The process of repentance seems to take place only within the ratified spheres of the heart and soul. A basic question is why do jews include the physical sphere as a third essential part of the process? Hear Rabbi Kirzner's compelling reason why 'tears' and physical needs are necessary for teshuva in order to fully embrace the spiritual light that flickers within.
Avraham, who found God within a totally pagan society, stands out as the archetype of the honest man. What prerequisites does Avraham teach us for perceiving with an open mind, and tenacity to maintain full cognitive objectivity?
Moses towered above the nation he lead physically - and spiritually as well. What are the inner workings of prophecy, and how is it possible for a mere human being to reach that peak? And what made Moses so great in that aspect that he could converse with God in a way no one ever did before or will do again?
Rav Yisrael Salanter had a keen perception into the human condition - and three of his greatest students perpetuated that message in what is know as the 'Mussar Movement.' Rabbi Kirzner describes how unique and vital this approach is. Hear also the startling similarities between Chassidus and Mussar, and when and why they took different paths to reach their goals.
If we view exile as a simple removal from our homeland and subjugation under foreign rule we would be hard pressed to find its solution. Each of the four exiles that overtook us were rooted in attacking different essential aspects of Jewish existence. What is the force of the exile we are mired in today, and why is having our own state not the ultimate answer?
Two core beliefs of Judaism which point directly to God are: His being infallible, and how all people have free will. Rabbi Kirzner examines how two such contraditory concepts can coexist. These definitions can add a new dimension to your understanding of God Hear points that also add depth on the soul and afterlife.
Striving for one big goal after another that comes to naught can feel as though life is laughing at us - to a point of wondering if we have free will at all. On the other hand the entire system of reward and punishment points clearly to our power to make meaningful choices in life. A well consturcted class on where our free will ends, and where God’s will begins.
Many accept the notion that religion is a matter of belief that works hand in hand with the mind. Rabbi Kirzner takes it a step further to prove the inherent connection between emotions and conclusions we seemingly reach through logic. Hear how and why we arrive at the decisions we make.
Of course deep down all people want to do good - but would it be so bad if we would just remain passive? This class deals with the benefits of exercising our power to choose good, and the consequences of not doing so. Rabbi Kirzner explains how evil is also an integral part of good - and how we grow from these moments of truth.
For every sincere understanding it is important to sort out the emotions from the intellect, and to own up to how much one affects the other. Rabbi Kirzner gives basic rules of psychology culled from Torah sources to help us understand not only the questions we ask, but why we're asking them.