Pacific Jewish Center | Rabbi » Classes

The Library of Congress and Maimonidies Disagree

rabbifink — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:01:12 +0000

One of my absolute favorite places in the world is the Library of Congress in DC. The architecture, decor and opulence of the building is stunning and I love it.

There is however one part of the Library of Congress which I vehemently must disagree with.

What part? Stay tuned…

Over on DovBear, there has been a running discussion as to the meaning of the 8th Principle of Maimonidies.

According to Maimonidies, in order to be an observant Jew, one must believe in a number of tenets. These 13 tenets are not observable or provable by scientific measure. They require suspension of disbelief or more accurately – belief.

The simple reading of the 8th Tenet seems problematic to many people.

“I believe with complete faith that the entire Torah which is now in our possession is the same as that which was given to Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher), may he rest in peace.”

Many assume this means that Maimonidies believed the 5 Books of Moses were unchanged from Sinai. This is patently false. The Talmud itself recognizes that there are discrepencies that existed in different Torah scrolls over time.

To see the more precise version of this tenet head over to DovBear’s blog: The Rambam’s 8th Principle According to R’ Yaakov Weinberg

The main point of the post is that Maimonidies holds that we must believe that Moses was not an author, he was a scribe. Moses did not add an ounce of creativity to the Torah. He was just writing what he was told.

Is this rational? No. But this is what we are required to believe.

In the Great Hall in the Library of Congress, there are tablets on the slope toward the ceiling. The Library of Congress has sixteen such tablets around the Great Hall ceiling and each has the name of a famous author. The names are DANTE, HOMER, MILTON, BACON, ARISTOTLE, GOETHE, SHAKESPEARE, MOLIERE, MOSES, HERODOTUS, CERVANTES, HUGO, SCOTT, COOPER, LONGFELLOW, TENNYSON, GIBBON, and BANCROFT.

Is the Library of Congress required to believe in the 8th Principle of Maimonidies? No.

They can hold that Moses was an author along with the other 15 literary giants.

To me, it’s just a mistake and a disagreement between the Library of Congress and Maimonidies.

FAVOR: If you have been to the LOC and have a picture of what I am describing – PLEASE email it to me. If you are going to the LOC sometime soon, PLEASE take a photo for me! Thanks.

UPDATE: Reader, Mark has emailed me this photo, thanks:

Jewish Lessons in Parenting

rabbifink — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:36:52 +0000

Last night I was invited to be a part of A Night for the Family at Pepperdine University. It was a memorable evening in more ways than one. (Read about it here: A Night for Family.)

I was asked to speak before a crowd that had just enjoyed seeing the life of Corrie ten Boom performed.

One message of that story is that is good, moral decisions do not happen in a vacuum. Children learn from their parents.

But how are we to instill the lessons we want our children to learn?

I was supposed to try and answer that question in 20 minutes.

Decide for yourself if I was mildly successful…

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Address

rabbifink — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:36:10 +0000

As part of the festivities of our Chanukah Party on the beach, I addressed the attended with a speech on Chanukah and this week’s parsha, Miketz.

It was an addendum to my Shabbos drasha, which I hope to publish shortly.

Enjoy the class. Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Mesillas Yesharim 12/06/09

rabbifink — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:16:30 +0000

We ventured further into Chapter 9 today.

The Ramchal’s insights into laziness, anxiety and rational fear continue to amaze me.

Today contrasted rational fear for one’s safety with imagined fear used to excuse laziness.

Worth a listen, as always…

Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Mesillas Yesharim 11/22/09

rabbifink — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:08:03 +0000

Today’s class was another really informative and relevent topic.

We learned about fear, worry and anxiety.

With anxiety affecting tons of us it was interesting to find sources bemoaning the difficulty of dealing with anxiety as well as its debilitating nature.

Very enjoyable class, as always.

Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Mesillas Yesharim 11/15/09

rabbifink — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:35:41 +0000

Last week we talked about the Healthcare plan that was ratified by the house the night before.

This week we got back on track and started Chapter 9.

In my opinion, this was one of the best Mesillas Yesharim classes to date. The Ramchal was so insightful and I shared an insight of my own which I think is very poignant. It all goes back to Adam and Eve being ousted from the Garden of Eden.

Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Enjoy.

Prayer in Judaism | Connections 11/2/09

rabbifink — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:37:45 +0000

Prayer is something so basic to all faiths and religions. Jewish ideas of prayer are decidedly different from other cultures. It is very important to learn about the Jewish approach to prayer.

I began the class by announcing that this was a topic I longed to discuss for a very long time. I finally felt that the time was right.

We asked all the basic questions about prayer. We asked some advanced questions about prayer.

Using ideas from Rabbi Chaim Volozhin and others we pieced together a rational approach to prayer that made sense to us.

It was a very exciting class with outstanding participation and a very alert listening audience.

I really recommend giving this class a listen.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Enjoy.

Truth and Faith | Connections 10/26/09

rabbifink — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:30:15 +0000

Two words with very different meanings were discussed tonight.

Truth on the one hand and faith on the other.

In Judaism these are really two phases of life’s various challenges. Our discussion ranged from Abraham to smokers to ferrets.

It was quite an adventure and I invite you listen.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Enjoy.

Mesillas Yesharim 10/25/09

rabbifink — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:39:19 +0000

We began today’s class by delving deeper into the ground-breaking concept we studied last week.

Basically, the Ramchal teaches us that we can use our physical actions to arouse spiritual and emotional change.

We discussed a number of applications for the concept.

Then we began the next chapter.

Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen live here.

The Miracle of Tests and Ordeals | Connections 10/19/09

rabbifink — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:19:23 +0000

At Connections this week we learned a lot about ourselves.

We began with a quote from Messilas Yesharim. The purpose of life is to perform mitzvos, to serve and to be tested. To be tested is the purpose of life?

We then discussed ordeals and tests in a traditional and more novel way. You will enjoy the approach. You can listen below.

I even managed another decent Seinfeld reference…

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Enjoy.

Mesillas Yesharim 10/18/09

rabbifink — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:20:53 +0000

After a Holiday break, the Mesillas Yesharim class returned today. Today’s class was a bit shortened due to the extra long Rosh Chodesh prayers.

What was short on time was long on content. The end of the Seventh Chapter of Mesillas Yesharim contains what I find to be the most profound insight in the entire text.

We all are familiar with the common idea that if “one doesn’t feel ‘it’” we don’t feel comfortable acting that in way. We even call people who act in a way not consonant with their feelings hypocrites. The Ramchal has a completely different perspective and I strongly recommend listening to today’s class.

Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen live here.

Fast of Gedaliah: Meaning and Lessons | Connections 9/21/09

rabbifink — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:17:53 +0000

It was not easy giving my Monday night class tonight. After fasting all day to remember the tragic death of the great Gedaliah I found myself tripping over my words. So I apologize if the class sounds a bit jumbled.

We talked about the history of Gedaliah and the significance of the fast day.

I concluded by quoting Rabbi Hoffman from VIN regarding using Lashon Hara as a shield from believing negative information that could be very harmful. I recommend reading the original here.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen to the class here.

Physical Reward For Spiritual Deeds | Connections 9/14/09

rabbifink — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:54:17 +0000

This week we learned about the actual nature of the judgment of Rosh Hashana.

Using a unique approach from Rav Dessler, we resolved a difficult contradiction in Jewish philosophy and enjoyed great questions and insight from all the attendees.

This was our final class in the Preparing for Rosh Hashana Series.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen to the class here.

Mesillas Yesharim 9/13/09

rabbifink — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:59:54 +0000

Chapter 7 continued with more inspirational words to help us do our Mitzvos with more Zrizus.

We completed Zrizus part A, beginning your good deeds with speed and we began Zrizus part B, completing your good deeds quickly.

There was also a short discussion on good review habist for Mesillas Yesharim. Aside from reviewing by listening online it is integral to review the text.

Learn all about it by listening to the class below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.Listen to the class here.

The Shofar: A Time Machine | Connections 9/7/09

rabbifink — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:15:13 +0000

This evening we tackled another oft discussed them of Rosh Hashana, the Shofar.

We used a deep understanding of Shofar to answer a common and troubling calendaring issue regarding Rosh Hashana and Creation.

Overall, the participation was great, the energy was high and it was a great way to continue our preparatoins for Rosh Hashana.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen to the class here.

Mesillas Yesharim 9/6/09

rabbifink — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:54:19 +0000

Today we began Chapter 7 of the Mesillas Yesharim. Having established that Zrizus is the opposite of Laziness the Ramchal explains how and when we must implement Zrizus.

We need to know how to use good behaviors to maximize their benefits.

Learn all about it by listening to the class below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.Listen to the class here.

Rosh Hashana: Beginning of all Beginnings | Connections 8/31/09

rabbifink — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:41:42 +0000

As we continue our journey through Elul, marching towards Rosh Hashana, Connections returned the Pacific Jewish Center.

Our approach was that if we are “preparing” for Rosh Hashana, we need to understand just what Rosh Hashana means. What is a succesful Rosh Hashana and how do we get there?

We analyzed one angle of Rosh Hashana that can help us this year on Rosh Hashana and throughout the year.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen to the class here.

Mesillas Yesharim 08/30/09

rabbifink — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:38:01 +0000

This week we completed Chapter 6 of Mesillas Yesharim.

We began with a great discussion about Truth. We talked about how people fall into two categories. There are those who choose what they do and base their decision on what they believe to be the “truth” and there are others who merely follow the path in front of them and do not choose that path.

Another point of emphasis was the understanding that our natural state as humans is to be stationary. We are naturally lazy. Our task is to rise up from that laziness and elevate our lives to the point that we are thinking and choosing the life we live.

There’s plenty more of interesting Torah in the audio.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

Listen to the class here.

Mesillas Yesharim 08/16/09

rabbifink — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:08:03 +0000

I returned to Venice after a short Summer break and today we resumed our Mesillas Yesharim class.

Highlights today included a very interesting insight from Maimonides regarding laziness and the “Golden Path”. My father told me that in the Shmona Prakim, Maimonides gives a very surprising opposite to laziness.

Back in Mesillas Yesharim we learned about the inherent danger in laziness of action and thought.

Honor Thy Father & Mother | Connections 6/8/09

rabbifink — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:31:50 +0000

Another beautiful evening in Venice CA was highlighted by a wonderful Connections.

Everyone was all smiles and we had a great time socializing and learning.

Our Torah topic was the philosophy and moral implications of honoring one’s parents.

We discussed various theories and we ended with the Torah approach.

I recommend listening to this class as the questions and discussion were very interesting and thought provoking.

Click through to listen.

You can listen to the entire class below (35 minutes)

Men (Learning) at Work

rabbifink — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:54:18 +0000

This blog post is about men learning at work. By learning, I mean studying Torah.

I taught a class today at Teichman Enterprises.

It was a really great experience and I was inspired and I want to share my feelings with you.

If you are looking for the Australian musical artists known as Men at Work who sing that great song called “Down Under” (the one the “Piamentas” ripped off and sing to the words “Asher Bara”) click here for Men at Work.

If you don’t know what I am talking about watch these two videos…

Okay – got that? Now Watch this:

But I digress.

Back to our previously scheduled blog post.

I heard from my Rebbe that he is often approached by men who work long hours and feel as if they are spiritually drowning because they have such limited time to work on their spirituality.

His advice was that once a day, while at work we should contemplate on the reasons we are working. We are working to support a family, a wife, children, to provide the opportunity for them to grow Jewishly, so that we can send our children to expensive Jewish schools and so we can give charity, and so that we can experience a beautiful Shabbos together and if we are able to focus on that for just a moment it can make a tremendous difference in our work. Literally transforming our mundane job into a spiritual activity.

Truly, this is a beautiful idea.

Today I witnessed and participated in an equal if not better solution.

Teichman Enterprises has a weekly Torah class in their office. A catered lunch and a Rabbi teaching Torah is sure to insert some spirituality into a mundane work week. It is the perfect way to integrate the spiritual with the more mundane.

I was privileged to teach the class today and I was inspired. The attendees were attentive, interested and thoughtful.

It is impressive that so many people were willing to take time off from work to come hear words of Torah.

Notable among the attendees was Meish Wilson from Venice and the Pacific Jewish Center.

Today we learned about the special silver trumpets that were blasted before many moments in Jewish life. We learned about the root of sin and the path to recovery from sin as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I hope the attendees did as well.

(One correction, I mention R’ Yehuda HaLevi in the class, in fact it was R’ Shlomo Alkabetz, my error and I apologize.)

Today was a big day for iPhone owners and before the class we talked about the marvels of the iPhone over lunch. Thanks to the magic of the iPhone (and an app called iTalk) you can listen to the class on your computer right now!

Click below to listen.

Enjoy the class. (35 minutes)

Messilas Yesharim 6/6/09

rabbifink — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:08:41 +0000

We began Chapter 5 of Messilas Yesharim.

Ramchal begins to define for us the word “Zrizus”.

The basic idea we learned this week was the parallel from Zehirus to Zrizus.

Zehirus helps us avoid morally harmful activity. Zrizus helps us take action to do morally good activity.

We also discussed Sotah and some of the ideas that were mentioned in my Monday Lunch N Learn.

Click through to listen.

Enjoy the class (26 minutes)

Mesillas Yesharim 05/24/09

rabbifink — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:26:49 +0000

You may recall that last week we did not get any further in the Messilas Yesharim text.

Oh yes, we had a great discussion about getting serious about life. We devoted much of our discussion to clothes.

Clothes has been a hot topic at the Pacific Jewish Center lately.

Yesterday, we supposed to talk about the number 50 in Judaism and why Shavuos is the only Jewish holiday with no set date. Instead, we talked more about clothes. Unbelievable.

This week we got back on track.

We completed Chapter 5 in Messilas Yesharim and learned about the 3rd and final detriment to “Watchfulness”. Do you want to know what it is?

Click through to listen.

Enjoy the class (29 minutes)

Mesillas Yesharim 05/24/09

rabbifink — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:15:05 +0000

After a wonderful Rosh Chodesh morning services we began our weekly foray into the depths of Ramchal’s Mesillas Yesharim.

Last week we began to learn about the detriment of scoffing or sarcasm to out spiritual growth. The general principle is that one who is incapable of seriousness about life will not be able grow spiritually. This week I had planned on completing Chapter 5 in its entirety.

However, we got no further in the text of Mesillas Yesharim this week.

Instead we had a truly invigorating discussion ab0ut “seriousness”. It is tough for us to relate to this section Mesilas Yesharim. We are allowed to make jokes, frivoility is not ALWAYS bad, so how can we bring this section down to earth and make is relevant?

One example that I cited for a moment as we began class was the way observant Jews typically dress. Have you ever wondered why observant Jews dress conservatively for the most part or wear “black and white”?

Much of what we talk about was related to this post, as well as these two posts and this post as well.

Click to listen to our discussion. It was very interesting and enlightening.

Enjoy the class (29 minutes)

Structure and Philosophy of Torah 3 | Connections 5/4/09

rabbifink — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:22:37 +0000

The third and final class in a very exciting series concluded our preparations for Shavuos.

Catch up by listening to Part 1 and Part 2.

Today we sought to resolve the burning question we began our series with. Why is Talmud study the focus of Torah scholarship? Why do Yeshiva students spend the bulk of their time studying Talmud? Why is Talmud our connection to the Oral Law transmission?

Those questions plus much more are covered in this week’s class.

The participants truly challenged me and asked some really great questions today. As always your attendance and contributions are much appreciated.

Click the link to listen to the class.You can listen to the entire class below (60 minutes)