The new age thinking is that only a meditative ascetic can reach the pinnacle of spirituality. Hear Judaism's take on connecting Eastern religion’s cyclical view of life to the process of history as we know it. Hear how important living within the mundane world is for building self-understanding, and feeling the essence of God's beauty and design.
To better understand who we are, first take a look at who we aren't. Rebbetzin Heller describes the Greek and Jewish cultures with a colorful reflection of contrasts. This will define the responsibilities of a Jew and also the privilege of carrying on the ideals our grandparents lived for, and also fought for.
To get a better idea of who we are, let's first take a look at who we aren't. In a colorful reflection of contrasts, Rebbetzin Heller describes the basic world views of Greek and Jewish cultures, and how this not only defines the responsibilities of a Jew, but also their privilege in carrying forth ideals that their grandparents lived and sacrificed for.
How much credence do each of us really give to the idea that we all evolved from the ape? Does the Torah have an explanation for all the apparent similarities between us and our so-called ancestors? Rabbi Meyer goes through the contentious history of 'the theory of evolution' and who its main players were. Also here the subtle, and not so subtle ways this theory has permeated western consciousness.
How much credence do each of us really give to the idea that we all evolved from the ape? Does the Torah have an explanation for all the apparent similarities between us and our so-called ancestors? Rabbi Meyer goes through the contentious history of 'the theory of evolution' and who its main players were. Also here the subtle, and not so subtle ways this theory has permeated western consciousness.
Can we ever be certain that we do indeed have free will? Maybe our free will was installed like other things within? And has a way been discovered that can measure this scientifically? Dr. Schroeder probes this enigmatic subject by using the first murder in history to determine whether or not identical 'causes' will produce identical 'effects.’
The concepts of choice 'and free will' are intrinsically embedded in Torah and Jewish thought. But what are the implications of choice? Do all forms of life (i.e. plants and animals) have free will too? Hear the physicists 'party line' on free will, and join Dr. Schroeder as he brings this illusive power we possess down to earth - and then takes it one step further.
Judaism is a way of life, and Rav Noah has compiled ten basic classes to help you understand the Foundations of Jewish Living. The logical and most fundamental first step of this series is: How can we be sure of anything? All religious and political movements believe they possess the key to solve the world's problems. If so how can a person can truly 'know' if they are right?
Is it better to learn halacha or to focus on hashkafa and machshava? Rav Yaakov Weinberg posits that such a separation is simply a mistaken understanding. He illustrates the right balance a number of ways, and proves that by understanding the underpinnings of halacha brings us into spectacular world of machshava.
The reality of olam habah is one that most people grapple with. Rav Yaakov describes the futility and frustration endured when this world is seen as an end in itself. This powerful talk gives excellent proofs for the validity of olam haba, plus the mechanisms in place to reach that eventual joyous relationship with God.