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.
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.