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?”

There is a very famous Torah teaching from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in his Magnum Opus called Likutei Moharan that is always studied during the month of Elul.

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.

Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the crazy math used by the Three Stooges and Abbot and Costello, and how certain groups try to use this type of logic to reinterpret the Hebrew scriptures to say something it does not. In this show you will learn from Torah sources and Kabbalah how the math adds up, and how Avraham (Abraham) experienced the Creator and interacted with his messengers (angels).

Rav Yitzchak and William are back this week speaking about Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the Counting of the Omer and how timing is everything when serving the Creator the Universe.

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.

Rabbi Yitzchak and William continue their discussion on the words form, make, and create which uncovers some interesting answers to the creation of man and the age of the universe. If you ever were confused by the beginning verses of Genesis, you won't want to miss this show.

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.

In this world of technology and the non-stop offerings of self optimization, not just by those who would have been considered snake oil salesmen at one time, but by trained professionals with credentials, is there an alternative found with Judaism? Rav Yitzchak and William are joined by Rav Doniel Katz of the Elevation Project to discuss answers from the Torah, Kabbalah and the Sages of Judaism to the questions so many to have regarding self optimization, consciousness, and connecting to the divine spark within.

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 is joined by Professor Daniel Matt, a world renowned expert of Jewish Spirituality and Kabbalah. Professor Matt has produced a monumental translation of the Zohar, called the Pritzker Edition which was published in English. He has written numerous books, and is here today to speak to us about how cosmology, science and Kabbalah intersect.

Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss the tablets given at Sinai, the Golden Calf, and what Kabbalah and the Zohar give as the connection to the mixed multitude and the Jewish people.

William returns to join Rav Yitzchak in a fascinating discussion on the weekly Torah Portion of Lech Lecha. Typically translated "Go forth or Go for yourself," Rav Yitzchak explains how the Zohar teaches us it actually means to "Go into yourself." Thus the title, "Can I get along with myself?" All too often people think the "I" and the "Self" are two expressions of the same thing, but we discuss the differences in this interesting take on Parsha Lech Lecha.

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.

Science of Kabbalah started with a show on creation so it makes sense that on this our final show we talk about the end of days or what we classify as the Messianic Age in Judaism.

We are joined this week by Meir Glaser a long time resident of Tzfat who was inspired by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. In that style, Meir now gives tours of this amazing holy city through his company Bishvil HaLev (Path of the Heart). Hear about some of the amazing locations and Kabbalistic insights as we give you an audio tour of Tzfat. Soon there will be Virtual Video Tours available through Meir's company for all of you who cannot make it here in person.

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.

This week Rav Yitzchak is once again joined by his wife Leah. They recap the Chagim (Holidays) and talk about how one should organize their lives in order to maintain the spiritual high of the High Holidays.

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.

This Shabbat we read the double Torah portion of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. The first portion deals with instructions for Aaron the High Priest after the death of his sons. He is given instructions for the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) service and then we have a seeming disconnect when a long list of prohibited sexual relationships are given. Can we find a connection between the High Priest, these prohibited acts, and a command to be holy? Listen in as Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the thread that ties them all together, as we all strive toward holiness.

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.

What in the world is a slop bucket and how can it connect to a Crown? This week Rabbi Yitzchak and William speak about the elephant that's in the room, but the elephant that is everywhere. The Coronavirus is on everyone's mind and people are either connecting to physicality or spirituality. How do we focus when there are so many distractions?

This week we continue our discussion on Kabbalah, the Tree of Life, and how Wisdom (Chochmah) and the other sefirot connect to the Arts and Sciences in our modern world.

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.

As we focus on the lights of Chanukah we are reminded of the special obligation and responsibility we have to disseminate the light of the Torah to the nations.

This week Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the weekly Torah portion where we read the story of a supposed deception played out when Rebecca convinces her son to fool his father who is about to give a blessing to Esau. Does this raise any ethical questions, and how does it relate to our struggle and the consequences we experience in life?

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.

Rav Yitzchak and William discuss Purim, Amalek, and the importance of clothing. Are you wearing a costume just for one day, or do you wear a mask all year long? This, and other important questions will be discussed and answered.

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 is joined once again by his wife Leah as they discuss the connections made regarding exile and redemption in the Torah portion Vayechi read last week, and the Torah portion of Shemot which starts this week. The connections are made between Yaakov (Jacob), Yosef (Joseph) and Moshe (Moses), as it relates to the beginning of the exile in Egypt and the concept of redemption. Not just the physical redemption of the children of Israel, but the spiritual component that is even relevant today.