It's difficult to understand what went on during the first day mankind was created, or how the world was brought to its confusing state. Lisa Aiken paints a more complete picture of creation, and the deeper mistakes Adam and Eve made by choosing to eat from the tree of knowledge. How did their punishment fit the crime - and which door was left open for an eventual rectification?
What makes the Shema so central to our prayers? Join Lisa Aiken, PhD for a look at its history, and the ever elusive reality that God is One, and that all God does, whether for our pleasure or pain stems directly from His loving kindness. Even a small sense of knowing, envisioning and embracing that space is enough to get a taste of Judaism's deepest tenet.
John Gray's bestseller 'Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus' was hailed as a basic text on the differences between men and women, and how they relate. Lisa Aiken looks back to the Torah and to the original creation episode of Adam and Eve to zero in on where the Torah agrees and disagrees with his understandings.
Lisa Aiken, PhD. analyzes the four categories of problems that usually arise in marriage: pragmatic, social, emotional and spiritual. She takes it to the next level in dialog fashion to show how ludicrous it sounds when each side is arguing from a different category. Hear also how one side could slowly begin acting as an allay in a way that could gently iron out their differences.
Far from the view that traditional Jewish women are drudges chained to their kitchen and diaper pail, a more accurate way to describe them is like that of an officer directing troop movement from a command post. Lisa Aiken flips the notion that Judaism strips its women of their power, and proves how their influence effects major change. Another disturbing question she tackles is why women are excluded from time bound mitzvot such as tefillin and tzitzis?
Change usually scares people. Lisa Aiken, PhD. gives a close-up look at why those nearest and dearest can feel so threatened when seeing their loved ones changing so much. What must the ba’alei teshuvah keep in mind to help their families make peace with this new reality? Learn to also appreciate the emotional choices your loved ones are making - even if they may not be living up to your standards. An excellent class
All too often Darwin’s theory of evolution is taught as the gospel truth - although it’s not as airtight as it sounds. Dr Aiken examines the Torah’s creation narrative and closes the gap by showing new scientific discoveries. As a thinking adult, you may find the Bible story to be more rational now then when you heard it as a child.
Some women find they prefer having a suitable role model in mind for learning Torah. Lisa Aiken PhD also examines Chava's role, and her involvement in the first sin of Creation. She then looks at the mass objectification of woman and the worlds downward spiral. Hear also a few powerful lessons our matriarchs learned during their turbulent lives.
Suffering has baffled the greatest minds in every generation. Even Moses was unable to fully comprehend the painful outcomes that life so often dishes out. But even still there are kernels of insight that can help us appreciate it's ultimate justice, and even comfort us for the many struggles sent our way. Dr. Aiken identifies barriers between us and God, the unusual wake up calls we get, and how suffering brings our buried potential out of hibernation.
Travel back to the dawn of time when God chose to create a universe. Lisa Aiken Ph.D describes the souls existence before being given the chance it yearns for to earn an eternal relationship with the Divine. Follow the souls journey into this world to wrestle with good and evil before it makes its way back to its Maker.