The Uncomfortable Truth
Appreciating That We’re Catching Up to the Torah
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on July 21, 2021)

There’s a certain sense of wonderment that children seem to lose as they mature. An inspired Mishnah and a curious quirk in the mitzvah of Torah study urge us to maintain that sense of wonder—and the humility that comes with it.

Torah Studies 5781 - 38 - Vaeschanan (The Uncomfortable Truth)

Let Go and Move Forward
To Leave Egypt, You Must Really Leave It Behind. All of It
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on August 11, 2021)

A Jewish king is not allowed to own too many horses. Sounds interesting, but why? So he doesn’t head back to Egypt and settle there. A fascinating ride through some complex halachic intricacies lands us at the doorstep of this important conclusion: There’s no such thing as “partially” leaving Egypt.

Torah Studies 5781 - 41 - Shoftim (Let Go and Move Forward)

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 1
The Tree of Knowledge
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live in Atlanta on October 27, 2020)

Unraveling the mystery of the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad” from which Adam and Eve ate illuminates many of the questions we grapple with in our own lives. Why do we desire things that we know are bad for ourselves and for others? Why does everything we achieve require hardship and struggle? How much should we care: Is it better to be objective and true or subjective and engaged?

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 1

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 2
Noah's Ark
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 3, 2020)

Can G-d's plan for His world fail so catastrophically regrets its very creation? And if it can, why can't it happen again? How does the rainbow symbolize the new world generated from Noah's Ark? Exploring the answers to these questions reveals the inner dynamics of the relationships that define our lives: the relationships between parent and child, between teacher and student, between employer and employee, and between G-d and us.

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 2

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 3
Jacob and Esau
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live in Atlanta on November 10, 2020)

The epic struggle between the most famous twins in the Bible assumes many forms: the contest between sword and word, between matter and spirit, between self-realization and self-transcendence. We learn that Creation itself comes in two formats: a powerful yet unstable “World of Chaos,” and a moderated and focused “World of Correction.” In every area of life, we straddle both realms, and can look to the Jacob-Esau story for guidance in navigating this duality

Secrets of the Bible - Lesson 3

Overcoming Folly - Part 4
"Kabbalah with Benefits"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 24, 2021)

Sure, studying Kabbalah is thrilling for the mind and soul. But what are the larger benefits?

In this powerful meta-session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we turn the lens on Kabbalah and explore the profound benefits of studying Jewish mystical thought. We discuss three unique advantages to Kabbalah study, tracing its impact on our psyche, heart, and spirit. In the process, we experience these very benefits for ourselves.

Overcoming Folly - 4 - Kabbalah with Benefits

Overcoming Folly - Part 7
"Living Waters"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 14, 2021)

Not all waters are created the same.

In Jewish law, certain rituals require the use of "living waters" -- water that flows from a live source. There are specific conditions that govern these waters, including the degree to which the water continuously flows. If there is any breach in the flow -- even temporarily, even infrequently -- the waters are no longer considered "living."

The Kabbalists draw a parallel between these waters and our lives. Our existence, too, flows from a Source that is certainly "alive." But how consciously do we connect to our Source? That is a question only we can answer...

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the magical nature of water and gain profound insights into how we may truly live our best lives.

Overcoming Folly - 7 - Living Waters

Overcoming Folly - Part 37
"It's Not My Fault!"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 31, 2021)

It's not easy to accept responsibility. There seems to be a natural human tendency to deflect and blame and point fingers at others -- all in order to shift responsibility elsewhere. Instead of internalizing, we externalize.

Of course, this shifting and blaming detracts from our ability to correct and grow. Yet, we seem to prefer the comfort of excuse to the discomfort of fault.

Where does the need to blame come from?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we will explore the origins of excuses and learn why human beings have such a difficult time accepting responsibility. We see how blame is sourced in some of the deepest crevices of the soul -- and at the same time discover some powerful tools to combat deflection.

Overcoming Folly - 37 - It's Not My Fault!

Overcoming Folly - Part 46
"The Sophisticates"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 16, 2022)

Which is better, simplicity or sophistication?

For centuries sophistication was deemed the Jewish ideal. Understanding the ins and outs of Torah, being proficient in the intricacies of Jewish law, mastering the meditations of prayer -- these were considered ideals.

And then came the revolution that would rock the world.

Just at the time that the world was discovering reason with the Age of Enlightenment, the Baal Shem Tov started his own movement, known as the Chasidic Movement. His philosophy upended accepted norms, placing supremacy on action over theory and sincerity over sophistication. He championed the everyperson and in doing so uplifted a generation.

Its effects are felt to this very day.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we study Jewish mysticism and explore the pros and cons of sophistication and simplicity. The lessons we learn will apply to each one of us, and radically change the way we look at ourselves and others.

Overcoming Folly - 46 - The Sophisticates

Where We Go
Heaven and Hell
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live in Atlanta on February 16, 2021)

For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of Heaven and frightened by the threat of Hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.

Journey of the Soul - Lesson 4

When G-d Prayed
A Study in the Art of Anthropomorphism
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live in Atlanta on June 22, 2021)

G-d prayed, sinned, and even requested a blessing from a human being. Talmudic anthropomorphisms highlight the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how being vulnerable shapes the character and essence of our relationship with G-d.

Curious Tales of the Talmud 2021 - Lesson 2

Torah and Science: Best of Friends
The Synthesis Runs a Lot Deeper Than You Think. Just Do it Right
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on September 19, 2021)

Many have grappled with the apparently irreconcilable differences between religion and science; “Religion is the domain of faith; science, that of reason,” is a common attitude. A new read of when G-d disrupts a grand feat of modern engineering teaches a refreshing approach.

Torah Studies 5782 - 1 - Noach (Torah and Science: Best of Friends)

Summon Up All Your Resources and Win the War
Lessons from Frederick the Great on How to Be the Best Version of Yourself
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on November 17, 2021)

Have you come up short in any personal battles lately? Jacob’s tactics against his ruthless brother Esau all the way down to a great Prussian military leader teach us a timeless tactic: don’t be a one-trick pony; focus all you’ve got on one front, and you’ll win the war.

Torah Studies 5782 - 7 - Vayishlach (Summon Up All Your Resources and Win the War)

The Real Reality
When Keeping Your Commitments Gets Rough, Remember What’s Real
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 5, 2022)

In days of old, the Jewish calendar was determined by the High Court based on the sighting of a new moon. In a radical and extremely counterintuitive law, we read that the court had the power to proclaim a new month even when the moon wasn’t yet seen; in other words, the courts could dictate reality. Discover how you, too, can dictate the “real” reality.

Torah Studies 5782 - 14 - Bo (The Real Reality)

All Access
Exploring Judaism’s Approach to Mitzvah Observance for People with Disabilities
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on January 19, 2022)

Judaism is rich with values, teachings, and . . . practices. Many don’t even think about their physical ability to fulfill those practices, but what about those who physically cannot? Is the mitzvah of tefilin not for someone without an arm? Is someone with impaired hearing denied access to the beauty of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah? Of course not! Discover how.

Torah Studies 5782 - 16 - Yitro (All Access)

Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 1
"The Eternal People"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on October 26, 2021)

By taking another look at the statistics, studying our people’s remarkable perseverance, and exploring the concept of Providence, we can find eternal cause for confidence and optimism while we implement plans to secure ourselves and our communities.

Outsmarting Antisemitism - Lesson 1

Garments of the Soul - Part 1
“Three Kinds”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 4, 2023

The title of our new series is "Garments of the Soul." The focus of this text is on examining the composition of the human soul to discover the keys to personal growth and transformation. 

By better understanding the failure of the biblical spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Israel, we will gain priceless insight into the workings of our character and what determines personal success and failure.

In our opening session, we look at three kinds of people, as described in Talmudic and Kabbalistic literature.

Garments of the Soul - 1 - Three Kinds

Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 2
Mind Yourself!
Reflecting Inward to Find the Divine
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at Atlanta on February 1, 2022)

Spirituality is often perceived as distant or irrelevant to daily reality. This lesson explores the innate spiritual sense that our souls possess and demonstrates the means of harnessing it through meditation. This leads us to experience a spiritual depth to reality and to find profound meaning in our every experience.

Meditation from Sinai - Lesson 2

You Be the Judge
Lesson 1 - Inheriting the Fruits of Sin
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at Atlanta on March 8, 2022)

Can murderers inherit from their victims? This lesson compares the approaches of Jewish and secular law to this audacious claim.

You Be the Judge - Lesson 1 - Inheriting the Fruits of Sin

You Be the Judge
Lesson 3 - Burden of Proof
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at Atlanta on March 22, 2022)

What happens if two people lay claim to the same object but have no witnesses or documents to bolster their claim? Is possession always nine tenths of the law?

You Be the Judge - Lesson 3 - Burden of Proof

You Be the Judge
Lesson 4 - The Neighbor Advantage
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at Atlanta on March 29, 2022)

Jewish law dictates that when a property is sold, the neighbors must be given the first option of purchase. Must one sell to a neighbor if there is a higher bidder?

You Be the Judge - Lesson 4 - The Neighbor Advantage

You Be the Judge
Lesson 6 - The Do-Gooder
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at Atlanta on April 12, 2022)

If your neighbor’s son mows your lawn without asking you first, is he entitled to compensation? How about someone who decides on his own to pay your debts? What do you owe a do-gooder?

You Be the Judge - Lesson 6 - The Do-Gooder

Revival of Ruth
How to Make Judaism Real
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live in Atlanta

Shavuot is the day we received the Torah, and on it we read the Book of Ruth. What is the reason for this custom, and what can we learn from it? Ruth teaches us what it means to accept the Torah—on the Torah’s terms.

Torah Studies 5776 - Shavuot (Revival of Ruth)

The Hebrew Course
Lesson 5: The Finale
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, September 7, 2023

Whether you never learned how to read Hebrew, or your Hebrew reading is a bit rusty, this course is for you!

In just five easy to follow lessons you will become fluent in reading the Holy Tongue. This is the perfect chance to gain the skills to be able to open up the Hebrew bible and read from the original text, dabble in Hebrew numerology, or pray from the Hebrew siddur.

The Hebrew Course - Lesson 5

Jews & Food 
In the Beginning There Was Supper 
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Thursday, October 19, 2023

The first time G-d speaks to man in the book of Genesis, it is to give him one commandment: A list of trees from which he can and cannot eat. From Adam and Eve to Isaac and Jacob, all the way through the Prophets and beyond, Judaism is rife with links between spiritual pursuits and gastronomic experience. But why? What is the connection between the soul and the stomach? And can food -- the most basic of human necessities -- really be a gateway to the Divine? Find out in this first taste of Jews & Food.

Jews & Food - 1 - In the Beginning There Was Supper

Spiritual Surrender - Part 2
“Night & Day”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, October 22, 2023

 In the beginning, we are introduced to duality. G-d initially says, "Let there be light" -- but soon after, there was evening and there was morning. Night and day.

This duality exists not only in the atmospheric realm, it exists inside each one of us too. We are an amalgam of night and day, a mix of dark night moments and bright day moments. One moment we may feel hope, the next despair.

The duality is normal. Yet, it evokes tension, and perhaps concern. Why do we experience such internal shifts? Wherein stems this internal duality?

In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the origins of duality on the highest spiritual levels, and seek to understand how divine dichotomy leads to a soul split. Through this process we get to know the two names each one of us possesses, and better appreciate the role we play in G-d's master plan.

Spiritual Surrender - 2 - Night & Day

Sunday Kolel
Year 2 - Lecture 6
"Israel's Hostage Crisis:
The Human and Halachic View"
With Rabbi Ilan Feldman
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on October 22, 2023

Sunday Kolel - Israel's Hostage Crisis - Rabbi Ilan Feldman

Advice for Life - Lesson 2
Family Bliss
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, January 31, 2024

How can we create a warm and healthy home? Examine the Rebbe’s correspondences to uncover a goldmine of clarity on family relationships, domestic harmony, education, and creating a healthy home environment.

Advice for Life - Lesson 2 - Family Bliss | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Decisions of Fate - Lesson 4
A Body’s Dignity
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Might autopsy violate the dignity of the human body? Learn the Jewish view on the respect to which the deceased is entitled and how the sanctity of human life continues after death.

Decisions of Fate - Lesson 4 - A Body’s Dignity | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Oneness in Creation - Part 1
“The Journey Begins”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 16, 2024

Nearly 100 years ago, a Kabbalistic text was penned that revealed the mystical meaning of the most famous Jewish prayer: the Shema.

The Shema is featured in our mezuzot and tefillin scrolls. It's the first prayer we learn to recite as children, and the last we utter before we pass on. It's the subject of the very first passage of the very first chapter of Mishnayot, and punctuates the soaring finale of the Yom Kippur service.

But what does the Shema mean? What are we really declaring before G-d and before ourselves?

In this new Kabbalah Café series we open a century-old Kabbalistic text and embark on an exhilarating journey to reveal the mystical truth of the Shema!

Oneness in Creation - 1 - The Journey Begins | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Oneness in Creation - Part 2
“Documentary Hypothesis”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, June 23, 2024

In a far away land, not too long ago, some scholars gathered and came up with a new theory. The theory was that the bible was not authored by a Single, Divine Authority, but was rather the product of a number of mortal authors, whose disparate work was subsequently cobbled together to form a whole work.

This theory became known as the Documentary Hypothesis.

One of the key drivers of this theory is the anomaly well-known to anyone who's studied the bible in its original Hebrew: the use of multiple names for G-d. Why would multiple names be used for a Single G-d? Must be, these scholars suppose, that these names are artifacts of diverse authorship.

Unless, of course, these different names actually mean something...

In this mind-expanding session of Kabbalah Café we explore original sources to discover what Jewish mysticism has to say about the different names of G-d. Far from being arbitrary, each of G-d's names is precise, and reflects another Truth of the Source.

Oneness in Creation - 2 - Documentary Hypothesis | Rabbi Ari Sollish

"Live Free or Die” Is What G-d Wants
The Watershed Moment When Truly Choosing G-d Was Born
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

It would seem that it’s a binary choice: doing what I want, or doing what G-d wants. But G-d’s ambivalent reply to the Jew’s request to send spies teaches us that if we work hard enough, we can get the best of both worlds.

Torah Studies 5784 - 7 - Shelach (Live Free or Die)

The Universe Begins with One Person: You
Navigating the Great “Universalism vs. Particularism” Debate
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 2, 2024

The pendulum of history has swung back and forth on this question: What’s more important: the collective, or the individual? Discover how the Torah’s original rabble-rouser, Korach, made a bold, ambitious claim that, one day, will be proven correct.

Torah Studies 5784 - 8 - Korach (The Universe Begins with One Person: You)

Women's Gimmel Tammuz Class
"The Age of Neutrality
Now Your Actions Matter"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Monday, July 8, 2024

This class on the maamar Ve'atah Tetzaveh offers a powerful understanding of the unique mission and role of our generation, where our decisions truly matter.

Women's Gimmel Tammuz Class - The Age of Neutrality

Sing Your Song
On Nature, Miracles, and True Leadership
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Seldom do the Jews sing in the Bible. But when they do, it’s glorious. A closer look at the only two instances of such song and who led the cast brings us to a profound conclusion about the role of miracles in our lives, and the true measure of leadership.

Torah Studies 5784 - 9 - Chukat (Sing Your Song)

Gimmel Tammuz 2024
Think Big: Personal Lessons From the Rebbe
With Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 7, 2024

In this talk in honor of the 30th yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Raleigh Resnick shares powerful insights and stories related to the Rebbe's call to each and every person to "Think Big" and challenge ourselves to achieve greatness.

Rabbi Raleigh Resnick - Think Big: Personal Lessons From the Rebbe

Oneness in Creation - Part 3
“Jewish Meditation”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 14, 2024 

Ask most people what meditation is and they'll likely describe an Eastern form of meditation, replete with deep breathing, relaxing, clearing the mind, and being present. 

Jewish meditation dates back nearly 3800 years -- yet is far less known. 

In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore Jewish meditation: its history, its process, and its techniques. We learn what differentiates Jewish meditation from all others, and discover how its regular practice can radically transform our lives for the better.

Oneness in Creation - 3 - Jewish Meditation | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Do Not Negotiate
Sometimes It’s Best Not to Answer At All
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where everyone engaged in honest dialogue, asking questions not to challenge or deride, but only to genuinely learn? Sadly, that isn’t our world (yet). A garish story in the Torah teaches us that when someone isn’t looking for an answer, it’s best not to engage at all.

Torah Studies 5784 - 10 - Balak (Do Not Negotiate)

Oneness in Creation - Part 4
“Hello Darkness”
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 21, 2024

It seems almost axiomatic that darkness precedes light. That's the way it was when G-d created the world, and that's the way it so often plays out in our experience. Light is attained only after struggling with and vanquishing the darkness.

But what is darkness? Is it merely the absence of light, or does it have its own independent energy? These questions have been discussed and debated over the centuries by laymen and philosophers alike. And now, we have the chance to examine what the Jewish mystics have to say about this.

In this session of Kabbalah Cafe we explore the soul of darkness and discover why darkness is, indeed, a necessary key to light.

Oneness in Creation - 4 - Hello Darkness | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Make Israel Here
Discovering the Unique Meaning of Every Stage, Place, and Part of Life
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Competing forces, people, and urges vie for your attention in every stage of life. A unique story of talking lottery pieces teaches us to stop, focus, and drill down into whichever stage you’re at right now. Tomorrow, you’ll focus on tomorrow.

Torah Studies 5784 - 11 - Pinchas (Make Israel Here)

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