In this second NLE Morasha class on spirituality we will address the range of spiritual expressions available to man. First, we will discuss humanity in general and the potential for holiness among the nations of the world. Next, we will explore the unique spiritual path for the Jewish people and how we express our spirituality... Read more »
As we go about our daily affairs observing and interacting with our family, friends, acquaintances, and business associates, we are subconsciously (and sometimes consciously!) making judgments about others, either negatively or positively. Every interaction is entered into our mental computer. We can become inclined to judge people negatively. However, the Torah requires that we judge... Read more »
On the surface, the mitzvah to visit the sick, bikur cholim, seems to be a self-evident moral obligation to help someone in need – a sick person might need help, or visitors to cheer him up – and that there is not much more to say about it. However, a more detailed look at the... Read more »
One of the most detailed accounts of Avraham’s life in the Torah describes his dedication to the mitzvah of hospitality to strangers. This class will discuss the importance of hospitality and explain how one who performs it emulates the qualities of God Himself. By looking closely at Avraham’s conduct, we will see the ideal way... Read more »
The commandment of Ahavat Yisrael – loving one’s fellow Jew – is one of Judaism’s more famous values. As Rabbi Akiva proclaims, “This is a major principle of the Torah!” Yet how can we love our neighbor as we love ourselves? The Sefer HaChinuch teaches that this mitzvah entails protecting another’s property, preventing him from... Read more »
The Stunning Power of Speech I Power of Speech I Speech is man’s defining quality. No other creature has the ability to communicate in an articulate, creative, and sensitive manner. This shiur will address how man’s words are invested with an almost cosmic power to shape the universe, just as God originally brought the universe into existence... Read more »
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” According to Judaism, nothing could be further from the truth. The power of speech, man’s defining quality, can either be an extraordinarily constructive or, if misused, highly destructive force in the universe. In this second class on the Stunning Power of Speech,... Read more »
The Torah’s treatment of the topic of truth and falsehood is exquisitely sensitive. The mitzvah to “distance ourselves from falsehood” is not only a prohibition against outright verbal lies that cause direct or indirect loss to another, but includes a prohibition against any gesture or even an act of silence that results in a deceptive message being understood by... Read more »
In this final class on the Power of Speech, we will identify the causes of destructive speech and offer suggestions to eradicate lashon hara so that we can harness the productive power and blessings of using proper communication. Finally, we will discuss the importance of keeping one’s word. CLICK HERE FOR A ROUNDUP OF INTERESTING... Read more »
