After feeling full and inspired as individuals, we can then give that self to others effortlessly. Rebbetzin Neustadt discusses the last condition necessary for us to be whole before discussing our relationships. Making happiness a part of our lives is a composite of taking care of ourselves and feeling fulfilled, as well as building our appreciation of who we individually are.
Rebbetzin Nuestadt begins her class with a discussion on Rosh Chodesh Adar, and the roots of happiness. How can we hold onto the understanding that we are so special when there are forces that are trying desperately to convince us of the opposite? She continues on to begin the introduction to the seven levels of communication with an examination of what the power of listening can accomplish.
Rebbetzin Neustadt expounds on the seven levels of communication, from the most grossly physical to the most spiritual of them all. Following the buildup of the body, she shows how every act we do, including how we use our eyes and what we are thinking about when we are speaking has an impact on the message we are trying to convey.
Rebbetzin Neustadt first deals with the question of how we know that our thoughts can indeed affect others in our lives with a fascinating discussion on the power of our minds. She then shows how our marriages are custom designed to bring us to spiritual perfection. Men and women are vastly different, beginning from the moment of birth. Follow the development of each through childhood through adulthood to gain an appreciation for what marriage is.
Rebbetzin Neustadt veers away from Shalom Bayis to discuss the upcoming holiday of Purim. What is it about our very Jewishness that irked Amalek to the point that they were set on annihilating us? A beautiful lesson about our connection to Hashem just because we are who we are regardless of how we behave. Along with valuable practical ideas of how to make Purim work for us.
Rebbetzin Neustadt looks at a very stubborn power that's inherent within Pesach. Pharoah represents that singular force that has penetrated deep within us to deny Hashem's existence, and this came about after we all witnessed God's Divine powers after the plagues and Sinai. How does this force manifest today, and what special power does a woman possess that can nip this distraction in the bud?
As husband and wife Rebbi Akiva and Rachel reached incredible levels. She, full of belief in his raw ability to learn Torah, and he with his strength of self. What if we would want our husbands to be great, but they just don’t seem to have the capacity? Rebbetzin Neustadt discusses the self-respect we need for our own ability to grow, and how we can help our husbands’ achieve his sense of self that may seem to be lacking.
We want our husbands to achieve all they can in their lives - especially when it comes to spiritual ideals. And if they claim they are simply not cut out for the spiritual side of life? Don’t despair, says Rebbetzin Neustadt. This class on acceptance and the power of prayer leaves women feeling inspired and empowered as they are taught a way to help guide their husbands without telling them a word.
Every person has their own nature, which makes communicating between ourselves difficult. Add to that the natural differences between men and women, we can really struggle to make ourselves understood. Rebbetzin Neustadt discusses the levels of expectation we can expect of our spouses and the appreciation we must have for what we receive. Including an interesting discussion on how to raise children to need less even if we are materially blessed.
Rebbetzin Neustadt veers from her path on marriage to discuss another union - our connection with Hashem as Shavuos draws close. Our chuppah with Hashem began at Sinai, but has lasted until today. When will we reach the point where each and every one of us will desire our relationship to be everlasting? The moral choices that face us today make it harder than ever - but more meaningful.