Lunch N' Learn - TS Season 4

Why It Really Hurts

Understanding the Source of Our Pain–and How to Heal It

The world is filled with pain, grief, and so many challenges. But a surprising Chasidic text reveals that our pain is rooted in G‑d’s pain—providing a deep foray into Jewish mysticism and a novel pathway for healing.

Holy Land, Holy People

Our Connection to Israel Is Sacred

The chronology of events leading up to our people’s first entry into the Land teaches us that to maintain our connection with this sacred land, we must guard not only its borders, but our own sacred heritage.

The World Doesn’t Exist

Why Nothing Can Get in the Way of Good

The world around us feels very real, and even more real the more we experience it. But the kabbalists taught that it actually isn’t. Discover an entirely new way of looking at the universe, and emerge empowered to never back down from doing the right thing.

G‑d Isn’t an Accountant

Why One Mitzvah Is Better than a Thousand Sins

Accepting bribes is an objective ethical no-no. G‑d, too, takes no bribes, the verse tells us. But some form of bribes He does take: the power of teshuvah, repairing our relationship with Him, will always be accepted on High.

Portal to Infinity

To Activate the Magic, You’ve Got to Follow the Recipe

Many find the high level of detail in Jewish observance frustrating, or even petty; could an infinite G‑d really care if I light Shabbat candles a minute later or earlier? Well, actually, the answer is yes: deviating from the recipe will not bake the cake!

To Be Human Is to Be Like a . . . Tree?

Identifying the Hallmark of Our Humanity—And How to Make It Last

We humans are funny creatures: we think and feel, we become inspired, and we understand; yet somehow those experiences rarely align. We think one way and feel another. Understanding the true source of humanity makes it all click.

Arguing Effectively

Hint: Don’t Go in It to Win It

Public discourse has been poisoned, with debate almost always devolving into nasty bickering with no winners. An in-depth analysis of the Torah commentator Rashi’s silence on a verse offers a key to arguing effectively, with peaceful outcomes.

Negative Newsfeeds: Not the New Normal

A Handy Hack to Living a More Positive Reality

Habituation can be a nasty thing; living a certain reality for too long normalizes it, no matter how inherently crazy it is. But a Talmudic comment about the nature of exile reveals it wasn’t meant to be this way—and empowers us to remain uncomfortable with, and challenge—aberrations.

Unity Torah

Taking Your Part in a Community Legacy

The global Jewish family is much heralded. But what can you do practically to take a proactive role in it? Discover the beauty, depth, and power of purchasing just one small letter in a Torah scroll.

Self-Generated

You Have What It Takes to Make Changes

The High Holidays bring with them feelings of inspiration and the need to change. But what will it take to really make that change, once and for all? The answer, in one word, is “You.” All you need is an honest appreciation of the need to change—and change will come.

The True Story

Seeing Past the Noise

Why do people decide to improve? What motivates positive change? In the eyes of one Talmudic sage, the answer is always the same: a deep desire to return to G‑d. It’s the deeper story of your story: now take the time to uncover it.

You’re Committed? Great. Now Appreciate It Too

Learning How to Like the Things We Love

Commitment is a wonderful thing. In fact, it’s the bedrock of all successful relationships. But it’s not enough. The progression of joyous steps in the Sukkot festival teaches us that it’s equally important to appreciate and like it, too.