him as having any form because, as stated, He is neither a body nor a bodily force."Why, then, does Torah speak of G-d in anthropomorphic terms? And what practical lesson can we learn from this?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore these perplexing descriptions of G-d and discover their mystical meaning.
Decoding the Universe - Part 29"Action!"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere are religions and philosophies that place belief and reason above all. They maintain that it is the imaginations of the mind that are most essential to personal goodness and integrity.But not Judaism. Central to the Jewish Weltanschauung is that what we do is the most essential, far above what we profess to believe. "Action is key," say the sages of the Talmud.There is a mystical underpinning to the action-oriented nature of Judaism. It stems from the uniquely Kabbalistic understanding of G-d. And it is magnificent.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mysteries of G-d and come to understand why action makes all the difference in the world.
Decoding the Universe - Part 28"he Unfathomable"With Rabbi Ari SollishSome things are understandable to all. They're easy to fathom, easy to grasp, and everyone "gets" them.Some things are not understandable to all. They're not easy to fathom or grasp or "get." It takes a refined mind and a sharp intellect to make sense of them.And then there is is that which is simply unfathomable. It cannot be understood -- not because of the limitations of the mind, but because it does not exist in the realm of intellect. No matter how smart of clever one might be, this will always remain beyond understanding, because it is not to be understood.The Kabbalists tell us that G-d is of this third kind. G-d is the ultimate Unfathomable One. It's not that we don't understand G-d because we're not wise enough. It's because G-d is not an intellectual formula to be understood.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the knowable and the unfathomable, and get ever closer to the Truth of G-d.
Decoding the Universe - Part 27"Faking It!"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe mystics speak of a normative approach to self-growth, where we improve ourselves from the inside-out. We change our idea patterns, which affects how we feel, which in turn impacts our conscious thought, speech, and action.And then there's another method -- the non-traditional method. This is a behavioral-driven approach that puts what we do at the helm of the ship. Change your deeds, and you change your entire being.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore exquisite Kabbalistic wisdom on the innermost workings of the soul and on achieving real change in our lives.
Decoding the Universe - Part 26"Soul X-Ray"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe soul is a complex spiritual organism, comprised of ten attributes and powers. These constitutes the primary "being" of the soul. Then there are the "garments" of the soul -- three tools by which the soul finds expression.Understanding the being and garments of the soul gives us a full picture of our inner spirit and essence.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take an incisive look at the soul and learn how to unlock its full potential.
Decoding the Universe - Part 25"Emotional Maturity"With Rabbi Ari SollishChildren can get upset easily. And they can also get happy easily. They sometimes seem to have wide emotional swings from one extreme to the other.Maturity, according to one Kabbalistic definition, is marked by emotional equanimity. Not getting too high with the highs, or too low with the lows. Keeping an even keel. Staying in control.Where does this emotional maturity come from? What inner ingredient is necessary to reign in our tempestuous feelings?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the roots of maturity and glean powerful life guidance from the teachings of the mystics.
Decoding the Universe - Part 24"Lessons from a Snail"With Rabbi Ari SollishEverything in our universe, from the loftiest celestial bodies to the lowest terrestrial creatures, is a product of Divine will and wisdom, powered by Divine light and energy. And everything in existence, by virtue of its spiritual origins, can teach us myriad lessons about higher truths.Even a snail.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore wonderful mystical lessons taught to us by various creatures -- including the secret of the snail.
Decoding the Universe - Part 23"The Limits of Infinity"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe Jewish G-d is beyond description. Beyond image. Beyond limits. Hence, the rationale behind the Biblical prohibition of ascribing any form to G-d.The Kabbalists take this further. G-d is not merely beyond. G-d is beyond beyond. Infinity, in its own way, is likewise a limitation. And G-d is not limited to unboundedness either.This serves as the starting point for limitation and definition, which marks our created reality. And it forms the nexus between infinite and finite, Creator and created, spirit and matter.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the paradox of being and discover the infinite in the finite, and the finite in the infinite.
Decoding the Universe - Part 22"Outside/Inside"With Rabbi Ari SollishKabbalah speaks of the Divine light as being both encompassing and immanent. In the native tongue of the mystics, these two spiritual modalities are known as "sovev kol almin" and "memalei kol almin."But what exactly is the difference between G-d's encompassing light and immanent light? Why are both needed for the purposes of creation and existence? And what sort of message does all of this hold for us, today?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the spiritual forces that govern existence.
Decoding the Universe - Part 21"The Great Kabbalistic Debate"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe Kabbalists generally agree on all things spiritual. With one major exception: the tzimtzum.The doctrine of the tzimtzum was revealed by the great Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria in the 16th century. It revolutionized the way people understood the origins of existence. And it sparked a fierce debate."Before Creation, G-d's supernal and undefined light was the only existence... When it arose in His undefined will to create... He condensed Himself... and an empty space emerged."These are the words in the Arizal's Eitz Chaim that first introduced the notion of tzimtzum, and ultimately pitted Kabbalist against Kabbalist.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the tzimtzum and the great mystical debate.
Decoding the Universe - Part 20"Unchanging"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere is a foundational principle regarding G-d that is shared throughout Jewish literature: G-d doesn't change. In the words of the prophet Malachi -- "I, Havaya, have not changed." This idea is expressed in scripture, Talmud, Jewish philosophy, and even our daily prayer liturgy.But what does it mean that G-d doesn't change? And how can it be that G-d doesn't change, given all the change that's happening around G-d, and the fact that G-d is essentially present in all?Maimonides gives us a deep and brilliant answer to these questions. But his answer is challenged by other great Jewish philosophers. Ultimately, the Kabbalists come along and reconcile everything.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we jump into the topic of Divine stability and discover why G-d is, indeed, Unchanging.
Decoding the Universe - Part 19"The Origins of Time & Space"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere are certain things we take for granted. Certain existential parameters that are essential to life as we know it. Like, for example, time and space.We assign a rigidity to time and space, and we operate based on the assumption that they will not collapse. Time will march forward and will not rewind. A moment is ever fleeting, gone a moment later. We can only be in one place at one time. And if I'm occupying this space, you can't be doing the same.These are some of the rules of our realm of existence. But they didn't have to be. Nor were they always.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a deep dive into the origins and identity of time and space. We discover how they came to be, and how even as they are, they are not as they appear.
Decoding the Universe - Part 18"Secrets of Shema"With Rabbi Ari SollishThe Shema is the first prayer traditionally taught to young children. It is also the last prayer traditionally recited before one returns their soul to their Creator. The Shema is recited both at moments of profound joy, and at moments of sorrow.We are instructed to recite the Shema twice a day -- in the morning, and at night. This was one of the instructions that Moses shared with the Jewish people before his passing. And yet, notwithstanding how many times we've said this prayer, there are deeper and deeper layers of meaning and insight into the Shema.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study the Kabbalistic messages and mysteries of the Shema.
Decoding the Universe - Part 17"Higher Perception + Lower Perception"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere are two fundamental perspectives on existence: G-d's perspective, and ours. These differ in every imaginable way, standing in direct contradistinction to each other.Yet, they are both true. And both speak to deepest the mysteries of the universe.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mystical doctrine of Higher and Lower Perceptions, and learn how shifting the way we see things can change everything.
Decoding the Universe - Part 16"Batteries"With Rabbi Ari SollishBatteries power cell phones (among other things). The larger the battery, and the more capacity the battery has, the longer the cell phone can last. And when the battery "dies," the cell phone stops operating.The universe, too, has a super large "battery," a force that powers and animates everything that exists. Without this battery, nothing would function or operate. This force Divine. The cosmic soul of the world.But there's a dramatic difference between physical batteries and the Divine soul of the universe. As the Kabbalists point out, the former merely energizes that which already exists, while the latter gives a thing its fundamental existence.We explore this concept in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Decoding the Universe - Part 15"Loving Restraint"With Rabbi Ari SollishLove and restraint are two opposite attributes. Love is giving. Restraint is withholding. Love is energy flowing outward. Restraint is energy flowing inward.In the language of Kabbalah, love is chesed and restraint is gevurah. Havaya and Elokim. Gilui and tzimtzum.What's surprising, then, is the fact that despite their opposing natures, chesed and gevurah are unified in their origins. They are one. And even as they are manifest, their inherent oneness peeks through in surprising ways.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore mystical wisdom on giving, taking, and loving restraint.
Decoding the Universe - Part 14"Heaven"With Rabbi Ari SollishNearly all religions speak of a "Heaven." But Judaism's understanding of Heaven is very different than the rest, especially as described in Kabbalah.Souls never die; they are eternal. So after their time on earth in a body they return to their Source. Which begs the questions: What do souls do after their separation from the body? What is that pure-soul experience like? And what, if any, connection is there between the life we live now and the state of the soul then?In this other-worldly edition of Kabbalah & Coffee we untangle the mysteries of Heaven.
Decoding the Universe - Part 13"Fragile Cups"With Rabbi Ari SollishThere was once a king who possessed fragile glass cups. The king said, "If I fill them with hot liquid they will crack; but if I fill them with cold liquid, they will condensate (and discolor the cups)." What did the king do? He mixed the hot with the cold, poured it into the cups, and they remained intact.This is an ancient parable found in the Midrash Bereishit Rabbah. And it holds the key to the very fabric of existence.Existence is the product of the most delicate balance. Too hot, and existence shatters. Too cold, and existence becomes ugly. Just the right amount of hot and cold -- now we're talking...In this masterful session of Kabbalah & Coffee we decode this wondrous Midrash and explore its mystical themes. What are the "cups"? What is the "liquid"? And why was "hot" the first option? Listen on to find out!
Decoding the Universe - Part 12"Throwing Shade"With Rabbi Ari SollishIs existence real, or imagined? Is our reality objectively true, or is it a figment of our imagination?Well, that depends on how you understand the mystical doctrine of tzimtzum...In this powerful session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at blindfolds, stained glass, and two-way mirrors to discover the truth about the universe.
Decoding the Universe - Part 11"Paradox"With Rabbi Ari SollishCan G-d create a rock so heavy that He cannot lift it?This is known in philosophical circles as the Omnipotence Paradox. If you say that G-d can create such a rock -- then you're limiting His lifting abilities. If you say He cannot create such a rock -- then you're limiting His creative abilities.It would seem that we're stuck between a rock and a hard place...Enter Kabbalah. The Kabbalists speak of this exact paradox, albeit in different terms. Can G-d do something that paradoxically limits Himself? And if yes, why would G-d do such a thing?Learn the daring answers to these questions in this incredible session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Decoding the Universe - Part 10"Divine Personalities"With Rabbi Ari SollishHuman beings have different personalities. The Talmud sums it up thus: "Just as two faces are not alike, so are two personalities not alike."Truth be told, each of us individually possesses multiple personalities. We have moments of kindness and moments of severity, moments of ambition and moments of humility.Seeing as we human beings have been created in the Divine image, the Kabbalists expose G-d's "multiple personalities." Each is intimated by one of the many names of G-d found in Scripture. The name "Havaya" evokes a different personality than the name "Elokim," and the name "Keil" is very different than the name "Shakai."In this magnificent session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at Divine Personalities and decode the Biblical names of G-d. In the process we encounter the magnificent mystical doctrine of Tzimtzum, and discover just how we got to be who we are.
Decoding the Universe - Part 9"The Impossibility of Being"What happens when you know existence can't be? When you realize that everything that looks real is in fact an illusion of the grandest order? When you become conscience of a higher consciousness that powers everything into being, from nothing?Everything changes.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the realm of the impossible and discover how we might be, even if we can't.
Decoding the Universe - Part 8"Every Breath You Take"There is a breath of life that flows through the entire universe, throughout all of existence. This breath of life powers being into being, and flows from the ultimate Source of all.The Kabbalists point out that we cannot see this breath of life with our eyes, and for good reason. Were we to actually perceive the breath, reality would be radically altered.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a breathtaking look at the inner workings of the cosmos and the mechanics of the universe, and learn why, when it comes to the breath of life, ignorance is bliss.
Decoding the Universe - Part 7"The Art of Prophecy"One of the 13 principles of Jewish faith is the belief that G-d has the ability to communicate with human beings. On rare occasions, this communication happens in a direct fashion. Most often, it happens indirectly, in an occurrence akin to an "out of body" experience.This is called prophecy.But how exactly does prophecy work? Does G-d speak, or perhaps reveal His message in a vision? What type of preparation is demanded of the prophet? Are there things that you and I can do to merit the experience of prophecy?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study the Art of Prophecy and uncover a most secretive and hidden world. In the process, we'll learn more about the secret energies that flow into the revealed world we see with our eyes.
Decoding the Universe - Part 6"The Philosophers vs The Kabbalists"Philosophers and Kabbalists don't always see eye to eye. There are certain issues -- big issues -- that are the subject of fierce scholarly debate. And for some of these issues, the world, literally, hangs in the balance.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore philosophy, Kabbalah, light, energy, and the essential fabric of existence.
Decoding the Universe - Part 5"Secret Letters"The Hebrew language is fundamentally different than all other languages. It is the language of creation. The mystics teach that the Hebrew letters carry the life force of every living thing. Therefore, the various elements of the Hebrew letters -- the names, sounds, shapes, and numerology of the letters -- are each highly significant.In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the secrets embedded in the Hebrew letters... secrets that powerfully shape our universe.
Decoding the Universe - Part 4"The Precariousness of Being"To be or not to be? That is the question philosophers have struggled with throughout the ages. Is the nature of existence to exist, or to not exist?The Kabbalists are very certain about this. Non-existence is our natural state. And the fact of our existence s the biggest mystery -- and miracle -- of all.In this breathtaking session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study the Jewish mystical understanding of souls, language, letters, and existence itself.
Decoding the Universe - Part 3"Fall of a Tzaddik"Even the mighty can tumble. None of us are too big to fail. And sometimes, the higher they are, the lower they fall.The real question is: after you've stumbled, do you have what it takes to get back up?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the world of mishap and discuss what it takes to hold on when the road get slippery.
Decoding the Universe - Part 2"Two Meditations"G-d is within all. G-d is without all.These are two primary Kabbalistic meditations. Meditations that stir the heart to love and be in awe of G-d. When life gets overwhelming, when the noise becomes unbearable, each of us can find serenity and sublimity in the space of Divine awareness.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we work through two powerful meditations taught in the second book of Tanya, and discover their impact on our own lives.
Decoding the Universe - Part 1"The Why of Existence""Decoding the Universe" is a daring Kabbalah series that addresses the biggest questions about the universe and reality. Explore the fabric of the universe through some of the most celebrated teachings of Kabbalah, contained in the book of Tanya, known as the "bible" of Jewish mysticism. Learn about matter, consciousness, time, space, and reality, while studying the Kabbalistic concepts of letters, lights, vessels, tzimtzum, and more.In this session of "Decoding the Universe" we look at the why of existence, and discover practical meditations for unlocking an emotional connection for G-d.
Whispers of Creation - Part 19"Radical Creativity"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 19, 2023)Creativity is a marvel to behold. But while many of us believe that creative genius is the providence of the few, Kabbalah disagrees.Every human soul, without exception, contains an embedded streak of creativity, the capacity to discover the heretofore undiscovered and make a radical mark on the world. Every person has the spiritual and psychological capacity to reach beyond consciousness to a place of untapped creativity.How do we access this inherent creativity, you ask? To do this, we need to first understand the sefirah of Chochmah.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we push up against the outer limits of the soul's spiritual capacity and discover some of the greatest gifts yet to be unwrapped. What we learn will change the way you look at yourself... and the world at large.
Whispers of Creation - Part 18"Women's Intuition"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 12, 2023)It's been said that women possess a superior intuition, an almost psychic knack for knowing what others are feeling and thinking. Some see this intuition as the product of deep wisdom and understanding. Some attribute it to the ability to read facial expressions and body language. Some chalk it up to evolutionary biology. The Kabbalists have a thing or two to say about this. Seen through the lens of Jewish mysticism, intuition is tied to an essential truth: the cosmic, spiritual energy of femininity, known as malchut.In this mindblowing session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the Kabbalah of intuition and discover practical tools for tapping into this sublime gift.
Herd Mentality is Bad. Joining Minds is Incredible.Chassidic Fabrengens Are the Original Group TherapyWith Rabbi Ari SollishListen, we all have issues. But the good news is that your issues are probably not exactly the same as the next person’s issues. That’s where getting together comes in: It’s a powerful tool for recovery, inspiration, and direction. A one-off gathering on two dusty hilltops in the Judean desert brought home that message to the nascent Jewish people.
It's My Body, I Can Do What I Want!Wrong. It’s Not Your Body. Proceed Accordingly.With Rabbi Ari SollishIt’s all skin and bones, right? No! In this joyful ride, we learn that our bodies are something uniquely special, perhaps more so than our very souls. But before you hit the gym, take a moment to discover the spiritual energy in that body -- and do your best to unleash it.
Sages vs. ScriptureWhere Does the Bible End, and the Rabbis Begin?With Rabbi Ari SollishAs anyone with basic Jewish literacy knows, the Rabbis came up with a lot of stuff. And we mean A LOT. So what’s the deal? Are the Rabbis just an extension of the Torah? But aren’t they mere mortals? And why were they making up so much stuff anyway? Discover the rules of the game in this intriguing class.
Lessons From an AnimalWhat the Kosher Signs of an Animal Can Tell Us About LifeWith Rabbi Ari SollishStarting with a cow's split hooves, continuing up to its abdominal habits, this lesson lands us into lessons about life and what it means to be a truly "kosher" person.
Shattered DreamsGround Zero is a Construction SiteWith Rabbi Ari SollishThe image of a horrified Moses smashing the precious tablets is seared into the Jewish conscious forever. But what most people don’t know is that those broken shards are remembered not as a tragedy, but as a moment of glory. For buried in those broken pieces are wild dreams and incredible new beginnings.
So You Think You Can Have Morality Without G-d? Think Again"Universal Morality" Was, and Always is, a Spectacular FailureWith Rabbi Ari SollishThe most popular book of all time, the Bible, is probably also translated into the most languages ever. And that's exactly what G-d told the Jews to do in the desert-to translate the Torah into all languages. This interesting tidbit contains a message about morality that reverberates to this very day.
Our Land, Our HomeWhat Israel Means to UsWith Rabbi Ari SollishIsrael, a tiny piece of land, provokes so much passion among the Jewish people and throughout the world. Why do we care about it so much? Uncovering the inner dynamic of the Holy Land and the spirit pulsating within it sheds light on our timeless bond with a land unlike any other.
Everything You Think About Yourself is Probably WrongLet Someone Else Make the CallsWith Rabbi Ari SollishIs our sense of morality and principle strong enough to always be trusted? Our past experiences shape that sense of morality, and our environment affects our judgment, whether we like it or not. How, then, are we supposed to look past our own lenses?
When You Dream a DreamThe Power of Imagination and ThoughtWith Rabbi Ari SollishIn an effort to understand Judaism's fascination with dreams, we explore the human capacity for prophecy and examine scenarios in which a single thought can make a world of difference.
All's WellA Fresh Perspective on Life's MiraclesWith Rabbi Ari SollishWhen we look back at rough times and see how things turned out for the best, we become aware of the miracles in our lives. But perhaps the greatest miracles are the ones we are not even aware of. When we keep in mind the work G-d is doing for us, we can truly be at ease.
Pipeline for SuccessRemembering Whence the Blessings ComeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 3, 2019)Did you know that almonds bloom extremely quickly? If you're not botanically inclined, don't worry: this class is just for you. From hastily flowering almonds, we move on to how to make a living and the formula for a successful life-work-faith balance. Not a bad deal for a bunch of tree nuts.
Be Humble, Egoless... and GreatA Jewish Primer on Healthy Self-EsteemWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 26, 2019)The meek, helpless Jew is a stereotype that has not boded well for the tribe. But taking one look at the doctrine of servitude embedded in the faith, one cannot help but think that we are some sort of seriously indentured bunch. Discover the secret to maintaining a healthy, if not glorious, sense of self-esteem in the Jewish way of life.
Book Smart - Lesson 5Musar & Jewish PhilosophyWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 15, 2023Musar is the body of Torah teachings that deals with ethics, character development, and spiritual self-improvement. The field of Jewish philosophy, also known as “Chakirah,” includes works devoted to discussing the philosophy and ideology of Judaism. While these constitute two distinct areas of Torah literature, there is also a certain degree of overlap between them; indeed, some of the fundamental works of Jewish philosophy are also works of Musar, and vice versa.In this lesson, we review the history and the primary authors and works in these two fields. We then study a number of texts covering three related topics in both these fields: the doctrine of creation ex nihilo (“something from nothing”), bitachon (trust in G-d), and the emotion of anger.
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 12 - Laws of Kiddush Pt. 2With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 14, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
When a Moment CountsOne Less Second of Pain Is Worth the WorldWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 19, 2019)An entire nation was put on hold. Travel plans for millions of people were thrown off course. Why? To hold off the inevitable suffering of one woman just a little longer. Let that sink in. Such is the import of one person's pain. We ought to pay attention.
Give It All You've Got!Frugality or Extravagance? A Third OptionWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 12, 2019)Are you letting your inner artist go to waste? What about that project that you really wish you can accomplish one day -- are you letting the opportunity slip away? From the surprising behavior of certain desert princes, we learn that maximizing your potential is to realize the divinity in creation.
The Day G-d Gave Us the Torah... Or Not?Making Sense of the Holiday of ShavuotWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 5, 2019)Shavuot is known as the day the Torah was given. A look at the phenomenon of crossing the international date line before the holiday unravels a whole new element to the holiday-and lends us fresh perspective on what it means to be Jewish.
When "WIIFM" Is a Good ThingJudaism Is Not about Spirituality—It's about LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 29, 2019)A six-week cruise with five-star accommodations, all expenses paid, plus free gifts. While that sounds like a terrific bonus package, it's hardly what you would expect in return for leading a pious life. One would expect promises for spiritual delights and G-dly pleasures. Well, Judaism has a radical idea about what religion means. Come discover what it is.
Head in the Clouds, Feet on the GroundThe Deepest Connection Is the Simplest OneWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 22, 2019)Is it, “I love you, therefore I am committed to our relationship”? Or is it, “I am committed to our relationship, therefore I love you”? The man who single-handedly brought Kabbalah to the world and burned fields with his eyes, yet was simultaneously profoundly down-to-earth, shines a light on this important question.
Speak Up!A Word Is Not Just a WordWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 15, 2019)For too long, we have been told how we ought to refrain from negative speech. It’s time to flip the narrative and take an opposite approach: speak, and speak a lot. Just make sure it’s positive speech. Never underestimate the impact of a good word -- so get talking!
Allocation, Allocation, AllocationEverything Has a Time and Place: Use WiselyWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 8, 2019)What if you were as strong as Samson, rich as Jeff Bezos, and beautiful as Cinderella? An interesting question, but completely irrelevant to you. A curious mix of the yearly donations to the Temple and an announcement about forbidden mixtures packs a powerful punch about staying -- and thriving -- in your lane.
It's Just a Mistake, Isn't It?Identifying Your Unconscious SelfWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 1, 2019)We all make mistakes. Period. That's a fact of life. So why does the Torah require atonement for an inadvertent sin? Explore the pathways of consciousness exemplified in the Torah's prescription for sin. You'll be surprised to learn that you may not be who you really think you are.
A Stranger to PassoverDeveloping a Taste for the DivineWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2019)Not unlike fine wine and whiskey, a taste for G-d needs to be developed. Passover is a time of personal connection, a time to become a real connoisseur of spirituality. This lesson explains how.
Compassionate CondemnationLove, Love, and Love Some More. Then Criticize.With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2019)It can feel pretty good to call someone out for their faults and wrongdoings. As you sit atop your moral high horse, it’s nice to know that you can see evil for what it is. But a curious law in the obscure topic of lepers in the Torah teaches us a radically different approach. An approach grounded in profound compassion and a deep sense of love.
Do It Because You CarePersonal Touch Is All the DifferenceWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 18, 2019)Getting a birthday card with no personal message is just a wee bit disappointing. Have you ever done something like that? Have you ever “gotten it done” but without any personal feeling? Join the Jews in the perilous times of Shushanic Purim, and find the tools to inject passion and personality into your otherwise banal behavior.
Biblical Conspiracies & Free ChoiceA Deeper Understanding of the Ten PlaguesIn this session of Torah Studies we look at Biblical conspiracy theories, ancient Egyptian scrolls, free choice, and the ten plagues. What was the purpose of the plagues? Why did G-d harden Pharaoh's heart? And if G-d was hardening his heart, why was Pharaoh warned about the plagues? Learn the amazing answers to these questions and more!We all know the story of the Jews in Egypt: bone-crushing slavery for hundreds of years. What caused this terrible catastrophe? Was it perhaps because they were habitual idolaters? Nope. After a kerfuffle with two bickering Jews, Moses declares that slander, above all, was the root cause of suffering. Really? Is it that bad? Ride the train of Jewish nationhood to discover why, yes, it is really that bad.
Did Plato Get It Right?Jewish Realism vs. Greek IdealismWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 6, 2019)While Plato spoke of the universal -- the dreamy ideal without concrete realization -- Torah mobilizes us to take action in the here and now. In this class we discover heaven on earth in Judaism’s more sublime sense of idealism, one deeply rooted in reality.
Flip the ScriptWriting the Narrative of Your Own LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 27, 2019)We live life one day at a time, every day another chapter. As the days pile up, they string together a narrative, a story that you tell yourself and relate to others. So what’s your story? Is it a series of frustrations and mishaps, or a wonderful tale of success and meaning?
Forget Me Not!Connection Is the Key to MemoryWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 20, 2019)Now that we all have smartphones in our pockets, it seems ridiculous to tie a string around your finger to remember something. But that’s how things were done for millennia. What’s the connection between a knot and memory? Well, the connection is -- believe it or not -- connection.
Clothes Make the PersonBehavioral Mastery Is the Name of the GameWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 13, 2019)From the moment Adam and Eve used leaves to cover their naked flesh, humans have forever been clothed. What does Judaism have to say about your suit and your prom dress? Discover the rules and regulations, the culture and the kabbalah of the clothing in your closet.
Follow Your HeartFinding Your Personal PathWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 6, 2019)It seems that Jewry is fractured: the academic Jew, the spiritual Jew, and the do-gooder Jew. Which one is more important? The seemingly archaic furniture of the Temple comes to life in this lesson, to help each of us find our unique path.
Making Tough ChoicesGrabbing On to the Reins of LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 30, 2019)Ever landed in a tough spot with difficult choices? Was there a pitiful situation that set you up for some pretty bad choices? A little-known law about a slave getting his ear pierced at the door of his master encourages us all to face the music and make the best choice we can.
Life is ArtHuman Flaws Are the Brushstrokes of Divine BeautyWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 23, 2019)Have you ever wondered what life would be like without so many flaws? Wouldn’t your days be so much more meaningful if you didn’t constantly struggle with doubt, insecurity, and hidden demons? Frankly, the answer is, “No!” The secret lies in a story about an idolatrous priest who embraces the Jewish message and ends up with an eponymous portion in the Torah bearing his name.
Wet Behind the EarsBalancing Enthusiasm with MaturityWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 16, 2019)At the foot of the sea with the Egyptian army thundering behind them, one Jewish tribe started... throwing stones at another tribe! What? As we unravel this mystery, discover how to strike the balance between the enthusiasm you seek and the maturity you wish to master.
Breaking NormsChallenging Yourself to Touch AnotherWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 9, 2019)The Four Questions feature prominently in the collective Jewish imagination. While these questions have been chanted for millennia, fewer know that embedded within the structure of the Passover Seder is a clarion call for every Jew to put on a hat they may have never imagined donning. Answer the call!
Biblical Conspiracies & Free ChoiceA Deeper Understanding of the Ten Plagues(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 2, 2019)In this session of Torah Studies we look at Biblical conspiracy theories, ancient Egyptian scrolls, free choice, and the ten plagues. What was the purpose of the plagues? Why did G-d harden Pharaoh's heart? And if G-d was hardening his heart, why was Pharaoh warned about the plagues? Learn the amazing answers to these questions and more!We all know the story of the Jews in Egypt: bone-crushing slavery for hundreds of years. What caused this terrible catastrophe? Was it perhaps because they were habitual idolaters? Nope. After a kerfuffle with two bickering Jews, Moses declares that slander, above all, was the root cause of suffering. Really? Is it that bad? Ride the train of Jewish nationhood to discover why, yes, it is really that bad.
Be My GuestHospitality at the Next Level(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 24, 2018)So you think you’re a great host, right? You probably are, and the detailed account of Abraham’s hospitality is here to up your game. A detailed look at the behavior of our generous forefather reveals that hospitality is a whole lot more than simply opening your home -- get ready to become a therapist too!
The Underpinnings of a NationWhy Slander Is Enemy Number One(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 26, 2018)We all know the story of the Jews in Egypt: bone-crushing slavery for hundreds of years. What caused this terrible catastrophe? Was it perhaps because they were habitual idolaters? Nope. After a kerfuffle with two bickering Jews, Moses declares that slander, above all, was the root cause of suffering. Really? Is it that bad? Ride the train of Jewish nationhood to discover why, yes, it is really that bad.
Earn It or Win It?When to Throw Your Hat in the Ring, and When Not To(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 19, 2018)A marriage that survives a bitter fight is stronger than it was before. A person who is crushed and then bounces back is arguably emotionally healthier than your average Joe. So, what message should we be giving to our kids? Challenge them or coddle them? Put them through the wringer or pamper their path? An insightful conversation between a Rebbe and his son about the lifetime of our forefather Jacob sheds profound light on these questions.
Wind in Your SailsHarnessing Inspiration for the Long Haul(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 12, 2018)Many a wise person has said that “Indifference is more dangerous than anger and hatred,” or “Apathy is the death of democracy.” Indeed, to be uninspired and emotionless is a terrible predicament. But all those people jumping up and down on mountaintops, screaming with passion, don’t seem to be the answer either. So what does an even-keeled person do? The dramatic, heart-wrenching reunion of Jacob and his son Joseph uncovers a refreshing answer.
Essential OilsThe Secret to Remaining Above While Tethered Below(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 5, 2018)For many, oil is pariah number one. But on this holiday, we set aside our reservations and indulge in latkes, doughnuts, and take the opportunity to load up our menorahs with oil. So, what’s with the oil? Aside from a relic of the ancient story, a fascinating ride through the Chasidic perspective on oil reveals some important truths about who we really are.
Put a Smile on Your Face!Making Others Feel Good, Even When You’re Not(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 28, 2018)“Be true to yourself!” is a refrain often heard. Hey, if you’re not feeling it, then why bother faking it and putting on a smile just for others? While popular wisdom may suggest so, the behavior of a tormented slave named Joseph in the dungeons of Egypt speaks volumes of how we ought to think about others around us and the demeanor we should maintain to brighten others.
Cosmic CollisionWhat a Kabbalistic “Big Bang” Has to Say about Everyday Life(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 21, 2018)Cosmic collisions, and abundant lights shattering vessels and raining sparks into darkened worlds: sounds like the stuff of a fantasy movie -- but it’s not. Believe it or not, it’s the Kabbalistic rendering of creation, and it has major implications for how the world operates, and more importantly, how you operate. Discover the secret of the cosmos and yourself, through the surprising vehicle of a narrative about Edomite kings.
A Red Line Is a Red LineFinding the Internal Courage to Erect Moral Boundaries(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 14, 2018)On that fateful night on a mountaintop, as Jacob dreamed, the entire Land of Israel folded beneath him. The reason? It was a harbinger of his descendants’ future conquest of the Land. Harbingers aside, what is the reason G-d fashioned such a fantastic miracle? For pure sentiment? It turns out that this sentiment is a key component in crafting the moral compass for Jacob’s descendants for all time.
Your Two CentsA Little Effort is Worth a Lot of Impact(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 7, 2018)We dream of a future Temple that will herald in the messianic era. Have you every stopped to think about who will get the contractor bid for the project? Conflicting accounts across the Talmudic discipline paint a hazy picture: Some say it'll come down from Heaven prefab. Others say Jerusalem Contractors, Inc., will be formed. So which one is it? The answer will tell you a thing or two about what it means to put in a good hard day's work.
Making Every Day CountSarah’s Blueprint for Meaningful Living(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 31, 2018)The Torah describes Sarah as beautiful and wise, and above all, her “days were complete.” Are your days complete? What does that mean anyway? And whatever it does mean, what’s the magic bullet that enlivens every day to be “complete?” A tour through a host of Chassidic ideas uncovers the answer to this important question.
Be an Influencer!The Best Defense Is Offense(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 17, 2018)“No one will ever change the way I think and act!” said no one, ever. The fact is that our environment has a tremendous impact on shaping who we are, and to think that you will remain completely unaffected by your surroundings is wishful thinking. So, what to do if you find yourself in sundry situations? Discover the wisdom embedded in Abraham’s first test and what it tells the modern person today.
The Flood SongShattering the Past to Grow to the Future(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 10, 2018)The imagery of the flood is downright terrifying: dark, raging waters pummeling Earth for forty days straight, eradicating everything in its wake. Yet, surprisingly, the Midrash sees this turbulent event as a serene song of praise to G-d. What does this dramatically divergent perspective tell us about the tumultuous breakdowns in our own lives? Sail the high sea of Noah’s ark to discover the answer.
Don’t Kick the SukkahReligion Isn’t Just about Feeling Good(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 20, 2018)Abraham serves angels and is rewarded with a sukkah. We sit in a sukkah and are to be rewarded in messianic times with a sukkah of Leviathan skin. The nations kick their sukkah when it’s too hot, and the Jews calmly walk out. Discover the meaning behind this bizarre sukkah medley.
Jews in ShoesGrounded Below, Turned Above(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 13, 2018)Of course we need shoes. It’s no fun walking barefoot over rocks, or around the kitchen after that glass pitcher shatters. Shoes are just a part of life. But all of a sudden, when it comes to holy days, places, and times, shoes are literally flying off our feet. What’s behind these mandated shoe removals?
The Need for NeedComplacency Is the Graveyard of Growth(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 6, 2018)As we turn our eyes to a new year, the liturgy and practices of Rosh Hashanah emphasize time and again how needy, how humble, and how downtrodden we are. Why the depression? The story of an emigrating Babylonian sage seeking new heights gives us a lot of food for thought about our position in life -- and what it takes to catapult to ever greater peaks.
Larger Than Life - Lesson 5"Work"With Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 11, 2019)Is wealth to be sought, or is a life of austerity and “happiness with one’s lot” the Jewish ideal? Work, in the Jewish view, is not ancillary to our mission in this world. G-d could have showered us with wealth and made work superfluous, but He specifically chose to make it a necessity. But how do we -- particularly as women -- balance work with family, religion, and other important areas of life?This lesson provides a spiritual perspective on work and wealth and why it is such a central focus of our lives, and also seeks to find a healthy balance between work and the other important callings of our lives.
Larger Than Life - Lesson 3"Charity"With Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 7, 2019)All people are not created equal -- monetarily, that is. For a host of reasons, some controllable, others not, some human beings are financially better off than their fellows. One of the ways we narrow the divide is through charity, which has always been a quintessential Jewish value.It is well established that Jews give to charitable causes in remarkably lopsided numbers in comparison to the general population. The uniqueness of Judaism, however, lies not only in its emphasis on the deed of charity, but also in its fascinating perspective on philanthropy. According to Jewish thought, charity is as much for the benefit of the benefactor as it is for the recipient. This lesson explores the unique Jewish philosophical angle on charity and how that plays out in real life.
Larger Than Life - Lesson 1"Privacy"With Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 12, 2018)In today’s age of constant broadcasting and self-broadcasting via social media, the borders of privacy have grown befuddled. In a world where all is bared and none is barred, it is difficult to strike the right balance. Moreover, we inhabit a world in which computers track every stroke, a “forward” option beckons in each email, and high-res cameras peek from pockets with high speed connections eager to dispatch.But human dignity is sacred, and a vital element of human dignity is respect for the privacy of ourselves and others. When are we to broach an opinion and when ought we keep silent? What should we share and what should we retain? How are we to act when we require information—perhaps to protect human dignity—but recognize that obtaining it conflicts with the same? Should a mother share private information about her teenage daughter with a neighbor in the hopes of getting her help? May I share information about a third party that is indispensable for my friend’s life choices?
For the Love of G-dFinding Closeness with a G-d You Cannot Touch(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 29, 2018)Judaism is a holistic religion: it demands the engagement of body, mind, and heart. We cannot reduce G-d to a set of mindless rituals; He is supposed to be a meaningful part of our lives. But can I love someone I've never met? Can I be in awe of something I've never seen? This lesson explores the possibility of having a relationship with G-d -- whether I can, why it's vital, and how to do it.
Bridging the DivideG-d's Torah and G-d's Science(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 29, 2018)The scientific universe is inhabited by labs, theories, research, experiments, and cause and effect. But there's a parallel universe: one inhabited by faith, the supernatural, cosmic meaning, and divine purpose. Are these two worlds -- seemingly so distant from each other -- relevant to each other? Can G-d and science coexist?
Finding ComfortSeeing G-d Through the Blinding Pain(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 30, 2018)When tragedy strikes, where is G-d? Our suffering feels like abandonment. We seek relief and assurance of His presence, and instead, we find loneliness and silence. What does Judaism offer as a response to and relief from life's difficulties? How do we relate to a G-d Who appears to be uncaring and feels so distant?
A Higher ParadigmHow G-d's Paradigm Informs Our Values(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 15, 2018)The Torah seems to ignore foundational cornerstones of Western society: it appears to compromise human freedom and tightly govern the way people live, and seemingly does not treat people equally. How can we understand Torah’s relevance in today’s day and age? Is it simply outdated and out of touch? Would we be foolish to even attempt to reconcile the Torah with modern trends of thought?
Meeting G-d's NeedsWhat G-d Thinks of You(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 8, 2018)G-d's requests of humankind seem incredibly demanding. Why would a supposedly loving G-d complicate our lives with intrusive instructions? Moreover, can either you or your actions matter to an infinite G-d? This lesson explored the purpose of the universe to discover why G-d needs you and your mitzvot.
First ImpressionsRedefining G-d(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 25, 2018)As we mature, our understanding of nuanced topics matures too. For many of us, however, our conception of G-d has not evolved much much beyond what it was when we were in Hebrew School. If we want to have a relationship with G-d, we need to know: Who is He really? Who is He not? And how is He relevant to our lives?
Whispers of Creation - Part 17"Letters of Light"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 5, 2023)Hebrew is unlike all other languages. Hebrew is the "Holy Tongue," G-d's language of creation. According to tradition the first human beings spoke Hebrew -- and only later did other, man-made languages emerge.It's not surprising, then, that this original Hebrew language contains layer upon layer of meaning. And It's not just the words that contain multiple meanings. Every individual Hebrew letter -- on its own -- can be understood on a variety of dimensions. There's the name of the letter, the shape of the letter, the numerology of the letter, and even the "crown" that adorns the letter. And each of these elements contains a world of meaning.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we put the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet under the microscope and tease them apart until we discover the secret anatomy of Hebrew. What we find will amaze you!
The King Is In The Field - Part 2"Spirit Kickstarters"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 12, 2018)Sometimes, we feel down -- dragged down by the day to day grind, by the pressures of earning a living, by relationships that aren't as satisfying as we'd like. We feel down, and we feel stuck. Stuck with no way out.Until someone or something comes along unexpectedly and pulls us out of the doldrums.The Kabbalists describe the spiritual forces that do the spirit-excavating. They describe these mystical "Jaws of Life" as emanating from some of the loftiest supernal realities. And they detail how and when these rescuing forces are activated.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the "Spirit Kickstarters," and discover their correlation to the Jewish month of Elul.
There are many important things in our lives. Some are the most important. Those we call "priorities." But identifying and truly prioritizing our priorities is not always so easy.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore spiraling dimensions of priorities, and discover mystical wisdom for putting what's most important first.
In discussing the Jewish laws of crime and punishment, the Torah describes a horrific scenario where a young woman is assaulted by a man in a secluded area -- an area where no one hears her cries. The Torah then proceeds to details the punishment due to the assailant.In addition to the plain meaning of these verses, the Torah also speaks of spiritual realities. This, in fact, is true of the entire Torah. Its pragmatic and physical narrative is paralleled by a matching spiritual narrative.Which means that in addition to speaking of physical assault, the Torah is also speaking of spiritual assault. An assault on the soul, the neshamah. But in addition to presenting the spiritual assault, it also presents the spiritual salvation -- a way forward for the soul to regain its spiritual integrity.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study this compelling piece of Torah on multiple dimensions, and draw empowering life-lessons for each of us.
Time contains a unique energy and light. Certain times of year radiate certain patterns of energy and light. If we can identify the soul of time, if we can attenuate our spirit to the time-spirit, we can ride its waves to great spiritual heights."The King is in the Field" is a profound mystical discourse from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that explores the raw force of the month of Elul, the final month of the Jewish calendar year. Learn what Elul is, how it is the perfect preparation for the High Holidays, and how you can tap into its energy and light to grow into the best you.
There's benefit to being self-motivated and not being reliant on others for inspiration. Whether in business, relationships, or any area of personal growth, it's good to possess and maintain your own drive for success.Perhaps that's why "self help" books and seminars are so popular. We're seeking a better way for ourselves, pushing ourselves forward.But what happens when someone needs a dose of self-motivation, but they're not motivated enough? How do we give someone a "push" forward without hand-holding and doing it for them? If there's value in self-achievement, is it even possible to guide someone in that direction?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the soul of motivation. We learn what makes us tick, what best motivates us, and how we can preserve another's self-dignity and personal autonomy while helping them achieve their best.
The Jewish month of Elul is a magical one. It's when, in the language of the mystics, the "King is in the field." We can realize a relationship with G-d during this month that is radically different than at any other time of the year.But there's one very curious detail of the "King in the field" parable. The Kabbalists teach that as the king is in the field, he receives everyone pleasantly, and shows them all a smiling face. What's the significance of the king's "smiling face"? Why is that relevant to the larger point, namely, that G-d makes Himself available during the month of Elul.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the meaning of the king's smiling face -- and discover incredible insight into the idea that G-d loves each and every one of us.
What is it like to encounter G-d? What would the experience feel like to come face to face with the Master of heaven and earth?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn about the magnificent energy of the High Holidays and discover what the mystics have to say about confronting the Divine.
Does Judaism believe in the concept of "lost souls"? Can someone descend so deeply into the forces of unholiness that they lose their spiritual connection entirely? Does every soul find rest or are some relegated to eternal wandering?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore what Kabbalah has to say about spiritual connections and "lost souls."
"Why are we here?"It's the question that's been asked countless times throughout the ages. And it seems that there are countless answers as well to this most existential dilemma.Here's what the Kabbalists say: we are here because G-d loves us. G-d wanted to express love, so He created a universe and put us here as its focal point, just to graciously give loving-kindness.It's a beautiful idea, with powerful ramifications. Every Divine emanation is ultimately designed to be an expression of love for us. No matter who we are or we where are.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore this topic at length, and discover just how much G-d loves us.
Secrets of the Lost Ark - Part 2"Deep Catacombs"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 15, 2018)The fate of the Ark of Jerusalem's Holy Temple is one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in Judaism. Maimonides addresses the mystery of the lost Ark and reveals that it was buried within secret catacombs, built by King Solomon, beneath the Temple's Holy of Holies. And there it lies until this very day...But why was the Ark being buried beneath the Temple, specifically? Why did King Solomon build the catacombs? Why does Maimonides divulge this monumental secret? And what personal message can we take from this fascinating historical episode?This epic session of Kabbalah & Coffee melds history, archaeology and spirituality, and builds to a stunning conclusion about the secrets of the Temple's lost Ark.
Secrets of the Lost Ark - Part 1"Missing Pieces"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 8, 2018)"Secrets of the Lost Ark" is a mystical text that delves into the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of the ancient Holy Ark of Israel.The text -- which draws from teachings shared in the Talmud and the works of Maimonides -- explores the secrets of the Holy Temple, the Ark, and the Urim VeTumim breastplate, and reveals secret passageways built beneath the Temple Mount.This is a one-of-a-kind Kabbalistic adventure!
Book Smart - Lesson 4HalachahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 8, 2023Halachah is the “bottom line” of Torah, where the biblical commandments, rabbinical ordinances, and Talmudic deliberations translate into the dos and don’ts of daily life. Halachah addresses every part of a Jew’s life, from waking to bedtime, from birth to burial, from everyday activities to the most extraordinary situations.In this lesson, we explore the history of Halachah, from its sources in the Written Torah, through the Halachic Midrashim, the Talmud and its commentaries, the various “codes” compiled through the centuries, and the many thousands of Halachic responsa authored through the centuries. We survey the great variety of issues and dilemmas that Halachah addresses. We then bring it all to life via a case study that traces a Halachic issue from its biblical origins through more than a dozen citations across the entire spectrum of Halachic literature.
"The End is Rooted in the Beginning"Translate your vision for the world into personal action.
"Me-Harmony, We-Harmony"Explore strategies for developing long-lasting and meaningful personal relationships.
"The Fall of the Wall"When both internal and external barriers to growth are removed, anything is possible.
"Critical Care"Criticism can build or destroy. Lean how to appraise yourself and others in ways that will lead to improvement.
"Learning to Love"Learn a new definition of love, and increase itspresence in your life.
"Potential Energy"How do self-perception, inspiration, and motivation impact what you can become?
Are we bound by fate?If G-d already knows what we will do tomorrow, is our “free choice” nothing more than an illusion? And with so many powerful influences outside of our control -- or even our awareness -- influencing our choices, how “free” could they possibly be?
What is consciousness?All injustice and strife, and even personal unhappiness, can be traced to selfishness. Yet self-esteem is essential for a healthy psyche and a productive life. To navigate this paradox, we first need to unravel the mystery of self-awareness: Where does our sense of self come from?
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 11 - Laws of Kiddush Pt. 1With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 7, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Why does evil exist?Why do bad things happen to good people? The question has been asked -- and answered -- for thousands of years. But even if we understood the purpose of evil, would this make it more palatable and acceptable? Would it aid us in our efforts to defeat evil?
Who is G-d?What are we talking about when we talk about G-d? Is “G-d” just a word we use when we can’t explain something? If G-d cannot be explained or described, does this not render the concept of “belief in G-d” completely meaningless?
Is Time Travel Possible?Is time the engine that drives the whole of existence, or is it just a product of our subjective experience? If the future is impenetrable, the past irretrievable, and the present moment too fleeting to meaningfully inhabit, what part of our lives can we call our own?
Is the World Real?Everything that we experience, we experience inside our heads, leading to the intriguing question: Maybe there is no existence outside of our minds? But perhaps a more fundamental question would be: What practical difference does it make if the world is real or not?
The Majestic Bride - Part 2"Union"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 22, 2018)Male and female duality exists not only on this most physical plane of reality. Masculine and feminine energies exist throughout all strata of creation, within each scaffolded dimension. And it is the union of these two energies that produces subsequent planes of existence.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the sublime parameters of masculine and feminine energy, chart their unions, and derive practical life-wisdom to apply to our physical, human relationships.
The Majestic Bride - Part 8"Blessings"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 24, 2018)Blessings can emerge from the strangest of places. Think of people you've met, randomly and unexpectedly, that have turned out to be a blessing in your life. Or disappointments and frustrations that have suddenly transformed into blessings.One thing we know: We cannot know behind which door lies the blessing that we need in our lives right now...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at the strange phenomenon that we call "blessings." We explore the Talmudic story of the terrible curses that were actually blessings, and discover the Kabbalistic definition and cosmic source of blessings.
The Majestic Bride - Part 7"Nose"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 17, 2018)Every word in G-d's Torah is precise and exact. Every biblical turn of phrase conveys deep meaning -- if, of course, you know how to decode it.When it comes to the human soul, the Torah uses a very unusual expression. It says that G-d blew into Adam's nostrils a soul of life. Why the nostrils specifically?The Kabbalists reveal the mystical meaning of the nose and the nostrils, and why the soul is particularly associated with that part of the body. As we'll learn in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, this is connected with personality, purpose, and prayer.
The Majestic Bride - Part 6"Innocence"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 3, 2018)Children are the mark of innocence. Pure, uncorrupted, unjaded. There's a special bond that exists between a parent and a young child. A parent treasures the opportunities to connect with a pure soul, a snapshot of heaven.The way parents interact with small children is highly instructive. Examine those interactions, say the Kabbalistis, and you will get a glimpse of the inner workings of the universe.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mysteries of innocence.
The Majestic Bride - Part 5"Humor"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 13, 2018)Nothing breaks the ice like a good joke. Humor cuts through tension and brings people together in a uniquely powerful way. Sometimes, all we want to do is laugh.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the "Kabbalah of Comedy." Learn what makes funny, funny, discover why one of the greatest Talmudic sages used humor in his teachings, and find out how you can use laughter to enrich your relationships.
The Majestic Bride - Part 4"Connection"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 6, 2018)Relationships imply connection. Intimacy, certainly, demands connection. But there are many forms of connection -- some deep, some shallow.The Jewish mystics describe a formula whereby the deepest of connections is forged through a seemingly shallow connection -- a connection that, at first glance, might seem completely incidental. But when seen through a larger lens, it is the smaller stuff that so often leads to the bigger stuff.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Kabbalistic wisdom on breaking the ice and creating positive first impressions.
The Majestic Bride - Part 3"Joy"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 29, 2018)In the mystical tradition, joy is considered to be one of the most potent forces in existence. Joy is said to have the ability to unlock stores of treasure, and break all barriers.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at the role joy plays both in our relationships and in our day-to-day labors. We learn why joy is associated with weddings (hint: it's not the open bar), and why joy plays a prominent role in the Shabbat experience. Along the way we uncover deep secrets associated with ancient Jewish and Kabbalistic rituals.
The Majestic Bride - Part 1"Intimacy"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 15, 2018)"The Majestic Bride" is a breathtaking exploration of Kabbalistic wisdom on men, women, and relationships. It examines the mystical energies of love, relationships, masculinity, femininity, intimacy, and giving and receiving. Learn the deepest secrets of the cosmos and how they apply to our most physical of human relationships.In our first session we focus on the lost art of intimacy.
Many tourists visit the Vatican in order to view the remarkable artwork that has been painted, gathered, and collected there over the centuries. The Vatican archives also contain numerous ancient Torah manuscripts, and many Jewish scholars have been tempted over the ages to get a glimpse of these rare and precious works. Some visitors to the Vatican have even reported seeing artifacts from the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple, stored there, including items as precious as the Menorah and the Parochet (curtains).May a Jewish tourist visit the Vatican in order to view these items? What are the Jewish legal and ethical considerations? Do we indeed say, “When in Rome...”?We explore these questions and more in the light of Talmudic discourse and Jewish law in our third session of Headlines.
The arrest of Bernie Madoff in 2008 once again brought the term “Ponzi” into our everyday lexicon. The term is named after Charles Ponzi, an Italian-born financier who would pay investors wildly generous returns without generating any profits from the investment, using money received from new investors. Essentially, he pocketed his clients’ money without investing it for them.The Madoff scandal hit especially close to home for the Jewish community not only because he is Jewish, but also because of his philanthropic involvement in many worthy Jewish institutions and charities.But should these charities keep the donations they received from Madoff? Or should they be legally or morally obligated to return the money to the defrauded Madoff clients?We explore these fascinating questions in the light of Talmudic discourse and Jewish law in our second session of Headlines.
Headlines - Lesson 1Designer Beef: Is Lab Grown Meat Kosher?On August 5, 2013, a press conference held in London introduced the world’s first “test tube hamburger,” a burger manufactured from the stem cells of a living animal. A group of scientists from the Netherlands took stem cells from a cow’s muscle tissue and added nutrients and chemicals that caused the cells to rapidly multiply. Eventually, there was enough muscle tissue to produce a piece of meat.Many groups around the world are encouraging this "clean meat" process as a way to increase the world’s meat supply without depleting natural resources. Animal rights activists are supporting this endeavor because it produces more meat without killing more animals.Researchers say that it will take at least a decade before the new meat-production techniques become commercially viable, but meanwhile, in anticipation of this eventuality, it behooves us to address the question: What would be the Jewish legal status of meat produced from stem cells? Is it kosher? Is it considered to be "meat," or perhaps is it "pareve"?We explore these questions and more in our first session of Headlines.
The Bible CoursePart 3: The Book of JudgesLesson 4With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Judges.
The Bible CoursePart 3: The Book of JudgesLesson 3With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Judges.
The Bible CoursePart 3: The Book of JudgesLesson 2With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Judges.
The Bible CoursePart 3: The Book of JudgesLesson 1With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Judges.
The Bible CoursePart 2: The Book of JoshuaLesson 4With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Joshua.
The Bible CoursePart 2: The Book of JoshuaLesson 3With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Joshua.
The Bible CoursePart 2: The Book of JoshuaLesson 2With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Joshua.
The Bible CoursePart 2: The Book of JoshuaLesson 1With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. Peel back the layers of translation and savor the true Hebrew prophecies as they were originally proclaimed. This series explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Joshua.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 11"Free Will, Danger & Fate"With Rabbi Daniel FreitagRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on February 5, 2023
The Relationship SeminarWhat's Love Got To Do With It?Session 2(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy in Atlanta on February 22, 2018)After all the pop-psychology and therapy, what is it that really holds a relationship together? Rabbi Eliyahu & Mrs. Dena Schusterman are co-directors of Chabad Intown and have been married for over twenty years. They share impactful Jewish wisdom and practical guidance on creating healthy, lasting relationships.
The Relationship SeminarWhat's Love Got To Do With It?Session 1(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy in Atlanta on February 15, 2018)After all the pop-psychology and therapy, what is it that really holds a relationship together? Rabbi Eliyahu & Mrs. Dena Schusterman are co-directors of Chabad Intown and have been married for over twenty years. They share impactful Jewish wisdom and practical guidance on creating healthy, lasting relationships.
The Jewish Pathway to ForgivenessLesson 3: Releasing ResentmentWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 1, 2018)When we're severely offended and hurt, how can we find it within ourselves to genuinely forgive? What tools does Judaism offer? How can we truly release that grudge and wholeheartedly accept an apology. This class will explore methods of how to be forgiving and of how to rid yourself of resentment.
The Jewish Pathway to ForgivenessLesson 2: Being ForgivingWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 25, 2018)Should victims of crime, terror, abuse, or torture forgive their offenders? Is it always laudable? Is it morally required? Is it always possible to forgive? This class discusses the limits and parameters of when we should forgive those who have wronged us.
The Jewish Pathway to ForgivenessLesson 1: Defining ForgivenessWith Mrs. Dena Schusterman(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 18, 2018)Forgiveness is a fundamental part of our faith, but what does it mean? What are the mechanics of forgiveness and how does it work? Does true forgiveness mean that complete trust is restored? This class defines forgiveness, highlights its centrality in Judaism, and explains what it means to a relationship.
Connecting WordsThe Art of Conflict Resolution"For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate."-Margaret HeffermanJews do not shy away from conflict. From biblical disagreements to today's petty politics, Jews are infamous for the passionate diversity of their views. On occasion, this has invited disaster, but it has also resulted in deeper unity, profundity, and progress. This lesson unmasks the means of harnessing diversity of opinion and temperament to produce richer and more meaningful relationships and a more balanced society.
Leading WordsThe Art of Influence and Inspiration"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where the don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."-Rosalynn CarterAt times, it is necessary to influence, guide, teach, or correct others -- often taking people where they ought to be. This lesson leans on the insights of the Jewish sages to discover how to influence, the responsibilities involved, the means of measuring success, the ability to recognize a communicator projecting personal insecurities on others in a failed attempt to communicate, and the preeminence of motivation over technique.
Behind the WordsThe Art of Effective Communication"A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation."-Mark TwainThe simplest messages are often misconstrued in the most unpredictable ways. This is often caused by metamessages that confuse the listeners or shut them down. This lesson explores how distractive elements -- such as aggressive rhetoric and the tone of voice -- impact on our ability to communicate in a manner that ensures that the listener's takeaway is the same as our intended message.
Wise WordsThe Art of Positive Communication"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools speak because they have to say something."-PlatoIn today's age of social media, the borders of privacy have grown befuddled. In a world where all is bared and none is barred, it is difficult to strike the right balance. This lesson draws on the Torah's insights into the everyday dilemmas of when to broach an opinion and when to keep silent, what to share and when to retain -- and how to use words in the most positive way.
Others' WordsThe Art of Listening"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."-Stephen R. CoveyBefore discovering the science of speech, it is critical to master the art of listening. Eardrums, however, are not enough; it is necessary to quiet the heart and mind to truly absorb what others have to say. The widespread difficulty in doing so accounts for a global reality that is replete with misunderstanding. This lesson turns to Talmudic wisdoms that shed remarkably relevant light on universal impediments to listening and the importance of active listening and processing.
Revealing WordsThe Art of Open Communication"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."-George Bernard ShawHuman beings are social creatures, and communication skills are critical to every area of life. Ironically, the true meaning of communication has often been miscommunicated. It is not about speech, language, or words. In fact, its essence has been identified best by Jewish mystical sources. This lesson reaches deep into the soul of communication to discover keys to communicate effectively.
The Art of Giving - Part 11"Light Enwrapped"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 25, 2018)How does spiritual light pierce the divide between spirit and matter and become realized in tangible form? To achieve this, say the mystics, the light must be wrapped in a "garment."Garments both cover and reveal at the same time. It may sound like a paradox, but it's true. In fact, the higher a thing is and the loftier its source, the more it needs a garment to be realized in a mundane space.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore spiritual realities and the garments that make them tangible. We discover how our actions play an integral role in the creation of these garments. And we learn practical tools for revealing more light in our lives.
The Art of Giving - Part 10"Mystical Math"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 18, 2018)Often, the sum is simply the total of its parts. But not always. Especially when you're dealing with "mystical math."Sometimes, the collective is incomparably greater than the pieces that go into it. It's like that with letters. It's like that with musical notes. And it's like that with souls.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we approach the math of the Kabbalists and discover the gifts that truly cannot be counted. Plus, we learn the incredible Talmudic tale of a man who tasted every sin... and died a complete tzaddik.
The Art of Giving - Part 9"Righteous Impact"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 11, 2018)Are there big and small mitzvot? It sure seems that way. We intuitively sense that some Jewish practices are bigger deals and some are not as big. Yet, Ethics of Our Fathers teaches us to treat small mitzvot the same way as big ones, since we don't know the impact of different mitzvot.This reveals a paradox: there are big and small mitzvot, yet we ought to treat them the same. Why? Because who knows the impact of a good deed, no matter how "small"...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the impact our deeds have -- both large and small. The lessons we learn will change the way we look at the power we possess in the palms of our hands.
The Art of Giving - Part 8"The Cosmic Mirror"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 4, 2018)It's easy to feel insignificant. The universe is vast, and so is the realm of the metaphysical. But the Kabbalists share a very important teaching related this.The Kabbalists reveal that not only are our actions significant, they effect the entire universe and the totality of the spiritual realm. What we do literally changes everything in existence and preceding existence.This is the "Cosmic Mirror," where the macrocosm of the universe perfectly reflects the microcosm of the human being. It's a transformative teaching, and it's the subject of this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
The Art of Giving - Part 7"Mysteries of Night & Day"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 18, 2018)Judaism has a unique take on almost everything -- even time. Curiously, and perhaps counter-intuitively, the Jewish day starts at night. True, this follows the biblical model as described in the book of Gensis. But what does it really mean that the segment of "day" begins with darkness, and only then is followed by light?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the Kabbalah of time and uncover the mysteries of night and day.
The Art of Giving - Part 6"Breath & Speech"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 11, 2018)It's almost magical the way we breath, the way life-giving oxygen flows in and out of our bodies, in an ever-precise rhythm.Speaking is another art form. Our breath rises toward our mouth, where it encounters obstacles and crooked paths, which form the articulation of speech that defines verbal communication.There's purity of breath. And there's sophistication of speech.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we uncover the mystical secrets of breath and speech. Prepare for a breathtaking discussion.
The Art of Giving - Part 5"The Magical Properties of Fire"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 4, 2018)Since the dawn of mankind we have been fascinated with fire. Fire warms, cooks, fuses, breaks, and emanates light. Fire is also a favorite metaphor of the Kabbalists, who note its wondrous and mystical properties.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discover one of the hidden properties of fire. We experiment hands-on with a little known physics phenomenon pertaining to fire, and learn how this reality is perfectly connected to its metaphysical dimension.
The Art of Giving - Part 4"Exploring the Subconscious"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 28, 2018)Where do our deepest desires come from? What motivates us beyond our conscious awareness?Kabbalah maps the soul, and charts the revealed and hidden dimensions of the human being.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a deep look at Jewish mystical teachings on the subconscious. Get to know yourself on a level beyond knowing.
The Art of Giving - Part 3"Mind vs. Heart"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 21, 2018)Sometimes, the mind and heart are aligned. Our intellect and emotions are in the same place. We have clarity on our values, and we're passionate about them.Sometimes, the mind and heart are misaligned. Our intellect and emotion are in different places. We know what's right, but we desire something else altogether.The mystics teach that mind-heart alignment is healthy for the human being; misalignment, not so much. The possibility for misalignment stems from the fact that the intellect and emotions originate from very different sources. Hence, the lifelong task to unite mind and heart in a seamless fashion.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the differing origins of mind and heart, and learn Kabbalistic wisdom toward living a more aligned life.
The Art of Giving - Part 2"Spiritual Numbers"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 14, 2018)Jewish mysticism reveals that everything in existence has a spiritual origin -- including numbers. Numerical digits have a metaphysical dimension in addition to their more tangible forms.In this week's Kabbalah & Coffee class we begin exploring the Kabbalah of numbers -- single digits, double digits, triple digits, etc., and discover their spiritual source. We learn where they come from in the cosmos, and what they correspond to in the soul.
The Art of Giving - Part 1"You Get What You Give"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 7, 2018)"The Art of Giving" is a Kabbalistic text that explores the mystical dimension of the mitzvah to give to others. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore profound Jewish teachings on the significance of giving, and why we ultimately get more than we give.
The Bible CoursePart 1, Lesson 1With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Take a closer look at famous biblical stories and at the lives of their characters as you take an unforgettable spiritual journey. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
The Bible CoursePart 1, Lesson 2With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Take a closer look at famous biblical stories and at the lives of their characters as you take an unforgettable spiritual journey. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
The Bible CoursePart 1, Lesson 3With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Take a closer look at famous biblical stories and at the lives of their characters as you take an unforgettable spiritual journey. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
Rosh Chodesh Society"Pause & Affect"Lesson 1: Gift of RestWith Mrs. Dena SchustermanIt is difficult to imagine today a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. Societies customarily celebrated seasonal holidays, but the notion of a universal weekend -- where an entire society would take a day off each week -- was nonexistent. In fact, Greek and Roman writers habitually mocked the Jews for their Shabbat. Yet, these mockeries were ignored by Jews because of the profound meaning they found in Shabbat.This lesson explores the deep riches that Jews have found in thepast -- and continue to find today -- in Shabbat observance. We learn that some of the restrictions of Shabbat allow us to experience its power: increased productivity, enhanced physical and emotional health, a more robust sense of liberty, a better fostering of relationships, and amplified feelings of happiness. We then climb to the next rung to discover the vast spiritual treasures embedded into this day -- how Shabbat is a different day, a loftier day, a more spiritual time, rendering it a conducive period for us to ponder and explore our relationship with G-d and our overall life’s mission.
Book Smart - Lesson 3The TalmudWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Febuary 1, 2023More than any other work, the Talmud defines “Jewish learning.” In this lesson, we review the history of the Talmud, explore the structure of this intricate and fascinating work, with its 63 volumes of teachings and deliberations by hundreds of sages over a period of six centuries on virtually every subject under the sun. We also engage in the in-depth study of a Talmudic sugya (“subject discussion”) and experience the unique twists and turns of the Talmudic dialectic.In the process, we discover how Talmudic learning leverages the “flaws” of the human mind -- its circuitous reasoning, its contentiousness, and its inconsistencies -- to reveal the multifaceted nature of the Divine wisdom and apply it to the complexities of human life.
Mind Over MatterThe Tefillin Mind GameDo you find your emotions difficult to contain? Welcome to the human race, my friend: the heart is a wild thing. The good news is that we have a built-in control, and it’s called the mind. Funny enough, the two boxes of tefillin affixed daily to the head and the arm have a lot to say in this conversation. Find out how in this lesson.
The Astonishing Truth About MarriageEvery Day Your Wedding DayHow does that sound? Not the expenses of course, but the honeymoon. Sounds great, no? It does, but the reality is that every day is certainly not the wedding day. The hair-splitting genius of an early twentieth-century European Talmudist uncovers a fascinating idea about marriage that should help reignite that romantic spark every day.
Unlocking the Hair LockThe Secret of the UpshernishA prevailing custom in many Jewish communities is to leave the hair of a young boy uncut for his first three years. The first haircut is celebrated with joy and fanfare. What is behind this mysterious custom? Not so surprisingly, a lot. And it’s not just for kids.
Emulating Your CreatorWork Isn’t Just about the MoneyOftentimes we wonder what life would be like without working another day. Why do we have to work so hard anyway? Is there any point to all this toil and sweat? Of course there is: it is, in fact, your only chance to be just like your Creator. Relish it.
Where Is Your Passion?Joy is at the Depth of our ExperienceWhen Moses descended from the mountain with the tablets in hand, he was met with a horrific sight: a nation gone mad. Horrified, he smashed the tablets to smithereens. But he knew about the carnage already on the mountain, so what changed when he actually saw it? Discover the secret Moses saw and use it as a cautionary tale in your own life.
Bringing out the BestLooking at Challenge as Opportunity“Comfort, be comforted, my children,” declares G-d. Sounds great, but what’s the mystery of this double comfort? From the ashes of a sacked Temple to the ruins of our own lives, discover the balm for your aching soul -- the secret to grabbing those tests and slaying them forever.
From Mourning to MorningBetween Misery and Bitterness, Despair and ProgressThousands of years after she lies in ruins, the Jewish people still mourn their holy Temple. Hasn’t that window closed already? Can we really be so pained so many years later? The Sages’ take on the proper method of grief turns this mourning into a propeller for growth and a look toward the joy of tomorrow.
The Perfect OrchestraNature’s on Your SideEver felt that you’re trying to do the right thing, yet everything is lining up against you? Is nature itself your adversary? Heaven forbid! A complex story of returning warriors and desert taxation reveals the encouraging message that when all is said and done, G-d is orchestrating everything to help you out.
Love What You DoFinding Pleasure in PurposeWe all long for that vacation: sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and picturesque mountain peaks. And then we look at the drab, grey office walls and our world goes dark. Is there any way to get the feeling of waking up in a hut on stilts in French Polynesia, while stuck in suburbia doing the same old, same old? In this lesson, we will find out how.
A Zealous ActExtreme Measures for Extreme TimesYou’ve seen it before: the zealous guy who is quick to act and take extreme measures when everyone else is too afraid to move. When’s the right time to be “that guy”? And when should we back off and just let things be? A desert showdown between a zealous student and a brazen prince gone astray holds the answers to these tough questions.
Moses’s Double StandardThe Drawbacks of AuthenticitySure, we’d all like to believe that we behave in private just as we do in public -- but oftentimes, that’s simply not the case. So, are we just bald-faced hypocrites? Should we make our public actions consistent with our private ones and let it all out? A sad story of Moses and the rock tells us a thing or two about this tension.
Sophisticated Animal?The Total Is More than Just the Sum of the PartsIt’s an age-old question: Is man simply a sophisticated animal, or an entirely different species? Let the critics cluck and the cynics chuckle, but Moses has a message to deliver: It’s definitely the second option. Find out how his showdown with a rabble-rousing Korach centered on just this question.
Man of the PeopleHow One Man Stemmed a Revolution and Won Over a NationIt’s an angry scene. Future hopes nursed for generations have been shattered. A furious mob wants to oust the incumbent leader. People are wailing on the sidelines. The pressure cooker is about to burst. One man steps in and saves the day. Caleb was his name. What did he say and how did he do it? Find out in this exciting class.
Desiring TemptationIs It Okay to Tempt Yourself?Somewhere, in some distant land, there exists the perfect person who is not even tempted by evil. For the rest of us, we're stuck with the daily struggle of life. The good news is that struggles make us better and more committed people -- and it makes G-d proud, too. So, perhaps we should try to look for even more things with which to struggle? The miraculous story of raining quail in the desert tell us, "No!"
Strong as SamsonWatch What You WatchThe name Samson is synonymous with strength. Journey through the life of this colorful and mystifying character -- strongman, judge, leader of the people, Nazarite, and of course, a man of G-d. Along the way, discover the weak link of his story, and how to avoid it in your own.
Three is the Magic NumberAchieving Harmony in the Face of ControversyThere’s something extremely satisfying about settling a dispute between two parties. Of course, it would be nice if everyone agreed about everything, but that’s just not happening. Or would that even be preferred? Apparently, when G-d married heaven and earth in the present we called Torah, He taught us this: One is good, but to make two into one is even better. And that’s the magic of three.
Snake Oil SalesmanGetting off the Ground“Be a mensch!” is probably something you’ve heard before. But is that limited to an annual donation to the synagogue sisterhood and holding the door for that bulky stroller? What does it really mean to be human, a real mensch? The snake crawling on the ground gives us a pretty good idea of what it’s not -- and an inkling of what, indeed, it is.
Life in BalanceSolving the Paradox of LifeAre we supposed to be proud or humble? Spiritually sensitive, or career-driven? So many extremes in life, and so many paradoxes to navigate, it can be quite dizzying. A command to let the earth rest for a year, a small mountain in the Sinai desert, and a Temple-era practice of freeing slaves provide the backdrop for striking the perfect balance.
“I’ll Take Care of It”Investing in Our Relationship with the DivineIs there a pressing matter in your community that no one seems to really care about? Is there someone who, for whatever reason, is overlooked by everyone else? When it comes to choosing a cause, it can be tempting to take on the popular cause du jour. But sometimes, becoming a better person means taking the path less trodden -- even if it isn’t so popular.
Check Your PrivilegeGetting Ahead in LifeWho’s more admirable -- the self-made man, or the born rich? And which one would you rather be? Rather than put any one side down, journey through the Torah narrative of human and animal law to discover the beauty of both -- and how to utilize everything to get ahead.
Consumer CultureBalancing Mind and MatterWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaMany great sages sufficed with bread and water, shunning the caviar and the Rolls Royce. But is having a few extras really so bad? Discover how, when, and why we ought to make use of the finer things in life in a way that complements, rather than contradicts, our spiritual selves.
Stealing FreedomWhen Jailbreaking Is the Only OptionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in Atlanta“You don’t have what it takes.” “Stop faking it.” “Who do you think you are?” Ever heard those before? Yeah, we all have. You want to turn things around, be a better you... despite all the naysayers. What to do? Take a cue from the Passover story and “snatch your afikomen” -- steal your way to a brighter future.
Where Do I Fit In?The Synthesis between Community and IndividualWhat makes you most proud? Your individual accomplishments, or your contribution to the community? Are those perhaps the same thing? What if they clash? And which one is more important? Sacrificial goats, the tablets at Sinai, and the breastplate of the High Priest are the surprising authors of insightful commentary on these very questions.
Art and SoulCreativity as a Means to Touch the DivineMusicians, dancers, photographers, poets, artists, and others bursting with creativity endow our world with color, meaning, and beauty. At the core of such abundant creativity lies an unbridled spirit, a freedom of expression, and boundless energy. How does that jive with a religious lifestyle that appears so restrictive and limiting?
Woodstock: The Real StoryWhat We Can Learn from the Hippie MovementRemember the hippie counterculture, when droves of young Americans rejected the sensible path of their parents? What caused that sort of mayhem? The Purim story teaches that what may have looked like a wild, senseless party was, in fact, a symptom of a longing for meaning. Sometimes, real growth only comes through rejecting the “establishment.”
Bold, Brash... Braggadocious?Wear Your Judaism with PrideWhen the first mitzvah tanks rolled out on the streets of New York, many people turned heads... and noses. We've come a long way since, and it's time to address the issue head on: Should we wear our Judaism on our sleeve, or keep our religious lives to ourselves?
The Synagogue StoryMore than Just a Place to PrayFor millennia, the synagogue has served as the hub of Jewish life. These structures, large and small, are used for prayer, celebration, and a bevy of communal functions. Explore the importance of synagogues, the laws mandating their construction and maintenance, and proper synagogue conduct.
Kindness WinsDiscipline Is Necessary; Compassion Is CrucialScholars throughout the ages were mystified by the law against mixing meat and milk. A ride through the kabbalah of these two culinary counterparts, coupled with a detail in kosher law, delivers a profound lesson about managing your emotional bank account.
Father(-in-law)ly AdviceWhy You Need a MentorWhile many great leaders are too busy for the average folk, Moses helped every Jew sort through their personal issues. But when his father-in-law advised him to take it easy, Moses took a step back. Why? In this class we look at the power of personal growth, mentorship, and the role of Moses.
When the River SplitThe Story of another Marine MiracleWhen a Talmudic sage was on his way to performing a mitzvah, crazy things happened: A donkey kept a mitzvah, and a river split in half to make way for his entourage. What’s the message of this wondrous tale?
A Believer's QuestionChallenging G-d as a Pathway to FaithTo believe is to follow G-d unquestionably. Right? Wrong. Through the eyes of such greats as Abraham and Moses, we discover that to believe is to challenge; to wrestle with G-d and emerge stronger. After all, if you don’t really believe, who cares?
Whispers of Creation - Part 16"How to See G-d (in the Dark)"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 29, 2023)In one of the most dramatic pieces of dialogue in the Torah, Moses asks G-d the ultimate question: "Show me Your glory!" To which G-d replies: "No one can see My face and live..."There are countless commentaries with countless takes on this conversation, seeking to answer the big questions. What is Moses really asking? What is G-d's response? What can we learn from this episode about the nature of human and spiritual limitation?No matter how you answer these questions, one thing seems clear from the biblical tale: a human being simply cannot behold G-d's full reality.Until you learn Kabbalah. And discover how it is indeed possible to see G-d's face...In this astonishing session of Kabbalah Cafe we learn Divine-gazing secrets not even Moses knew, and come to understand why G-d can be seen precisely in darkest of places.
Whispers of Creation - Part 15"The Kabbalah of Education"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 22, 2023)Much ink has been spilled on the topic of education. Countless philosophies, strategies, and models have been offered to enhance and maximize the educational experience. And yet, on many levels, education remains a real and present challenge.The Kabbalists too speak about education. The Kabbalistic model of education is a holistic one, following the energy flow of the soul. By mapping the ten energy centers of the human being, the Jewish mystics provide invaluable guidance as to how we most effectively teach and learn.In this unforgettable session of Kabbalah Cafe we probe the mystical secrets of pedagogy -- and at the same time discover profound truths about our purpose in life.
Whispers of Creation - Part 14"The Three Who Died in the Idra"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 15, 2023)On more than one occasion we read in Jewish literature about righteous people whose lives ended in a state of unchecked spiritual ecstasy. There's the story in the Torah about the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu. There's the story in the Talmud about the four scholars who entered the Pardes. And then there's the story in the Zohar about the ten mystics who entered the Idra... and only seven emerged alive. What exactly happened in those chambers of ecstasy? Where does the line stand between soulfulness and soullessness? And what's the living message for us?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore what happens behind mystical closed doors.
Whispers of Creation - Part 13"Body > Soul"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 8, 2023)There's a fascinating mitzvah detailed in the book of Exodus. The verse talks about the obligation to extend our compassion to animals and do the right thing -- even if the animal in need belongs to someone we dislike.Here's the verse in full: "When you see the donkey of your enemy collapsing under its burden, and you are inclined to refrain from aiding him, you shall nevertheless aid him" (Exodus 23:5). Pretty straightforward, right? Do the right thing!Well, the Baal Shem Tov, who lived about 3000 years after this mitzvah first appeared, revealed a stunning mystical perspective hidden within this instruction, about how we are to view and treat our physical bodies. See, the Hebrew word for donkey, "chamor," also means materiality. So, initially -- the Torah is saying -- you may see your body materiality as your enemy, resisting your soul's objectives, collapsing under the "burden" of the mitzvot. You may therefore be inclined to fight the body by denying its needs and mortifying it. Says the Torah: You must aid your soul's "enemy.. Purify the body, refine it, do not break it.It's a beautiful mystical teaching, speaking to the sacredness of not just the soul, but the body.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the sacred nature of the body. We discover that the body doesn't just also contain a measure of holiness -- no, on a very real level, its holiness far exceeds the holiness of the soul.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 10"Jewish Divorce Law:Get, Halachic Prenup & The Agunah Crisis"With Rabbi Shmuel KhoshkermanRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 29, 2023
Abraham's WorryThe Real Benefits of Fame and Fortune(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 25, 2017)“He really only did it so everyone can say how nice he is...” Ever heard that one before? Has the prospect of doing the right thing for the wrong reason ever scared you off? Through the worries of Abraham and the mendacities of recalcitrant husbands, discover your hidden goodness and never be scared again.
The First, the Shovel, and the NameLessons From Moses on Combating Anti-SemitismThe baseless hatred that our ancestors encountered 3300 years ago continues to cross paths with many Jews today. This class explores three unique responses, modeled by none other than Moses himself.
Obstacles or Stepping Stones?Finding the Light within the DarkWe're used to thinking of light and darkness as polar opposites, existential metaphors for all kinds of binary worlds. In this class, we plumb the depth of Kabbalistic paradigms to come up with a fresh perspective -- one that can, perhaps, reframe life in a surprisingly empowering way.
When Life Give You ExileLessons in Anger ManagementIf your brothers sold you into slavery, you wound up in prison, and you were estranged from your home for seventeen-plus years, you probably wouldn't think too highly of your next of kin. But Joseph shattered all expectations and acted majestically with his past tormentors. From whence his courage? Expose the secret sauce of this towering figure of forgiveness.
For G-d's SakeAre We Capable of Altruism?We get it. It’s hard to always be firing on all cylinders. We’re talking in a spiritual sense -- to always be doing good things for the right reasons. So, go ahead and do what it takes to get the job done. But remember, there’s one part that you should always keep sacred, a lone pocket of truth that is altruistic and pure. And it’s burning right there -- in the Chanukah candles.
The Bigger PictureEverything You Do Affects the Entire WorldIt’s easy to be the good guy when nobody’s watching. But when there’s nobody around, where do you find the moral fortitude to withstand temptation? It’s the realization that our actions affect far more than the here and now that empowers us to act responsibly.
Game of NamesWho Is the Real Jew?What’s the ideal modus operandi? Aggressive and brash, and assertive and confident? Or perhaps more reconciliatory and compromising, and meager and humble. It is this identity crisis that unfolds over the name change from “Jacob” to “Israel.” That both names are kept for posterity speaks volumes to our approach in life as servants of the Divine.
Writing Your Life StoryDon't Get Stuck in the NarrativeEver feel like your life is playing out in front of you, and you are just watching the show? While past failures and perceived challenges may make it seem like your life’s story has already been written, Jacob shows that at any moment, we can turn things around for the better.
Miraculous BeginningsSowing the Seeds of the Jewish NationThe painful theme of childlessness is found again and again at the beginning of the Jewish story. But why did the beginning of our nation entail such hardship? Discover the depth and the beauty of our prayerful matriarchs as they laid the foundation for the eternal edifice of the Jewish people.
Of Omens and AmensIs It Okay to Look for Signs?While the weatherman jabbers on about the future, we are still wary of pulling out the crystal ball and letting it call the shots. But some people do indeed avoid the thirteenth floor of a building, or scheduling anything significant on Friday the Thirteenth. So, what does Judaism say about all this spooky stuff?
Of Angels and FoodHow to Eat Like an AngelIce cream, boiled peanuts, brisket -- we all have our preferences. But can there be anything holy about our eating habits? Is there a noble side to digging in? Surprisingly, the answer is "Yes!" Find out how to take your gastronomic pursuits to the next level as we explore the surprising eating habits of angels.
The Ways of PraiseYou Never Know How Far a Compliment Will Go(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 18, 2017)Of all the impressive people in the Bible, only one gets a shout-out from G-d. Not Moses, not Abraham, and not Elijah. Who? Noah, of all people. What was so special about this deluge-dodging daredevil that earned him such heaping praise?
Book Smart - Lesson 2The MidrashWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 25, 2023“Midrash” is both a methodology and a body of literature. In this lesson, we explore both aspects of Midrash. We study the various methods by which additional layers of meaning contained within the words -- or between the lines -- of the Torah are expounded. We also acquaint ourselves with some of the major Midrashic works that record the expositional teachings by the sages of the Talmudic era (approximately 100 BCE to 500 CE).Midrash includes Halachic (legal) expositions, which extrapolate the details of the Torah’s laws from the text, as well as Agadic Midrashim -- moral, philosophical, and mystical teachings, as well as historical narratives and parables. We study examples from both of these varieties of Midrash, including a number of intricate legal expositions, and an esoteric parable relating to a celestial battle over the creation of the human being and the paradox of goodness and truth.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 7"The Origins of Body & Soul"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 22, 2017)Men may be from Mars, and women from Venus. But where do bodies and souls come from? According to Kabbalah -- from very different places!In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a Kabbalistic tour of the cosmos and discover the unique (and opposite) origins of body and soul. Along the way we'll encounter the Divine Chariot and its four "faces," and uncover the deeper truth behind food.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 8"There Is No World"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 29, 2017)What if the world didn't really exist? How big would our day-to-day problems be?The Kabbalists explore the notion of reality -- and what is really real -- in considerable depth. And their conclusion is that while the world appears to be real, and is indeed real on a certain dimension, on another dimension, it's far less real than we imagine. Explore this profound revelation of mystical teaching and discover its life-altering ramifications in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 9"Three Degrees of Infinity"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 5, 2017)G-d's greatness, say the ancient Kabbalists, lies in the fact that He can make Himself so small. For just as G-d has the power of infinity, so does He have the power to limit Himself -- otherwise, that itself would constitute a limitation.Yet, there is much to be said about G-d's infinite power and greatness. About the fact that G-d is beyond time and space, beyond the here and now, beyond anything we can know. About the fact that on one level, G-d is absolutely and essentially unchanged by the entire spectrum of creation.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn three powerful messages from G-d's infinity.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 10"Life's Turbulence"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 12, 2017)Life certainly has its fair share of ups and downs. One minute things are going well, the next, perhaps not so much. We usually chalk it up to life just being life -- unexpected, unpredictable, volatile.But the Kabbalists are investigative. They're not content with an answer that skirts the issue. If life has its ups and downs, if our fates and fortunes vacillate so dramatically, there must be more to it. There must be a spiritual root-cause.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Kabbalistic wisdom on the source of life's turbulence. It may not end the shuddering, but knowing where it comes from can steady us as we navigate what's ahead.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 11"The Origins of Evil"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 3, 2017)Look at the news and, unfortunately, you'll see a lot of bad things. A lot of really bad things. Which is both heartbreaking and a seeming impossibility from a spiritual and theological perspective: How does a good G-d allow for such evil in His world?We're not the first to ask this questions. Many have grappled with this throughout the ages, including the great Kabbalists. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the origins of evil from a Jewish mystical perspective. We'll visit a secret garden, and tour an ancient mountaintop. For it is there that much wisdom is to be found.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 12"Paradise"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 10, 2017)Most religions speak of a "Paradise" that one enjoys after one's time on earth. Judaism is no exception. The concept of Divine reward is foundation to Jewish belief, and Jewish literature is replete with discussions of "Gan Eden" and "Olam Habah," i.e., Paradise.But what exactly is Paradise? What is the experience like? Where does it take place? And who's there?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the unique Jewish perspective on Paradise, as explained by the Kabbalists.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 1"The Origins of Knowledge"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 10, 2017)"Knowledge & Faith" is a magnificent exploration of these dueling dynamics of the human condition. Explore the secrets of the universe, examine where knowledge ends and faith begins, and discover how to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 2"The Mystery of Life"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 17, 2017)What is life? Where does life come from? Where does life go? How do lifeless beings gain life? And how does a live being lose life? These questions have been pondered, discussed, and debated throughout time.Kabbalah, the ancient Jewish mystical tradition, has a fascinating approach to the questions of life -- an approach that is both humbling and profoundly empowering. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mystery of life through the lens of Kabbalah.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 3"Hidden Worlds"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 24, 2017)The mystics speak of revealed worlds and hidden worlds. The revealed worlds are easier to figure -- that's the sandbox we play in. But what are the hidden worlds? Where are the hidden worlds? Can we interact with these hidden worlds? Do they affect our revealed reality?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a mystical tour of the galaxy as we explore the hidden worlds.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 4"The Origins of Knowledge"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 1, 2017)In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mystical concepts of Divine immanence and Divine transcendence, and learn how each influences us in a powerful yet distinct manner.
Knowledge & Faith - Part 5"Love Squared"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 8, 2017)In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore love through the lens of Jewish mysticism, and discover how love's two dimensions correspond to the dual system of reality that G-d set up in the universe, as well as two different planes of time. Plus, we take a Kabbalistic look at those lovable temporary huts called "sukkot."
Knowledge & Faith - Part 6"Black Fire, White Fire"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 15, 2017)There's an ancient Kabbalistic teaching that the Torah originates in heaven as black fire on white fire. But what is the black fire, and what is the white fire? And how does it subsequently translate into the black-ink-on-white-parchment Torah we know on earth?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we learn about the secret code that is the letters of the Torah, and how they reveal some of the deepest mysteries of existence.
The Bible CoursePart 1, Lesson 3With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Take a closer look at famous biblical stories and at the lives of their characters as you take an unforgettable spiritual journey. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
Chasidic RenaissancePower and Controversy in the Teachings of the Chasidic MastersIn the aftermath of the devastation wrought by the Khmelnytsky pogroms of 1648-1649, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov initiated a movement that breathed new life into the hearts of the Jewish masses. But the teachings of Chasidism were soon regarded with suspicion by other Jews, and this led to some bitter controversies. Our lesson will examine the writings of one of the central figures who lived through this unfortunate saga, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. We will explore how he understood the causes and nature of this controversy, and how he guided his followers through it, until he finally saw the day when peace and reconciliation prevailed.
Dead Sea ScrollsDead Sea Sect vs Rabbinic InterpretationThe Dead Sea Scrolls are considered to be the most important archaeological find of the twentieth century. A considerable number of these scrolls are evidently sectarian and they reveal an intense debate from the Second Temple era over aspects of Jewish ritual and philosophy. Who were these sectarians? What were their beliefs? Against whom were they polemicizing? We will learn the underpinnings of this dispute by examining key passages in the scrolls and by searching for contrasts and analogies in rabbinic literature.
Masada vs. YavnehDivergent Jewish Responses to Roman TyrannyThe last stand of Masada's defenders in the year 73 CE has resonated strongly with many modern Israeli's, but at the same time there were Jews who believed the revolt against Rome was imprudent. What lay behind the clamoring for revolt and why did others oppose it? Why did the people at Masada continue fighting even after Jerusalem was destroyed? By judicious use of sources, we paint a stunning picture of this great debate that had grave consequences for the rest of Jewish history.
The Bible CoursePart 1, Lesson 1With Rabbi Eliyahu SchustermanImmerse yourself in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover in the ancient texts hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations. Take a closer look at famous biblical stories and at the lives of their characters as you take an unforgettable spiritual journey. This series focuses on the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses.
The Maimonidean ControversyThe Nexus of Faith and Reason in JudaismIn 1232, Dominican priests publicly burned Maimonides' "Guide for the Perplexed" in Montpellier, but this display was the result of a controversy within the Jewish community over the legitimacy of his work. How did one of the greatest rabbis of the Middle Ages become a flashpoint in the Jewish community? What was the ideological nature of this controversy? Much of this story hinges on the tensions between faith and reason, and we will gain clarity about this topic by examining the polemical writings on both sides of this debate.
The Public MenorahIs All Publicity Good Publicity?In the 1970s, when Chabad began erecting large Chanukah menorahs in public places, a number of Jewish organizations objected to this practice and filed lawsuits against it. This debate brought into sharp relief differing approaches within the Jewish community regarding how to preserve and express Jewish identity in the modern world. This lesson also confronts the question: In light of the Jewish historical experience as a "minority religion," should Jews advocate for a more secular society? Or, does an irreligious society actually pose the greater threat to our Jewishness, and to a civil society in general?
In the Wake of ExpulsionWas the Time Ripe to Reestablish the Sanhedrin?In 1538, the rabbis of Safed announced that they had decided to reinstitute the practice of ordination, which had fallen into disuse centuries earlier. But soon thereafter, word came from the rabbi in Jerusalem that they were opposed to this initiative. Why did the rabbis of Safed want to reinstitute ordination, and why did the the rabbis of Jerusalem oppose this? Dissecting the halachic polemics, we will learn how this debate was a product of the unique historical circumstances of sixteenth-century Jewry still reeling from the Spanish Expulsion, and we will see how this story is relevant to modern attempts to reinstitute the Sanhedrin.
Rosh Chodesh Society"Pause & Affect"Lesson 1: Gift of RestWith Mrs. Dena SchustermanIt is difficult to imagine today a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. Societies customarily celebrated seasonal holidays, but the notion of a universal weekend -- where an entire society would take a day off each week -- was nonexistent. In fact, Greek and Roman writers habitually mocked the Jews for their Shabbat. Yet, these mockeries were ignored by Jews because of the profound meaning they found in Shabbat.This lesson explores the deep riches that Jews have found in thepast -- and continue to find today -- in Shabbat observance. We learn that some of the restrictions of Shabbat allow us to experience its power: increased productivity, enhanced physical and emotional health, a more robust sense of liberty, a better fostering of relationships, and amplified feelings of happiness. We then climb to the next rung to discover the vast spiritual treasures embedded into this day -- how Shabbat is a different day, a loftier day, a more spiritual time, rendering it a conducive period for us to ponder and explore our relationship with G-d and our overall life’s mission.
Conflict Resolution Seminar - Love Langauges With Rabbi Mordechai Pollock by The Torah Center ATL
Conflict Resolution Seminar - Healthy Parenting With David Alexander by The Torah Center ATL
The Holy HereticAll Is Never Lost(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 25, 2017)Of all the Talmud's characters, perhaps the most enigmatic is Elisha ben Avuya -- the illustrious scholar turned heretic. In an inspiring interpretation of the narrative, Elisha's story is the story of all of us. The point? All is never lost. G-d is waiting for us to return.
What Moses Didn't KnowCapturing the Core of the Jew(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 2, 2017)On the holiday that celebrates completing the Torah, we hold it shut and dance around in circles. Have we gone mad? And where did this idea come from, anyway? Well, it’s as holy as Moses, or, as this class exposes, maybe even more.
Soul WordsIf you are such a good person, why do you sometimes feel so mean inside? And if you are such a bad person, why are you plagued by fits of conscience? Just as Freud developed the vocabulary that enable you to speak about your psyche, the Tanya provides the key terms and constructs that allow you to speak about your soul... or souls. What kind of person are you? What is the source of inner conflict? This lesson teaches you the words you need in order to answer the question.
Sync or SinkWhen your heart’s passion pulls you one way and your measured mind pulls another way, the disconnect can be agonizing. This lesson will teach you two methods for aligning reason and emotion, so you can reduce stress and live decisively.
The JoyrideConstant doubt and emotional unhappiness can gradually sap you of the strength and will to change. But joy provides the boost that allows you to live each day with enthusiasm and resolve. This lesson provides useful perspectives that can help you generate a positive attitude.
The Big PictureEven after learning methods for overcoming personal challenges and pursuing goodness, you may still wonder why it all matters. What is the purpose of imperfect attempts at perfection? Do your human failings condemn you to be a personal failure? Or might your weaknesses provide an opportunity for a making a unique contribution to the world? This lesson will help you make peace with your personal struggles as you consider your place in the larger scheme of things.
Have a HeartMost of Tanya focuses on how you can gain control of the way you act, even if your feelings and motives are not always pure. For those who are patient enough to pursue a slow fix, this final lesson provides meditations and guidelines for reshaping your essential nature over time, while recognizing that the true key to living purposefully is behaving purposefully.
Getting A Grip on YourselfIt can be enlightening to know why you succumb to temptations that you wish you had resisted. But is there a strategy to gaining self-control? This lesson provides practical guidelines for overcoming weakness and learning to control behavior.
The Silent VoiceListening to the Shofar's Call(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 18, 2017)When you think of Rosh Hashanah the shofar likely comes to mind. But what is the meaning of the shofar's sound? This Rosh Hashanah session explains the deeper connection between a ram's horn and the Jewish New Year -- and the profound life messages we can learn from the call of the shofar.
A Ticket to ParadiseThe Security of Stagnation and the Challenge of ChangeHow can a small donation surpass a lifetime of life-risking devotion? Illogical rates at a "rent-a-donkey" location and a royal dispute about sheep and goats teach us the dangers of stagnation and suggest a path to radical growth.
The Great Oven DebacleWhen the Rabbis Overruled a Heavenly DecisionAfter exhausting his arguments, Rabbi Eliezer makes a carob tree jump, reverses a stream of water, crumbles the walls of the study hall, and evokes a heavenly voice, all to make a point. What is so important about Rabbi Eliezer's message? How is it relevant to us today?
Greek RiddlesA Camouflaged Theological DebateA snake's gestation period, a butcher's head for sale, and how to mend a broken millstone are just a few of the paradoxical riddles in a battle of wits between Jewish and Athenian sages, presenting profound intellectual challenges to the fundamentals of our faith.
The Vindication of an Idolatrous KingSeeing the Divine within EverythingThe lessons of a vinegar-fueled lamp; singing toddlers; and a tale of a king, a sage, and a dream affect how we judge others and help us to find purpose in our nation's exile and within all that transpires in our lives.
Whale of a TaleLife Lessons from Gargantuan Fish, Geese, and CorpsesAn island turns out to be the back of a mammoth sea creature, oceanic waves rise miles high, and an encounter with the "dead of the wilderness." Rabbah bar bar Chanah's strange parables hold the secret to Jewish survival and offer powerful tips on how to rise above life's challenges.
When G-d PrayedA Study in the Art of AnthropomorphismG-d prayed, sinned, and even requested a blessing from a human being. Talmudic anthropomorphisms highlight the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how being vulnerable shapes the character and essence of our relationship with G-d.
Exploring The Soul - Part 22"Experiencing Totality"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 20, 2017)The buzz word right now is "totality." And to experience it with the solar eclipse, you need to be in just the right place, at just the right time.What's true for the sun is true for the soul. When the soul experiences "totality" -- being completely subsumed within the Source, losing self-identity -- it is a marvelous, breathtaking thing. But to happen you need to be in just the right place, at just the right time.So where to go for soul totality? We find out in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Exploring The Soul - Part 21"The Kabbalah of the Eclipse"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 13, 2017)February 26, 1979. That was the last time a total solar eclipse was seen from the United States. And it's happening again on Monday, August 21, 2017.There's a buzz surrounding the eclipse. People are talking about it, planning trips to get the best views, and buying special eclipse eyewear to view it safely.But what is the spiritual message in the eclipse? After all, the mystics teach that everything that happens has a deeper message that can practically inform our lives. So what can we learn from a solar eclipse?A whole lot, it turns out. From the Talmud to the Kabbalah, Jewish scholars throughout the millennia have discussed the meaning of an eclipse. And in this session of Kabbalah and Coffee, we explore these powerful messages.
Exploring The Soul - Part 20"Touched By An Angel"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 6, 2017)Have you ever seen an angel? Would you know what one looked like if you had?The Jewish mystics speak extensively about the supernatural -- spiritual worlds, realms, chambers, dimensions, energies, and yes, angels. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee class we explore the unique Kabbalistic understanding of angels, and learn what exactly they are, where they exist, and how they interact with each of us. The knowledge will surprise and inspire you.
Exploring The Soul - Part 19"Clothing's Soul"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 30, 2017)Clothing has much spiritual significance. The ancient mystics note that it is significant that the first gift G-d gave Adam and Eve after the sin was a set of garments. These were not just ordinary garments -- they were "garments of light," fashioned by G-d.Ever since we've been following G-d's lead, utilizing physical garments, and working with our spiritual "garments" to bring more light into the world. And as the Kabbalists explain, every garment has its spiritual counterpart, and every fabric has its unique inner energy.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll take a deeper look at the spiritual side of fashion and clothing.
Exploring The Soul - Part 18"Broken Shards"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 16, 2017)Sometimes an event can seem completely terrible, but in truth be the greatest moment. Sometimes things seem irredeemably broken, but in truth they are more whole than ever.When Moses broke the Tablets upon descending from Mt. Sinai and beholding the sin of the Golden Calf, it would have seemed to be a disaster of national and historical proportions. G-d's writing, G-d's handiwork, broken in a million little pieces at the foot of the mountain.But from the shards rose new life. The Kabbalists teach that as the Tables were shattering, a light never seen before was emanating from their core. A light that would ultimately form the nucleus of the teachings of Kabbalah.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we trace the origins of the Kabbalah to a surprisingly dark moment in Jewish history, and discover how brokenness can lead to the greatest wholeness.
Exploring The Soul - Part 17"The Fourth Wall"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 9, 2017)There is a fourth wall in the universe. It may be invisible, we may not see it, but it's there. And it divides between us and the truth of our existence.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore art, literature, creation, animation, consciousness, and how to break down the fourth wall.
Exploring The Soul - Part 16"Adam's Secret"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 2, 2017)Adam had a secret. A secret the serpent was unaware of. A secret not even Eve knew about.This secret would both haunt and inspire Adam. In the worst of times it was a reminder of his failings. In the best of times it was a reminder of the heights he could yet scale.Adam's secret may have been known to him, but it remained hidden for millennia. So it remained until the late 1500s, when a renowned mystic in Israel revealed it to the world. In retrospect the answer was there the whole time, hiding in plain site. Right in his name...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we reveal Adam's secret, and explore its inspiring message for each one of us.
Exploring The Soul - Part 15"The Forehead"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 25, 2017)The mystics teach that there are two dimensions to the human being: the human, and the non-human. There is a layer of our being that is rational, natural, and predictable, and then there is a layer that is suprarational, non-conforming, and spontaneous. In other words -- not in the limited modality of being "human."This deeper dimension defies standard human definition. In Kabbalistic terminology, it's like the difference between the forehead and the face: whereas the face contains easily distinguishable features of the person, the forehead is a blank slate. Open to possibilities, open to the unknown.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mystical secrets of the forehead.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 9"21st Century Kashrus:Big Food, Food Science & Scandals"With Rabbi Reuven SteinRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 22, 2023
Exploring The Soul - Part 7"Icebergs & Souls"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 5, 2017)There is only so much of the soul that we can see. No matter how well you know someone, or even yourself, it's just the tip of the iceberg. And like an iceberg, what's visible above the surface is but a small part of the true reality.Kabbalah teaches that there are lofty souls that appear lowly, and lowly souls that appear lofty. This is because we only see what we can see -- while a greater truth lies beneath the surface...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the known and unknown dimensions of the soul. We'll learn how to better read souls, and how to leverage that awareness to further our own soul's mission here on earth.
Exploring The Soul - Part 6"Where in the World is Radl'a?"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 19, 2017)See, that's exactly the problem. Radl'a in not in the world at all -- it's far, far removed from anything related to the world or creation. Radl'a is so beyond anything we know, the only thing we know is that it's unknowable.Theoretically, we wouldn't need to even discuss Radl'a. And that's the way we would leave it -- if we didn't have a "spark" originating from Radl'a within us.We call it the "soul." The Kabbalists call it an unknown impossibility. And we'll seek to understand it a little better in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
Exploring The Soul - Part 5"The Mystery of the Soul"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 12, 2017)There are things that are not know. Then there are things that are unknowable. One represents a deficiency in knowledge; the other, a natural fact of the universe.Is the soul merely not know, or unknowable? Is it possible that someone could have a completely incorrect assessment of the stature of their own soul, or another's?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we untangle some mysteries of the soul -- and add some more.
Exploring The Soul - Part 4"Vessels & Garments"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 5, 2017)Kabbalah speaks of garments and vessels. Both serve to "enclose" another entity. But they do it in vastly different ways.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the mystical realities of garments and vessels, and learn much about how both we and the universe at large operate.
Exploring The Soul - Part 2"Souls & Minds"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 22, 2017)So what's a soul anyway?The Jewish philosophers speak of souls in terms of intelligence. A soul, seen through the lens of the philosophers, is an intellectual force that powers human consciousness and creativity.But the mystics have a different take. The Kabbalists teach that there's much more to the soul than intelligence. Which is a very good thing, since we now how evanescent the mind can be.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a closer look at the soul-position of the philosophers and the mystics, and learn what it all means for us.
Exploring The Soul - Part 1"The Beginning"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 15, 2017)"Exploring the Soul" is a deep, mystical guide inside the mysterious and manifold layers of the soul. Using the dramatic account of the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur as the backdrop, the text delves into level upon level of soul consciousness and subconsciousness. It also seeks to reconcile our higher and lower selves with tried and true Kabbalistic wisdom.
Exploring The Soul - Part 8"Winning the Soul Lottery (It's Fixed!)"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 19, 2017)A lottery is truly a fascinating thing. Think about it: you suspend your judgment and agree to follow the dictates of chance and luck. Names are placed in a hat, balls are put in a lotto machine, and out comes the winner. No logical considerations are used to determine the winner; not effort, ability, or deservedness. Just pure and simple chance.Unless the lottery is rigged.Sometimes, the winner is known well before the lots are drawn. Sometimes, as King Solomon writes, "The lot is cast in the lap" -- the winner is determined even while all the names are in the hat. In that case, the drawing may have looked dramatic, but there was no doubt all along.The mystics love the topic of lotteries. It's so rich with symbolism, and holds so much personal meaning. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the spiritual meaning of the lottery, and learn why it is that our soul is called "goral," lottery.
Exploring The Soul - Part 3"You Think You Know"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 29, 2017)Sometimes you think you know. And then you realize you don't have a clue.Think about a time you wanted something badly. Very badly. You may have had good reasons why you wanted it, but you and I both know the truth: even if someone presented logical arguments as to why you shouldn't want it, nothing would have changed. You would have still wanted it.What happened, then, is that you thought you understood your motives. Then you realized they're deeper than knowing...In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the realm of the known and the unknown. We talk about the mystical meaning of garments, vessels, emotions, wisdom, and will. And we gain a better understanding of what makes us tick.
Exploring The Soul - Part 9"Feeling Lucky"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 26, 2017)When a coin is flipped, sometimes you win -- and sometimes you lose. The good thing about a coin flip is that you can win big. The not-so-good thing is that you can lose big too. But that's what leaving things up to chance will do.Unless the coin is loaded. And you're guaranteed to win.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee you'll learn the mystical secrets to winning the Great Game of Chance -- every single time. You may not win at a table in Vegas, but you'll win at the really meaningful things in life. Like purpose, happiness, tranquility. And that's more valuable than a pile of chips.
Exploring The Soul - Part 10"The Human Ark"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 23, 2017)Arguably the most famous of the ancient Jewish Temple's vessels is the Holy Ark. For millennia the Ark has been the subject of lore and legend, art and literature, movies and mystery.But its mystery is itself a mystery.See, the Ark was a fairly utilitarian vessel. It was a box that served to house the Tablets. Yes, the Tablets were pretty special, and yes, the Ark itself was made of gold -- but why did the Ark become such a big deal? Why all the fanfare and folklore?The answer is fairly simple: We've known from the beginning that the Ark is not just a physical vessel, a utilitarian box. Rather, the Ark is the most compelling template for the human being ever imagined. And that's pretty incredible to behold.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discover the real secrets of the ancient Holy Ark. What we uncover may be more valuable to us than unearthing the golden Ark itself.
Exploring The Soul - Part 11"Love in Two Dimensions"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 30, 2017)There are two types of love -- the love of what you get, and the love of what the other is. The first kind of love feels good; the second is good.Kabbalah teaches that these two loves exist in every relationship, including our relationship with G-d. Knowing what each is and the differences between them can make all the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the Kabbalistic notion of love, in two dimensions. You're going to love it!
Exploring The Soul - Part 12"Spiritual Vision"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 7, 2017)They say that seeing is believing. When you hear something, it may be true. When you see something, you know it's true.This is true on a spiritual level as well. The Kabbalists teach that there's hearing about G-d, and then there's seeing G-d. Two totally different experiences. And while hearing is a great start, only seeing is truly believing.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore spiritual vision -- what it means, and how we can achieve it.
Exploring The Soul - Part 13"Sleep Consciousness"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 14, 2017)Sleep is a marvelous experience, when we drift into an amorphous, magical state of consciousness. Things are familiar and strange simultaneously. Time and space have no consequence. And the impossible suddenly becomes possible.Kabbalah teaches that there's a lot that happens spiritually when we sleep. The soul operates in a completely different state, and the connection between body and soul is altered. But more than just informing us what happens when we don't know what's happening, Kabbalah's "sleep-principles" illuminate the hidden areas of our conscious lives, helping us better understand our struggles, and teaching us how to better deal with them.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we wake up to new mystical insight from the ancient spiritual teachings of Judaism.
Exploring The Soul - Part 14"Crouching Lion, Hidden Mystic"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 4, 2017)There is a powerful biblical verse that likens us to a lion -- more specifically, a crouching lion.Which stirs the question: Why are we only compared to a crouching lion, and not to a stalking lion, or an attacking lion? A crouching lion sounds so... passive, and not ferocious. It's missing the swagger!Worry not, the mystics come to the rescue. Kabbalah teaches how the crouching lion is the most ferocious lion of them all, and how this imagery evokes the true power of the human soul.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take a walk on the wild side and study the mystical side of lions.
Book Smart - Lesson 1The TorahWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 18, 2023We begin by addressing the question, “What is the Torah?” We discover how the whole of Jewish teaching (“the Torah” in its broader meaning) derives from the Chumash (“the Torah” in its narrower meaning). We also discuss the relationship between the “Written Torah” and the “Oral Torah,” and how these two components of Torah constitute a “partnership” of Divine revelation and human toil of the mind.We then introduce the twenty-four books of the Tanach. We explain the differences between Torah, Neviim, and Ketuvim, and review the contents of each. We also see how the roots of the different “genres” of Torah -- Midrash, Halachah, Kabbalah, Musar, etc. -- are all in the “Written Torah,” as will be further demonstrated in each of the next five lessons.
A Nation That Dwells AloneIsrael’s Relations with the Family of NationsOne of Israel’s principal dilemmas -- one that grew more acute in the aftermath of the 1967 war -- is its stance toward an often hostile international community. In staggering disproportion to the size of both its land and population, Israel receives almost constant coverage in international media and foreign forums, and the majority of this coverage is highly uncomplimentary. Is the criticism and censure justifiable? Can Israel normalize its existence and affairs to the point that it will be viewed and treated as equal to other players in the international community?
Israel in PerspectiveViewpoints on the Land’s IdentityThe Six-Day War had a profound impact on Diaspora Jewry. In its immediate aftermath, waves of new immigrants arrived in the Jewish state, while countless others experienced a spiritual reawakening. When the euphoria wore off, however, extreme diversity in perspective and reaction emerged—toward the war, and toward the State of Israel. What are the factors underwriting this fragmentation, and how do they influence Israel’s political process today?
Birds of Different Feathers: Discover Secrets to Social SuccessStudies indicate that there is a relationship between social competence and general well-being. Moreover, success in relationships is key to success in every area of life, since almost every achievement involves another person. Negative traits, such as arrogance, jealousy, and anger, can get in the way of our relationships.How do we develop our characters to win friends, resolve conflicts, and build deep and lasting relationships?
From Chaos to Creativity: Tap Into Your Innovative SpiritVaccination. The assembly line. The theory of relativity. The electric light bulb. The wheel. Every major discovery that has propelled human progress through history was a result of creativity, a radical departure from how things were done or how things were thought about until then.What is creativity? Is creativity a special gift, an inborn trait, or an acquired habit? Is there a formula that can generate creativity?
Mission Possible: Develop a Success MindsetThe path to success is usually fraught with challenges and obstacles. Do you believe you have what it takes to succeed? Perhaps success is not in your destiny? How should we address persistent doubts that certain goals might be beyond our capabilities, or that success may not even be possible?Understanding why we are here and what we were designed to achieve can help us gain confidence in our ability to achieve our goals.
Getting Off the Bandwagon: Define Your Personal SuccessWhat is success? Merriam-Webster Dictionary's first definition describes success as "achieving wealth, respect or fame"; the dictionary's second entry articulates it as the "correct or desired result of an attempt."What do we mean when we talk about success? Knowing what we want is the first step to getting it. How can we develop definitions of success that reflect our core desires, values, and principles?
By Way of Your Forte: Focus on Signature StrengthsPerfect people don't exist, and most individuals tend to excel in certain areas over others. These signature strengths we possess are a secret weapon in our arsenal -- a map that points the way to our unique path to success.How do we identify our signature strengths? The Kabbalistic map of the human psyche can assist us in this endeavor.
Occupied with PeaceOn the Viability of Land for PeaceIsrael’s pre-1967 borders subsequently became known as the “Green Line,” to distinguish them from territories captured during the Six-Day War. Israel immediately offered to return her newly-acquired territories in exchange for lasting peace, but the Arab world rejected the offer. Subsequent attempts at exchanging land for peace have failed to resolve the issues surrounding these territories. Should Israel hold on to them no matter the cost? Is there an authentic way to trade land for a lasting and sustainable peace?
Where East Met WestThe Chosen City of JerusalemIn the course of repulsing Jordanian aggression, Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem, including its Temple Mount and Western Wall, all of which holds utmost historical, cultural, and spiritual import to the Jewish nation. The return of these sites to Jewish hands triggered a global Jewish spiritual awakening. What is the history and significance of Jerusalem? What allure does it hold for its millions of annual visitors?
People of the LandThe Jewish Claim to IsraelThe 1967 conflict resulted from the argument, espoused by Egypt’s Abdel Nasser and most leaders in the Arab world, that Israel’s existence was illegitimate, having been founded on stolen Arab territory. What is Israel’s response to this argument? What is her right to exist as a Jewish state in the heart of the Middle East? And what is the justification for associating Judaism -- an ethereal religion of beliefs and ideas -- with a specific territory?
The Finish Line: Find the Path to ActionYou've learned all the secrets, but you still can't seem to get the job done. There is often a gap between establishing goals and resolutions, and then executing them.What are the obstacles to being able to follow through and persist? The answer lies in dissecting the anatomy of our psyche -- how we develop our wants into ideas, feelings, and actions -- and exploring where we get stuck and how we can get unstuck.
Lightning StrikeThe Ethics of Preemptive StrikesAs Arab armies mobilized along its borders, Israel faced immense international pressure not to launch a preemptive strike. She ignored these warnings and struck first. What are the ethics of preemptive strikes? What weight should be given to political considerations -- as opposed to purely security/military concerns -- in rendering such decisions? And how do these deliberations apply to the host of mortal threats that Israel faces today?
Life in the Balance - Lesson 6Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasA Gift of Generations: The Ethics of Uterine TransplantsWith Rabbi Ari SollishUntil now, surrogacy has been the only solution for women without a healthy womb. However, a recently popularized new fertility treatment, promises to bring them renewed hope. This lesson addresses fascinating ethical concerns surrounding uterine and other non-vital-organ transplants and surgical procedures.
Life in the Balance - Lesson 5Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasSanctity in Death: Autopsy and Medical DissectionWith Rabbi Ari SollishMany states allow medical schools to use unclaimed cadavers for anatomical dissection. Is this ethical? Is it ever moral to perform an autopsy over a family's objections? Would Jewish law allow one to voluntarily donate his or her body to science? This lesson will examine how Jewish law balances the dignity of the dead with the needs of society.
Life in the Balance - Lesson 4Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasConfronting the Organ Shortage: Should the Sale of Organs Be Legal?With Rabbi Ari SollishPermitting the sale of organs may significantly increase the number of organs available for transplant, potentially saving many thousands of lives. But what effects will this have on human dignity, and on the destitute pressed to sell organs to feed their families? Is our obligation to save lives a precedent to override these concerns?
Life in the Balance - Lesson 3Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasComplications in Pregnancy: Aborting One Life to save AnotherWith Rabbi Ari SollishCouples undergoing fertility treatment are often advised to reduce the number of fetuses in order to save a high-risk pregnancy. May we end the life of one or two to save the lives of many? Is the fetus considered a life? This lesson discusses Judaism’s view on the status of the fetus, and the ethics of choosing one life over another.
Life in the Balance - Lesson 2Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasEnd-of-life Dilemmas: Prolonging Life vs. Prolonging DeathWith Rabbi Ari SollishResuscitate? Do not resuscitate? How does one decide what to inscribe in their living will? The value of life is immeasurable, but is the same true for its increments? This lesson discusses the important end-of-life decisions that we need to make today, and offers Jewish perspectives on dying with dignity.
Life in the Balance - Lesson 1Jewish Perspectives on Everyday Medical DilemmasSafeguarding Our Health: BRCA, Genetic Testing, and Preventive MeasuresWith Rabbi Ari SollishWe all endeavor to protect our health, but we often question whether we do enough. Scientists have recently identified the BRCA genetic mutations (common in Ashkenazi Jews) that significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Are you obliged to test for it? And if you have it, how far should you go in taking preventive measures? Where do you draw the line between keen vigilance and pointless panic?
Above the LawThe Ethics of Taking the Law Into Your Own HandsWe are blessed today to live under a system of laws that enables our orderly and peaceful society to function. But what are we to do when the proverbial long arm of the law suddenly seems to shrink -- when a situation seems to call for us to take the law into our own hands to correct an injustice? Is there ever justification to do so? If G-d helps those who help themselves, should the law also help those who help themselves? In this lesson, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of allowing citizens to self-help and how the Talmud addresses this matter.
Windfall WranglesDetermining Ownership for Exotic FindsLife yields all kids of surprises. Sometimes they are the proverbial worm in the apple. But every so often we hear of someone who is blessed with a true windfall. However, when the weather is fair, everyone wants a share: it is common in such instances for multiple parties to claim a stake in the bonanza. In this lesson we discuss how to determine ownership when there are conflicting claims to life's valuable surprises.
Between Proximate & RemoteIs One Responsible for Causing an Indirect Loss?Cause and effect succeed one another ad infinitum, and so the consequences of any given act can be deemed to be limitless. At what point do we consider the loss to be too remote and disconnected from the actions of the wrongdoer to hold him or her responsible? Is there a universal principle that can be applied consistently to all cases of indirect harm? In this lesson we examine the Talmud's distinctive approach to this area of law.
Making the Right TurnEngineering Ethics Into Driverless VehiclesThe advent of the self-driving car promises to significantly reduce the 1.25 million traffic deaths that occur each year worldwide by removing their primary cause -- human error. However, this technology poses some ethical dilemmas inasmuch as these machines will have to make decisions regarding whom to save or protect in the the event of a collision. Those creating the vehicle's algorithm will literally decide who shall live and who shall die. This lesson aims to apply ancient Talmudic considerations to a very modern problem.
Hastening the InevitableIs One Responsible for Expediting Inescapable Harm?The popular adage claims that "nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes." In reality, however, many of life's outcomes can be said to be certain and inevitable. So how are we to reach when someone intervenes and hastens a harm or loss that would have occurred moments later? In this lesson we examine whether such perpetrators, whose actions appear to be of no consequence, should be absolved or held accountable.
No Good Deed Goes UnpunishedWhat If a Crime Has an Upside?Legal theorists have long struggled to come up with a coherent account of culpability. Are criminals punished for their intentions, or their actions, or for causing harm? This lesson bursts into the discussion with three real-life cases that share a common feature: a criminal whose malicious actions result in an unplanned positive outcome for the intended victim. Drawing on biblical and Talmudic literature, we consider the interplay between these elements -- intention, action, and outcome -- in law, ethics, and life.
A Call For UnityHakhel, Then and NowWhen the Temple stood, the Jewish nation would gather once in seven years to hear the King read publicly from the Torah, in a miztvah knows as Hakhel. Standing united, every Jew would draw lasting inspiration to last for years to come. Though the Temple doesn't currently stand, this class shows that we can and should observe Hakhel in our time.
The Gift of the GiverThe Gratitude-Happiness ConnectionLiving in the age of "stuff," it is becoming clearer that more is not always merrier. But If we are so well-off compared to previous generations, why are we so unhappy? By understanding the root causes of misery, we find a simple formula for gratitude, happiness, and true wealth.
The Divorce DilemmaA Deep Dive into the Divorce DynamicTorah's view on building a marriage is found in a very unexpected context -- the Jewish laws of divorce. Explore a fierce Talmudic debate about the legal grounds for divorce and discover how it is that the sages are really teaching us priceless wisdom on how to create healthy, loving marriages.
Making Sense of the CensusWhy G-d Counts the Jewish PeopleNumerous times G-d counted the Jewish people. Was He obsessed with numbers or is there some message hidden in the numbers game? This class gets to the bottom of the numbers game and explains how counting us makes us count.
Bearing WitnessWorking as G-d's AgentWhether it’s in a courtroom or a public hearing, giving testimony is serious business. But did you know that your very existence as a Jew is a testimony of sorts? Find out your legal rights and obligations as G-d’s witness.
Pick a SideThe Peril of IndecisionCan you define who you are? Or at least define who you aren’t? If you can, then you’ve done something positive. Even if you find yourself in the heretic’s corner, you are headed in the right direction, because sometimes being undecided is worse than being wrong.
Jewish Apocrypha?Safeguarding the Purity of FaithThroughout our storied past, the Jewish people have zealously clung to their faith, fiercely rejecting any threat to the fundamental tenets of our belief. So, what do we make of all the other literature out there? Explore the annals of apocrypha and, in a surprising twist, a battle of presses in nineteenth-century Europe.
Summoning the LoveHow to Master the Emotional RoadmapIf life were a romance novel, it would be easy to be “in love” at any given moment. Alas, it isn’t. Far from it. Love is quite an elusive trait, which makes the command, “Love your G-d,” all the more baffling. Discover the key to summoning the love whenever you wish.
Reparative WreckageThe Positive Side of DestructionOur Temple lies in ruins -- a reality we’ve been forced to cope with for a couple of thousand years now. But was G-d really allowed to put a wrecking ball to His sanctuary? A fresh look at the legalities of Temple damage leads us to a startling recalibrating of loss and tragedy.
No Wrong TurnEach Person's Individual MissionWhy do I get stuck in traffic? Why did I miss my flight? Why do I live in this neighborhood? What’s the meaning behind all the randomness in my life? Some may indeed assign it to the “Universe” or other haphazardness. This class tells a very different story.
A Time to RenewWhy We Celebrate Rosh ChodeshEach month, the Jewish people celebrate Rosh Chodesh, and the beginning of a new Jewish month. What exactly are we celebrating, and how do we celebrate it? This class explores Rosh Chodesh traditions and explains the connection between the Jewish people, the new moon, and the miracle of renewal.
Don't Be a FoolTurning on the Light in the Theater of the AbsurdEver wonder why smart people do such stupid things? Before you spend all your money on self-help books about effective time management or finding the secrets of success, come to this class, and learn the Torah-prescribed habits of highly successful people.
Because I Said SoFinding Meaning in the Laws of Ritual PurityIt may seem superstitious: Enter the wrong house or touch the wrong thing and the Torah renders you impure. Dip in the holy water and -- Voilà! -- you’re good as new. What are we to make of this system? With this question as its backdrop, this lesson sheds light on the meaning of connection with G-d and doing what He wants.
Journey of a BlessingTurning Spiritual Capital into Physical GoodsIf we are judged during the High Holidays for the coming year, why do we pray each day? What are we praying for if everything has already been decided? This lesson explores how spiritual blessing translates into material well-being -- and the role of the priests in making that happen.
Timeless MomentsOn Visiting the Resting Place of the RighteousThe resting place of a saintly Jewish leader or scholar is also a place of prayer and introspection. But are we really allowed to pray to the dead? That sounds awfully pagan! Discover what happens when we pray at a tzaddik’s graveside, and how it enables us to experience a unique, timeless connection with G-d.
DIY JudaismAchieving Spiritual IndependenceVisit the Western Wall? Check. Talk to a rabbi? Check. Go to synagogue frequently? Check. There are many external ways to nurture Jewish inspiration, and we should make use of them. But our ultimate goal should be to stand spiritually on our own two feet.
The Heart of the DealGiving G-d Possession of Our FacultiesShopping used to be the activity of buying the things you need. But today it seems we often buy for the sake of buying. Interestingly, the Torah views acquisition of property as more than just the transfer of ownership. Rather, a sale is a matter of profound theological and inspirational value.
Have a Jewish Field DayWhy and How We Celebrate Lag Ba'OmerThe thirty-third day of the Omer is a day of celebration, bonfires, and a variety of interesting customs. What lies behind it all? In presenting the story of Lag Ba’Omer, this class reveals the specialness of the day and what message we can take from it.
The Theology of TheftAn Honest Look at HonestyAs good people, most of us don’t take other people’s stuff, obviously. So when the Torah cautions us, “Thou shalt not steal,” we must consider what deeper ethical message is implied, beyond outright theft. What can an honest person learn from the laws of honesty?
Women in Judaism: The Inside StoryIs There a Jewish Glass Ceiling?The role of the Jewish mother is so hallowed and romanticized that it can seem to be the ultimate goal of Jewish womanhood. But is that really true? Is there any place for womanhood in Judaism outside of motherhood and family -- culturally, religiously, and socially?
To Be FreeIs Freedom Subjective?With Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaHow can Jews claim to be free if they must obey the laws of Judaism? Why did we leave the bondage of ancient Egypt only to become the unquestioning servants of G-d? It is time to redefine what freedom is. Can this cherished value mean something other than “do what you want”?
Why Sacrifices?Behind the Animals and the AltarCharity, prayer, and study are easy to understand. But why on earth would G‑d want us to burn animals on an altar? This lesson explores the meaning of the sacrifices in the Temple, providing a new dimension to a somewhat confusing part of Judaism.
An Island in TimeThe True Shabbat ExperienceTo mark G-d’s creation of the world in six days and His rest on the Seventh, we have the Shabbat. But what does it mean that G-d rested? Did the Creator need a vacation, or a nap perhaps? Understanding work and rest as they apply to G-d allows us to appreciate the true quality of the gift of Shabbat.
The Cycle of SinIs Something Wrong with Us?We’ve all made the firm decision to abandon a bad habit or behavior, only to slip right back into it sometime later. Why can’t we just get it right? It turns out that we are purposely wired to be imperfect. If we only seize the moment, we can turn our most dismal failures into the greatest achievements.
The Solution to AntisemitismCombating Hatred with Jewish PrideHaman in the Purim story was neither the first nor the last to seek a “final solution,” G-d forbid. What is it about the Jewish people that the Hamans in each generation simply cannot tolerate? It is crucial for us to understand what really lies behind the hate to be able to address it properly.
Back to BasicsFinding Our FoundationsA meaningful Jewish life means that we don’t just go through the motions, but use our minds and hearts to find meaning in them. Yet as we grow and become more sophisticated, we must maintain a certain basic simplicity. Because before great things comes humble beginnings.
G-d's CustodiansThe Highest Form of GivingJudaism places a strong emphasis on charity: everything comes from G-d, so use what you have as He would want. But why doesn’t G‑d just give each person their appropriate share of wealth, rather than creating a world where some people are wealthy and others are in need?
Watch What You ThinkThe Clean Mind TestWhen your mind wanders to places it shouldn’t, aren’t you glad nobody can tell what you are thinking? This doesn’t mean inappropriate thoughts are okay. We are responsible to make sure we use our minds properly, because everything starts at the top.
The Power to ChooseThe Meaning of Free WillThe question is ancient. If G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart, then it was G-d who made Pharaoh refuse to let the Israelites go, not Pharaoh himself. How can this be just? This lesson explains the mechanics of free will, and what tools we need to make sound decisions.
Nature vs. NurtureTwo Modes of Connecting with G-dWhat’s more valuable? The obvious passion of the honeymoon moments, or the small but thoughtful gestures that represent the effort required in a relationship? Both elements exist and are crucial to cultivating our relationship with G-d.
In G-d We TrustThe Importance and the Power of Thinking PositiveWe all know worrying doesn’t help, but does it also hurt? In exploring the appropriate ways to deal with stress and challenges, this lesson defines faith and trust in G-d. What emerges is a profound and empowering message of how we can use positive thought to improve our lives.
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 8"Gender Identity In Halachah"With Rabbi Mendel DeitschRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 15, 2023
The Principles of PunishmentWhen Discipline Becomes RevengeToo often, legitimate punishment turns into personal vengeance. How do we draw the line between the two? The actions of Levi and Shimon, wiping out the entire city of Shechem, show that when it comes to punishment, intention and action are equally important.
Do Something, AnythingThe Key to Getting UnstuckWhen faced with a challenge, are you the type to wait for something to happen? Or do you get up and do something about it? The butler's and the baker’s dreams teach the importance of action. Make a move, any move, and there is hope. But sitting and brooding about your lot is unlikely to get you very far.
The Psychology of the Chanukah CandlesBehaviorism vs. CognitivismWhere does self-improvement start? By fixing what’s wrong or by starting to do what’s right? An age old debate about the Chanukah candles reveals how generations before Freud vs. Skinner, the sages weighed the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy.
My Brother's KeeperMutual Responsibility in JudaismHelping each other out is obviously a very Jewish value. In fact, Judaism teaches that we are all responsible for each other’s well-being. So, what is the extent of our responsibility to one another?
The Thank-You NationAppreciating Others Is Appreciating G-dThe Torah tells us that the Jewish people should be thankful for all the help they get, including from their enemies and even inanimate objects. But why? The Exodus story teaches that the key to redemption is an attitude of gratitude.
When is Moshiach Coming?Growing Out of the Exile MentalityFor over two thousand years, we have waited and waited for the Moshiach to come. Why hasn’t he finally come? This class examines the age-old hope of the Jewish people, and illuminates what it means to be truly redeemed.
Curious Customs of Rosh HashanahGetting the Best of the SatanCertain High Holiday customs are geared toward “confusing the satan,” to weaken his prosecuting act. But how exactly does that work? More than just throwing him a few false leads, the name of the game is staying positive and confident that G-d is on our side.
A Time to FastWhat Yom Kippur Is All AboutDiets of all kinds have become popular, but the Jewish people have been fasting for thousands of years. So, what’s behind the Yom Kippur fast? Wouldn’t a snack make it easier to remain in synagogue all day? This profound take on Yom Kippur reveals why eating simply has no place in the schedule.
Come-Back NationKeeping Inspiration AliveFrom time to time, we get inspired to change for the better. But often, we very quickly revert to our old habits. So what hope do we have? The story of the Jewish people teaches that whatever happens, we can and will make a comeback.
The Raven and the DoveDealing with a Personal FloodSomeone you know has suffered abuse, tragedy, or crisis. What now? How is it possible to rebuild after tragic loss? After witnessing the universe descend into chaos and destruction, Noah learned to find the healthy balance of love and distance, openness and boundaries.
The Top Ten PercentBehind the Commandment to TitheIf you are like most people, you work hard for your money. And while instinct may say to keep your paycheck, we are obligated to set aside ten percent to charity. By giving that ten percent, we boldly affirm what we all really know -- that G-d is the true owner of the world.
Sorry, No Shortcuts HerePersonal Investment in JudaismAfter Avraham’s circumcision, why did G-d wait until the third day to visit him? Didn’t He want Avraham to get well right away? Far from it. He (and Avraham) knew that for some things, there just are no shortcuts.
Matchmaker, Make Me a MatchDating in the Orthodox Jewish CommunityDo arranged marriages exist today in the Jewish community? May parents force a child to marry someone of their choosing? An exploration of dating practices in the Orthodox Jewish community reveals some profound dating advice from a source you might least expect -- the rabbis.
Truth or ConsequencesIs It Ever Okay to Lie?We are taught from an early age the value of truth. But what if telling the truth comes at a high price? Is there any circumstance under which one may utter something untrue? By examining the conduct of our forefathers, we gain insight into this moral dilemma.
The Nighttime PleaFinding Hope in the DarknessIf you ever need help, you can simply ask. But if things have gotten to the point where nobody understands what you’re going through, what can you do? This lesson about prayer teaches how to ask G-d at a time you don’t even know what to ask for.
Getting Off the Bandwagon: Define Your Personal SuccessWhat is success? Merriam-Webster Dictionary's first definition describes success as "achieving wealth, respect or fame"; the dictionary's second entry articulates it as the "correct or desired result of an attempt."What do we mean when we talk about success? Knowing what we want is the first step to getting it. How can we develop definitions of success that reflect our core desires, values, and principles?
The Kabbalah of Politics: Dealing with Diverse IdeologiesE pluribus unum -- out of many, one. Americans adopted this as an unofficial national motto from the earliest days of the republic, and even now, it adorns our coinage and some currency. We are proud of the unified nation we have shaped out of a multitude of states and peoples.Yet, to listen to today's political rhetoric, Americans are more sharply divided than ever against each other. Political differences have become increasingly unbridgeable, with civil conversations only likely or possible with "fellow-believers."What can Jewish wisdom teach us about how we approach the day's great political controversies? How can we again we confident that from our diverse and passionate political commitments, oneness can still emerge?
The Biblical Tax RateAdvocates of various tax philosophies seek to show how their beliefs have biblical support. Believers in the flat tax or the fair tax or in progressive taxation will point to the Bible as a powerful evidence for their preferred system as being the correct one.How does the biblical tax system really work? How did Jewish communities through the centuries, informed by Jewish law, fund the various kinds of needs present in communities then and now?In this session we explore The Biblical Tax Rate, and the important lessons we can learn from it.
Wealth and Leadership: Asset or Liability?Over the last few decades the personal wealth of the candidates has become a significant issue in the campaign. The issue that we address in this lesson is whether wealth makes any difference in successful and effective leadership.We will seek to understand why Jewish sources stress the positive importance for leaders of seemingly superficial physical and material qualities, such as an appealing appearance and wealth.
Income Inequality: Is Income and Wealth Inequality Morally Wrong?In many ways there are greater gaps than ever between the rich and the poor. In difficult economic times, this is seen by some as a glaring injustice that must be remedied. This point of view says that there should not be a "one-percent" that lives so much better than the other "ninety-nine percent" -- that wealth must be redistributed.On the other hand, there are those who say that it is no one's business what anyone does with their legally-gained assets. They argue that anyone who wants to can work harder.What wisdom does Judaism have to offer on the issue of wealth and income inequality? Is wealth a mark of sin -- a sign that a person has taken too much and has necessarily impoverished others? Is poverty a sign of laziness or ineptitude -- an outer indication of a poor character? Why is there inequality in wealth, and what, if anything, should we do about it? Would Torah advocate for redistribution of wealth to create greater economic equality?
The Great Immigration Debate: Whom Shall We Welcome?Today, we face some significant debates about immigration. There is a lot of discussion about what to do with those who are in the U.S. illegally. This debate is so sharp that people cannot even agree on the correct term for such people: “undocumented immigrants” or “illegal aliens.”But a broader debate rages about the overall immigration issue. There are those who want the U.S. to become more lax with its immigration policy, allowing more people into this country at a quicker pace and with fewer restrictions. In fact, there are some who go so far as to say there should be no restrictions whatsoever on any immigration. On the other hand, there are those who would like to see less immigration and want to be more cautious about who is allowed to enter and reside in this land.What teachings from the Torah and the Talmud are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?
To Bear or Not to Bear: The Gun DebateThe stories in the newspapers are heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Another person comes with firearms and starts shooting at people. In a movie theater, a classroom, the workplace -- it seems to be the same horrific scene over and over again.What ought we do about gun violence? Should we seek to change permissive gun laws? Should we alter restrictive gun laws? How do we balance competing interests? Should we let the evil of the few result in a restriction of freedom for the many? What teachings from the Torah are relevant to this topic, and how might they shape the discussion?
The Finish Line: Find the Path to ActionYou've learned all the secrets, but you still can't seem to get the job done. There is often a gap between establishing goals and resolutions, and then executing them.What are the obstacles to being able to follow through and persist? The answer lies in dissecting the anatomy of our psyche -- how we develop our wants into ideas, feelings, and actions -- and exploring where we get stuck and how we can get unstuck.
Birds of Different Feathers: Discover Secrets to Social SuccessStudies indicate that there is a relationship between social competence and general well-being. Moreover, success in relationships is key to success in every area of life, since almost every achievement involves another person. Negative traits, such as arrogance, jealousy, and anger, can get in the way of our relationships.How do we develop our characters to win friends, resolve conflicts, and build deep and lasting relationships?
By Way of Your Forte: Focus on Signature StrengthsPerfect people don't exist, and most individuals tend to excel in certain areas over others. These signature strengths we possess are a secret weapon in our arsenal -- a map that points the way to our unique path to success.How do we identify our signature strengths? The Kabbalistic map of the human psyche can assist us in this endeavor.
From Chaos to Creativity: Tap Into Your Innovative SpiritVaccination. The assembly line. The theory of relativity. The electric light bulb. The wheel. Every major discovery that has propelled human progress through history was a result of creativity, a radical departure from how things were done or how things were thought about until then.What is creativity? Is creativity a special gift, an inborn trait, or an acquired habit? Is there a formula that can generate creativity?
Mission Possible: Develop a Success MindsetThe path to success is usually fraught with challenges and obstacles. Do you believe you have what it takes to succeed? Perhaps success is not in your destiny? How should we address persistent doubts that certain goals might be beyond our capabilities, or that success may not even be possible?Understanding why we are here and what we were designed to achieve can help us gain confidence in our ability to achieve our goals.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 23"Keeping It Real"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 23, 2016)The world seems real -- at least to us. We see it, we touch it, we interact with it. Definitely seems real.Then Kabbalah teaches us that the only "real" reality is G-d. Everything else is but derived from the One True Reality. Like a projection, the world only exists as long as it is being willed and spoken into being, on a constant basis. Which means that the world is not as real as it first seems.How do we reconcile the reality of the world as we see it with the non-reality of the world as explored in Kabbalah? Can something be real and not real at the same time?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discuss the nature of reality, and the exquisite process of aligning the perceptible with the metaphysical.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 30"It's Up to Us"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 18, 2016)Throughout Jewish history there have been four periods of exile. The current exile, known as "Galut Edom," began when the Romans destroyed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the year 70, and has lasted nearly 2000 years.Ancient prophecy and tradition tell us that this fourth exile is the last, following which we will all collectively enjoy a time of universal peace and harmony. And within this long period of exile, we are living in its final moments. In fact, the mystics say that a better world is at hand -- all that's needed is for us to usher it in.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we look at what our task is in this critical time in history. We seek to understand what we can do to prepare the world for its fulfillment, and how it's possible that you and I can do this when people greater than us could not.All of which will explain the explosion of wisdom -- both lower and higher -- that we're experiencing today.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 29"The Explosion of Wisdom"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 11, 2016)Kabbalah is not in the business of predictions. Typically. But there are exceptions to every rule.In the holy Zohar there is a prediction that has come true in dramatic fashion. The Zohar predicts that in the sixth century of the sixth millennium, the gates of higher wisdom and the fountains of lower wisdom will be unleashed.This has come true in a remarkable way. We are the beneficiaries of this explosion of higher and lower wisdom. Our lives have been transformed because of it. Every area of life has been positively impacted -- science, technology, medicine, the arts. And the deepest, most transformative Jewish wisdom has likewise been unleashed.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the explosion of wisdom that has taken place in the last few centuries. We seek to better understand what it means, and why it's taken so long.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 28"Spice Spice Torah"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on December 4, 2016)It was Rosh Hashanah in the year 1743, and something astounding was about to happen. The soul of a righteous human being, a perfect tzadik, was getting ready to ascend to the greatest Heavenly heights -- not having separated from the body, but while still attached and very much alive.The soul-ascension happened that day. We know because the tzadik later recounted in detail everything that happened. And what his soul experienced while soaring through the spiritual realms fundamentally changed the world forever.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the incredible mystical incident of Rosh Hashanah 1743, and learn what it means for us. As we'll discover, one tzadik's heavenly ascent has so much to teach about how we are to live our lives right here on earth...
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 27"Spark-Gathering"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 20, 2016)In the mystical tradition, there is an entire universe of light beneath the surface we perceive. Sparks of Divine light, everywhere. And our task is to reclaim the light from its captivity within darkness.Now, each soul has certain sparks that she is associated with. But can a soul gain new sparks? Can we add on to our mission and reach beyond what is immediate?We explore the art of Spark-Gathering in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 26"Finders Keepers"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 13, 2016)You're walking down a side street when you spot it: a discarded chair that's perfect for your kitchen. (Hey, one's person trash is another's treasure, right?) It's weathered and upholstered and it'll add just the vintage look you're going for.But as you approach the chair, someone runs in front of you and grabs it first. So sneaky! You say "it's mine, I saw it first." He says "I grabbed it first." You both end up in court. It's The Case of the Contested Chair.Fascinatingly, the Talmud devotes an entire section of its legal code to address this very scenario. And it comes to a shocking conclusion, establishing a law that is daring and counter-intuitive and oh so beautiful.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore this law, and then decipher its deeper message based on the mystical tradition. You will be amazed at the searing insight that we'll draw from it -- insight that will change the way you look at your relationship to everything around you...
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 25"Spice Spice Torah"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 6, 2016)The ancient sages of the Talmud compare Torah to spices. Which seems a bit strange. After all, when was the last time you saw a recipe that called for a pinch of Torah?Kabbalah comes to the rescue on this one. By analyzing the unique property of spices we can gain profound insight into the nature and purpose of Torah.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore human nature, frailty, the power of evil, and the incredible gift of Torah.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 24"The End is Just the Beginning"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 30, 2016)There's a classic, enigmatic Kabbalistic statement: "The beginning is wedged in the end -- and the end in the beginning." But what does that mean? And how can we apply it to our own lives?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the essential connection between the beginning and end, and discover why indeed the end is just the beginning...
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 22"This Changes Everything"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 16, 2016)You can see something a thousand times and not really see it. You can walk past a building and not notice its cracks. You can stroll by a garden and not apprehend its beauty. You can live with a person and not see their true colors.Until you do. And that changes everything.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we take another look at life itself, to discover an incredible truth that is all too often missed. If you've never seen it, you might not know what to look for. But once you've seen it, you can't not see it. And nothing will ever be the same.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 21"Threads"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 9, 2016)Everyone loves a good story. A story with different characters, plot lines, and scenes that all come together in dramatic fashion. There's something so thrillingly satisfying at discovering the thread that binds seemingly disparate things together.The same is true with Torah. Torah is so wonderfully multifaceted that our sages say there are 70 facets to Torah interpretation. Like a diamond that sparkles with every slight turn, the Torah shines a new brilliance whenever it is studied and expounded. Yet, despite these diverse streams of Torah thought, there is a thread that binds them all together. As one.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we revisit the various interpretations of the fundamental Jewish prayer "Modeh Ani" -- four in total -- and discover how they're all really one.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 3"The Origins Of Kabbalah"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2016)When people ask the question "Where does Kabbalah come from?" they usually mean to find out who the instrumental thinkers and authors were that shaped the Jewish mystical tradition.But the mystics themselves have a completely different intention in asking this question. Everything comes from G-d -- that is a certainty. Torah is Divine -- that goes without saying. But where does the esoteric wisdom come from? Where in the spiritual realms does Kabbalah emanate from? How is it unique from all else that flows from G-d?It's this deeper form of the question that we'll address in this session Kabbalah & Coffee. We'll learn about the hidden dimension of Radl'a, explore the true meaning of Ein Sof, and discover where the mystical tradition really comes from.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 4"The Geometry Of The Circle"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 17, 2016)The circle is a unique and powerful shape. It is the only shape where all points are equidistant from the center. Whereas other shapes represent differentiation and distinction, the circle stands for seamless equality. The entire circumference draws its strength from the center point, equally.The Jewish mystics speak extensively about the spiritual meaning of the circle's geometry. G-d's light and energy is spoken of in two forms -- the circle and the line. It is the circle that represents the true power of G-d, and the force that keeps all of creation in existence.The circle is the key to understanding Shabbat, and it's the force that keeps us from (physically) falling of the earth. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the geometry of the circle and uncover deep, personal, spiritual lessons.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 5"Perfect Wisdom"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 1, 2016)There are countless ideologies and philosophies out there, each claiming to be "The One." Yet, there's a powerfully fundamental difference between all other paths of wisdom and Torah. And this difference changes everything.Students of Torah sense this difference. Jewish philosophers attempt to prove it. Kabbalists trace it's mystical origins.So what exactly is the difference between Torah and other wisdom? It's the difference between "perfect wisdom" and "imperfect wisdom." And it impacts countless areas of life, including science, medicine, politics, and personal development.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the perfection of Torah, and it's incredible impact on the individual and the world at large.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 6"The Blueprint Of The Universe"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 8, 2016)There is a masterful design to the universe. Countless beings all working together in mystifying harmony. The design is nothing short of breathtaking.So if there's a design, where's the blueprint?The Kabbalists teach that way before the world was created, G-d produced the Master Blueprint. This was a guide to every detail of the universe -- a guide that has been followed as long as there has been a universe. And the mystics tell us that there's another name for this blueprint; it's also known as "Torah."In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discover the amazing way that Torah serves as the "blueprint of creation."
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 13"The Truth Behind Pokemon"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 24, 2016)There are spiritual realities everywhere, hidden beneath the surface of corporeal reality. Energies, dimensions, powers, sefirot, even whole spiritual worlds. If you've played Pokemon Go you can relate -- there's a whole other world out there, waiting to be discovered...The teachings of Kabbalah helps us identify the hidden spiritual energies. Kabbalah draws the map of the mystical, teaching us "where" to find forces such as Keter, Chochmah, Chesed, Malchut, and all of the other metaphysical elements in existence.But what's the point of knowing about these spiritual energies? What are we to do with the information? Does it really have an effect on our lives? And perhaps the key question: Is there a way to experience personal transformation from the knowledge of the spiritual realities that lie beyond our own?The answer is yes. In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll talk about a most incredible tool that helps move Kabbalah from a theoretical exploration to a practical transformation.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 7"Spiritual Metaphysics"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 15, 2016)What is the fabric that holds the universe together? What is the thread that runs through all of existence? What is it that prevents space from collapsing in on itself?Scientists explain the physics behind existence. But Kabbalists explain the metaphysics. And it's incredible to behold.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the metaphysics of the universe.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 8"The Mountain And The Treasure"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 22, 2016)There was once a king who wanted a mountain cleared. Razed to the ground. So he told the people, "There is a treasure buried deep within the mountain."The people came in spades. With their spades, and their shovels. And they began digging.They dug and dug and dug some more, but they found no treasure. Which makes sense, since there was no treasure there. They were confused and upset and they came to the king. "Where is the treasure you promised? You tricked us!"But the king had a wise answer. An answer that would change their lives forever. An answer that just might change our lives too...
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 9"What Will The World Look Like?"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 5, 2016)There's a fundamental Jewish belief in a better time to come. A Utopian world. A Messianic Era. It's such an essential cornerstone of Judaism that the great scholar Maimonides includes it as #12 of his 13 Principles of Jewish Faith.So, let's ask the big question: What will the world look like when Moshiach (the Jewish Messiah) comes?It's not just curiosity -- if we're working toward a specific goal, it's helpful (essential?) to know what we're working toward. Otherwise we're grappling in the dark.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore what lies in store in the Messianic world. What we discover is certain to uplift, excite and inspire.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 10"When the World Will Sing Once More"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 19, 2016)There is so much pain in the world. Violence, hate, oppression, senseless tragedy. This is the world in the state of galut -- an "impossible" world in which evil can prevail over good, despite how nonsensical that is.It's like the world is in a dream, where the impossible happens, where when the impossible happens we accept it as just the way things are.In the Jewish tradition we yearn for a better time, when the world will wake up and know and embrace the Divine truth. A time of peace and goodness, when there will be no more war and no more pain and no more suffering. This is the time of Moshiach, when the world will sing once more.What is at the essence of Moshiach? How will this world be so utterly transformed? And what can we do to move along this process?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore the soul of Moshiach, as explained by the Jewish mystics.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 11"Breakthrough"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 26, 2016)All of us are stuck in something. Maybe it's in our head -- the way we think. Maybe it's in our hearts -- the way we feel. Maybe it's in our actions -- the way we behave. But all of us are stuck in something.So if we're stuck, and we know we're stuck, how do we get unstuck? How do we experience the breakthrough we need?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we discuss being stuck and present ancient Jewish mystical guidance on getting unstuck. Achieving the breakthrough we need is doable -- if we just know how.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 14"How To Start The Day Off Right"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 31, 2016)Every day is a brand new opportunity. A clean slate. A fresh start. And to really tap into its full potential, it's important to start the day off right.There's an ancient Jewish prayer formula that helps unlock the power of a new day. It's called Modeh Ani, traditionally recited first thing in the morning, and it's comprised of 12 words.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll explore the potency of Modeh Ani. We'll learn why Modeh Ani is the perfect way to kickstart the morning, and why its message ought to remain with us throughout the day.
The way we start our day has a profound effect on the manner in which it will unfold. Traditionally, we recite a 12 word morning meditation called "Modeh Ani," which puts us in the right frame of mind, heart, and spirit.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore Modeh Ani in four dimensions -- peshat, remez, drush, sod -- corresponding to the four basic dimensions of the soul. Then we reimagine Modeh Ani in the incredible fifth dimension, corresponding to the quintessence of the soul.Your mornings will never be the same.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 1"The Pardes"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 27, 2016)There are four dimensions of Torah interpretation, alluded to by the mystical word PaRDeS (the Divine orchard). They are:Peshat -- the simple meaningRemez -- the allegorical allusionDerush -- the homiletical interpretationSod -- the secret dimensionBut there is also a fifth dimension, one so deep and essential that for centuries it was not revealed, even to the great mystics.In our brand new Kabbalah & Coffee series we'll reveal and explore this fifth, quintessential dimension of Torah. We'll learn what differentiates each of the layers of Torah, and how they interact with each other in amazing ways. And we'll discover how the essence of Torah radically changes everything.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 12"The Secrets of Wine & Oil"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 17, 2016)In the mystical imagination, wine and oil are not simply liquids.You see, everything that exists in the physical plane has a spiritual parallel, which constitutes it's source and root On High. This is true of all things -- including wine and oil.The amazing thing is that when you discover the spiritual source of a thing, suddenly it's physical properties make so much sense. Like why wine intoxicates, and why oil stains are so difficult to get out. It's an incredibly powerful "aha!" moment.In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee you'll take a journey inside the dimension beyond ours, to uncover the deep secrets held by wine and oil.
On The Essence Of Chasidus - Part 2"Why Mysticism?"(Recorded at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2016)Sure, the study of Jewish mysticism is intellectually stimulating, intriguing, and even thrilling. But aside from the intellectual and emotional high, what are the tangible benefits of the study of Kabbalah? In other words, what's the point of the mystical tradition?In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we'll uncover four rationales for mystical Jewish study. We'll learn how Jewish mysticism transforms wisdom, human nature, and the world at large.And then we'll set the stage for the Fifth Dimension...
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin - The Rebbe: Five Teachings That Can Change Your Life by The Torah Center ATL
Mrs. Dena Schusterman - When Does this All Get Better? The Rebbe on Hope and Destiny by The Torah Center ATL
Rabbi Ruvi New - Marching Orders: The Rebbe’s Final Discourse & Call to Action by The Torah Center ATL
Rabbi Ari Shishler - “Excuse Me, Are You Jewish?" How the Rebbe Reclaimed the Essence of Judaism by The Torah Center ATL
Shifra Sharfstein - Counting Diamonds: The Rebbe on the Value of the Individual by The Torah Center ATL
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 7"The Alter Rebbe's New Torah Script"With Rabbi Tzviki KrasnjanskyRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 8, 2023
The Four Worlds - 4 - Squinting Vs. Sunglasses (December 20, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
The Four Worlds - 3 - Welcome To The World Of Atzilut (December 13, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
The Four Worlds - 10 - Knowing & Not Knowing (February 7, 2016) by The Torah Center ATL
The Four Worlds - 1 - The Mystic's Guide To The Galaxy (November 22, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 6Have you ever wondered...Why have the Jews been singled out for persecution and hate throughout history?Why does Jewish adulthood begin at age twelve for girls and thirteen for boys?Why do we pour a cup of wine for Elijah at the Passover seder?Why is it not forbidden to submit petitions of prayer to a righteous person?Why is Moses’ name absent from the Haggadah?Why does Judaism associate so many of its celebrations with food?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 6 of The Jewish Course of Why.
The Four Worlds - 7 - Non Non - Existence & The Origins Of Wisdom (January 17, 2016) by The Torah Center ATL
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 4Have you ever wondered...Why doesn’t Judaism seek converts?Why isn’t the notion of Jews being the “chosen people” racist?Why do we believe that we have free choice if G-d knows what we'll do?Why does the Torah permit slavery?Why does Jewish law obsess over details?Why is it permitted to have sexual relations on Shabbat?Why does the Bible refer to sexual relations as “knowing”?Why aren’t vegan foods and restaurants Kosher by default?Why do we say lechayim as a drinking salutation?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 4 of The Jewish Course of Why.
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 3Have you ever wondered...Why there are so many Jews in Hollywood?Why we believe that a Jew cannot convert out of Judaism?Why our ancestors continued to identify as Jews despite being victims of so much suffering through the ages?Why Jews place pebbles on headstones?Why men and women have different Jewish ritual obligations?Why G-d gives us negative, even harmful inclinations?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 3 of The Jewish Course of Why.
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 2Have you ever wondered...Why is the Star of David a Jewish symbol?Why does a mikveh “purify”?Why do people require “purification” in the first place?Why do many Jews sway when they pray?Why do traditional synagogues have separate seating for men and women?Why does the Bible call for animal sacrifices?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 2 of The Jewish Course of Why.
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 1Have you ever wondered...Why are there no miracles today of biblical proportion?Why ask "Why?"? Isn't Judaism a belief system?Why do we pray? Doesn't God know what He is doing? Can we really change His will?Why is there so much fragmentation in Jewish practice?Why don't Jews accept the Christian messiah?Why do we kindle yartzeit candles to commemorate the dead?Why have the Jews survived millennia while so many other civilizations have vanished?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 1 of The Jewish Course of Why.
The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 5Have you ever wondered...Why are the Jewish holidays always “late” or “early”?Why do we say Mazal Tov?Why do Jews eat gefilte fish on Shabbat?Why do Jews eat cholent on Shabbat?Why does Jewish identity follow matrilineal descent?Why do some Jews wear old-fashioned clothes?Why are eggs pareve, though the birds that lay the eggs are fleishig?We explore these questions and more in Lesson 5 of The Jewish Course of Why.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Toward a Meaningful LifePractical Jewish Wisdom for Real LivingLife can be a treadmill, as we go through the motions day after day without ever asking why or seeking what really matters to us. Toward a Meaningful Life is about to change that. Here are strategies, tips and suggestions for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. Whether you are dealing with family relationships, job satisfaction or health issues, this course will help you look beyond the crisis to find the lessons within. Most important of all, these sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.
Journey of the SoulAn Exploration of Life, Death, and What Lies BeyondJourney of the Soul explores the mysteries surrounding the spiritual dimension of our existence—our destiny that continues even after we’ve shed our earth-bound body suit. We examine the transition of the soul into the hereafter, the kinds of legacies that are valued even after we’ve forsaken this earthly existence, and the accompanying emotional journey and rituals that help the soul and those closest to it prepare for its new reality.
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 7 - Practical Shabbos Candle Lighting QuestionsWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on January 2, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Understanding the Gematria MethodThe numeric equivalents of Hebrew letters reveal a fascinating world in Jewish thought. When and how should this method be used to draw conclusions in Torah study? Enjoy this class on the purpose and methodology of gematria.
Revival of RuthHow to Make Judaism RealShavuot is the day we received the Torah, and on it we read the Book of Ruth. What is the reason for this custom, and what can we learn from it? Ruth teaches us what it means to accept the Torah -- on the Torah’s terms.
Think Positive, Speak PositiveHow to Avoid Negative SpeechTalking about people is one of easiest things we can do. It is also one of the most damaging. So how can we avoid it? Of course, effort must be invested in watching what we say. But the key lies deeper than that, in how we relate to each other in the first place.
The Blue ThreadA History of TecheletThe Torah tells us to include a blue thread in the tzitzit. What is that thread all about, and why do most men wear tzitzit with only white threads? This lesson tells the history of techelet and the fascinating scientific quest to identify the species used in making it.
Journey of the SoulWhere Is the Soul Headed?Heaven, hell, and the world to come: all loaded terms. But what is the Jewish take on life after death? And what difference does it make now? By exploring these matters, this class gives an empowering perspective of what we are doing here.
Read Between the LinesThe Marriage of G-d and IsraelOur reception is considered our marriage with G-d; exile is likened to divorce. But is it really possible for the Jewish people to separate from G-d? By hiding the laws of marriage in between the laws of divorce, the Torah points to the depth of our relationship with G-d.
Life Behind BarsIs Incarceration a Jewish Thing?Perhaps our prison systems indicate our rigorous sense of justice, but could there be a more productive way of “correction” than years spent locked away? Understanding why Jewish law doesn’t promote incarceration reveals Torah’s unique approach to crime and punishment.
Beware of BloodWhat?s So Bad about Animals? Blood?Numerous times the Torah mentions the prohibition against eating blood. Not that you’d want to eat it, but if meat is kosher, what’s so bad about the red fluid found within? This class probes beneath the skin of the Torah’s aversion to blood, providing us a guide to living a kosher life.
Better Than PerfectWhen the Righteous FailIf we were perfect, life would be a lot easier. But is that really what we want? Aaron, becoming High Priest after his involvement in the Golden Calf, teaches that perfection isn’t achieved at birth. Rather, by overcoming personal struggles and challenges, we achieve the ideal.
The Case for MezuzahUnpacking the Scroll in the DoorwayThe common expression is, “My home is my castle.” But the Jewish people rely not on the fortitude of their walls but on the strength of their spirit, as expressed in the mezuzah hanging on their doors. What is the meaning of this scroll, and why is it so important?
A Jewish LandWhat Israel Means to UsIsrael, a tiny piece of land, provokes so much passion among the Jewish people and throughout the world. Why do we care about it so much? Uncovering the inner dynamic of the Holy Land and the spirit pulsating within it sheds light on our timeless bond with a land unlike any other.
Once Upon a RabbiAn Overview of Rabbinic OrdinationThroughout our history, rabbis have been a fountain of strength, inspiration, and authority for the Jewish people. What is the history of the rabbinate, what is the process of becoming a rabbi, and what role do rabbis play in Jewish life?
The Purpose of PrivacyWhy It's Important to Control Where You LookYour neighbors have a broad window in the front of their home, giving you a great view of what’s going on inside. Are you allowed to look inside and see what’s happening? If you think not, what if they don’t care? Explore the halachic take on privacy and discover a surprising life-lesson along the way.
All's WellA Fresh Perspective on Life's MiraclesWhen we look back at rough times and see how things turned out for the best, we become aware of the miracles in our lives. But perhaps the greatest miracles are the ones we are not even aware of. When we keep in mind the work G-d is doing for us, we can truly be at ease.
Haughty HumilityHealthy Self-Esteem in JudaismNobody likes the narcissist. It’s better to be humble and not to think too highly of yourself, it would seem. But knowing the dangers of self-loathing, perhaps there is virtue to haughtiness? Moses, the humblest of men and greatest of leaders teaches us how to find a healthy balance.
Keep It SimpleA Guide to Helping Yourself and OthersYou may have read a thousand self-help books and attended a thousand more seminars and lectures. But you know that when all is said and done, the answer lies within you. How can you access your deepest self and be the best you can be? It's simple.
Home Altar-ationBringing G-d Into Our Personal SpaceWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaOf the four volumes of the Jewish Code of Law, there is just one tiny section about the synagogue. The rest is all about the kitchen, the bedroom, and the business place. So, where is the center of Jewish observance?
From Faith to FlavorThe Process of RedemptionWith Rabbi Ari SollishRecorded live in AtlantaThe seder is filled with laws, both biblical commandments and rabbinic decrees. Does it really matter if I have exactly four cups of wine? Yes, it does. Each detail reveals great depth in the theme of the night -- freedom -- and the theme of Judaism in general.
Esther's Defining MomentThe Woman Who Saved Millions of LivesIf we see someone who needs help, logic suggests that we try to help out. But must we go above and beyond? To what extent are we expected to sacrifice for another? Maybe, just maybe, the whole world is waiting for us to rise up to the challenge...
Be HoofedWhat We Can Learn From Kosher AnimalsFor an animal to qualify as kosher, it must have hooves. These hooves protect the animal's feet. When trodding the path of life, we too must take precautions to avoid getting caught in the mud. (Part 1)
Goats of the TabernaclePerceiving the Pain of OthersA person who is caring will help someone when they have the time. A person who is generous will share what he has. Sometimes, however, later is not an option and helping out is not enough. Sometimes we need to abandon the modus operandi and just take action.
True DedicationBuilding the Tabernacle TogetherThe Jewish nation as a whole maintains a certain flavor. But the nation is comprised of individuals, each with his or her own unique character. So, if combined effort is the goal, do I need to be myself, or can I just go with the flow?
Be HoofedWhat We Can Learn From Kosher AnimalsFor an animal to qualify as kosher, it must have hooves. These hooves protect the animal's feet. When trodding the path of life, we too must take precautions to avoid getting caught in the mud. (Part 2)
Need Change? Inquire WithinHow Repentance WorksSometimes we are really good at being imperfect. After all, that's how G-d created us. On the flip side, G-d also created us with the ability to change. We can fix our errors, but it requires effort.
When Moses Was MissingUnderstanding True LeadershipFrom the time Moses enters the Biblical narrative, he is the central character of our nation. But this week, his name is absent from the Torah portion. Why? To answer this question is to understand who Moses really was, and what leadership skills we can learn from him.
The Woman Who Cried WolfA Jew is a JewThe story of Miriam Bat Bilgah is a tragic one. She abandoned her faith and married a Greek minister, before brazenly entering the Holy Temple and attacking the Holy Altar. How do we approach someone who has sunk so low?
The Sun and the MoonUnderstanding the Jewish CalendarOur calendar is unique-not quite lunar, not quite solar. What is the rationale behind it? Why is it such a central part of our faith, and what lessons can we learn from it? This class takes an in-depth look at this fascinating aspect of Judaism.
The Cleves GetAn 18th Century SagaOn August 14, 1766, Isaac, son of Eliezer Neiberg of Mannheim, married Leah, daughter of Jacob Guenzhausen of Bonn. Days later, the bridegroom took 94 gold crowns of the dowry and disappeared. This troubling episode began a stormy debate between the great rabbis of the time.
And Then There Was NightThe Darkness of DivisionWhen our lives are filled with unity and hope, the light shines brightly. But when we are alone and there is little hope, just darkness remains. Just how bad is darkness, and what can we do to avoid it?
Intent vs. ActionWhich One Takes the Cake?Some of us thrive on rituals, doing the right deeds consistently and devotedly. Others like to develop their observance while taking the time to reflect and grow internally. All in all, what is more important, our actions or our intentions?
The Fifth CommandmentBeyond Honoring ParentsWhile honoring your parents may seem like a basic social ideal, it is in fact an obligation to G-d. But why should two human beings deserve unconditional love and respect? Remembering G-d’s role in creating a child gives new meaning to the nature of this commandment.
More Important than LoveSecrets to a Healthy RelationshipRelationships require effort. How do we make sure the other party is getting what is needed? How can we provide what is wanted? And how do we deal with the differences that will inevitably arise? This lesson will show you, by revealing the true meaning of respect.
The Man in the CaveThe Story Behind the KabbalahThe Zohar is an important text of the Kabbalah, revealing the depths of creation and secrets of the Torah. This biographical sketch will shed light on the life and times of its author, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. What is the story of this great sage, and what can we learn from him?
This Is Where It's AtWhy the Torah Doesn't Discuss HeavenDo you expect any reward for being a good person, like eternal bliss or a nice place in heaven? Or maybe you are the altruistic type, just happy to do the right thing? The Torah promises reward for keeping its commandments, but for some reason doesn't mention any spiritual payback.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
Our acclaimed Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love, and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are -- and who you can be.
How Happiness Thinks is much more than a tool to boost your happiness. It is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life. You'll also learn how the science of positive psychology is now corroborating what Judaism has always known about what makes us happy.
Transforming The Inner Self 13 - Special Ops Soul Training (October 11, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 1 - Mysteries Of Inspiration (June 14, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 8 - G - D Of Diversity (August 30, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 3 - Spiritual Sweetener (July 12, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 9 - Mystical Mirror Optics (September 13, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 12 - Are You An Aries Or A Taurus (October 4, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 10 - The Animal Whisperer (September 20, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 16 - Higher Intervention (November 15, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 11 - Meet The Animals (September 27, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 7 - Kabbalistic Gender Selection (August 16, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 6 - Cosmic Tug O' War (August 9, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Transforming The Inner Self 14 - Divine Trigger (October 18, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
Justice and the War on TerrorA Jewish PerspectiveJoin us for a two-part series examining Judaic and Torah based law on some of the most controversial and gut wrenching dilemmas facing Israel and the free world as it continues to battle the war on terror.
Justice and the War on TerrorA Jewish PerspectiveJoin us for a two-part series examining Judaic and Torah based law on some of the most controversial and gut wrenching dilemmas facing Israel and the free world as it continues to battle the war on terror.
Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
Living with IntegrityNavigating Everyday Ethical DilemmasAre we obliged to keep all commitments? What are the responsibilities of the sandwich generation? Are the ungracious deserving of our charity? How far should we go to give the benefit of the doubt? A discussion on personal ethics and the Jewish view on laws that test the limits of our integrity.
SoulQuestThe Journey, Through Life, Death, and BeyondThe before, during, and after. Life is a journey, but it's also a cycle. Unravel the mystery of death by exploring life, and get answers to your questions on the afterlife and beyond. Learn where you come from, where your lost loved ones are to be found, and how the before and after is all about the here and now.
Living with IntegrityNavigating Everyday Ethical DilemmasAre we obliged to keep all commitments? What are the responsibilities of the sandwich generation? Are the ungracious deserving of our charity? How far should we go to give the benefit of the doubt? A discussion on personal ethics and the Jewish view on laws that test the limits of our integrity.
SoulQuestThe Journey, Through Life, Death, and BeyondThe before, during, and after. Life is a journey, but it's also a cycle. Unravel the mystery of death by exploring life, and get answers to your questions on the afterlife and beyond. Learn where you come from, where your lost loved ones are to be found, and how the before and after is all about the here and now.
SoulQuestThe Journey, Through Life, Death, and BeyondThe before, during, and after. Life is a journey, but it's also a cycle. Unravel the mystery of death by exploring life, and get answers to your questions on the afterlife and beyond. Learn where you come from, where your lost loved ones are to be found, and how the before and after is all about the here and now.
SoulQuestThe Journey, Through Life, Death, and BeyondThe before, during, and after. Life is a journey, but it's also a cycle. Unravel the mystery of death by exploring life, and get answers to your questions on the afterlife and beyond. Learn where you come from, where your lost loved ones are to be found, and how the before and after is all about the here and now.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
The Art of ParentingAs parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. How do we keep them safe, while encouraging their independence? When should we motivate them by incentive, and when by establishing firm consequences? And how do we build their self-esteem to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the long road ahead?In The Art of Parenting, we scale the challenges that face us as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the long-term success and emotional well-being of our children.
Full Devotion 2 - Earning Blessings And Changing Fate (January 11, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 14 - How To Prevent Fatigue And Burn - Out (May 10, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 12 - How To Get Out Of The Way Of Yourself (April 26, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 11 - The Jewish Art Of Meditation (April 19, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 8 - When You Don't Feel Like Doing It (March 8, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 7 - When The Author Becomes Part Of The Story (February 22, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 5 - The Relationship Between Light And Vessel (February 8, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Full Devotion 4 - Within, Beyond, And Beyond Beyond (February 1, 2015) by The Torah Center ATL
Sunday Kolel Lecture - 6"Chanukah on the Road"With Rabbi Menachem KleinRecorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 18, 2022
The Happiness Course - Lesson 6The Joy of the SpiritExploring the Deeper Dimensions of HappinessWith Rabbi Moishe Shemtov, AMFTRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on December 12, 2022Research suggests that meaning and spirituality can make us happier. Why is this so? Discover how you can take your happiness to greater heights.
My G-d - Lesson 6Our RelationshipWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 14, 2022)Let’s deepen our understanding of our relationship with G-d. Why can’t we see G-d? Because we can’t see Him, can we reconcile His existence with science? Why is Judaism so obsessed with idolatry -- is G-d jealous? Last of all: I’m a spiritual person; do I need to follow the Torah’s “system” to have a relationship with G-d?
Whispers of Creation - Part 12"The Origin of Language"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 18, 2022)For centuries, scientists have studied and debated the origin of language, attempting to answer a fairly simple question: when and how did language begin? What's astounding is that there are dozens of theories, each with their own twist, and yet scientists still don't have a definitive understanding of how language evolved.Kabbalah also speaks about the origin of language, but does so from a radically different place. The question is not where in the world did language begin -- it's where in the soul does language originate? See, all human activity stems from the soul's abilities. If the soul can't, the body can't. It's the soul that produces ideas, imagination, ingenuity, and yes, language. And each physical activity stems from a distinct "center" within the soul.Which begs the question: from where in the soul does language emerge?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we take a deep dive into the origin and essence of language. Far from a simple tool of convenience, we'll discover how language expresses what it truly means to be human.
Whispers of Creation - Part 11"Jewish Meditation"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 11, 2022)Many of us associate meditation with eastern spiritual practices. We hear the word meditation and we think of gurus and mantras and postures. But, in truth, there is a rich meditative tradition within Judaism.What exactly is Jewish meditation? How does it differ from the prevalent eastern variety? What tools do we need to practice Jewish meditation? How can it transform our lives? And if meditation is a Jewish thing, then why are so many Jews unaware of its practice?In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we untangle the mystery of Jewish meditation and lay it out as an accessible and transformative tool. What we learn will help you live deeper and more conscious, and will elevate your spiritual experience.
Life is Short-ishHow Death Informs LifeWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on March 2, 2021)By now we've come to appreciate death as the next phase in our ongoing personal missions. In our final lesson, we use what we'eve learned to revisit our priorities in this current phase and find ways to fill every moment with everlasting significance.
Where We Go AgainUnderstanding ReincarnationWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 23, 2021)Reincarnation: more than a fascinating topic, Judaism provides a practical way to imagine this mystical process and explains why it is important both to departed souls and to our lives today.
Where We GoHeaven and HellWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 16, 2021)For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of Heaven and frightened by the threat of Hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.
The Mourning AfterGrief and ConsolationWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 9, 2021)What is the Jewish grieving process, and what is the significance of its various traditions? This lesson provides a meaningful Jewish perspective on grief itself, as well as practical shiva etiquette both for mourners and for those who wish to comfort them.
Taking LeaveOur Evolving Relationship with the DepartedWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 2, 2021)Is death painful for souls? Is my presence felt when I visit a grave? Judaism's pre-burial and burial rituals accompany the soul's gradual transition from a limiting physical life to a completely spiritual one. We discuss those rituals and how, once freed, the soul's connection to the living continues in new and powerful ways.
Demystifying DeathPerspective on Life and BeyondWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live in Atlanta on January 26, 2021)Why are humans so anxious about death and dying? For many, the abrupt finality of death makes life itself seem futile. By exploring how our life force-our immortal soul-never ends but merely shifts roles, we begin to view life and death as two harmonious steps on the same journey.
My G-d - Lesson 5G-d's ParadoxesWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 8, 2022)Let’s delve into some of the deeper Divine mysteries and enigmas. Can G-d create a rock that He can’t lift? Does G-d's foreknowledge of events preclude my free choice? Is there anything that G-d finds difficult to do? And if G-d has decided to do something, can I change G-d's mind?
The Happiness Course - Lesson 5When Joy Seems ElusiveCoping with the Pain of LossWith Rabbi Moishe Shemtov, AMFTRecorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on December 5, 2022The loss of a loved one changes our lives forever. What can help us cope through these difficult moments of grief and bring us back to emotional equilibrium?
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 5 - Shabbos Clothing & Candle LightingWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 6, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Whispers of Creation - Part 10"The Ladder of Prayer"With Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on December 4, 2022)3600 years ago, a man had a dream. In this dream he saw a four-runged ladder, planted firmly on the ground, extending to the heavens. And on the ladder were angels, ascending and descending.The man was no ordinary man, and the dream was no ordinary dream. The man's name was Jacob, and this dream has become something legendary in Judaism. See, the mystics understand this dream to be a vision of prayer. When we pray, our words ascend up the "ladder," toward heaven, and elicit the blessings we ask for (which descend down the "ladder"). And just as Jacob's Ladder contained four rungs, our prayer is likewise structured into a deliberate, four-step program of heightened spiritual consciousness.In this session of Kabbalah Cafe you'll have the chance to explore Jewish prayer like never before. Discover the brilliance and beauty of the Siddur, and learn meditations to make your prayer experience personal and meaningful. Along the way, you'll discover the unique role verbal articulation has in heightening our awareness in prayer.
Semichas Chaver ChabadShiur 4 - When Shabbos BeginsWith Rabbi Mendy Wineberg(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 29, 2022)Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
My G-d - Lesson 4G-d's ExpectationsWith Rabbi Ari Sollish(Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 30, 2022)Let's discuss G-d's expectations of us. Do I have to believe in G-d to be Jewish? What if I have doubts about G-d? Do I need to fear G-d? That doesn't sound too appealing! Lastly, I'm okay with believing in G-d, but I'm not religious. Can I still have a relationship with G-d?
It’s Dark Out There? Look Again. Chanukah Celebrates the Quest for Light. Leave the Speeches for Later With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Families gathered together in raucous joy to hear the story of the holiday. Sound familiar? Yes -- for Purim, not Chanukah. You want to know why there’s no Chanukah Megillah? Because when you’re busy blazing up the darkness, there’s no time for stories.
Every Victory Is Worth Celebrating You Don’t Have to Win the War, So Concentrate on the Battle With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
“What is Chanukah?” asks the Talmud. Far from this being a simple question any Hebrew School kid can answer, the Talmud challenges us to ask what it is that we consider to be the primary lesson of the Chanukah miracle. Look to the candles and remember that it’s not so much about winning as it is about fighting.
The Secret of Jewish Survival Lessons from the Chanukah Menorah With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Faced with endless persecution, Jews either dived into wider society and washed away their identity, or withdrew into ghettos, cutting all contact with the outside world. It's time for a new path. The menorah sheds light on how to blaze a radical third approach.
Essential Oils The Secret to Remaining Above While Tethered Below With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Everyone is dieting these days, so oil is pariah number one. But on this holiday, we set aside our reservations and indulge in latkes, doughnuts, and take the opportunity to load up our menorahs with oil. So, what’s with the oil? Aside from a relic of the ancient story, a fascinating ride through the Chasidic perspective on oil reveals some important truths about who we really are.
For G-d's Sake Are We Capable of Altruism? With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
We get it. It’s hard to always be firing on all cylinders. We’re talking in a spiritual sense -- to always be doing good things for the right reasons. So, go ahead and do what it takes to get the job done. But remember, there’s one part that you should always keep sacred, a lone pocket of truth that is altruistic and pure. And it’s burning right there -- in the Chanukah candles.
The Psychology of the Chanukah Candles Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Where does self-improvement start? By fixing what’s wrong or by starting to do what’s right? An age old debate about the Chanukah candles reveals how generations before Freud vs. Skinner, the sages weighed the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy.
The Social Animal Why We Live the Way We Do With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Why do you pay taxes and not steal? Because you have to or because it's the right thing? This question lies at the heart of the concept of "community." Like it or not, we share this earth together. Let's make the most of it.
The Need for Jewish PR Why Jews Must Engage the World With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Historically, Jews either dived into wider society and washed away their identity, or withdrew into ghettos and cut off contact with the outside world. Neither option worked. The message of the menorah sheds light on our challenge to be a part of society but not consumed by it.
Decorate, Then Sweep Starting Out on a Positive Note With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
You need to rid yourself of bad habits to inculcate positive ones, but if you don't start with the good right away, you may end up waiting forever. This lesson explores the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy and the wisdom in the order of the Chanukah candles and of Joseph's sons.
What is Beautiful? The Spiritual Science of Intrinsic Attraction With Rabbi Ari Sollish Recorded live in Atlanta, GA
Uncover the essence of what makes things beautiful and why the Maccabees so opposed the Greek Hellenist approach.
Strength & Struggle Lesson 6 Jonah: A Rendezvous with Destiny With Rabbi Ari Sollish
What is your mission in life? How much time do you spend on routines, at the expense of your goals? We examine Jonah's motive for defying G-d's instructions, to the point of attempting suicide. Is it ever justified to sacrifice the means entirely for the sake of achieving our goals?
Strength & Struggle Lesson 5 Elijah & Elisha: Simplicity With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Motivation and passion are critical to living life to its fullest. What do we do when our zest for life is depleted? How do we find inspiration then? While Elijah may be the more famous of the mentor-protege pair, this lesson emphasizes Elisha's human care and attention to detail, over Elijah's large-scale, grandiose miracles.
Strength & Struggle Lesson 4 David: Dealing with Mistakes With Rabbi Ari Sollish
At what point should we forgive ourselves for our mistakes (and others for theirs)? How do we transform a blunder into an impetus for growth? The saga of King David and Bathsheba has attracted much attention over the ages, but what interests us more than what he did, or why he did it, is understanding how King David dealt with his mistake.
Strength & Struggle Lesson 3 Ruth: Commitment and Sacrifice With Rabbi Ari Sollish
What comforts and freedoms should we be willing to sacrifice to get the job done? The story of Ruth contrasts leaders who forsook their duties with those who understood the meaning of responsibility, and who demonstrated courage to let go of everything dear to them to do what is right.
Strength & Struggle Lesson 2 Saul: Qualities of a Leader With Rabbi Ari Sollish
What are the signature strengths that make a person great? What is the difference between being smart and being wise? In the story of our ancestors' quest to install their first king, we dissect Saul's character, his humility and wisdom, and the key weakness that led to his downfall.
Strength & Struggle Lesson 1 Jephthah: Gaining Perspective With Rabbi Ari Sollish
What propelled Jephthah to do the unthinkable -- to sacrifice his own daughter? Emotions often cloud our judgment. How do we gain perspective at such times? This lesson examines Jephthah's failures, exploring alternative ways in which he might have dealt with his situation, and how we can respond when facing similar circumstances.
Semichas Chaver Chabad Shiur 2 - Understanding the Times of Shabbos Pt. 2 With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 22, 2022)
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Stranger Things Part 3 - Souls With Mrs. Nomi Freeman (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 21, 2022)
What is Judaism’s take on the supernatural? This is an otherworldly learning adventure where we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the stranger things in the universe. In this session we look at souls.
Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
My G-d - Lesson 3 G-d's Reasons With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 16, 2022)
Let's discover why G-d does what He does. Why did G-d create me -- does G-d need me? And why did G-d create evil -- does G-d need evil? Can I question G-d? And why is G-d described in the Bible as "wrathful" and "jealous"?
Semichas Chaver Chabad Shiur 2 - Understanding the Times of Shabbos With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 15, 2022)
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
The Happiness Course - Lesson 4 The Joy of Struggle Exploiting Our Shortcomings as Sources of Happiness With Rabbi Moishe Shemtov, AMFT Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on November 14, 2022
Our flaws and deficiencies can drain us of our happiness. How might we succeed in reframing our challenges and deficiencies as joy-inspiring opportunities of cosmic proportion?
Whispers of Creation - Part 9 "Anger Management" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 13, 2022)
In his Guide to Personal Character, Maimonides writes that generally, one should find the middle point between character extremes. One should not be overly indulgent or overly austere, but strive for the middle ground. Likewise, one should seek a healthy balance between generosity and thriftiness, between work and rest, and between elation and groundedness.
But there's one character trait for which Maimonides advises to seek the extreme: anger. When it comes to anger, he writes: "Anger is an exceptionally bad quality. It is fitting and proper that one move away from it and adopt the opposite extreme. He should school himself not to become angry even when it is fitting to be angry."
This is certainly a tall order. But as I'm sure we can all attest, given the devastating nature of anger, it is so important.
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we get to the spiritual root of anger and seek to discover its remedy. Where does anger come from? Where is its origin in the soul? And what are the inner tools that provide its relief?
Sunday Kollel Lecture - 3 "The Science Behind Mezuzah Protection" With Rabbi Tzvi Freeman Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 13, 2022
Semichas Chaver Chabad Shiur 1 - The Laws of Honoring Shabbos With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 8, 2022)
Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.
Practiced Judaism - Lesson 1 The Guide to Daily Jewish Living With Rabbi Tzali Levin (Recorded at The Torah Center ATL on November 10, 2022)
Join Rabbi Tzali Levin and learn the ins and outs of Jewish practice! This exciting and engaging series gives you the knowhow and the confidence to “do Jewish” in every aspect of life, through guided study and practical, hands-on experience.
My G-d - Lesson 2 G-d's Nature With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 9, 2022)
Let's learn a bit about how G-d operates. Does G-d have feelings? Does G-d communicate with us? Does G-d ever act illogically? Why does G-d have so many names? And why is it that many write "G-d" with a hyphen?
The Happiness Course - Lesson 2 The Joy of Having Learning the Art of Gratitude With Rabbi Moishe Shemtov, AMFT Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on November 7, 2022
Good fortune -- wealth, beauty, genius, or power -- doesn't necessarily lead to more happiness. But is there a way to build joy from our good circumstances? How do we master the art of experiencing the goodness of life?
Stranger Things Part 2 - Spirits & Demons With Mrs. Nomi Freeman (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 7, 2022)
What is Judaism’s take on the supernatural? This is an otherworldly learning adventure where we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the stranger things in the universe. In this session we look at spirits and demons.
Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
Whispers of Creation - Part 8 "Rebounding Light" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on November 6, 2022)
Questions can be annoying. Like when you're in the middle of something important, and out of nowhere someone peppers you with distracting questions. Sometimes it's the timing of the question that's annoying; sometimes, it's the question itself. (Like the old joke about the nudnik...)
But some questions are invaluable. These questions challenge your understanding and disrupt the status quo. Once these kinds of questions are asked, there's no going back. It's forward and onward.
As the Jewish mystics conceive it, these driving questions stem from the dimension of "ohr chozer" -- the rebounding light. See, there's the light that radiates in a straightforward manner. That light dissipates. But then there's the light that rebounds. That light is truly powerful.
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we examine the magic that is rebounding light, and learn how we can leverage its power in our own lives -- in our conversations, relationships, and spiritual pursuits.
Stranger Things Part 1 - Angels With Mrs. Nomi Freeman (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 31, 2022)
What is Judaism’s take on the supernatural? This is an otherworldly learning adventure where we explore Talmudic and Kabbalistic teachings on the stranger things in the universe. In this session we look at angels.
Mrs. Nomi Freeman has devoted over 40 years to the field of Jewish education and spiritual development. She is a mentor and spiritual coach who travels internationally to lecture and provide personal guidance. Her online classes and articles are beloved by tens of thousands across the globe.
The Happiness Course - Lesson 2 The Joy of Purpose Facing Stress with Patience, Mindfulness, and Hope With Rabbi Moishe Shemtov, AMFT Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on October 31, 2022
Stress is an impediment to happiness. How can we rise above the everyday worries and frustrations, whether they are about the present or future, and retain our joie de vivre?
My G-d - Lesson 1 The Basics With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live on November 1, 2022)
Let’s become familiar with G-d’s basic bio. What is G-d and where is He? Does G-d have a gender? And who created G-d?
Whispers of Creation - Part 7 "Anatomy of Speech" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 30, 2022)
In Kabbalah, human beings are referred to as the "medaber," the speaker. Notwithstanding all of the gifts that humans uniquely possess, it is the ability to communicate that separates homo sapiens from the rest of existence.
But what's so special about the ability to speak? Don't other forms of life communicate with the other members of their species? And what practical lessons can we learn from the central place speech has in our lives?
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we break down the mystical parts of speech and discover why our mouths hold the key to our minds and hearts. We've got a lot to talk about!
The Happiness Course - Lesson 1 The Joy of Being You Finding a Self-Concept of Happiness Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on October 24, 2022
How you think about yourself is crucial to your happiness. What is the self-concept that yields happiness, protects against the misery of low self-esteem, and avoids self-centeredness?
Confessions Of A Nazi Hunter With Dr. Efraim Zuroff Chief Nazi-Hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 26, 2022
Famed Nazi hunter, historian and author, Dr. Efraim Zuroff, discusses his work bringing Nazi and fascist war criminals to trial.
Dr. Zuroff, the director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, is the coordinator of Nazi war crimes research worldwide and is the author of several books, including "Operation Last Chance: One Man’s Quest to Bring Nazi Criminals to Justice" and "Our People: Discovering Lithuania's Hidden Holocaust."
This is a talk you will not forget.
Whispers of Creation - Part 6 "Kabbalistic Metacognition" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 23, 2022)
Human beings possess many gifts. Among these gifts is the power of speech. So central to the human condition is the gift of speech that the human being is called "medaber" -- the speaker -- in the vernacular of Jewish philosophy and mysticism.
What lies at the core of the power of speech? And why is it so central to humanity?
In this edition of Kabbalah Cafe we'll take a deep dive under the hood of the human soul to see just how our ideas, feelings, thoughts, and speech operate and interplay. We'll discover the power of "Kabbalistic Metacognition," and learn how it can help us become aware of what's going inside. And we'll gain tools to wield a little more agency over our subconsciousness.
High Holidays Unpacked Session 3 - Simchat Torah "Pure Joy" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 6, 2022)
Simchat Torah is a holiday famous for dancing and raucous joy. But is this the appropriate way to celebrate the Torah? Discover the true joy of completing the entire Torah reading cycle. It’s not so much about what you have learned, but about the type of life it enables you to lead.
High Holidays Unpacked Session 2 - Yom Kippur "Second Chances" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 29, 2022)
It’s that time of the year again: the time to fix past wrongdoings and right our ship, going forward. But what if you’re just not ready to fix it all? Is it OK to feel bad, say, like halfway? Instead of complete overhaul, is just small incremental change acceptable? Rabbi Akiva shares his edifying answer.
High Holidays Unpacked Session 1 - Rosh Hashanah "Holy Wealth" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 22, 2022)
The High Holidays are awe-inspiring for everyone. Packed into the synagogue, we spend time praying and connecting with G-d. But what do we ask for? Stuff. “Give me this, grant me that...” And it goes on. Is that the best way to spend such a holy time? Asking for stuff? You bet! Discover the real reason why you want anything. It may surprise you.
Whispers of Creation - Part 5 "How Is Life Made?" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 2, 2022)
There's a wonderful Yiddish expression: "A kop ken men nit aruf shteln." Loosely translated, that means that while you can present information to someone, you can't actually create for them a new mind.
But is that actually so? Isn't there a tried-and-true method to create a new mind, and, in fact, to create a whole new person? There's even a name for it: procreation!
In this Sunday's edition of Kabbalah Cafe we'll look at the difference between education and procreation. One seems so refined, the other, so -- well -- coarse. And yet, the former simply shares ideas, while the latter creates life. Wherein lies the power of procreation? How does life emerge from such a materialistic act?
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we unravel the mysteries of life!
Whispers of Creation - Part 4 "Servant Leadership" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 18, 2022)
Good leadership is rare. Great leadership? That almost seems impossible.
Kabbalah guides us toward a healthier model of leadership. By analyzing the mystical Tree of Life and the sefirot energies that power the human soul, we can arrive at a unique understanding of what leadership is -- and what it isn't. Turns out leadership is intended to be less about telling others what to do, and more about listening.
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we unravel the unique form of Servant Leadership championed in Jewish mysticism, and discover how it's uniquely connected with feminine energy.
Whispers of Creation - Part 3 "The Human Drama, In Two Acts" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 11, 2022)
Two stories. One bespeaking perfection, the other failure.
Twice the Torah tells us the narrative of creation. In the first version, everything goes perfectly, with humanity and the entire world easing into the first Shabbat in peace and tranquility. In the second version, things quickly go off the rails, with Adam and Eve heading into Shabbat steeped in shame and regret.
So which one is it? Will the real human narrative please stand up?
In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we unravel the mysterious origin stories of humankind and discover the possibility of being human.
Whispers of Creation - Part 2 "When Did Life Begin" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 4, 2022)
So when exactly did life begin?
Turns out, this is the topic of a pretty serious debate in the Talmud. Two Talmudic scholars, locked in fierce debate about the origins of life. But it's not just the when of existence -- it's the why.
Is life mission-oriented? Or is it love-oriented? Do we exist to achieve some sort of cosmic plan -- or is our very being the realization of a primordial Divine desire to have a relationship with an "other."
Two perspectives. Two world-views. Both affect us profoundly. In this session of Kabbalah cafe, we learn how.
Whispers of Creation - Part 1 "It Begins" With Rabbi Ari Sollish (Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on August 28, 2022)
Our inaugural Kabbalah Cafe discourse is entitled "Whispers of Creation." Taken from the celebrated series of discourses authored in 1898, this series explores the incredible giver/receiver dynamic that drives existence, turning the perceived hierarchy on its heads.
Drawing from the deepest mystical wisdom, this text develops the idea that the greatest power lies in the recipient. It is the power of receptivity that drives all creativity and innovation, and it is likewise we who drive the purpose of existence.
This knowledge leads to immense power and even greater responsibility. This is "Whispers of Creation."