Decoding the Universe - Part 30
"Anthropomorphism!"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish

Is G-d wise? Is G-d kind? Is G-d compassionate? Looking at Scripture and the many verses that describe G-s as being "wise," "kind," and "compassionate," the answer would seem to be yes.

But Jewish wisdom begs to differ.

The great scholar and philosopher Maimonides himself debunks this notions in his Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith. He writes:

"We believe that this Oneness is neither a body nor a bodily force, nor is He subject to any bodily characteristics... For if He had a body, He could be compared to other bodies. All the corporeal terms used in the Scriptures to describe Him -- such as walking, standing, sitting, speaking etc. -- are metaphorical... This is the third Principle, as affirmed by the verse (Deuteronomy 4:15) 'You have not seen any image,' that is to say, you cannot conceive of Him as having any form because, as stated, He is neither a body nor a bodily force."

Why, then, does Torah speak of G-d in anthropomorphic terms? And what practical lesson can we learn from this?

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee we explore these perplexing descriptions of G-d and discover their mystical meaning.

Decoding The Universe - 30 - Anthropomorphism

Torah Studies 5785
Class 35: Parshat Matot-Masei
Leading with Heart
When Leadership Means Feeling the Pain
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Leadership isn’t about taking charge—it’s about taking on the pain of those you lead. Learn from Moses and the tribal princes how true leadership grows from empathy, not duty, and why genuine care always leads to action.

Torah Studies 5785 - 35 - Matot-Masei: Leading with Heart | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 3
Under the Influence
Angels, Blessings, and Evil Eyes
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 23, 2025

What is the evil eye? How does it work? Are we accompanied by guardian angels? Do they have wings? Join us as we enter the hidden world of the occult and investigate the fascinating interaction between matter and spirit.

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 3 - Under the Influence | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Kabbalah Café
All for the Sake of Heaven - Part 4
Parasites
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 27, 2025

There are energies in the universe that do not shine with their own light. They feed off others.

They consume without giving, exist without serving, and cloak themselves in distortion. The Kabbalists call this kelipah -- a shell that hides truth, a force that masks the Divine.

Where holiness gives and humbles, kelipah takes and inflates. It steals in two ways: from the lowest dregs, or by reaching beyond the veil, into realms too subtle for discernment, where even darkness can disguise itself as light.

In this session of Kabbalah Café we explore the spiritual mechanics behind these parasitic forces, and learn how to guard your light from being drawn into their orbit.

Kabbalah Café: All for the Sake of Heaven - 4 - Parasites | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Torah Studies 5785
Class 36: Parshat Devarim
Upward Is the Only Option
Stagnation, Even in Holiness, Leads to Regression
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, July 29, 2025

In life and in our relationship with G-d, progress is not optional -- it’s essential. This class explores the deeper meaning behind Moses’s rebuke of the Jewish people for lingering at Sinai, and how this teaches us the necessity of spiritual growth and constant motion. Discover why the best time to move forward is always now.

Torah Studies 5785 - 36 - Devarim: Upward Is the Only Option | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 4
Taking a Bite Out of Life
Kosher Food Facts
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Ever wondered what it is about Jews and food? What makes food kosher? Why is pork considered the quintessential non-kosher chow? With tasty surprises along the way, we’ll learn a thing or two about Jewish diet in this mouth-watering, eye-opening session.

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 4 - Taking a Bite Out of Life | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Laughter is the Best Medicine
The Healing Power of Humor

With Rabbi Abba Perelmuter

A lighthearted approach to solving some of life’s difficult issues will have us smiling through our tears. By always looking at the bright side of life we can help things turn out for the best. Get ready to laugh your worries away with beloved rabbi and humorist Abba Perelmuter.

Laughter is the Best Medicine - Rabbi Abba Perelmuter

Tisha B'Av Women's Class Women's Class
Constructive Destruction
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Sunday, July 27, 2025

How could G-d have allowed His Holy Temple to be destroyed?

In this special Tisha B’Av class for women, we explore a powerful Chassidic perspective that reveals the deeper meaning behind destruction—one that leads not to despair, but to renewal and growth.

We all experience moments of setback, disappointment, and loss. This class offers a transformative lens to help us reframe personal challenges as a catalyst for rebuilding with even greater strength and purpose.

Tisha B'Av Women's Class - Constructive Destruction - Rabbi Ari Sollish

Torah Studies 5785
Class 37: Parshat Va'etchanan
The Unbreakable Bond
The Secret to Our Survival against All Odds
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Tuesday, August 5, 2025

How have the Jewish people remained distinct despite centuries of exile and cultural influence? This class uncovers the deeper force that has preserved Jewish identity—a spiritual resilience implanted by Moses.

Torah Studies 5785 - 37 - Va'etchanan: The Unbreakable Bond | Rabbi Ari Sollish

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 5
It's All Hebrew to Me
An Exploration of the Holy Tongue
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded Live at The Torah Center ATL on Wednesday, August 6, 2025

From abracadabra to kippa and Yom Kippur, this lesson dives beyond semantics into the depths of Hebrew etymology. We’ll uncover insights into seemingly arbitrary Hebrew names, and discover words that offer perspective into the heart of key Jewish concepts.

Fascinating Facts - Lesson 5 - It's All Hebrew to Me | Rabbi Ari Sollish

High Holiday Boot Camp 5786 - Session 1
Rosh Hashanah: The Silent Connection
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on September 16, 2025

Rosh Hashanah is more than a new year; it’s a wake-up call to reconnect with G-d. This class reveals how even a mitzvah done on autopilot can spark a profound connection.

High Holiday Boot Camp 5786 - 1 - Rosh Hashanah: The Silent Connection | Rabbi Ari Sollish

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Decoding The Universe - 30 - Anthropomorphism

The Torah Center ATL

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