May 18th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week we ventured further into the detriments to watchfulness.
The last two weeks (catch up here and here) have focused on setting aside time for Torah and spiritual growth. This is to avoid becoming mired in materiality and neglected our spiritual needs.
Today we moved on to the next detriment. The next thing Ramchal teaches us to avoid is an overarching lack of seriousness. Perhaps it could be more precisely defined as immaturity.
Ramchal says that being un able to take things seriously and scoffing anything important is going to impede our growth.
Find out how by clicking below.
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May 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Happy Lag B’Omer.
We had a great turnout this week despite the fact that we lost some attendees to Lag B’Omer celebrations this week.
This week Connections was the second of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time for the series.
Tonight we did a quick review of last week, though listening online would be a better option. You will get the full picture that way.
Our journey this week took us from the writing of the Mishna through the the beginnings of the formation of the Talmud.
There was a great discussion about “machlokes” and the differing opinions among Tanaic and Amoraic literature.
To be continued next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class.
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May 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Moving right along in Chapter 5
We quickly reviewed last week and continued until we wrapped up category number 1 of “things to avoid’ so as not to hinder our “Zehirus”.
The main idea is to avoid overwhelming oneself in materiality.
Also, a discussion ensued regarding our natural resistance to morality. It’s like a magnet pulling us towards our instincts.
It was a great class with super pace and as always great questions.
Click through to listen online.
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May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week Connections was the first of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time to begin the series.
This class is the foundation for the next few classes so I highly recommend checking it out. The reviews of the class were great and we hope more people will join us next week.
Our discussion ranged from history of the Jewish people, the connection between the spiritual and material world, astrology and much, much more.
Looking forward to next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class right now.
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May 3rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
Mesillas Yesharim was electric today!
The 5th Chapter is all about avoiding the things that may hinder our ability to be “watchful”. We need to know what we are doing before we can improve our actions. We need to avoid traps that will take our minds off of watching what we are doing.
This is in the spirit of “Sur Merah, Vaaseh Tov” – Psalms 34. First we must turn away from evil and then we go towards good.
Ramchal gives us 3 things to avoid. We began the first of these today.
During the class we had 3 really great discussion.
Our first discussion was about the distance from our heads to our hearts and Tefillin.
The second discussion was about working for a living. The Torah approach is that one should earn a living to take care of our material needs and set aside time for Torah study to take care of our spiritual needs.
We ended with a lengthy discussion about absolute truth. Our Rabbis teach us that one can only become righteous and moral if they study Torah. What is the meaning behind this? Why is intellectual information a prerequisite for moral growth?
Click through to find out.
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Apr 27th, 2009
by rabbifink.
With the upcoming Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim holidays I felt it was a perfect time to discuss the role Israel plays within the Torah system.
For many people Israel serves as a bastion of democracy in the Middle East, for others it is a Jewish homeland where no Jew will be denied access, for others it holds tremendous historical value, there are others who cherish its spiritual significance and there are yet others who pine for the elevated Torah study of the Land of Israel.
Our goal was to find the meaning of the Land of Israel and its connection to the Jewish people from the Torah. We went to the source to find why there is an intrinsic connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
This relationship did not begin in 1948.
The class ended with some really interesting anecdotes (I don’t want to give anything away – but suffice to say, very interesting stuff) and a few great points from our Connections attendees.
Click through to listen to the class right now.
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Apr 26th, 2009
by rabbifink.
…And we’re back. After a brief hiatus the Mesillas Yesharim class returned today with a bang.
We completed the fourth chapter of Mesillas Yesharim!
We began our class today with a re-reading of what we studied during our last class (just added – sorry about that).
It was just as incredible as the first time we studied this idea – it truly blows my mind.
We wrapped up the class with the final thoughts of Chapter 4 and next week we will begin Chapter 5.
Click through to hear the end of Chapter 4.
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Mar 15th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Incredible.
Today we learned about an amazing concept in Judaism. We learned Ramchal’s reconciliation of a very important conceptual contradiction.
We learned recently that we believe GD’s judgment is exact. He is truth and truth is absolute justice. We use this to contemplate the consequences of our actions. When we contemplate the consequences of our actions we may be able to control our animal instincts.
What about GD’s mercy? What about His compassion. How are we to understand mercy in the context of judgment? If we deserve to suffer the consequences of our actions how can GD “overlook” those consequences and show mercy?
You will be absolutely blown away by Ramchal’s answer.
Click through for the secret.
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Mar 8th, 2009
by rabbifink.
We changed the clocks the night previous to this class. You can tell because I sound extra groggy!
Walking along Ramchal’s “straight path” we continued to analyze the impact of our actions.
There are no small things, nothing gets brushed under the carpet. Meditating on this idea can help us remember that all of our actions all have consequences – that is Ramchal’s goal in this section.
The questions were insightful and I really enjoyed the class despite the effects of the clocks moving ahead an hour…
Click through to listen to the class. (more…)
Mar 3rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
As we have learned more and more about Purim many people have danced around the subject of Yom Kippur and Purim.
There is a connection there and tonight we explored that connection. Quoting great Rabbis like the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer and R’ Yitzchak Hutner we went deeper than ever before into the world of Purim.
You will definitely enjoy the class especially if you have been following throughout the Purim series. To catch up you can listen to our first Purim class by clicking here and the second by clicking here. The conclusion of the series will be at the PJC Purim party on Monday night March 9, 2009 at the Shul on the Beach at 7:40 PM. See you then!
In the meantime enjoy this week’s edition.
It’s all online and you can click through to listen to the class.
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Mar 2nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
We had a really exciting class today. We began the most practical method for instilling watchfulness in our lives and this sparked a very vibrant discussion.
Ramchal mentions many situations where great people in Jewish history going back to Biblical times found that their actions, while nearly perfect, demanded retribution from GD.
The questions were insightful and I really enjoyed the class.
Click through to listen to the class.
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Feb 23rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
Last week we began our Purim learning. (Recommended listening)
Tonight we continued our learning about Purim. Often misunderstood and misused, Purim deserves better treatment than that.
We journeyed through the book of Genesis, The Scroll of Esther and the Talmud in search of meaning and reason. Why is Purim named after the lottery that Haman cast? Why did Haman cast a lottery?
We answered a lot of questions tonight. The basic idea is universal but much of it is in the name of Rabbi Shneur Kotler.
Make sure you listen through the end because I forgot to answer one of our questions until one of the attendees reminded me during the questions 
.
It’s all online and you can click through to listen to the class.
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Feb 22nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week we did a review of the first way Ramchal provides to inspire us to be watchful. This is a method useful for very spiritual people who just need a small push to get them started on the path of watchfulness. Then we went over the second way to become watchful. This way is for the type of person who senses and feels his portion in the next world as real and tangible.
What about the rest of us? That is what we began this week. We concluded with a very interesting irony in the way GD deals with his closest adherents. Next week we take it all to the next level.
You can listen to the class by clicking through.
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Feb 17th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week at Connections we began to unlock some of the secrets of Purim.
We began with Amalek the ancient nemesis of the Jewish People. We learned about their essence and how to eradicate that flaw from within ourselves.
One of the most profound ideas I have ever heard was also discussed. How to measure a man. What is the primary factor in determining the value of a person.
We also touched upon drinking on Purim.
Purim will be our theme for the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more!
It’s all online and you can click through to listen to the class.
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Feb 16th, 2009
by rabbifink.
The Magilnicks of Venice / Santa Monica made a wedding last week. The Jewish custom is to celebrate the wedding with 7 days of parties if and when the bride and groom are present. Any time the bride and groom are present and there is a party there are 7 beautiful blessings which are bestowed upon the bride and groom. These parties and the blessings share a name. They are called Sheva (7) Brachos (Blessings).
Traditionally, there are several short speeches laced with blessings and good wishes for the bride, groom and their families.
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Feb 15th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Last week PJC was honored with a guest speaker and the Messilas Yesharim class took a one week siesta. The class returned this week.
We took another step forward along the “Pathway of the Just”. We continued Chapter 4 and learned how to channel our thirst for respect into inspiration for growth.
We also had a discussion about using all your talents for good. Each of our character traits can be used to help us if used properly. The question is if we are capable of channeling our abilities or if they are masters over us.
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Feb 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I have just added the first Connections class from early December.
The link to the audio is there as well as the podcasts section to the right…
Feb 3rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week at Connections we talk about clothes. Apparently clothes have been on my mind a lot. If you have been reading the blog you may have noticed that the recent posts all had to do with clothes. I commented on the espn.com article about wearing pants while playing basketball and then I commented on the President’s dress code. While I was preparing for the Torah learning portion of Connections this week I was drawn to Tzitzis.
We talked about clothing and the Torah’s associations with clothing. From Adam to Joseph to Saul we find a lot of negativity surrounding their clothing. What do I mean? Well you will have to listen to find out…
We learned about the numbers 6, 7 and 8 in Judaism and eventually we got to Tzitzis. We learned how Tzitzis can help us avoid the danger zone associated with clothing. There was an in depth treatment of how Tzitzis are made and what their construction requirements teach us.
We also talked about the difference between the Nazi form of Anti-Semitism and the Ancient Greek form of Anti-Semitism. The Ancient Greeks wanted us to be like them and forget Torah. The Nazis wanted us destroyed because we not like them.
Click through to listen now.
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Feb 2nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
Today we began the 4th Chapter of Messilas Yesharim.
The 4th Chapter deals with the method by which we can acquire the very useful characteristic of Zehirus (watchfulness). The fist step in the process is study of Torah. By studying sections of Torah that deal with inspiration and motivation we can give ourselves a much needed boost. This is in addition to the inspiration which comes standard with any Torah study. Ramchal first talks about the type of person who has already acquired much Torah and cares desperately about living his life the fullest. He needs little motivation to be vigilant in his Zehirus – he already cares passionately about using his time well. This serves as his inspiration. It is the fear of not succeeding that drives him.
Next week we will learn about Ramchal’s method advice for those of us still lacking in the Torah study department.
We enjoyed a nice discussion about the fear of failure as well.
Click through to listen now.
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Jan 26th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Nowhere is the statement “you are what you eat” more true than in Judaism.
Our topic tonight was the dietary laws of the Torah. Tonight we dispelled many of the myths about kosher. We discussed the origins of the English word Kosher and contrasted that to the Hebrew word for Kosher.
Kosher is survival of the fittest. The fittest food for human consumption. Fit in the sense that it is good for your soul. Soul Food.
We got pretty deep into understanding why food is so important in Judaism and how some of the dietary rules help us avoid “danger zones”.
The discussion ranged from chutes and ladders to sciatica. (no kidding)
There was a very nice crowd tonight and we hope that the class continues to grow. Come next week – and bring a friend!
Click through to listen now.
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Jan 25th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Today we completed the 3rd chapter of Messilas Yesharim.
Perhaps the most famous of Ramchal’s ideas is present in this week’ section. I won’t ruin it for you so you will need to check it out for yourself…
As we completed the section we talked about practical applications of “Zehirus” and in what ares we need watchfulness. We are not rehabilitating murders, thieves and rapists in our class so where is the moral struggle for which we need watchfulness? As a group we discussed following our intellect over our instinct and areas where that may be helpful.
We also briefly mentioned the idea that when we make good choices they can become instinctive as well – but that is an acquired instinct resulting from our good choices. The bad instinct is the “child” within us that is selfish and is reminiscent of animal instinct.
What we are learning about is how to stop the child instinct from controlling us. Then we make good choices which in turn become instinctual… And that is a good thing!
Click through to listen now.
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Jan 18th, 2009
by rabbifink.
As we continued the 3rd Chapter we learned more about the necessity for watchfulness. Ramchal compares each of us to merchants which must check, double check and triple check our wares to ensure their quality. Similarly, we must check our actions for their quality.
There was a tangential discussion about how the Rabbis will use verses form TanaKh to teach us ideas using puns or plays on the words – very interesting stuff.
We concluded with Ramchal’s introduction of a new set of problems. We are blinded by the darkness of our world – how can we even begin to evaluate our actions to know what is right and wrong?
Click through to listen now.
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Jan 16th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Well it has been one month for me on the blogging trail. I must say, I quite like it. I like the idea of expressing myself to an infinite (sometimes reluctant) audience. If the world stops being interesting to me then the blog posts will probably end. I don’t think that is going to happen so I am fairly certain you will see more of my thoughts over time and this is in addition to the twice weekly podcasts and essays of my speeches.
I have compiled a brief “best of” for those of you who may have missed some previous posts. The word “and” appears in nearly every post title. Hmmmmm…..
Malcolm Gladwell and Outliers
Madoff 1 and Madoff 2
Bob Costas and Destiny
Kobe Bryant and Preparation
The Ravens and Respect
Children and Manners
Winners and Losers
Jan 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
We had such a nice program tonight. The event was sponsored by Elizabeth Liber as she moves to New York to attend Stern College. Thank you for your sponsorship and we will miss you!
Our topic tonight was Inspiration. Much of our discussion was rooted in R’ Akiva Tatz’s distillation of some very profound ideas. The main idea revolves around the numbers one, two and three. Listen to the class to find out just what that means! We learned more about the secrets behind the splitting of the sea, why food spoils, how to make a marriage work and “coping” with the load of our daily lives. There was some really great input from the attendees including some science, geometry and philosophical thoughts.
All in all the class was exciting, the questions were thought provoking and everyone in attendance had a really nice time. It makes the preparation and delivery worth the effort when the attendees are so engaging and positive.
I hope you will join us next Monday night for our next “Connections” we would love to see you there!
You can listen to the entire class below (55 minutes)
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