Shemini
Nature moves in increments of seven. But what moves nature?
On the eighth day, the priests begin the service. A fire sparks and the Divine Presence is at home. The Temple is the nucleus of existence; as with all nuclear levels, one must be humble. Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, walk into the holy nucleus and do not walk out. The holy nucleus must walk into you before you walk into it. Aaron grieves in deafening silence. When it comes to the offerings, Aaron is the expert and Moses acquiesces. After understanding the humbling power we hold in our hands, here are the Laws of Kosher: chewing cuds and split hoofs for animals, fins and scales for fish, heritage for birds and insects. Clarity bathes us, allowing for the differentiation between the pure and impure.
Shemini: By the Rivers of Babylon
The current state of the world, as examined through the lens of Babylon, can trace its roots to a fundamental religious and ideological conflict of ancient days.
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Shemini: Religious Selfishness
Using personal anecdotes, Rabbi Jacobson explores of the side effects of practicing religion by rote, and the beauty of a true “religious” experience.
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Shemini-Passover: Kaddish
Nothing can console those who have lost a loved one. The only thing keeping them whole is a connection something greater than death and life, G-d.
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Shemini: Shame On You
Our challenge – and choice – is to use technology and all the gifts we were blessed with not merely for personal gain and self-interest, or for entertainment and killing time, but for bettering the world in which we live.
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Shemini: A Tale of Two Titanics
Titanic embodied the dangerous overconfidence of an immature generation. A new revolutionary Chassidic treatise, the longest and deepest mystical epic, now teaches the critical need for humility to check our ravenous and all-consuming self-assurance.
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Barefoot Beasts: The Spiritual Meaning of Shoes
The spiritual meaning of shoes: Chassidic teaching speaks of an equally critical need for spiritual shoes—for a shield between the person and the “earth.” Learn about the connection between shoes, going barefoot, and prohibited animals.
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A Young Man’s Advice
A Chassidic story of unquestioning faith and action as told by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.
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The Kosher Pig?
Why do pigs receive so much flak, and what is unique about the pig that causes it to be the universal symbol of degradation and insult?
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The Container
The purity laws regarding earthen utensils and utensils of other materials reveal a deeper perspective of man.
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The Human Biosphere
Spiritual and material principles are discussed in the context of laws of shechitah (slaughtering), as well as Chassidic perspectives of man.
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Eight Times Eight
A discussion about the Torah portion of Shemini, which literally translates to “Eighth,” and the number which signifies a dimension beyond nature.
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Barefoot Beasts
The physical and spiritual nature of shoes, which serve as a shield between man and earth, are examined from a Chassidic viewpoint.
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Religion and Refinement
The contrast of a person being so devout on one hand, while being so coarse on another, is terribly unnerving.
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Bad Religious Experiences
True faith is a powerful force. Like a fire it has the power to warm and illuminate, but also the power to consume and destroy. When edging close to the fire great care has to be taken to ensure that you are able to take the heat and contain the light.
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Do You Know How to Love and How to Channel? Omer Workshop Session One
Discover methods to diagnose your life skills, to identify your strengths and weaknesses and incorporate techniques to improve the way you give and take.
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The Roots of Addiction: The First Case of Alcoholism
Discover the secret of living the most balanced and transcendent life! Explore ways how to replace unhealthy addictions and obsessions with positive ones.
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Will the 21st Century Bring World Peace?
Learn what we can do about it to ensure that this century will herald in true and lasting world peace.
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