Rabbi Berger is a lecturer in Jewish Philosophy at Aish HaTorah College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. He is a graduate of Loyola University in Maryland and received his rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore. Rabbi Berger travels extensively worldwide as the senior Discovery lecturer. He is known for his provocative and unique take on Judaism that attracts audiences from all levels of observance.
If you heard a serious warning from a reliable source that a tragic event will take place if you don't change your behavior, would you? The Jews were warned countless times to change or the Temple would be destroyed. What possible reasons did they come up with for not heeding such a warning?
The Jewish war against the Greeks was the first fight that was fought not for our lives, but for our religion. What made the Greek ideology of beauty so threatening to us? Rabbi Berger shows how close that Greek ideology compares to our science and technology and which our society practically worships.
Surely there are lessons to be learned from surviving a serious stroke. Rabbi Motty Berger relates his own experience by sharing the insights he gained from a tense period of suddenly losting his vision. 15 minutes.
A person will only understand what morality is all about when they appreciate the power of seeking truth. Rabbi Berger makes a radical claim that even the Nazis would have been considered moral if there wasn't a concept of God. Hear how a Jews connection to Judaism has everything to do with establishing the sway of morality in the world.
Have you ever been convinced that getting the object you desire will make you happy, only to discover how easily it fades once you get it, and how quickly you begin looking around to replace it? The mind can fall into a habit of working in circles. Rabbi Berger examines the nature of the elusive missing component.
Self-esteem is an essential part of being a healthy person. So why was it not such an issue in the past? Rabbi Berger analyzes how the desire to have pleasure without earning it pulls the ground from under ones sense of self. Another factor he examines is the extent today's world economy depends on shoddy self-esteem.
Rabbi Motty Berger ventures past the platitudes and political and sociological reasons that people use when discussing why there is so much division - and then reverses his focus back onto those who are doing the blaming. An insightful class dissecting people's true motivations, and how such an understanding can help to get us back on course.
Rabbi Berger examines the belief that relating to God is only possible from within the parameters of our experience in the world. He also describes the three basic rules of relationship for understanding what our Creator expects of us. This first class of two lays down the foundation point for measuring one's self worth.
A child's fixation on the here and now can lead to self-destructive behavior. Once we hit adulthood, most learn that doing the right thing will ultimately lead to more pleasure in life. Cause and effect is an essential truth of life, yet to touch the ultimate Cause may frighten one to hide - and perhaps lock oneself back into a child’s state of mind - for life. Hear how to move beyond such barriers to gain the greater pleasures available to us.
Rabbi Berger lays out the first important rule of relationships - 'choosing to connect' - and how this leads to true love. Hear a sharp analysis of the parent-child relationship, and how kids need to be moved past this stage as they grow, till the time they decide to really 'choose to give'. How does this rule compare to the give and take existing between us and God, where we have the ability to reject Him or move up to the ultimate relationship.
If your kids show little concern for the Jewish Nation, a different approach may be needed. Rabbi Berger explains how the world was created for our pleasure, but with the need to tame our self-centeredness. Learn about deeper, longer lasting levels of pleasure that we and our kids were meant to share and enjoy.
Abortion is a always a controversial and sensitive topic, ranging from pro-choice to pro-life and all the grays between. Rabbi Berger offers a peek at the Jewish view of life from the vantage point of the unborn child, and analyzes how and when taking that fragile life is permissible.
Why are both Jews and non-Jews needed in the world? Rabbi Motty Berger is clear and precise in delineating the three rules of relationships for Jews, and traces its ramifications from the inception of Abraham. He also explains which roles non-Jews play.
Hashem wants the Jewish people to make a difference in the world - to be shining role models for everyone to follow. And when they were at Mt Sinai they were totally united on receiving the Torah. Rabbi Berger questions how possible Is it for an entire people to reach such a level, and more, why should national unity be the prerequisite for truth?
The 'Who is a Jew' topic is loaded with many hot issues. Rabbi Berger presents the Orthodox understanding, which happens to be far more accepting and pluralistic than most people believe. Hear how to define each factor that must be present in order to consider someone truly Jewish. Also hear how rapid assimilation is affecting the Jewish world.
If Judaism is God's chosen religion, why did He allow Christianity and other major religions to become so large and powerful? Rabbi Berger first explains the beginnings of Christianity from the Jewish perspective, and then shows the influences other religions can have on your own belief in Judaism.
Besides presenting a clear understanding of Christian ideologies, Rabbi Berger gives sound advice for everyone dealing with missionaries - such as how to counter their arguments, and what to say and what not to say. A basic overview of what you are up against.
In his clear lucid way, Rabbi Berger explains the differences between Judaism and Christianity. He explains how each divergent belief arose - within the context that Christianity was created by a Jew.
Does formal schooling really teach you how to think, or does it influence you to defend your society's values? Rabbi Berger presents a sobering look at the current trends in education, and suggests an attitude you might consider adopting for being a truly free thinker of the highest order.
Most judicial and legislative systems pit two sides against each other, creating a natural checks and balances. However, such a viewpoint will automatically skew our being objective when dealing with inflammatory subjects - such as Judaism's seemingly male-powered value system. Eminently rational, Rabbi Berger lays out a logical approach for examining this issue, and then puts Torah-true Judaism up to the challenge.
Everyone working in Kiruv can attest to the unavoidable hard-hitting questions that come their way. Rabbi Motty Berger clearly explains the impact that giving straight answers has - even if it hurts. Learn why being a 'good person' is just not enough, and why morality cannot be fully understood from the human mind.
Is there a God, and what does He expect from us? Rabbi Berger explores the Torah's ability to change everyone who is touched by it since it is sourced from Hashem. But how do we relate the concept of 'Infinite Being' to others in a way that actually moves them into positive action? Hear the classic understanding of 'self as a child' who is expected to grow past simplistic relationships and reach the level of choosing to initiate a meaningful relationship with God.
When a Jew uses the term 'Torah' which aspect of Torah is he referring to? Rabbi Berger weaves the discussion around the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong, reality and illusion and truth and falsehood. Hear how the questions you ask may be the best way for you to find the answers that talk to you.
Who will be our future leader, when will he come, what will he do and will he know that he's 'the one' beforehand? Rabbi Berger looks into core Jewish traditions on the coming of Moshiach on these questions and how he is expected to operate once he enters active duty? An even more basic question: why should God need such a person in the first place?
Until the 20th century, the Divine origin of the Bible was never contested. At that time the world of secular scholarship began noticing stylistic differences in the text, which they ascribed to human authorship. Rabbi Berger examines the earlier and later hypotheses by giving examples of how secular scholars overlooked one critical variable that leads a human being to spiritual growth.
The history of the Jewish people defies all sociological and historical norms. What makes this history amazing is how incredibly unusual several outcomes were predicted, and documented thousands of years ago. As a vital part of the “DISCOVERY SEMINAR,” Rabbi Berger brings to life seven major prophecies and how each has been completely fulfilled.
In this comprehensive lecture discussing the 'what' and 'why' of anti-semitism, Rabbi Berger shows how such irrational hatreds arose - and effective ways to deflect their destructive forces. Hear also who is considered a Jew, and the clear demarcations between Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Judaism. (A Classic)
Ever wonder why so many baseless charges are leveled against the Jews, and why they capture so many front-page headlines? Hear many of the totally opposite attacks used to vilify this tiny nation. For instance, when the Jews are poverty-stricken they're called parasites, and when they become wealthy they're accused of taking over. Rabbi Motty Berger, famous for his provocative and refreshing logic, examines a number of probable causes, but pinpoints the unusual source of this ages old anomaly.
The Holocaust was so horrific that even a reasoned well articulated case falls far short of clearing God's benevolent name. Rabbi Berger begins to offer an answer by explaining the nuanced relationship that God maintains with us. Once this backdrop is in place, many factors involved in that brutal genocide may become a bit clearer - which paradoxically can imply that God's love for us will endure eternally.
Before Rabbi Berger discusses the Palestinian issue, he examines what the concepts of war and peace mean, and what realistic price different nations are willing to pay for achieving this utopia. Hear a surprising aspect of the equation, and our inability to perceive the vast gap between the secular and Jewish code of values.
To what extent does pluralism exist within Judaism today? The Reform and Conservative movements say a great deal. Orthodoxy also agrees, but they base it on how the term is defined. Hear which movements represent a total schism from Judaism, and which still have a place under the banner - even if they may look quite different? Rabbi Berger presents a masterful assessment on the topic.
Throughout history God has been depicted as an uninterested recluse, a doting grandfather and a supernatural superman - to name a few. Rabbi Berger challenges these descriptions by focusing our intuitive perception on God's inscrutable, caring and precise management of the world. Here's a chance to initiate a fresh relationship - with no strings attached.
The basic storyline of most movies and novels is how much the hero is willing to struggle through a difficult situation and do the right thing. This drive of human nature essentially challenges us to decide between going for the easier immediate pleasure or to reach for the greater intimacy with God. At what stage during this process might we realize that all difficulties are positive, and then use it as a springboard into God's Presence?
We all want pleasure out of life, but 'truth' happens to be a necessity to access the ultimate pleasure. At issue is the 'child' within us that is not interested in altruistic considerations - just immediate gratification. Rabbi Berger takes a look at; what can a person really give to God; the place for scientific knowledge; and why we’re expected to use rational thinking to wade through a life that is most unpredictable.
It's not enough to profess belief in God without thought and analysis preceding that declaration. We must establish God's infinity, and His permanence despite all that occurs in the world. What do we make of the aspect of God within us called free will? How do we balance our own value and our responsibilities that stems from the principle of the world being created for each of us individually?
The word belief in Hebrew is one step beyond knowing. It is turning knowledge into a reality you can use in your life. Rabbi Berger begins by setting down a person's strong need for pleasure, and then deals with scientific problems answerable by understanding God’s infinity. Abraham’s intense search leads us all back to Mount Sinai to receive clues for helping us form a deeper relationship with our Creator.
When looking at the bible from a secular viewpoint, theories abound on whether it was written by multiple authors, or redacted by a single author. However, when we compare it to other texts, the conclusions surprisingly point in a different direction. Rabbi Berger unwraps each theory with clear logic, and articulates the bigger picture of the Torah's Divine authorship.
A person is a body and a soul. While Judaism doesn't consider the body evil, it certainly tries to take control and lead us to some very undesirable places. Rabbi Berger examines the struggle, and the strong relationship these two forces are capable of reaching to help us actualize our greater selves.
In raw numbers Judaism represents but a small speck compared to all other religions. So how can we back this belief that we’re right? Rabbi Motty Berger walks through a few thought provoking issues on how we are living our lives. To put it in context, he overlays the Israel/Arab struggle to the class as a backdrop.
Rabbi Berger shows how spirituality fits so beautifully with the Classic Jewish outlook on life and how it spices up the way we understand the struggle of life.
What conscious role should the seeking of truth play in your life? And what mechanism holds us back from just living for today without worrying about the consequences? Rabbi Berger discusses the ultra strong influences of seeking pleasure, and the drives that motivate us to pursue truth - or to ignore it. Hear an insightful talk that exposes the internal struggle we are constantly up against.
We all have a concept of right and wrong that stems from our perception of truth and falsehood. Rabbi Berger tracks down the definition of truth and shows how deeply this core affects your life - even if you're not paying attention of it. Learning to keep an antenna up for this essential aspect of life will help you stay focused on your deepest desire, along with providing a strong sense of purpose.
If Jews are so 'chosen,' how come they always suffer so much? Rabbi Berger explains why God, who is purported to shower us with unconditional love, could or would allow us to endure seemingly arbitrary pain. Join this discussion on the deeper workings of suffering, and what roles good and evil play in the ultimate drama of life.
Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Rabbi Berger takes us back to the Garden of Eden for an explanation as to why suffering is necessary in our lives. Hear how making a stronger connection with God can soften suffering, and how we can more quickly learn the lessons we have been pressed to figure out?
If you saw the movie, you'll remember the line "Most human beings believe they are fully taking care of themselves. In fact, they are sitting in a pod serving THE MATRIX. In the world we live in, the matrix is so confident in its thinking that we can't make any difference." If this movie affected you as it did so many others, Rabbi Berger's penetrating analysis of 'Jewish reality' shines a new light on a few of its conclusions. Discussions include dreams vs. reality, truth vs. fiction, and the notion that 'ignorance is bliss.'
The extent to which we proactively choose to enter into a relationship is the extent of closeness we can experience. For example, children can cry, "How can you do such a thing and still say you love me?" Yet it's clear that a parent's deeper intent is for their benefit. Do we also cry against Hashem knowing His will is always aimed toward our ultimate good? How can we come to believe this strongly enough to burn it into our bones?
Simcha is serious business - and tightly wrapped to our living in the world. Rabbi Berger asks the obvious question, why is it so easy to get sidetracked by things that won't make us happy, and at the same time ignore the things we know will lead to more joy? Is God holding out on us, or waiting for us to make a significant shift to be more in touch with ourselves?
Blaming the Americans, CNN, or even the Arabs themselves for the tragedies that befall the Jewish people is very similar to the parable that says: 'when you hit a dog, it will bite back at the stick.' Hear how we should approach our leaders when tough situations need sensitive solutions, rather than condemning everyone else for our problems.