There is tremendous debate among philosophers and psychologists as to what a person's most basic need is. Is it the need to feel you exist, or the need for pleasure? Our hedonistic society seems to prove that our physical drives are the more important, but strangely enough, no matter how many of them we satisfy, soon after we begin hunting for more. How does the TorahÂ’s commandment of VÂ’chai bahem 'to live through them' teach us about our true cravings, and more, how to quench them?
How did Moshe manage to stay happy knowing that after the war with the Midianites he would finish his stay on earth? Conversely, the rest of the Jewish people were terribly depressed on hearing this news, and had to force themselves to go and fight regardless. Rabbi Zweig explains how two people can be faced with the very same life situation, and that one is able to remain happy while the other is totally distraught. Hear the core distinction between the two.
What are the main differences between a mother and a father’s effect on their progeny? Rabbi Zweig delves into the life and background of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya, who had the supreme capacity to understand human nature. Hear how he explains a mother's unique opportunity to develop a child’s ability to connect with people around him.
Underneath it all, why do some people have such a hard time living up to their responsibilities? Rabbi Zweig takes a close look at the means we use to overcome laziness, such as deadlines which prod us into taking action. What would our lives look like if we weren't so influenced by all the voices around us? A fascinating class.
The Jewish Nation won a major war simply on the merit of saying the daily Shema prayer. What powers do these few simple words possess? Rabbi Zweig explains how Shema Yisrael generates a massive inner strength. Hear how it helped the Holocaust generation survive, giving so many of them the strength to rebuild their shattered world.
Rabbi Zweig identifies the two methods of speech we use on the Seder night – one a soft language of storytelling, and one that is harsh and demanding. Don’t the two contradict? Pesach night can be a time of glorious memories of freedom, but the night can’t stop there. How do we direct it toward the future?
How many can truly say that they're careful about keeping track of their time? Rabbi Zweig finds textual clues that make sharp distinctions between how one passes their time - or utilizes their time. Hear how to wisely punch in your eternal time card - one day at a time.
Wouldn't you think that the remembrance of the awesome day we received the Torah should be dedicated with fasting, serious study and extra long prayers? And doesn't it seem a bit off the mark that we celebrate it with eating and drinking? Rabbi Zweig looks at the essential difference between laws which are governed by actions and laws designed to enhance character.
Happiness is hard. Why is it we get so down when we hear one negative comment directed our way, even when cushioned by tons of positive feedback beforehand? This talk by Rabbi Yochanan Zweig explores our egocentricity and expectations, and how a vague sense of dissatisfaction extends to viewing others negatively, and pulls us to even hate them for no reason.
Why are there so many unusual halachos to ensure that fellow Jews 'see' the dancing flames of our menorah? And why did the Greeks only pinpoint certain mitzvos to abolish, like for instance Rosh Chodesh? Hear a new twist about the fierce battle being fought today to preserve our Jewish sense of unity and community.