Torah Hashkafa for the Modern Jew: Recent Episodes
Avi Farkas
A weekly stimulating class on the Parsha and other Jewish topics. Rabbi Avi Farkas, of The Norfolk Kollel, breaks down traditional Torah hashkafa to a point where it can be easily understood and integrated into the lives of every type of Jew.
Why is the first chapter of Pirkei Avos replete with the number three? Join me as we journey together with the Maharal of Prague and build a masterpiece of wisdom, uncovering the infinite depth and timeless truth of our sages.
The Haggadah we read on the Eve of Passover is not merely a collection of verses and an age-old fable. The Seder night is the foundation of the Jewish tradition in a way that is just as real today as it was during the Exodus. Discover the Torah's recipe for solidifying our faith in ourselves and our children, and how the Passover story is the center of it all.
The Passover Seder is replete with contradictions and hidden themes. Why do we dip as a sign of freedom, but we dip the bitter herb (marror) which signifies bondage? The Matzah represents the hasty exodus from Egypt, but at the same time represents the bread of bondage.
Discover the underlying theme that shapes the format of the entire Seder night.
Why are we still dwelling on the war that Amalek waged with us so many years ago? What makes this attack different than the multitudes of other attacks against the Jewish people? Does Amalek exist today?
What is the connection between Purim and Amalek, and where do we find Haman in the Torah?
Learn about who Amalek really is, and how we can fulfill this commandment, even in our times.
What do the customs of Purim; the Hamentash and dressing up on Purim, symbolize? discover how these customs are really a symbol of God's hidden miracles throughout Jewish history.
What lessons can we learn from the Purim story to help us in our relationships?
If God is making miracles, why does He hide them?
Learn the answers to these questions and more!
Why do we set lofty goals, only to quit when things start getting difficult? Why do we fantasize about the life we want to live, but never actually work towards attaining it?
In this class, you will discover what holds us back from achieving greatness, and what we can do to change, and break through all of our limitations.
Discover the deeper meaning of planting trees and maintaining the environment. Learn how Tu B'Shevat symbolizes working for the next generation.
In this episode, we discuss how Hashem promises the Jewish nation that He will always be with us in exile. We are God's partner in revealing His name, and therefore, Hashem is protecting us to ensure that we will eventually be able to bring the final redemption.
In this class, we explore life's challenges using the metaphor of a ship out at sea. Some of life's challenges put just the boat at risk But others, threaten the actual crewmembers themselves. Listen as we navigate through what motivates us to achieve our spiritual goals, and what tools we can use when there seems to be no hope.