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.
In this final segment of Spiritual First Aid, we are introduced to what the Moshiach will do, what his character traits are, and what circumstances need to be in place for him to redeem us. Rebbetzin Heller looks at a facet in our nature that brings us to easily become embittered, leaving us with a negative attitude that may prevent the Moshiach from redeeming us.
More than just the first female, Eve, a.k.a Chava, is in fact the ideal role model for all women. Join Rebbetzin Heller as she delves into the text to discover Chava's essential function and her unique qualities. Hear fascinating insights on the male/female dynamic, the woman's domestic inclination, and coping with the unavoidable process of aging.
Venture into a rarely discussed chapter of Torah to meet those influential personalities who set into play many societal norms we live by today. Hear penetrating insights on issues that continue plaguing us, such as the connection between a violent society and the exploitation of women, and how the life-choices made today will affect future generations. Rebbetzin Heller also probes other important concerns that society endlessly grapples with.
Even as a child Rivkah's trait of 'giving' transcended and protected her from the influences of her corrupt home and immoral society. Leah, the unwanted wife, teaches us the powerful lesson of 'loving', and Rachel, the paradigm of 'caring' shows us how much she sacrificed to spare another shame and embarrassment.
Sarah: a woman of extraordinary beauty, impeccable modesty and the unflinching willingness to give all she had, finds her faith heavily tested due to her morally depraved upbringing plus chronic infertility. Sounds like a soap opera? Come enter the mind and heart of our first matriarch as she makes some tough decisions, which keep the Jewish woman and the Jewish nation steadily on track.
Sarah was one of the four most beautiful women that ever lived - and that very beauty that so many yearn for was a terrible challenge for her, a woman who defined herself solely by the internal. How did this self-definition become stronger as she battled the tests G-d placed before her, to become an even more independent woman? And how was the story of Hagar an act of selflessness that ended in tragedy?
It was the perfect shidduch ... or was it? "But Yitz, don't you know who Rivka's father was, and, do you know what kind of a brother she has! And what about her shadchan's own shady past?" Rivka's climb to self-perfection tested every single one of her positive - and negative traits - which underneath it all seem to have a striking resemblance to our very own trials and tribulations. Rebbetzin Heller also spices up this talk with a humorous guide for finding 'the right one' in today's shidduch scene.
Leah is usually perceived as Jacob's unloved, unintended wife, which has undermined the profound impact she has had. Hear a fresh expose of one of the major builders of Klal Yisrael, whose achievements continue to echo throughout history. Discover Leah's connection to Cain and Abel, her suitability as a partner for Esau, and her strength to rise above a difficult marital situation to propel her husband into eternal spiritual greatness.
Beautiful, beloved, and barren - Rachel's victory over heartbreaking adversity has earned her the eternal crown as the Jewish people's best heavenly advocate. This rich portrayal of Rachel and her descendants defines how silence and modesty are keys to greatness, and how prayer leads to inner peace and tranquility.
The word 'God' is translated rather loosely in the English language, leaving us with a vague understanding of who God is or what He stands for. In Judaism God has many names, each lending a new insight for how He becomes more accessible. Rebbetzin Heller defines some of these names, and how to make a stronger connection with God through His commandments.