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.
What is the process of bringing the dead to life? Mrs. Juravel points out how we learn about Hashem’s massive strength through His ability to weave techiyas hamesim into how rain is expressed on the physical level. Helpful to hear again when one feels stuck or alone.
The term holiness is oft thrown around. What does it really mean? Mrs. Juravel analyzes the capacity humans have to connect the seemingly separate worlds of physicality and spirituality, and utilizing one for the other. How can we know when to stay away from the unsavory, and when to create a springboard out of it to reach G-d? An excellent class on an often confusing subject.
As the only creations in the world that have the power of free choice, we need to be blessed with the power to discern between a sometimes similar seeming good and evil. If we have this behind us, our lives suddenly become so simple. Mrs. Juravel covers the different kinds of mental acuity that exists, and has us laughing at ourselves as she portrays some of the mental gymnastics we pull off to convince ourselves of things that aren’t real or true.
Do we aspire to perfection? Not quite, says Mrs. Juravel. Learn about the great gift of teshuvah and the heights it can bring us to despite our failings and mistakes. This blessing portrays our desire for Hashem to accept us back after we’ve fallen. Learn about how our sense of shame is an excellent marker of how we view
While we can repent on our end, we are still dependent on Hashem to forgive us for what we’ve done. If we value and desire a close relationship with our Creator, the way He views us will become of primary importance. Mrs. Juravel covers the accidental and not-so-accidental negative deeds we do, and the belief we must have that He will exonerate us.
When we speak of redemption, the understanding of the word is Hashem taking back what is His. Do we view ourselves as being part of the Divine? Mrs. Juravel discusses our fear of change and why we hold back from wanting spiritual Geulah. Learn why this blessing must come after a request for forgiveness, and how Hashem’s granting redemption can reveal parts of ourselves that are inaccessible until He does.
Rachel’s act of self-restraint enabled her sister to walk down the aisle with the husband intended for her. On the other hand what power of prayer did Leah use to veer herself away from Esav? Learn how Rachel grabbed onto these events to merit her children's continued salvation through the long dark nights of gulus.
Tefillah is the most effective way to find your personal connection to Hashem. Can you imagine finding yourself suddenly davening with focused attention, in ways that bring you in touch with the very source of your life? Rav Pincus gives powerful tools for navigating the siddur, and tapping that deeper desire to connect.
Translation of prayers are a life-saver for those who can’t manage through the full Amidah with understanding. Hear Rav Yaakov's down and up sides to forcing the Hebrew text into a English version, and why the original Hebrew Siddur must never be rendered as obsolete.