Kabbalah for Everyone

• Finding Truth in an Imperfect World: Plato vs. Kabbalah.

  Send us a textPlato argued that reality is found in perfect, unchanging ideals, while the physical world is merely a flawed reflection. Chassidic thought challenges this notion, asserting that G-d’s presence is found precisely in the imperfect, physical world. Through the lens of this debate, we explored how this idea impacts our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual journey—showing that meaning and divine purpose emerge from engaging with reality as it is, rather than escaping to an idealized version of it.Key Takeaways:Plato’s philosophy separates the ideal from the real, placing truth in abstract perfection.Kabbalah teaches that G-d’s presence is in the here and now, within life’s imperfections.The Torah’s repetition of the Mishkan’s construction emphasizes that holiness is not in a divine blueprint but in human action.Growth, relationships, and meaning are found in embracing life’s struggles, not escaping them.True beauty is not perfection—it’s the courage to build something holy in an imperfect world.Notes: See Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, The Dignity of Difference, for a detailed explanation of this idea of Plato and its impact on Western thought."G-d desired a dwelling in the lowly realms" (Midrash Tanchuma, Nasso 16);  "This is what man is all about, this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all worlds, supernal and ephemeral" (Tanya, chapter 36).#Kabbalah #Judaism #Plato #Rabbi #chabad #Jewish #Bible #BibleStudy #Torah #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #Vayakhel #ParshatVayakhelSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• The Purim Story & Understanding the Uniqueness of Anti-Semitism and the Jewish Response

  Send us a textAnti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes this hatred different from all other hatreds?This class delves into the core of Jew-hatred, exploring its historical patterns and its spiritual roots. The Talmudic parable of the "mound and the ditch" reveals that anti-Semitism is not simply about economics, politics, or cultural tensions—it is about something much deeper. The world has an innate reaction to the presence of the Jew, a reaction that stems from the unique role that the Jewish people play in history as the bearers of Divine morality.Through the lens of Torah, the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and a contemporary analysis of world events—including the resurgence of anti-Semitism post-October 7, 2023—this class seeks to answer the unanswerable: Why does the world hate the Jew? And, more importantly, how should we respond?Key Takeaways:A Hatred Like No Other – Anti-Semitism has persisted for thousands of years across all cultures and ideologies, defying conventional explanations.The "Mound and the Ditch" Paradigm – The Talmud describes two types of anti-Semites: those who see Jews as an unwanted obstacle and those who feel an existential void because of Jewish morality.The Sinai Connection – The world’s rejection of Jewish existence is linked to our mission as bearers of Divine ethics, which some embrace and others resent.Appeasement Does Not Work – History has proven that trying to minimize or hide Jewish identity never quells anti-Semitism; it often exacerbates it.The Jewish Response – Strengthening our connection to G-d, embracing Torah and mitzvot, and standing firm in Jewish pride is the only true antidote to anti-Semitism.#Antisemitism #Judaism #Purim #JewishHistory #Haman #Rebbe #habad #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Talmud #Jewish #MoralCourage #MoralResponsibility #JewishIdentity Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• The Foolish Bird and the Eternal People: Understanding Haman’s Failed Strategy

  Send us a textThe Midrash compares Haman’s plot against the Jews to a foolish bird attempting to drain the sea, beakful by beakful. At first glance, this fable highlights the impossibility of eradicating the Jewish people. But upon deeper examination, it reveals the secret of Jewish survival, the core reason for antisemitism, and the unbreakable bond between the Jewish soul and Torah. Haman’s mistake was in thinking that severing Jews from Torah would make them vulnerable to destruction—yet, as history has shown, even when Jews have drifted from their spiritual roots, their intrinsic connection to G-d and Torah remains. This class explores why the Jewish people have endured against all odds and what this means for our own Jewish identity today.Key Takeaways:The Midrash’s Metaphor – Haman’s attempt to destroy the Jews was as foolish as a bird trying to empty an ocean. But why? This metaphor reveals deeper truths about Jewish resilience.The Secret of Antisemitism – Haman, like many persecutors throughout history, saw Jewish existence as a threat. Why have so many tyrants sought to destroy the Jewish people?The Relationship Between Jews and Torah – The Torah is to Jews what water is to fish. Even when Jews drift, they cannot fully detach from their Divine essence.G-d’s ‘Unsuccessful’ Plan – The Midrash states that even G-d could not destroy the Jewish people. What does this mean, and what does it teach us about the Jewish soul?Haman’s ‘Final Solution’ – His real plan wasn’t just genocide—it was to dry up the Jewish connection to Torah and assimilate them into Persian society. This strategy failed, just as all others have throughout history.The Eternal Bond – The Jews have outlived every empire that sought their destruction, proving that their essence is eternal.A Call to Jewish Unity – If a Jew was Jewish enough for Hitler to send to the gas chambers, he is Jewish enough for us to love and embrace. Jewish survival is not just a historical fact—it is a personal responsibility.#Purim #Jewish #Antisemitism #Judaism #Faith #Rabbi #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Torah #BookofEsther #MegillahSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• Celebrating Tu B'Shvat: Healing the World with Every Bite!

  Send us a textDive into the profound spiritual significance of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish 'New Year for Trees.' This class unravels how this ancient day, once focused on tithing fruits as per Talmudic teachings, evolved into a powerful tool for cosmic repair, as revealed by Kabbalistic wisdom. Discover how the simple act of eating fruits during the Tu B'Shvat feast isn't just a culinary delight but a ritual of mending the rift caused by Adam and Eve's original mistake. Learn how enjoying these earthly delights reconnects us with the Divine, transforming our physical world from a barrier into a bridge to spiritual fulfillment. Join us in exploring how Tu B'Shvat is not just about fruit, but about turning our earthly pleasures into paths to divine connection and making the world a bit more like paradise with every bite.#TuBShvat #SpiritualFeast #CosmicHealing #JewishTradition #KabbalahInsightsYou can join Rabbi Bernath every Thursday at 9am EST for a fantastic conversation on Zoom. Just email [email protected] to get the zoom link.Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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• "I Have Come to My Garden" – The Chassidic Discourse that Defines Our Generation

  Send us a textThis class explores the seminal Chassidic discourse Basi LeGani, first written by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and later expanded upon annually by his successor, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. This discourse outlines the purpose of creation: transforming the world into G‑d’s garden, a place of divine presence. It introduces the responsibility of the “Seventh Generation”—our generation—to complete this mission and usher in the final redemption. Through themes of personal transformation, divine revelation, and the power of "holy folly," we uncover the Rebbe's call to action: to bring G‑d’s presence into every aspect of the world.Key Takeaways:The Garden is Our World – Basi LeGani describes G‑d's desire to dwell in this physical world, not just in the heavens. Our task is to make the world a home for Him.The Mission of the Seventh Generation – Like Moses, the seventh leader in his lineage, our generation—the seventh since the Alter Rebbe—is tasked with completing the divine plan.Transforming Darkness into Light – The discourse emphasizes that our struggles with the “inner animal” are part of the mission; by channeling our desires toward holiness, we refine ourselves and the world.Holy Folly – True service of G‑d sometimes requires acting beyond logic, just as the Tabernacle was built from shittim (wood related to shtut, folly). We must counter worldly foolishness with a deeper devotion that transcends reason.A Call to Action – The Rebbe’s words demand more than study—they require us to actively bring others closer to Torah and mitzvot, ensuring that no soul is left behind in preparing the world for Moshiach.#chabad #Rebbe #chassidic #basilegnai #lubavitch #LubavitcherRebbe #Shechinah #YudShevatSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

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