Before being able to understand the importance of the Land of Israel, there's a big requisite: understanding what’s so chosen about the chosen people. Once we grasp what choseness is, then we'll have a context to really see how Land of Israel is the perfect place to fulfill this mysterious and controversial 'chosenness'. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – Majestic Man 2: I Am, Therefore I Am Valuable
May 23, 2011 by
In this class, Rabbi Aaron focuses on the Man searching for meaning. Redemption, and a person’s path to attain it, are explored by stories of people who are wealthy yet lack security because they are not connected to G-d, their source. Two types of community are also discussed: a Natural Work community and a Faith community Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – Majestic Man 1: The Man of Faith
May 23, 2011 by
Rabbi Soloveitchik’s ‘Lonely Man of Faith’ is the foundation for this class. The two accounts of man written in Genesis correspond to tendencies found in humans, called Majestic Man and the Man of Faith. One aspires to harness nature, while the other searches for meaning and redemption. Here, Rabbi Aaron compares and contrasts the … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – The Meaning of Education
May 23, 2011 by
What is the essence of education? It is just memorization and regurgitation? Rabbi Aaron first shares with us some childhood stories, then gives definitions of the Hebrew words chinuch and chein, and afterwards elaborates on the Torah's approach to education and the real responsibilities of an educator. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – Confessions of a Frustrated Rabbi
May 23, 2011 by
With the amusing story of the frog and the centipede, Rabbi Aaron helps us to see clearly the strengths and weaknesses of our intellects and emotions. Through using them in the right way, in tandem, we can live more full and integrated lives. Plus: Tips on how not to get frogged out! Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – Unpacking Jewish Baggage (12/27/95)
May 23, 2011 by
People’s perceptions and fears of Judaism, Torah, and Jews are often solidified from childhood experiences and they are never able to develop a healthy relationship with G-d. In this class, Rabbi Aaron helps us clear out our spiritual suitcases to make the space for new, healthy, positive Jewish ideas and experiences. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – Transformation, Self Creation, and Individuality
May 23, 2011 by
Torah is a directive book, whose basic direction is creativity. Therefore, the Torah begins with the creation story, which teaches the essential life process of transforming chaos to order. When Hashem said, “Let us make man in our image’, He was speaking to every human being, allowing mankind to be His partner in their own … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – The Power of Holy Wisdom
May 23, 2011 by
In this short and focused class, Holy and non-holy wisdom are compared. Holy wisdom has to power to transform a human being, improving character and fine tuning traits. Although non-holy wisdom can be lofty, and does have its place, it does not have the transformative properties of Torah. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – The Goal: To Be Whole
May 23, 2011 by
The goal of Jewish life is to be whole, synthesizing the physical and spiritual, and harmonizing both of them into a wholeness. In other words, to be completely in the physical world, and yet be beyond this world. Rabbi Aaron uses the concept of Revival of the Dead to teach that the goal of Judaism is really about the physical. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Rabbi David Aaron – The Best of Both Worlds
May 23, 2011 by
Most people carry in their mind a false paradigm of what is the Jewish G-d. Kabbalah gives us a better understanding about the attributes of the Creator. Jews believe in the Ineffable Name, the Great I Am, and we are the beings. G-d is here, there, and everywhere. When people are caught up in the false ideas of who is G-d, a religion of fear is … [Read more...]
