Originally from New York, Rabbi Spiro's education includes a degree in Russian Language and Literature, graduate studies at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow, a Masters Degree in History, and rabbinical ordination from Yeshivat Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife and children where he works as a senior lecturer and researcher for Aish HaTorah outreach programs, and is a licensed tour guide.
Are Jews different? Upon careful analysis of the objective contributions Jews have made to the world, it does seem that they are indeed driven to succeed far and beyond the norm. A fascinating lecture that pinpoints where this ambition stems from on a soul level, and how it must be directed appropriately in order to bring positive results.
What sense does it make that Jews were hated from the moment they became a nation? Would knowing what caused such virulent anti-Semitism help to control it? Theories abound as to what the causes are, including: economic power, Zionism, elitism, being the scapegoat and several more. This class disproves them all one by one - leaving a surprising conclusion as the bottom line.
Our tumultuous times indicate that we are near the end of history. What specific things are we expected to accomplish in the world, and how well are we doing the job? Rabbi Spiro ties together the roles of Judaism and the goals of the universe by exploring the Torah's outlook on the 'end of days' and the what is to occur at that time.
Take a journey through time from the Jewish perspective. Vivid, crisp, and always entertaining, Rabbi Ken Spiro delivers a 'Crash Course in Jewish History' - as fresh as current events, and descriptive as eyewitness news. So get ready for a dash through 'Jewish time', and don't worry if you're a little late.
Journey through the pages of time from the Jewish perspective. Vivid, illuminating, and always entertaining, Rabbi Ken Spiro presents a "Crash Course in Jewish History" as fresh as current events and as descriptive as eyewitness news. So get ready for a dash through "Jewish time" and don't worry if you're late.
Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, gave rise to the founding father of the Jewish people - Abraham. His mission: to explain the reality of One God to human consciousness. His workshop: the Land of Israel. A cosmic confrontation develops between his offspring. Those who disputed his mission were Ishmael and Esau, Those who supported it were Isaac and Jacob. A similar cosmic dispute occurs with Joseph and his brothers.
The tape of this class contains Jewish History #3 and #4.
Most miracles are natural phenomena - but with precise, uncanny timing. The Ten Plagues are the exception: God turned all the laws of nature upside down to show who's boss. After the revelation at Mount Sinai, being Jewish meant so much more than subscribing to a religion - to the extent that this transformation became the core of our national identity.
For 40 years in the desert, Moses had a really tough job. He was in charge of training a ‘stiff-necked' people on how to succeed at educating humanity. Hear why the spies took matters into their own hands – with tragic consequences. Plus how Moses' successor, Joshua, succeeded in marshaling the Jewish nation to wage war against seven hostile Canaanite kingdoms.
When bad things happen to the Jewish people, it's not by chance. Any movement away from the covenant with God produces a reaction - a prod from God to return to Him. The Judges - including Deborah, Samson, and Samuel - were ethical, military leaders who unified the people, urged them to repent, and mobilized them for war against all enemy invaders.
After four centuries on their own in the land of Israel, the Jewish people demand a king. They crowned King Saul, a great man who made a simple, but fatal mistake. Next in line was David who was a warrior, scholar, and poet whose whole life became a model for living life to the maximum. His wise son, King Solomon, fulfills his father's ultimate dream of building the Holy Temple and reigns over a golden era of peace and prosperity. The tape of this class contains Jewish History #7 and #8.