In a seemingly suicidal battle against four kings and their fierce armies, Avraham and his servant challenged all of them to rescue his nephew from captivity. How could Avraham, a master of logic make such a decision that clearly defies sanity? Rabbi Weinberg uncovers a deep life lesson here to inspire us to know what we are living for, and also how and why to make our best possible effort %u2013 even if we feel the cards are totally stacked against us.
What’s the point of life? Join Rav Noah as he explores the very basics of Judaism and the universe’s existence, showing that the goal is to gain pleasure from our relationship with G-d. Aren’t there plenty of pleasures to be experienced in the world without that? Experiencing reality is the only true pleasure there is. Do we feel this on a day-to-day basis?
In this classic series on Mesillas Yesharim, Rav Noah explores basic concepts that are the foundations of Judaism. Follow his pithy wisdom as he examines the nonsense we often get sucked into, and the capacity for mitzvos to pull us into a relationship of love with G-d. A fascinating class that asks some hard-hitting questions about what we get out of following G-d’s commandments.
Why were we put into this world? The point is the World to Come. Hear a powerful view of the world we inhabit, and the appropriate view of self as a soul, instead of a body. The goal of the world is to teach us about love of G-d. Have one eyebrow raised? Join Rav Noah as he shows clearly that deep down we know all of these concepts to be true.
Are we alert when we are serving G-d? The Mesillas Yesharim examines the different levels people live on when living in this world, some of them more aware of why we’re alive, and some less. Do we know what we’re living for? Rav Noah has us laughing and wincing at the same time as he shows our minds to be miles away when we could be truly connecting to the Divine.
It’s important to remain aware of what we do, and the results of those actions. Rav Noah expounds on the Mesillas Yesharim’s teachings to make a reckoning of what we’ve done each day and the motivations behind that. It’s important to keep viewing the bottom line – what we’ve lost by inappropriate behavior and what we’ve gained by the positive.
Has the thought ever occurred that because of all our illogical, senseless choices, we're really a bit insane - living in an insane world? And if we'd wonder if being more observant might be a practical way to find peace and happiness, how come we don’t consider it? Could it be that we might unknowingly be professing a belief in God? So who's drum are we marching to anyway?
Have a listen to the Bible's understanding of the famous dictum 'Loving your Neighbor as Yourself'. To expound this idea, Rav Noah Weinberg gives the definition of love, and how 'taking revenge' and 'bearing a grudge' all share the same verse, and teaches how to enhance your love for the people you truly love. A really enjoyable talk with a valuable lesson.
This 6-talk series was presented to the advanced rabbinical students of Lakewood Yeshiva, New Jersey. The sessions focus on the full array of issues raised by today's questioning youth. This is probably Rabbi Weinberg's most comprehensive explanation of the principles of kiruv - and is considered his most brilliant performance.
We are not as afraid of our faults as we are of our greatness. Who am I to stand above the crowd? Can it be that feeling the responsibility of greater ability can cause gifted ones to leave their potential undeveloped? Rabbi Weinberg explains this phenomenon like few others could.