This class from Ethics of Our Fathers examines the impact of bringing negative influences into our homes - regardless of how or why they were brought in. It also works the opposite way by bringing in healthy spiritual influences. Rabbi Kirzner also explains how a strong sense of pride is more appropriate at times - even above and beyond our Torah learning and spiritual growth.
Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai’s top five students were uniquely gifted in their own right. Their different capabilities and worldviews were evident in how they defined the source or root for negative and positive character traits. Rabbi Kirzner develops each trait along with criteria for choosing which path might work best for you.
Most of us have a basic need for a healthy, positive sense of identity. Often we base our worth on those things our environment values â looks, money, power, prestige... But wonât finding self-esteem in such fleeting things turn sour once they disappear? Learn how to base your sense of self on things which are more solid, lasting and true.
One of the most important prerequisites for wisdom is fear of G-d – a concept which when understood in its entirety is a reassurance for those who are unable to teach their children the depths of Torah. What is the second prerequisite to make sure depth of knowledge is well rooted?
it’s hard to believe how practical and applicable 'Ethics of Our Fathers' is today considering how long ago it originated. Rabbi Kirzner speaks nuggets of wisdom on tackling thorny problems we face: how the absence of humility leads to a number of evils, the importance of behaving in private as you do in public, and the necessity to examine your motivations.
We often view our good and bad deeds as isolated actions within our lives, without taking into account societies influence on us and those we deal with. Hear how simple actions trigger our blessings and hardships, and how to undo the harmful energies we may have created.
There is a puzzling contradiction that has actively engaged the great minds of the Jewish people throughout the ages. On one hand we learn that this world is simply the preparation stage for the glory awaiting us in the world to come. On the other hand we learn that 'one hour of repentance and good deeds in this world is better than all the pleasure of the next world.' Listen closely to a secret about living in your inner realm that can access the next world even as you occupy this world.
We are born as primitive beings, following after our basic needs and desires. But our death after a lifetime well-lived should be the closing chapter of a more spiritually developed person. A major question is, what part does God play in getting us from here to there? And how can we formulate better responses for the messages we get - instead our the typical human response of ‘God, get off my back’?
Why should we trust God? Which understandings of God must be in place for us to really trust Him? Rabbi Kirzner elaborates on a logical list of Godly attributes that help us to hold onto our beliefs - no matter what the circumstances. A few items on this list include His ability to do anything, His unconditional love, and His all encompassing understanding of creation.
The entire book of Da’as Tevunos is a dialogue between the soul of man asking powerful questions of the intellect. Join Rabbi Kirzner as he explores the deeper significance of the structure of the sefer, and the need to serve G-d with our minds along with our other faculties. He moves on to begin grappling with incidents in history that seem to prove G-d is quite far away, along with some other perplexing issues many struggle with.