As women will testify, pregnancy is no picnic - but Rivkah's term was a super trial where each twin tried to break out when she passed houses of worship of their respective interests. Doesn't it appear from the narrative that their natures' were predestined? But in light of our having free will, how can this be? And how did Yaacov complete the process of building upon his father's character, while Esav swerved to the other extreme?
Rabbi Avi Geller's series on the entire five books of Judaism is delivered with lively enthusiasm and humor. Each weekly talk is a whirlwind tour of all the events of that week's Torah portion, plus major commentaries and explanations of fundamental concepts of Judaism.
We understand that the Tabernacle is the Garden of Eden incarnate. The elegant garments of the priests are a commemoration of the pure nakedness before the first sin. Rabbi Kahn discusses the metaphysical role of the clothing and how they can be used to relate to God on a personal level.
Rabbi Leff defines in great detail the striking parallels between the people who denied G-d's existence and the by-product of their denial - the Tower of Bavel itself. Hear how this biblical story is correlated to our times as well. A classic Rabbi Leff.
The central problem in the generation of Bavel was that they not only thought they were above nature, but that they controlled it as well. In a haunting but relevant comparison, Rabbi Leff points to the identical attitude existing within today's world, and shows how the generation of Bavel has come full circle.
Wouldn’t the most righteous people alive make the ultimate set of parents? How then could an Esav have grown up in Yitzchak and Rivkah’s home? Rabbi Wagensberg’s class on raising children helps delineate the balance between giving them all you’ve got and accepting their free will choices – and can help any parent during those inevitable moments of doubt over their child’s path.
If you usually skip over parsha talks, give a listen to Rabbi Wagensberg. His dynamic style gives an exciting twist to each week's parsha, often coming from a new vantage point.
Yitzchak ('Frum From Birth') and Rivkah (the prototype of a returnee) are a classic study in opposite paths in forging a relationship with G-d. Hear Rabbi Wagensberg's thought-provoking analysis of the pros and cons of each approach, and each person's longing to synthesize self-discovery of G-d along with the traditions on which they were raised.
It's one thing to have faith in G-d intellectually. It's another thing to place our trust in Hashem practically. In this lecture, Rabbi Wagensberg shares with us perhaps the only way to acheive bitachon. Once we realize that faith begins where understanding ends then it becomes obvious that taking that leap requires something called holy foolishness. This talk also sheds light on the inner meaning of Kislev and Chanukah.
How does this parsha help us prepare for Purim, which comes directly afterward? Rabbi Wagensberg takes an incredible trip into Persia as he explores the main characters of Esther and Mordechai. Learn how Esther’s modesty harks back to the sense of smell, reaching to pure and untainted spirituality, and how the Jewish nation tapped into that to achieve salvation.