Lavan - a saint or a villain? In most instances he seems to be the money hungry swindler, but some of his actions make us wonder if we are not being shown his positive side. In what ways can we get a peek at his true motivations? Rabbi Carmell explains the rule of judging everything according to the majority, which applies to Lavan, as well as his righteous daughter Rachel.
Jacob views himself as the head of his family. His sons see themselves as a nation. Their self-perception may explain how all the conflicts between the brothers arose. Jacob’s ladder and the secret of the blue fringes teach us aspects of the purpose of life. Rabbi Kahn brilliantly interweaves the workings of logic vs. destiny into this powerful class.
Yaakov's decision to lie to his father at his mother's behest is not so simple. Rabbi Kahn looks at each decision Yaakov made and the ramifications he and Rivka suffered as a result. A fascinating look at the complexities of making decisions, and the people who make them.
The puzzling cycle seems to begin where Rachel and her two sons are taking leadership positions for our nation. But as their strength waned Leah and her children began assuming the mantle - and were able to reach the desired goal. The traits of these two women and the roles they took on for developing Klal Yisrael are examined.
How would you define the difference between a righteous person and one who personifies evil? Rabbi Leff delivers a fascinating class on the need for goals and generating an ambition to truly succeed in life. Just as Yaakov’s aspirations helped him reach his potential, the same process can help us overcome the fear of failure.
Jacob is robbed of all his worldly possessions by his nephew Elifaz on his flight to his uncle's home. Surprisingly, the deed was done in the name of "Honor thy father and thy mother". How can we comprehend the paradox of evil done in the name of good? Rabbi Milstein tackles this question, and Laban's twisted dealings with Jacob's wages, and how it all ties in to having unflinching faith in God.
Kindness was Avraham's modus operandi in life. Yitzchak's was strictness. But too much compassion can lead to immorality, and overbearing justice can cause even the strongest to crack. Hear how Yaakov's path blended the two for a healthy, balanced perspective in life.
Ever wonder why Torah study is considered the basis for all of Judaism? Climb the ladder Yaakov saw in his dream to uncover esoteric hints of all the three Avos and their life's mission. Find out how Yaakov's hold on Torah not only protected him from all harm, but became the foundation of all else afterward.
It is known that we are effected by society around us. Which makes it imperative to choose a spiritually inclined community to live in. However, today when the Jewish communities spiritual fabric is deteriorating rapidly as a result of impure forces bombarding us from all directions and infiltrating even into some of our holiest institutions what is our safeguard. This week Rabbi Wagensberg shares with us perhaps the only alternative in maintaining our purity and sanctity when we can no longer completely rely on the spiritual cocoons and Torah bubbles that have been established. Listen and find out what a difference and impact every individual one of us can make.
Most of us, if not all of us, deeply desire to be married to that special significant other. However, before we tie the knot, it is imperative to understand the nature of the souls who marry, and the ramifications that it has in this world and beyond. In this eye-opening lecture, Rabbi Wagensberg reveals a dimension of the marriage dynamic which is not found in many circles. This talk is a must for anybody contemplating or about to enter marriage. It is likewise crucial for those who are already married, happily or not, and for those who have experienced divorce.