Rabbi Avi Geller's series on the entire five books of Judaism is delivered with lively enthusiasm and humor. Each weekly talk is a whirlwind tour of all the events of that week's Torah portion, plus major commentaries and explanations of fundamental concepts of Judaism.
One of the most dramatic parts of the Yom Kippur Temple service was the lottery of two goats. One for the sacrifice and one to throw off the cliff. Bizarre? In this lecture, Rabbi Kahn unravels the mystical underpinnings of this mysterious ritual and shows that it directly affects your life.
On analyzing ancient forms of idol worship, it sounds so bizarre that a parent could offer up their own child by burning them alive to gain a deity's favor? Rabbi Kahn explains the immorality that surrounded those practices and the ways this drive manifests itself today.
Why do we read about the deaths of Aharon's sons Nadav and Avihu on Yom Kippur in an attempt to achieve forgiveness in their merit? After all, they sinned - are we glorifying that? The holiest day of the year, when we achieve a fleeting level of separation between body and soul that is a portend of the end of days is the most perfect time to mention these two great men - creators of Yom Kippur as it exists for us today.
Why does the Torah command us to give rebuke to our fellow Jew (within limitations) when it is such a politically incorrect thing to do nowadays? What's wrong with people just working out their problems at their own pace? Rabbi Mansour explains in his very entertaining way what Jewish rebuke is based upon, and demonstrates creative ways for giving rebuke when the situation calls for it.
The ritual of sending a goat to Azazel - throwing it down the mountain to die, is unusual and almost bizarre. How can we understand it? Rabbi Rosenblum also gives over an important lesson that sheds new light on Jewish history, and the reason for our constant persecution. Along with an understanding of the miracle of a non-miracle.
Our sages say that if we can cry over the deaths of Aharon's sons, we will merit that none of our children will die in our lifetimes. But how can we shed tears over something so removed? Hear the key to mourning the death of any great man, as well as some vorts on the sanctity of marriage, and the power of tzedakkah.
Holiness is a big word, but what does it really mean, and how achievable is it? Rabbi Wagensberg offers a safe way to observe the wily ways of how the Yetzer Hara attempts to trip us up - especially in the food arena. Gain some practice and awareness on keeping yourself out of its clutches.
In this dazzling lecture Rabbi Wagensberg teaches how there are two distinct Torah approaches in serving God. Hear how one can become a Torah scholar from either path to better understand the Torah's mystical secrets.