Lori Palatnik is an author and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio and has lectured in North America, the U.K., South Africa and Israel, illuminating traditional practices and life-styles for our contemporary world. She recently relocated with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, to Washington, DC, where she is the Executive Director of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project.
Mrs. Lori Palatnik challenges a world where tabloids and chat rooms rule supreme, and confidentiality is a forgotten word. Her forthright humor helps us take an honest look at speaking negatively about others - where it comes from, how to avoid it, and when you can do it. She also discusses the fine line of when saying the truth can only cause pain or discomfort to those involved, with just the right amount of lively stories to make you want to live up to the standard of speech she describes.
The strength of your inner convictions usually shines the brightest in the face of adversity. Lori Palatnik illuminates the beauty of Shabbat in a friendly and inviting way. Hear the life-giving changes that can occur once you begin learning about the seventh day of 'rest' - that extra special day when families gather for warm Sabbath meals and a super chance to spend quality time together - without all the buzz of electronic entertainment and weekday distractions.
What could God possibly want from us seeing that He never needs our help to accomplish anything? Lori Palatnik says few pleasures compare to the fulfillment of taking on a responsibility that leads to success. Hear the core struggle to overcome which pre-empts the joys of embracing responsibility.
When Lori Palatnik decided to donate her kidney to a total stranger, most of her family and friends reacted in disbelief. What motivated this selfless decision, and how did she deal with the exhausting process for becoming a donor? Hear an incredible story about the life she saved - and the lessons she gained.
A primary value we are to instill in our children is, paradoxically enough, teaching them to honor their parents. Some aspects in this mitzvah may be 2nd nature to us, but others, like not permitting them to call adults by their first name may seem excessive in today's society. Lori Palatnik is clear as a bell on what each child stands to gain by respecting authority.
God needs nothing, and has everything. Why then, when He is distributing the money, does He seem so imbalanced? Lori Palatnik explains that God's desire is that we learn the art of giving in order to help us overwrite our inborn selfishness. Hear the simple guidelines of giving tzedakah for teaching our children and ourselves to let go of a portion of what we've earned for the sake of others.
The beach. A good book. A cold drink. Put them together and you've got yourself a day of relaxation. Why don't we think the same way about Shabbos? So what is it about the seventh day of the week that is truly restful and meaningful? Lori details the beauty of Shabbos so clearly that you and your family will ache to experience it.
Why is it that many Jews are so uncomfortable talking about God? To raise children properly, satisfying answers on this topic can eliminate much doubt. Lori's fast paced class gives great tips for making God real to yourself and to your children, and to open the door for feeling His loving hand within our lives.
Arrogance is one big turnoff. It needs to be avoided not only for ourselves, but to also prevent our children from following in our footsteps. Lori's mantra - 'Don't Take Pride, Take Pleasure' directs us to say that each accomplishment is a gift from God - thereby refocusing and redirecting the pride and spotlight off ourselves and to aim them heavenwards.
The word 'love' gets thrown around so often that it seems to have lost its punch. So stop and think a moment, what exactly is love, and further, what is marriage? In her down to earth, spunky manner Lori Palatnik helps us examine our true needs and wants - not only when choosing a spouse, but also for living with him as well. Hear the three biggies we need to get straight in order to live more happily ever after.
What place do women have in a Torah full of male figures? If you can ask this question says Mrs. Lori Palatnik, you have obviously never read the book. From the matriarchs, to slavery in Egypt and at many of the desert sojourns, the women come out shining like never before. The men fare a lot worse. This funny, fast-paced class shows how Judaism views a woman in all her glory.
If you have recently taken on a more Jewish way of life with a fervor, it may be a good idea to listen to this talk now, to save yourself a bit of aggravation and confrontation with family and friends. Hear seven points to help you share your enthusiasm without rocking the boat.
Lori Palatnik sorts out four misconceptions about Judaism that trigger most people to nod, smile, and think 'hmm, not for me.' Topics include: pleasure and pain; being judgmental; and why even a bite-size piece of Jewish wisdom is better than none at all.
Think you can remember all the ten commandments in order, and know it well enough to teach it to others? In this energizing, easy to remember class, Lori Palatnik proves you can. From understanding the need to know there is one unique God, to learning about a woman's power and why adultery is so devastating, the Ten Commandments are real, and speaks to your every day life.
All that is hard in life is a test. The confusion that drags us down is not knowing what choices are expected from our struggles. Lori Palatnik delineates four categories of tests, and the basic choices we need to make in each. An excellent class to help us through the many tests we face in life.
Lori Palatnik explains 'life after death' by comparing the Jewish way of mourning to the practices and rituals of other religions. Hear why the Jewish way of mourning for a dear one not only leads to full closure, but also earns for the departed an eternal reward and extra spiritual merit for the one sitting.
Prayer may seem to be an idyllic state - unless of course it is frustrating and inaccessible to you. People from all walks of life struggle in relating to God, like doing prayer by rote, or failing to accomplish what you hoped for. Lori Palatnik deals with a number of common pitfalls and gives a simple recipe for tapping into this vital ingredient for living a full life.
Three things make us tick says Lori Palatnik: life, blessing and good. Nice words, but would you dream that one of them identifies your primary expression of personality? Knowing your predominant drive can help to motivate you, to inspire others, and to appreciate just how differently the world is seen by different people.