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.
Randomness – Is it possible to consider all the sudden calamities and tragedies that strike like an unlucky spin of the dice? Or do we attribute such events to man's inability to comprehend such forces? Rabbi Kirzner explains which forces are at play, and how a weak grasp of this offers those who are suffering very little comfort.
The soul provides us with an aspect of immortality that far outweighs the sensuous pleasures of our physical life – but at the same time, we don’t find our identity wrapped up in it as strongly. Why is it so important to fight for the true ownership of our soul? And why does understanding where one life ends and the other begins need to precede a discussion on suffering?
The concept of punishment is often misunderstood, and drives many away from God in pain and rejection. If indeed God is all loving, how can such a painful thing be part of God's world? Rabbi Kirzner tackles this topic by examining the intersection of free choice and Divine intent.
Being punished with suffering often feels unjustified in light of our generally well lead lives. Doesn’t our balance sheet come our heavier on the positive side? Even worse is the torturous experience of being afflicted as we watch the wicked proper. Rabbi Kirzner explains the value of temporary investment for eternal returns.