From the Jewish perspective, doing acts of kindness and establishing a decent society takes more than just being a 'good samaritan'. Rabbi Kirzner helps us understand how self-centered people unknowingly redirect their immense spiritual and eternal potential into something base and temporal.
Reaching the level of da'as is something that can provide us with true peace of mind and closeness to God. What is this powerful implement that can change our entire mode of living? Rabbi Kirzner defines it, and explains how the awareness it engenders helps avoid the frustration we often feel in our relationship with G-d, and gives us a powerful sense of being guided and loved.
Boldness is a potentially destructive trait where a person will make the decision to be physically, emotionally, or psychologically forceful about something. Rebbe Nachman’s expose on this attribute and the traps it sets, points our way to develop the strength to channel boldness for the sake of holiness.
The amazing energy and sensitivities of intimacy have become extremely distorted in our times as a result of societal pressure and unhealthy attitudes that some religions foster. Rabbi Kirzner negates many of these prevalent myths and explains how Judaism has always promoted intimacy as a necessity for living a healthy balanced life. Rabbi Kirzner, may his memory be blessed, speaks simply and yet profoundly on all levels. The sound of this particular class is poor, but the content is great.
Shidduchim are rarely easy, especially when they drag on and on. Rabbi Kirzner discusses certain confusions that both sides must stay focused on so the singles don't get jaded from dating longer than necessary. Also hear valuable wisdom on certain components necessary for a good Shidduch.
Jewish love is not based on one's skill for attracting another or on generating passion or lust. The ultimate relationship we hunger for must include appreciating the essence, character and goals of our future partner. From this, doesn't it stand to reason that 'dating' should be focused on long term considerations? Far from the 'Fiddler on the Roof' scenario, Jewish dating resonates precisely with the beauty and intimacy of a fruitful relationship.
What sure-fire things can we tell ourselves to keep our cool seconds before we explode? After sharing a few excellent suggestions, Rabbi Kirzner explains an insight on how our own negative actions can end up becoming the negative forces in our lives, and how God’s attribute of delaying punishment can result in something positive. How can we apply this principle to others when they hurt us?
The marital relationship creates an enormous sensitivity towards what our life partner thinks of us. Can we use this shared concern constructively to help build our spouse's image and self-esteem? Rabbi Kirzner not only gives a perceptive lecture on where negative relations stem from and how men and women interact, but also zeros in on genuine ways to communicate esteem and gratitude.
Relationships can live or die on the quality of a couple's communication. Can they be guided closer by understanding and feeling their partner's needs more deeply? Rabbi Kirzner’s method is psychologically astute and self-introspective, making each more responsible to understand their own hurt feelings, and to relay them appropriately to build a more mature relationship.
Feeling alone in the world can be crushing - and can be felt even amidst hundreds of people. As humans, we hunger for relationships of closeness and love that come from real giving. Can we maintain our own identity when those very relationships demand that in order to continue we must give everything up - including ourselves? And is the root of closeness really only one of selfishly fulfilling needs?