Where does suffering fit into a person's global worldview? Is it part of the master plan for people to carry their suffering around their necks for their entire lives? And how sensitive are you to distinguish between the troubles that appear appropriate for others, but have a hard time understanding the harsh treatment you yourself receive? Hear how Rav Berkovits weaves the spiritual and physical aspects of suffering into the larger mosaic of reward and punishment.
In Judaism, we don't subscribe to the line 'ignorance is bliss'. How then are we to integrate naase v'nishmah (doing the mitzvot even before having a complete understanding of them) with our need to work things out in our heads? By comparing the viewpoints of both Maimonides and Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, Rabbi Berkovits helps us to arrive at the reason we were created and what our top priorities in life should be. Included is a discussion about what it means to 'be holy' and how to work at doing the mitzvot while always keeping your feet on the ground.
The finite is by definition limited in every way, but it is a condition that also necessitates the infinite. Tune in to ponder the contradictory nature of existence that pertains to first existence, and the limits of this world vs. infinity.
Questions of infinity, and how 'creation' can possibly work in tandem with it, have occupied philosophers throughout the ages - without arriving at a conclusive solution. Rabbi Berkowitz also discusses the 'logical' and the 'illogical'. Determine for yourself if Judaism's answer to this existential riddle has a reasonable, and satisfying solution.
Continuing the discussion on infinity, Rabbi Berkovits explains why the 'finite' can only be made from the 'infinite'. By establishing an awe for the infinite, we can begin to understand the 'stuff' that our world and universe is made of, and what is the relationship between the 'limited' and the 'limitless'.
In order to piece together this discussion of infinity and the finite, we
have to know where God fits into it all. Hear how the
source of all motion and change is that which is beyond motion and could not
possibly have anything to do with change.
In each person's search to find a suitable ideology to live with, many ideas and opinions are entertained and evaluated. However, at what point do excess or unfounded pieces of information become counter-productive?
Just because there is evil in our finite world doesn't necessarily mean evil exists in the infinite - even though it is all sourced from the infinite. Hear the mechanism that allows this process to function. These talks are drawn from 'The Knowing Heart' by Rabbi Chaim Luzzato.
The Greeks were quite magnanimous to allow all the nations they conquered the freedom to practice their own pagan religion åÐ so long as Greek culture became an integral part of their lifestyle. What specifically was it about Jewish belief that enraged the Greek nation to stamp it out? Hear how Torah SheåÕBaal Peh (the Oral Torah) become the light and strength behind their victory.
A person'såÊconscience will bother him when he does something that he's previously decided was wrong. If so, wouldn't it seems that he could rely on his conscience to warn him about whether something is in fact right or wrong? What is the down side of solely using the human mind? Then again, how does our power of intellect prove that the Torah is true, and it's code of moral law absolute?åÊ