Rosh Hashana
Session 101: A Moment in Time / Rosh HaShana
We begin exploring how the halachos of Shmone Esrei all are expressions of the reality that we are speaking directly with Hashem, and define the elemental 3-part structure of the Tefilla (Shmone Esrei), and how it plays out in the Rosh Hashana prayers.
Time is the structure in our lives that allows us to think of our lives as having meaning, mission, purpose. Time allows us to think about our past, commit to our future, and make choices in the present. אין עתה אלא תשובה.
The call of the Shofar "brings you through your innermost self to God." (— Rabbi S. R. Hirsch)
"The root of the root of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana is the selfsame breath which God blew into the nostrils of Adam at the creation of humanity." (— Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner)
Session 90: Why is the Sky Blue? How to See Colors - וראיתם ועשיתם
in Shema
How to make choices that express your true inner desires. How to give concrete expression to internal change and growth. Hashem appreciates small steps. When smallness is bigness; when tiny changes have profound impact. הכל צפוי והרשות נתונה.
Session 50: Bonus Track! Teshuva — Not Just for Elul
in Fundamentals
Bonus Track! A post-shiur discussion on practical Teshuva in daily life. Yes, you really can change your future… and your past.
Session 47: BeChol Levavcha — With All Your Heart(s) - בכל לבבך
in Shema
"BeChol Levavcha" — "with all your heart (hearts)". The ultimate unification of one's personal life mission is the dedication of one's total self — both Yetzer Hara and Yetzer Tov, Bad and Good Inclinations — to building towards God's Will with love. "ואהבת את ה' אלקיך בכל לבבך"
Session 45: VeOhavta 1 — An Intimate Relationship with God - ואהבת
in Shema
"You shall love the Lord your God" — with these words, we let our hearts fall in love with our Creator, and use our minds to channel that passion into commitment that will last for eternity. ואהבת את ה' אלקיך
Session 43: Shema Goes Nuclear
in Shema
You, too, can be a Kabbalist! Weave together kavanos, concentrated thoughts, into an atomic Shema prayer of awesome power, and realize the capacity of experiential knowledge as a portal to higher dimensions of living. "שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד
Warning: This shiur goes seriously overtime as the last session before the summer break.
Session 40: Kabbalas Malchus Shamayim via Shema
in Shema
"Your Command is My Wish" — Rina L.
This is your How-To primer for Kabbalas Malchus Shamayim — receiving Hashem’s reign.
Insight into the process of choosing Divine Will (=Shema), and using it to transcend the change made in Gan Eden, the Garden of Eden.
Easier said, of course, than done. But practice makes perfect…
שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד. קבלת מלכות שמים.