We light eight candles, but shouldn't it really be seven? Rabbi Feiner lifts this famous question up a notch by analyzing the deeper significance of these numbers, and draws out a most powerful message.
Rabbi Feiner identifies seemingly unrelated Jewish symbols in the Purim story that help us spot the guiding hand of Hashem. Aspects he elaborates on include the sense of smell, the Zodiacal sign of Pisces, the image of Purim as a bed, and other concepts that indicate how, despite all we have going against us, we miraculously continue to survive.
Shvat is the Rosh Hashanah of Ilanos - of Trees. The Zodiac sign of this month is portrayed by a bucket. The symbolism of trees growing, and buckets pouring water to nourish growth is very similar to a person's spiritual growth. Rabbi Feiner packs the classes with amazing information and wisdom.
Rabbi Feiner reiterates how Chazara is the key to 'learning' success, from the genius to the a ba'al habayit struggling to gain from his daily Torah seder. Despite the confidence one feels after understanding a sugia for the first time, what chance is there to own it without serious review? Hear many stories from great names in the Torah world with great advice to help bring it home.
Hashem gave us a precious gift at Mt Sinai - seeing Hashem’s presence in the Giving of the Torah. That momentous occasion was our wedding day to God. By understanding how one should prepare for marriage we can then correlate this to how we should relate to the Torah. Rabbi Feiner's enthusiasm for Torah may just spark a greater inner excitement for the wisdom that defines our lives as Jews.
Rabbi Feiner tackles the mitzvahs that are specifically given to the Jewish man. This first of three classes examines a few of these mitzvahs. Ritual circumcision, and the effect that 'cutting' has on one's being. Covering the head, tzitzis, mezuzah and more. Rabbi Feiner is fascinating, and encyclopedic - with never a dull moment.
The Mezuzah is something we often kiss unthinkingly as we walk in and out of different places. Why is mezuzah the commandment God chose to 'surround' us with, and what is the source of its protection? Rabbi Feiner pulls out layers of meaning from the mitzvahs of tzitzis and our standing prayers.
This last class in the series on a Jewish manåÕs role fittingly places man and woman side by side, and defines the differences that make them each a unique and separate being. In details in their creation and naming lie the keys to strengths each one has, their responsibilities in marriage, and how this understanding of character is mirrored in intimacy and biological makeup.ÌâåÊ
Rabbi Feiner takes a close look at the impact song has on the soul. Throughout the centuries Jews have always used the melodies of 'kol (voice of) Yaakov' when they learn Torah and during joyous prayer. Questions in halacha (laws) addressed are: can we use non-Jewish tunes if we change the words; can we listen to non-Jewish music with neutral lyrics; and why a man should not listen to a woman sing who is not closely related to him - and the exceptions to the rule.
Knowing how the foods we eat affects us is just one part of why we should avoid certain foods. Hear the when, and why humans were given permission to kill animals for food, and why we’re told how important it is to eat meat on the holidays. Rabbi Feiner’s fast paced style covers several topics including kindness to the animal kingdom, and animal ownership.