The Purpose of Privacy
Why It's Important to Control Where You Look

Your neighbors have a broad window in the front of their home, giving you a great view of what’s going on inside. Are you allowed to look inside and see what’s happening? If you think not, what if they don’t care? Explore the halachic take on privacy and discover a surprising life-lesson along the way.

Torah Studies 5776 - 32 - Balak (The Purpose of Privacy)

Overcoming Folly - Part 55
"Reality in Four Dimensions"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on March 27, 2022)

The Jewish mystics speak of four supernal planes of existence, or "worlds." These spiritual realms exist in parallel to each other. That means that the identical realities are found in all four worlds; the only distinction is the extent by which that reality has unfolded and evolved.

The same is true within the microcosm that is the human being. Our personality unfolds and evolves along a continuum spanning four distinct dimensions, each in parallel to the other.

Understanding the fourfold mechanics of the universe helps us make sense of so much -- both outside and inside us. It is the key to accessing creativity, increasing productivity, and ultimately gaining higher consciousness.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we explore the four supernal realities, their cosmological parallels, and what it all means for us.

Overcoming Folly - 55 - Reality in Four Dimensions

Overcoming Folly - Part 56
"Fire. Air. Water. Earth."
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 3, 2022)

The ancient philosophers spoke of four essential elements of which all existence is composed -- fire, air, water, and earth. These elements are the core building blocks of life.

The Jewish mystics explore the significance of these four elements. Each is an archetype representing an entire realm of reality, distinct from the others. Together, they represent the fusion of four disparate worlds, the intimate union of heaven and earth.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we peel back the layers of existence and uncover the fabulous four properties that drive beingness. The story each tells is incredible. Together, they are breathtaking.

Overcoming Folly - 56 - Fire. Air. Water. Earth.

Overcoming Folly - Part 57
"Daily Spiritual Energy"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on April 10, 2022)

Life can sometimes seem like one endless stretch of time, with one day blending and blurring into the next. The different days of the week can come to feel like random markers in time, devoid of any meaningful substance or significance.

But not in the Jewish mystical tradition.

In Jewish mystical thought, each day is understood to have its own energy and vitality. The seven days of the week are not just seven iterations of the identical thing. They are individual creations possessing a unique form of spirit and purpose. Energy-wise, Sunday is radically different from Monday. And Monday is fundamentally different from Tuesday. Each day is a unique segment of time tasked with a distinct mission.

In this session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we study the spiritual energy of time, noting the unique energy flow of each day of the week. We learn what truly distinguishes one day from another, and be invigorated to honor the specific purpose of each day of our lives.

Overcoming Folly - 57 - Daily Spiritual Energy

Overcoming Folly - Part 58
"Pure Love"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 1, 2022)

Against the backdrop of life's disappointments emerge moments of pure love -- sweet, tender, giving moments that envelop us in an embrace that tells us we are safe and valued. Unconditionally.

Pure love can come from a fellow human being. It can also come from G-d. In its divine incarnation, pure love is experienced in quite a strange way. Because often, pure G-dly love doesn't feel like love at all.

In this epic session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we peel back the layers of the universe and encounter love in its pure primordial state. We discover why this form of love is so mysterious, and why the mystics liken it to a state of darkness.

Overcoming Folly - 58 - Pure Love

Overcoming Folly - Part 59
"Talmudic Tussle"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 8, 2022)

They say, "Two Jews, three opinions." (Or is it four?) But sometimes, there can be two Jews with one opinion. And when the stars align, you might even get three Jews with one opinion...

In this Kabbalah & Coffee, we look at the strange case of the Talmudic dispute that has more bark than bite. This three-way tussle in fact disappears when held under the light of Jewish mystical wisdom. The conclusion is as inspiring as it is remarkable. And we are be privileged to journey through this together at Kabbalah class.

In this magical session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we prepare to see the Talmud -- and the very mechanics of the universe -- in a whole new light.

Overcoming Folly - 59 - Talmudic Tussle

Overcoming Folly - Part 60
"Bitter/Sweet"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 15, 2022)

Where does flavor come from? What makes an apple sweet and a grapefruit bitter? Is it the seed? The soil? Another factor?

Also, why do we refer to kind, thoughtful gestures as "sweet," and angry, resentful actions as "bitter"? Do they actually have a taste? What's the deeper reason behind the taste/behavior connection?

In this multisensory edition of Kabbalah & Coffee, we study Jewish mystical wisdom on the origin and philosophy of flavor. We trace the spiritual source of sweet and bitter and discover the shocking truth about the interconnectedness of multiple universes.

Overcoming Folly - 60 - Bitter/Sweet

Overcoming Folly - Part 61
"The Parable"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on May 29, 2022)

What's a parable? It's a clever way of delivering a message through a seemingly unrelated story or example. We use a parable when the original idea is too fine or sensitive to put out there as-is. Instead, we couch the message in something more immediately relatable -- and then hope the listener unpacks the real message and gets the point. :)

The Kabbalists tell us something remarkable. Our universe is conceived and built through the use of parables. Reality, as we see it, is nothing but a parable. The real message lies beneath the surface. And it's our job to uncover the truth.

Good news! Kabbalah gives us the know-how and the tools to unpack this cosmic parable. All we need to do is gain this mystical knowledge and apply it to our reality. Which is exactly what we're going to do in this session of Kabbalah & Coffee.

Overcoming Folly - 61 - The Parable

Overcoming Folly - Part 62
"Creation vs. Evolution"
With Rabbi Ari Sollish
(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on June 12, 2022)

January 9, 2007. That date may not stand out to you, but it should. Because on that day, everything changed. Our lives today are radically shaped by what happened on that day.

See, change can come in two forms. It can be iterative, or it can be revolutionary. Iterative change is gradual and progressive. Radical change happens all at once. It hits you upside the head. You never see it coming. But once it comes it packs a big punch.

In this week's session of Kabbalah & Coffee, we trace the spiritual origins of radical and iterative change. We see how the universe is predicated on both systems, and how each plays an important role in our collective and personal loves. Plus, we discuss and debate the virtues of modern technology.

Overcoming Folly - 62 - Creation vs Evolution

Semichas Chaver Chabad
Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 4
With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 23, 2023

Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.

This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.

Semichas Chaver Chabad - Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 4

Semichas Chaver Chabad
Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 5
With Rabbi Mendy Wineberg
Recorded live at The Torah Center ATL on May 30, 2023

Semichas Chaver Chabad is a yeshiva-style program designed for participants to learn the most important halachic topics in-depth, starting with the Talmud and continuing with the Code of Jewish Law and contemporary halachic experts. Each topic is treated comprehensively, with an emphasis on practical, modern-day application. Weekly shiurim are given by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, a seasoned expert in the field of halachic instruction.

This series focuses on the laws pertaining to synagogue and prayer. Lessons will address topics such as: synagogue decorum, mechitza design, bringing guns to synagogue, eating in a synagogue, what can and cannot be done before prayer, and the meaning of the structure of Jewish prayer.

Semichas Chaver Chabad - Laws of Synagogue & Prayer - Part 5

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