Have you ever withheld giving thanks to someone because you didn't want to feel beholden to them? Often, people will cover their discomfort by giving thanks to God instead. The backwards logic of this tendency reveals an interesting insight into our attitude about relationships.
Yosef's brothers were speechless and mortified when he revealed himself to them. How could they have missed so many telling signs? Rav Noah makes a powerful point on just how easily we constantly deceive ourselves by ignoring messages sent to us in so many obvious ways.
To be 'Constantly Aware' sounds like a lot of hard work, but Judaism sees it as how to find out what makes you tick in order to enjoy your life to the fullest. This first 48 Ways to Wisdom explains the five ways to fully appreciate all the good, all the wisdom and all the pleasure that permeates the world around you. Rav Noah Weinberg presents a down to earth Jewish formula for unlocking your potential - with loads of wit and wisdom. Many hear to A-WAY-A-DAY as they count the Omer.
A primary way to acquire wisdom is to seek the company of those who have it! Just as an "apprentice" learns through interaction and experience, so too we acquire wisdom from a wise man. You can read all about wisdom, but until its value is clear, we probably won't make the effort to find a wise person from whom to learn.
This class of Way #10 is on the previous tape or CD.
Some roads can be traveled alone, but for the long, rocky road of life, it's crucial to have a close friend. Hear two powerful stories from the Talmud on “half a friend” and a “full friend.” Understanding the nature of friendship can take a lifetime – or just 35 minutes. Rav Noach at his best.. The tape or CD of this class contains Way #11 and #12
Most people don't think of themselves as effective teachers without years of training. In reality we are all teachers, by virtue of the fact that every conversation we have is engineered to get our point across. Its a skill we all can master, helping us to fill our needs and allowing us the pleasure of growth. This class of Way #12 is on the previous tape or CD.
Human beings tend to lack patience when it comes to making decisions. We frequently want results - now! People may throw themselves into a certain decision - for better or for worse - just to get the decision out of the way.
The tape or CD of this class contains Way #13 and #14.
The Jewish People have the 'Written Instructions for Living' called the Bible, and the 'Oral Instructions for Living' called the Talmud. This class gives a concise but insightful rundown of the order, purpose and value of the written instructions, plus hear a few well known 'stories' that teach fundamental pillars of Judaism way beyond what is seen on the surface.This class of Way #14 is on the previous tape or CD.
When we learn Torah, we are not learning about an abstract and arcane world preserved from the past. We are engaged in discovering how the essential principles of living can be applied to the ever changing world we live in. The Oral Law has gotten a lot of bad press over the years. This 35-minute class will help you make a fresh appraisal on the subject.
The tape or CD of this class contains Way #15 and #16.
The word Elul is an acronym for 'I am for my beloved, and my beloved is for me.'Instead of using the word repentance to describe the word teshuvah, a better translation is the term 'to return.' The period before Rosh HaShanah is the most fitting time to evoke a deeper love for our Creator, in a way that allows the force of that warmth to permeate under our skin.Â