Rebbetzin Heller is a senior lecturer at Neve Yerushalayim College in Jerusalem. Amongst her many areas of expertise are the role of women in Judaism and analysis of the lives of women in the Bible. Rebbetzin Heller herself is an example of a woman who has managed to balance her responsibilities as the mother of a large family with her roles as international speaker and author.
Do you ever experience embittered people whose lives seem to be one long stream of unhappiness and injustice, with negativity spilling onto everyone and everything they see? Then there are others with the same problems and travails yet appear so wonderfully calm and positive with other people and with God. Their secret is ayin tovah. Having a clear understanding of having a Good Eye will lead you appreciate others, and those significant and precious moments which can add so much to living.
It's not easy to be on constant watch over your tongue to make sure you speak about others positively. But when it comes to not accepting lashon hara, the task is almost impossible to accomplish. How can you ignore that which you've already heard? Rebbetzin Heller's analysis and tools are deep, practical, and thought provoking, as always.
Would you like to be more supportive with your friends in their time of need? In this important talk, Mrs. Heller discusses bonding to close friends, the difficulties we encounter in sharing their burdens, and how to have your support felt - even if you are unable to directly help.
Society is quickly shrinking into itself, creating a dearth of trust at its core. How does this erosion reflect on ourselves and how we view one another? Also hear how any subconscious negativity we express towards others can add to the breakdown, and can even cause us to erect a facade of perfection and confidence, which may further reduce our sense of security.
As a child, honoring parents is not very easy, but in adulthood it's a much greater challenge. Where does the commandment to show respect to Mom and Dad stem from, and what esotoric lessons does it teach us about God and how to relate to the world around us?
The need for intimacy is a basic inborn drive. Judaism is not afraid or ashamed to extoll this great value when used in its proper setting. So when is this drive a valuable foundation for the home and marriage - as opposed to being an end in itself? Once its essence is understood, and how Torah tempers it towards a healthy, natural expression of self, it will become obvious why misusing it can be harmful to the user.
Rebbetzin Heller presents a sweeping view of where the education of our daughters is headed. She defines chinuch, what it means for them to become an 'Ezer Kenegdo,' and where secular influence has seeped into them. She brilliantly balances the seeming dichotomy of helping our daughters become true Bnos Yisrael, while fully developing their talents and strengths in all areas. The concluding question and answer period brings up pressing and relevant issues that are answered with precision and clarity.
How much discipline do we need to apply and how much love is needed to balance it off? Finding the perfect school is impossible - so what should we look for when choosing one and what are the priorities? Also, what should our relationship be with the children when there are major disagreements between the parents on how to discipline them?
Does it seem that instead of women gracefully rising above the glass ceiling, that many are crashing through it on their way down? Rebbetzin Heller lays all the cards on the table with unabashed candor and refreshing humor as she delves into many sensitive topics that women thirst to hear more about.