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.
Self-esteem is an essential part of being a healthy person. So why was it not such an issue in the past? Rabbi Berger analyzes how the desire to have pleasure without earning it pulls the ground from under ones sense of self. Another factor he examines is the extent today's world economy depends on shoddy self-esteem.
When big challenges loom before us, it is so hard to muster the internal courage to march onwards and upwards. Rebbetzin Birnbaum gives time-tested encouragement by pointing out a few super painful moments that our nation faced and the underlying greatness that pushed them on. How does the desire to control things warp the picture of the potential growth standing before us?
We are told that learning Torah and keeping its guidelines will lead us to a vibrant and just society. Rabbi Carmell explains in sociological terms how God views the core of a person's personality, and where each person stands in their community and in the world.
How possible is it to define what our ideal environment is seeing that we are all so different? After all, some are affected by the positive role models in their lives, while others thrive on adversity, and others by confronting the negative influences in their lives. Rebbetzin Heller helps to define which surroundings help us to grow, and how to deal with different groupings of people that are common in many communities.
Sometimes the yetzer hara approaches us with logical arguments that are easy to deflect. But how well can we deal with desires that hit us with urgency and emotion force? Hear a fascinating lecture on our powers of imagery and its capacity to fight negative impulses. Rebbetzin Heller also flips the concept by examining the illusionary portraits of greatness we sometimes construct in our minds.
Do you ever stop and notice how you respond when something doesn’t go your way? Being able to spot negative curve balls can change your perspective in life. Rebbetzin Heller explains how to track down your inner wealth and how these discoveries will motivate you towards more personal accomplishment, and add a good measure of elasticity to your temperament.
On one hand it is natural to seek trust in other people, but on the other hand emotions of fear, worry, and need for control seem to get in the way. Mrs. Juravel shows how the same applies to Hashem. Hear the qualities that make Hashem eminently worthy for us to trust Him, and how to leave behind the negatives which hinder this trust? Also, hear how we confuse the balance of bitachon and hishtadlus.
How do your actions influence you? By doing kind acts over and over for others will help you to love them more - and lead you to becoming a 'kind person'. However, since each person has a different set of needs, understanding how to meet them requires a few pointers. Learning to treat others with love and respect will amazingly boomerang their love and respect back to yourself.
What is the unrelenting attraction of Yom Kippur that draws hordes of unaffiliated Jews into shuls to fast and pray? It's the power of change. Learn a effective way to examine yourself and pinpoint which areas are most worthwhile for you to work on.