The Science of Kabbalah

We are in the three weeks, the period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av. This is a time of mourning in Judaism, the culmination of which takes place on the 9th of Av when we mourn the destruction of both holy temples. It is considered a time of diminished joy, however, there are teachings from the Arizal and Rebbe Nachman related to redemption and the world to come, which are both times of joy. How do we reconcile having joy during a time of diminished joy, and what in the world does this have to do with “skeletons in the closet?”

Science of Kabbalah is joined by Rabbi Amichai Cohen of Live Kabbalah in Tzfat. He shares the connection that Sukkot has with the nations, and the role that all of us play in helping to work on ourselves in order to see both personal and global redemption.

This week Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss the weekly Torah portion of Terumah. This portion discusses the contributions requested of the children of Israel for the construction of the Mishkah (Tabernacle). This holy structure is often contrasted with the Golden Calf by the Sages of Judaism. So, our hosts ask themselves and the audience what type of structures are we really building? Is it a holy space for the Creator to dwell in our midst, or is it a structure related to the physical world, that only exists as a form with no holy inner space?

Rav Yitzchak is joined by his wife Leah as they discuss their travels to the U.S., what the Days of Awe, Ki Tavo, First Fruits, and Ratzon (Will) all have in common. There is so much to be learned from the book of Deuteronomy and specifically this week's Torah portion when Moshe Rabbeinu (Our Teacher) gives on of his last messages to the Jewish people before he dies.

While Rav Yitzchak and William try their hand at singing, the show is not about the famous song. Last week we discussed the four stages of Divine Providence, and this week we discuss the four levels of Love related to our connection to the Creator. You will need these tools to learn how to draw closer to and cleave to G-D!

This week we are joined by Shifra Chana Hendrie of Gate of Unity who is founder of and host of the Global Geula Summit taking place later this week. Here about how we are both individually and corporately able and responsible to partner with the Creator in seeing redemption come to all of mankind.

Why is there a juxtaposition between the Red Heifer and the death of Miriam? How does Moshe striking the rock connect with the water of Torah? Hear about this as we discuss these interesting concepts from last week's Torah portion of Chukat.

Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the increased joy and laughter one is required to have in the month of Adar, and the connection with monkeys and elephants.

This week Rabbi Yitzchak and William look at two very interesting verses in the book of Exodus related to the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. Early on in chapter 13 we see that Hashem goes before the children of Israel in the pillar of cloud, however, in chapter 14 we see that the angel of Elokim is now moving from before the children of Israel in the pillar of cloud to behind the camp. The pillar of fire also moves and now these two pillars separate the camp of Israel from the camp of Egypt after the Egyptians change their minds and come after the children of Israel. Listen to the very interesting discussion from commentaries of the sages to bring light to these verses.

Last week we began our discussion on a lesson from Rebbe Nachman on Purim as a path towards Passover. In this week's show we continue the discussion with the connection of the Red Heifer spoken of in the upcoming Torah portion this Shabbat, which is known as Shabbat Parah, and the differences between the types of redemption experienced by the Jewish people.

Rav Yitzchak and William this week discuss the second book of the bible, Shemot or Exodus and what it means to have a "good name," as well as the misconceptions on so called prohibitions related to who can learn Kabbalah, Talmud, and Torah in general.

Rabbi Yitzchak is joined by his wife Leah to discuss the story of Noah and his generation. In Hebrew, his generation is called Dor HaMabul, the generation of the flood. However, at the end of the Torah portion which describes the destruction through a flood, we read about another generation. This time, the Dor Haflaga, the generation of division. The discussion tries to connect current events with these biblical stories and make sense of the connections between the spiritual and physical.

Rav Yitzchak is joined by his old friend Rabbi David Katz. Rabbi Katz has had an incredible journey this past year. He talks about his weight loss, recent marriage, and redesigning himself as a Rabbi and teacher. He also shares with us the concept of Mazal, both his own and how it relates to the concept of the Ger (non-Jew).

This famous saying attributed to Thomas Fuller in 1650 can really be found in the Zohar in the Torah portion just read this past Shabbat called Vayishlach. In that Torah portion after Yaacov (Jacob) wrestles with an angel all night that angel asks to be release because dawn is about to break. There is an interesting connection to this story and Chanukah which begins this week on Thursday at sundown. Chanukah s all about lighting up the darkness and doing it one day at a time.

This week we are joined by Professor Joe Uscinski a Political Scientist and expert in conspiracy theories. The author of two books on the subject, Professor Uscinski shares his perspective after years of extensive research on the origins of conspiracy theories and what drives a person to be drawn to such beliefs. He also shares his opinion as it relates to past pandemics as well as our current battle against Coronavirus.

Your hosts discuss the opposition expressed by other countries to Israel's proclamation of sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria according to the Trump Peace Plan. They continue their discussion about statues being torn down in the U.S. and around the world, as well as the decision by the Israeli Cable Council to suspend the license for Shelanu, a missionary channel targeting Jews for conversion. As always Rabbi Yitzchak and William try to make a connection to these current events with Torah and Kabbalah.

This week Rabbi Yitzchak and William pick up where they left off. The discussion goes into more detail about why the letter "Bet" the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used at the beginning of the Torah. In addition, we are given the perspective of the Sages and Kabbalists about the distinctions between this physical reality and the spiritual essence that lies behind it or under it.

A sink hole opens up at Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem in the same week that we are getting ready to read the Torah portion of Korach.

On this week's show Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss the weekly Torah portion titled Mishpatim. Mishpatim relates to ordinances or judgments commanded by Hashem to the Jewish people. Most people find these civil ordinances to seem anti-climactic in light of last week's revelation at Mount Sinai. However, on closer inspection these laws can reveal great spiritual truths and show how the first ordinances related to slavery can teach us about the role of Messiah in our future redemption.

This week we are joined by Mordechai ben Avraham whose journey took him from the entertainment business of Los Angeles, to the Yeshivot of Jerusalem. Growing up an African American whose parents embraced Islam in his childhood is a far cry from his current path as an Orthodox Jew living in Jerusalem. Hear the amazing story of transformation and learn more about his upcoming book, "The Mind of the Black Jew."

Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the flame, the wick, the oil and candles of Chanukah and how the Ohr HaGanuz (Hidden Light) comes and reveals the essence of all things. Finally, they interview Lauren Skae who has traveled all over the world seeking spirituality, only to arrive in Tzfat which she describes as the source of all wisdom.

Rav Yitzchak and William are joined by Lorelai Kude. Lorelai has over forty years of experience in astrology as it relates to Jewish tradition. Her Master's thesis "Yesh Mazal B'Yisarel," translated as "There is Mazal in Israel," is the answer to the often quoted source by most Jews that there is in fact no mazal or constellation in Israel. Meaning that Jews don't believe in, or shouldn't be involved in astrology. However, there are numerous sources from the sages of Judaism that speak otherwise. This is a fascinating show that will challenge your beliefs on the role of astrology in Judaism specifically, as well as for all the rest of the world.

We have entered the Yamim Noraim, the Ten Days of Awe. The period of deep repentance between Rosh HaShana - The Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur

This week the discussion centers on the connection of our divine service to the Creator with the Arts and Sciences. As well as, how Kabbalah connects our souls to these concepts that would normally seem at odds with Torah.

This week Rav Yitzchak and William discuss Parshat Chukat and the incident of Moshe (Moses) striking the rock, rather than speaking to it as commanded by HaShem. Can we find some connections to Kabbalah and the way in which we learn Torah today, and is there a repair for this seemingly great sin that kept Moshe from entering the Land? Listen to hear what the sages of Judaism have to say, and to gain insight into why the apparent argumentative style of Talmudic discourse was all part of the plan.

The Zohar on Behaalotecha the Torah portion describing the Aaron the High Priest ascending to light the Menorah (Lampstand) starts out speaking about the fires of illumination. However, it soon speaks about Noah's Ark and the concept of judgment related to Yom HaDin (Rosh Hashana), the Jewish New Year. There is an interesting connection and distinction to be made based on what we learn in this Torah portion related to the destructive fires that are burning around the world. Fire can be positive or negative depending on one's perspective. What is your perspective?

Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss the Olah (Burnt) Offering and the unique instruction to remove its skin. In our current situation, we are incapable of touching other people and are even told to avoid coming in contact with the skin on our own faces. Can there be a spiritual connection to skin, the human soul, and our current Coronavirus environment. Listen to this very unique perspective from the Kabbalah and the Sages of Judaism.

What in the world is the connection between Purim, the Red Heifer, and Passover. Rav Yitzchak and William discuss this upside down world, and a lesson from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov who connects these three concepts which seem to be unrelated.

Rabbi Yitzchak is once again joined by his wife to discuss the book of Exodus and the importance of names. Often times our names in addition to identifying us, also reveal our characteristics. It is interesting to note that many of the people in the opening stories of Exodus remain nameless. Like Yocheved the mother of Moses and Miriam his sister, as well as the Pharoah. Yet, we see that G-d reveals His Name to Moses in a way that He has never revealed it to anyone else. This show will reveal the importance of our names and more importantly the holiness of the name of G-d.

Now that the High Holidays are over we are starting the Torah reading cycle anew with the first book of the bible. The big question tackled this week by Rav Yitzchak and William this week is why did the Torah start with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, rather than the first? Tune in for this very interesting show.