Superficial Spirtuality

Light Up the World!

P'ninat Mishpat: Dividing Parents’ Resources when Mother Still Alive

based on ruling 82017 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

based on ruling 82017 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part I

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s)

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s)

Ask the Rabbi: Booing Haman

Parashat Hashavua: Joint Rachel/Leah Leadership and Megillat Esther

Orchot Tzaddikim class 81, "Torah" part ii

The class deals with how G-d grants each generation to innovate and add to the eternal Torah. Even though today, we may not be as religious and spiritual as previous generations, G-d has granted us many "game-changers" to make Torah today that much more NEW, exciting and intellectually and emotionally appealing.

Quality Over Quantity- Countless Ramifications

As mankind matures (similar to the individual child), we all realize that it's generally a mistake to go after quantity, at the expense of quality. Children and primitve man thought that "bigger is better", but today's tiny computer chips and laser warfare teach man what Judaism always knew. Rav Kook explains this important idea with so many ramifications in life and Torah, via the letter Yud, which is the smallest letter, and rationally explains its Kabbalistic meanings and usage. The class is a great example of how Rav Kook harmonizes and combines rational philosophy and logical Kabbala.

Who's in the Center?

P'ninat Mishpat: Agricultural Water Rights – part II

based on ruling 84122 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

based on ruling 84122 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part II

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312

Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312

The Symbolism of the Dalet-Shaped Head-Tefilin's Knot

Many have summarized Rav Kook's ideology as "Uniting the Opposites", and this classic class elaborates on the idea via the Shi"n on the Head-Tefilin and the concept of "Laws given orally to Moshe at Sinai". A very basic class in Rav Kook's thought.

Ask the Rabbi: Late Payment?

Parashat Hashavua: Rachel, Leah, and King David – What Happened? – part V

Orchot Tzaddikim class 80, "Torah" part i

This is the first part of the chapter regarding the supreme importance of learning Torah, and why it is so central to Judaism. Anyone who feels a lack of motivation to learn should hear this class!

Orchot Tzaddikim class 79, Teshuva part x

G-d doesn't hold a grudge, and even King Menashe, who served every pagan deity, and turned to G-d only as a last resort, was accepted! These inspiring examples stress that we can always do Teshuva, even when we have slipped back many times. The class also includes practical examples of how to improve, to finish off this extensive topic.

Daf Yomi Menachot Daf 34

REFINING 'PATIENCE' W/ KIDS WHO LEAVE 'DERECH'

There's a common question today: how to deal with the unfortunate phenomena of children from religious homes who somewhat leave Torah. This innovative approach shows how to stay sane, not blame ourselves, and even turn that issue from being a major problem, into a G-d given opportunity to improve one of the 13 G-dly traits we are meant to emulate: Erech Apayim (Patience).

Daf Yomi Menachot Daf 33

The Half-Shekel – Then and Today