Shalom! And Happy Chanukah!
Our adult education has evolved quite nicely. Every week the ALITI program sponsors a
weekly learning following the Shabbat Kiddush. On average seven to ten people get together to share the experience of studying various texts. After all, the learning program is officially called "LIMMUD SHABBAT: THE JOY OF TEXTS."
In our last learning session we studied more details of observing Chanukah, particularly with regard to the specifics of lighting and the placing of the the menorah, and the proper way we comport ourselves following the lighting. And how late can you light and who has to light and what if you're traveling during the holiday? Our text was the (Kitzur) Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law.
We also began our study of Ein Yaakov, the classic compendium of the collected Aggadic (non-legal) literature of the Talmud. The topic of the day was where, when and how we might encounter the Shekhina, the holy Divine feminine Presence of G*d.
We are open to new and varied text study. Everything we study has an accompanying English
translation so the Hebrew language is no barrier to attending, learning and enjoying. Come and join us every Shabbat following the Kiddush and see how much fun it is to learn straight from the text. There's learning "about" Judaism, and then there is learning right from the sources directly!
Ta Shma! Come learn with us!
ALITI is open to people of all backgrounds. Those seeking conversion as well as adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates may fulfill their study requirements through participation in the ALITI Limmud Shabbat study sessions.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Chanukah Thoughts and Meditation from Mindy Ribner
Mindy is a good friend of mine. We began studying with Reb Shlomo together since 1985. She was the only woman to receive semicha from Reb Shlomo, and I was blessed to have been there
to witness the ceremony. I bless you to benefit from the valuable spiritual message she is offering:
Happy Chanukkah: December 21st- 29th
Listen To Light: Meditation for Hanukkah
Unlike Biblical holidays that require lots of preparation and have certain restrictions,the holiday of Hanukkah has neither restrictions or much preparation. One simply lights the Hanukkah menorah for eight nights and one is plugged into Divine light and blessing. It is simple,but profound.There is a treasure chest of blessings that has been accumulating for thousands of years that we can draw upon at the time of Hanukkah.
At a time of the year when the days are shortest and the nights are the longest, Hanukkah comes to help us find the light within the darkness. On Hanukkah we may discover that the darkness is actually a cover for a greater light. The holiday of Hanukkah is always relevant, but particularly now when the world faces so many challenges.
If our life becomes more difficult before Hanukkah, it is to remind us that we need the light of Hanukkah. The light of Hanukah radiates hope, faith and unconditional love, reminding us to dream again, and that our dreams are beautiful and important. Even though we may not have lived our lives as fully as we would have wanted, even though we may have even harmed others, or ourselves or been hurt by others, the light of Hanukkah reminds us of who we really are and who we can.
Hanukkah is a powerful time of teshuva ( returning),much like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Hanukkah is also known to be a time to find one's soul mate or to have the love for one's spouse ignited. Too often people light the Hanukkah candles and then quickly move on to other activities without taking the time to receive its spiritual gifts.
One of the problems we have in life is that we do not know how to receive. We shop too much, we eat too much, we are running here and there, constantly busy when we need to take time to simply be, to feel what is occurring within us and be present to what we truly need and want in our lives.
When we try to meet our spiritual needs with material things and various distracting activities we will never be satisfied. Meditative gazing upon the simple sweet light of Hanukkah can fulfill us in the way we have yearned for our entire life. There is a hunger within us to be loved unconditionally for who we are and not for what we do.
Consider taking the Hanukkah challenge this year and meditate with the candles for eight days. This is a spiritual practice that will be transformational. Even if you do it for just one night, or even for ten minutes on one night, you will receive much benefit. Meditating on each night of Hanukkah will help us transform our lives in ways we have always hoped. No matter what is happening in the external world, Hanukkah teaches us that we can be free, we are holy, and we need not be limited by our fears or guilt.
We can live our lives with greater integrity, love and beauty What a divine gift! And it is free to all who open to receive it. On an even deeper mystical level, gazing at the lights of Hanukkah provides a glimpse into the eternal light of God, the hidden light, the holy light, the light before creation, the light of our own souls. The light of God has burned forever and will burn eternally.
When we really get a glimpse of this holy light of Hanukkah, we know deeply that life is truly miraculous. Even though we Jews as individuals and as a people have faced and will face many challenges in life, the light of Hanukkah reminds us that God is with us. And now more than ever, this is a great comfort. If we are truly blessed by the light of Hanukkah, it will be revealed to us that the Jewish people are eternal , all the wondrous things that have been predicted for the Jewish people will be fulfilled, and we will be quite joyful.
As you prepare to light menorah candles this year, take a few moments to center yourself with deep breaths. Prepare yourself so you can be present as you can be as you do this mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah menorah. Feel the connection to the thousands of Jews who are lighting candles throughout the world at this very time. Make a connection to the Jewish people who have been lighting candles for generations.
As you say the blessings with the consciousness assume your place with the Jewish people throughout history and align yourself with Divine Will. Assume your place in this ancient lineage of righteous people, prophets, sages, martyrs and ordinary Jews, like you and me, who have celebrated Hanukkah for thousands of years.
If you can, place the menorah by the window to indicate your desire to share this light of miracles with others. We want the world to know that there is light within darkness. It is a spiritual principle that when we share our spiritual light with others, our light is not diminished but increased. The more light we share with others, the more light flows through us.
Meditative Instructions
Imagine yourself standing in front of the Menorah in the HolyTemple. The miracle of Hanukkah occurred in part within the HolyTemple. You can access this memory within your consciousness. This was a time and place for the most intense and palpable revelation of the Presence of God.
Whenever we pray, we do a mitzvah, we seek to return in our consciousness of the Presence of God that was revealed in the HolyTemple. Read the Al Nissim blessing found in Jewish prayer books slowly. Then light the candles and say the Chanukkah blessings.
As you light candles on your own menorah, you will ignite the space deep within yourself where you are most powerfully and intimately connected with your soul. This is the temple you stand within now. This holy temple within yourself holds your deepest dreams and holiest visions. Although this may be a little uncomfortable, keep your eyes open and continue to gaze at the lights.
The holy light of Hanukkah has the power to purify and to transform. Take note of the various colors of light within the flame. Be gentle with yourself, allowing space for any discomfort without running away. Simply be with the light as much as possible. If your mind begins to wander too much and you find yourself filled with extraneous thoughts, simply take note of this and bring your focus back to the breath and the gazing.
Imagine that you can cast into the light anything you want to get rid of. Exhale your negative thoughts into the light. Cast your fear, your guilt, your regrets and your insecurities into the flame. The more you are able to let go, the brighter the light will be.
You can close your eyes if you need to do so, but continue to meditate, allowing the light to be experienced within you. Now, as your eyes are closed, imagine that you are a Hanukkah candle and the light of Hanukkah burns within you. Your body is the candle and your soul is the flame.
As you identify with this candle, becoming this candle, experience yourself as a being of great light. Visualize the light of your soul radiating and shining brightly in this world. While the candles are burning, alternate between keeping your eyes open and closed. Gaze directly at the light. After gazing for ten minutes or more, you will find yourself in a heightened spiritual state and you will be able to listen deep inside to your own soul.
The candles are symbolic of the soul. Each night the light offers a high frequency vibration. If you want, you can even ask a specific question or simply ask for guidance. Then, listen to the light.
It is helpful to have your journal or a piece of paper and write on the top of the page in the name of God or the light of Hanukkah. "This is what I have to say to you..." When you are ready, write in stream of consciousness the words reflecting your present thoughts and feelings. Simply write from the heart without judging or evaluating. This is just for you. You will be amazed at the wisdom that pours out of your own soul. Done with intention and prayer, you will receive answers to your questions.
Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a spiritual psychotherapist and healer in private practice ( www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is also the Founder and Director of Beit Miriam (www.Beitmiriam.org) and travels throughout the United States and Israel sharing the joy of meditation and Kabbalah. To be on the email list for weekly to monthly teachings or to contact her directly, contact Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com.
Please share this message with others, respecting the copyright and inviting people to join this list. Thank you.
"This splendid book provides an immersion in the wisdom in the wisdom of theJewish and kabbalistic tradition. It will answer the hunger many people are experiencing for a return to western spirituality.Highly recommended" Larry Dossey
" Everyday Kabbalah offers guidance that will enrich your life with the power of meditation within the integrity of Jewish tradition" Rabbi Simon Jacobson
" This wonderful book will help you live a meaningful life. Don't let the title fool you. This book is filled with th wisdom of the ages." Bernie S.Siegel. M.D.
" This is the book I' ve been waiting for. New Age Judaism is beautiful, heartfelt and wonderfully embracing invitation to step to the highest rung of spiritulality. I recommend this heartily to anyone seeking to pierce to the core of Jewish wisdom and universal truth.' Alan Cohen
" Melinda Ribner does a remarkable job of interfacing ageless Jewish spirituality with the New Age life today. For that, we owe her and her book a deep debt of gratitude." Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
" A remarkable contribution for helping to make the month by month Jewish spiritual journey. It is inspiring, informing, and transforming. This book is a treasure." Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi
The ancient wisdom of kabbalah outlines a month by month guide for personal healing and transformation. It is the original twelve step program, as each month has its own unique energy and opportunities for healing and spiritual growth.
Like a good friend, Kabbalah Month by Month is there to guide and inspire you. Keep it by your bed, at your desk, refer to it often, reflect upon it, study it, practice the meditation and witness how your life flows with greater ease, love and joy.
Ribner books may be purchased at bookstores throughout the United States and in Jerusalem at Olam Quatan and the old city. If they are not there, the bookstore can get it for you easily and quickly. Books also available online through Amazon and other vendors.
Upcoming Events
A Great Hanukkah Gift
Boca Meditation, Dec 22nd
Hanukkah Meditation
Experience a Powerful Hanukkah Candlelighting Meditation in Boca: Monday, December 22, 7:30 P.M.
$10.00- $20 or buy a Ribner book at gathering or in bookstore recently.
RSVP
Beitmiriam@msn.com.Held in private home on the Boca Raton Synagogue Circle.
22360 Dorado Street. Past the synagogue on the left.
Support this newsletter and the work of Beit Miriam and Kabbalah of the heart with a donation to Beit Miriam, 6459 Emerald Breeze Way, Boynton Beach, Florida, 33437, or through paypal Beitmiriam@msn.com. All contributions are appreciated. May you be blessed for all that you give! If you would like to give in the memory or in honor of someone and would be comfortable having it printed in the newsletter, please let me know that as well. Thank you for supporting this outpouring of the soul.
For more information:
Quick Links...
www.kabbalahoftheheart.comwww.Beitmiriam.org
Join Our Mailing List!
Ribner Cd's on sale for Hanukkah
"Holy: Meditative Songs and Chants
$18 for one
$26 for two
$36 for three
$42 for four
Mail check to Melinda Ribner, 6459 Emerald Breeze Way, Boynton Beach, Florida, 33437
Expires December 26th.
to witness the ceremony. I bless you to benefit from the valuable spiritual message she is offering:
Happy Chanukkah: December 21st- 29th
Listen To Light: Meditation for Hanukkah
Unlike Biblical holidays that require lots of preparation and have certain restrictions,the holiday of Hanukkah has neither restrictions or much preparation. One simply lights the Hanukkah menorah for eight nights and one is plugged into Divine light and blessing. It is simple,but profound.There is a treasure chest of blessings that has been accumulating for thousands of years that we can draw upon at the time of Hanukkah.
At a time of the year when the days are shortest and the nights are the longest, Hanukkah comes to help us find the light within the darkness. On Hanukkah we may discover that the darkness is actually a cover for a greater light. The holiday of Hanukkah is always relevant, but particularly now when the world faces so many challenges.
If our life becomes more difficult before Hanukkah, it is to remind us that we need the light of Hanukkah. The light of Hanukah radiates hope, faith and unconditional love, reminding us to dream again, and that our dreams are beautiful and important. Even though we may not have lived our lives as fully as we would have wanted, even though we may have even harmed others, or ourselves or been hurt by others, the light of Hanukkah reminds us of who we really are and who we can.
Hanukkah is a powerful time of teshuva ( returning),much like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Hanukkah is also known to be a time to find one's soul mate or to have the love for one's spouse ignited. Too often people light the Hanukkah candles and then quickly move on to other activities without taking the time to receive its spiritual gifts.
One of the problems we have in life is that we do not know how to receive. We shop too much, we eat too much, we are running here and there, constantly busy when we need to take time to simply be, to feel what is occurring within us and be present to what we truly need and want in our lives.
When we try to meet our spiritual needs with material things and various distracting activities we will never be satisfied. Meditative gazing upon the simple sweet light of Hanukkah can fulfill us in the way we have yearned for our entire life. There is a hunger within us to be loved unconditionally for who we are and not for what we do.
Consider taking the Hanukkah challenge this year and meditate with the candles for eight days. This is a spiritual practice that will be transformational. Even if you do it for just one night, or even for ten minutes on one night, you will receive much benefit. Meditating on each night of Hanukkah will help us transform our lives in ways we have always hoped. No matter what is happening in the external world, Hanukkah teaches us that we can be free, we are holy, and we need not be limited by our fears or guilt.
We can live our lives with greater integrity, love and beauty What a divine gift! And it is free to all who open to receive it. On an even deeper mystical level, gazing at the lights of Hanukkah provides a glimpse into the eternal light of God, the hidden light, the holy light, the light before creation, the light of our own souls. The light of God has burned forever and will burn eternally.
When we really get a glimpse of this holy light of Hanukkah, we know deeply that life is truly miraculous. Even though we Jews as individuals and as a people have faced and will face many challenges in life, the light of Hanukkah reminds us that God is with us. And now more than ever, this is a great comfort. If we are truly blessed by the light of Hanukkah, it will be revealed to us that the Jewish people are eternal , all the wondrous things that have been predicted for the Jewish people will be fulfilled, and we will be quite joyful.
As you prepare to light menorah candles this year, take a few moments to center yourself with deep breaths. Prepare yourself so you can be present as you can be as you do this mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah menorah. Feel the connection to the thousands of Jews who are lighting candles throughout the world at this very time. Make a connection to the Jewish people who have been lighting candles for generations.
As you say the blessings with the consciousness assume your place with the Jewish people throughout history and align yourself with Divine Will. Assume your place in this ancient lineage of righteous people, prophets, sages, martyrs and ordinary Jews, like you and me, who have celebrated Hanukkah for thousands of years.
If you can, place the menorah by the window to indicate your desire to share this light of miracles with others. We want the world to know that there is light within darkness. It is a spiritual principle that when we share our spiritual light with others, our light is not diminished but increased. The more light we share with others, the more light flows through us.
Meditative Instructions
Imagine yourself standing in front of the Menorah in the HolyTemple. The miracle of Hanukkah occurred in part within the HolyTemple. You can access this memory within your consciousness. This was a time and place for the most intense and palpable revelation of the Presence of God.
Whenever we pray, we do a mitzvah, we seek to return in our consciousness of the Presence of God that was revealed in the HolyTemple. Read the Al Nissim blessing found in Jewish prayer books slowly. Then light the candles and say the Chanukkah blessings.
As you light candles on your own menorah, you will ignite the space deep within yourself where you are most powerfully and intimately connected with your soul. This is the temple you stand within now. This holy temple within yourself holds your deepest dreams and holiest visions. Although this may be a little uncomfortable, keep your eyes open and continue to gaze at the lights.
The holy light of Hanukkah has the power to purify and to transform. Take note of the various colors of light within the flame. Be gentle with yourself, allowing space for any discomfort without running away. Simply be with the light as much as possible. If your mind begins to wander too much and you find yourself filled with extraneous thoughts, simply take note of this and bring your focus back to the breath and the gazing.
Imagine that you can cast into the light anything you want to get rid of. Exhale your negative thoughts into the light. Cast your fear, your guilt, your regrets and your insecurities into the flame. The more you are able to let go, the brighter the light will be.
You can close your eyes if you need to do so, but continue to meditate, allowing the light to be experienced within you. Now, as your eyes are closed, imagine that you are a Hanukkah candle and the light of Hanukkah burns within you. Your body is the candle and your soul is the flame.
As you identify with this candle, becoming this candle, experience yourself as a being of great light. Visualize the light of your soul radiating and shining brightly in this world. While the candles are burning, alternate between keeping your eyes open and closed. Gaze directly at the light. After gazing for ten minutes or more, you will find yourself in a heightened spiritual state and you will be able to listen deep inside to your own soul.
The candles are symbolic of the soul. Each night the light offers a high frequency vibration. If you want, you can even ask a specific question or simply ask for guidance. Then, listen to the light.
It is helpful to have your journal or a piece of paper and write on the top of the page in the name of God or the light of Hanukkah. "This is what I have to say to you..." When you are ready, write in stream of consciousness the words reflecting your present thoughts and feelings. Simply write from the heart without judging or evaluating. This is just for you. You will be amazed at the wisdom that pours out of your own soul. Done with intention and prayer, you will receive answers to your questions.
Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a spiritual psychotherapist and healer in private practice ( www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is also the Founder and Director of Beit Miriam (www.Beitmiriam.org) and travels throughout the United States and Israel sharing the joy of meditation and Kabbalah. To be on the email list for weekly to monthly teachings or to contact her directly, contact Miriam@kabbalahoftheheart.com.
Please share this message with others, respecting the copyright and inviting people to join this list. Thank you.
"This splendid book provides an immersion in the wisdom in the wisdom of theJewish and kabbalistic tradition. It will answer the hunger many people are experiencing for a return to western spirituality.Highly recommended" Larry Dossey
" Everyday Kabbalah offers guidance that will enrich your life with the power of meditation within the integrity of Jewish tradition" Rabbi Simon Jacobson
" This wonderful book will help you live a meaningful life. Don't let the title fool you. This book is filled with th wisdom of the ages." Bernie S.Siegel. M.D.
" This is the book I' ve been waiting for. New Age Judaism is beautiful, heartfelt and wonderfully embracing invitation to step to the highest rung of spiritulality. I recommend this heartily to anyone seeking to pierce to the core of Jewish wisdom and universal truth.' Alan Cohen
" Melinda Ribner does a remarkable job of interfacing ageless Jewish spirituality with the New Age life today. For that, we owe her and her book a deep debt of gratitude." Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
" A remarkable contribution for helping to make the month by month Jewish spiritual journey. It is inspiring, informing, and transforming. This book is a treasure." Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi
The ancient wisdom of kabbalah outlines a month by month guide for personal healing and transformation. It is the original twelve step program, as each month has its own unique energy and opportunities for healing and spiritual growth.
Like a good friend, Kabbalah Month by Month is there to guide and inspire you. Keep it by your bed, at your desk, refer to it often, reflect upon it, study it, practice the meditation and witness how your life flows with greater ease, love and joy.
Ribner books may be purchased at bookstores throughout the United States and in Jerusalem at Olam Quatan and the old city. If they are not there, the bookstore can get it for you easily and quickly. Books also available online through Amazon and other vendors.
Upcoming Events
A Great Hanukkah Gift
Boca Meditation, Dec 22nd
Hanukkah Meditation
Experience a Powerful Hanukkah Candlelighting Meditation in Boca: Monday, December 22, 7:30 P.M.
$10.00- $20 or buy a Ribner book at gathering or in bookstore recently.
RSVP
Beitmiriam@msn.com.Held in private home on the Boca Raton Synagogue Circle.
22360 Dorado Street. Past the synagogue on the left.
Support this newsletter and the work of Beit Miriam and Kabbalah of the heart with a donation to Beit Miriam, 6459 Emerald Breeze Way, Boynton Beach, Florida, 33437, or through paypal Beitmiriam@msn.com. All contributions are appreciated. May you be blessed for all that you give! If you would like to give in the memory or in honor of someone and would be comfortable having it printed in the newsletter, please let me know that as well. Thank you for supporting this outpouring of the soul.
For more information:
Quick Links...
www.kabbalahoftheheart.comwww.Beitmiriam.org
Join Our Mailing List!
Ribner Cd's on sale for Hanukkah
"Holy: Meditative Songs and Chants
$18 for one
$26 for two
$36 for three
$42 for four
Mail check to Melinda Ribner, 6459 Emerald Breeze Way, Boynton Beach, Florida, 33437
Expires December 26th.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
LIMMUD SHABBAT; THE JOY OF TEXTS!
Last week we inaugurated the new study program of ALITI, the Adult Learning Institute of
Temple Israel, called Limmud Shabbat; the Joy of Texts!
Following kiddush we stayed a bit to learn together from some Jewish texts. Would you believe that 70% of the congregation stayed after Kiddush to learn Torah together!
Since it was the trial experiment, it was a tad shorter in length, and we only learned from one text, but the interest was quite piqued.
We studied together from the Code of Jewish Law, and since Chanukah is almost here, we studied in particular the laws regarding lighting the candles. There is really alot to learn and after every sentence it seemed that someone had a question!
The nice thing about our learning is that while the study is based on Hebrew text, an English
translation is always available, and the pace is slow enough that everyone is comfortable and
there is always time to ask a question - and to even get an answer!
So come and join us each week after our delicious kiddush and stay to learn a bit after services.
It's only a taste, a little smattering, and maybe a song or two, so don't expect to stay more than an hour, okay? After all, the congregation that learns together, turns together!
Temple Israel, called Limmud Shabbat; the Joy of Texts!
Following kiddush we stayed a bit to learn together from some Jewish texts. Would you believe that 70% of the congregation stayed after Kiddush to learn Torah together!
Since it was the trial experiment, it was a tad shorter in length, and we only learned from one text, but the interest was quite piqued.
We studied together from the Code of Jewish Law, and since Chanukah is almost here, we studied in particular the laws regarding lighting the candles. There is really alot to learn and after every sentence it seemed that someone had a question!
The nice thing about our learning is that while the study is based on Hebrew text, an English
translation is always available, and the pace is slow enough that everyone is comfortable and
there is always time to ask a question - and to even get an answer!
So come and join us each week after our delicious kiddush and stay to learn a bit after services.
It's only a taste, a little smattering, and maybe a song or two, so don't expect to stay more than an hour, okay? After all, the congregation that learns together, turns together!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Getting Ready Spiritually for the High Holy Days - 3 classes
We are proud to offer over the next three Tuesday evenings, a three week study of the classic
work, Duties of the Heart, by Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda. The book is divided into many "gates."
Our focus of study will be just the three gates most germane to the spirit of the holy season -the Gate of Dedication of Purpose, the Gate of Humility, and the Gate of Repentance.
In the first gate (September 9, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) what is meant by "dedicating one's actions to G*d"
b) how to dedicate one's actions to G*d
c) which acts must be dedicated to G*d
d) things that deter you from dedicating your actions to G*d
e) how to stave off the blandishments of the yetzer hara
f) the obligation to guard and control one's thoughts.
In the second gate (September 16, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) what is humble submission
b) the various types of humility
c) the circumstances that make you humble
d) when to be humble and submissive
e) how to become submissive
f) how a humble person should conduct himself
g) the hallmarks of humility
h) is humility a prerequisite for other good qualities, or
can they appear without humility?
i) can a person be proud and humble at the same time?
j) the benefits of humility in this world and in the hereafter
In the third gate (September 23, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) the definition of repentance
b) the categories of repentance
c) the essentials of repentance
d) the elements of repentance
e) specific details of repentance
f) things that motivate a person to repent
g) deterrents to repentance
h) is one who repents equal to a Tzaddik?
i) can a sinner repent of any sin?
j) advice for a person who finds it difficult to repent
All classes are free for members.
Non-members $72 per class- or $318 for all three!
Membership is free the first year.
No Hebrew is required.
All classes will be conducted in English.
Please contact the office to register for the class at 570-421-8781.
Because of the nature of the subject matter, no more than
ten participants will be permitted to enroll for each class.
You may sign up for each class separately, or for all three
classes.
Friends, it's terribly important to commit to some kind
of spiritual preparation to reap the full benefit of Rosh
Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Just showing up, while always a good thing in and of itself,
without any spiritual preparation is akin to drinking a fine
wine sans the swish and the sniff,
or it's akin to taking the final without studying.
You'll take it, but when it was over
you'd wished you had prepared better
to get more out of it. See you there!
Humbly yours,
Rabbi Melman
P.S. To get an overview about Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda,
go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahya_ibn_Paquda.
work, Duties of the Heart, by Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda. The book is divided into many "gates."
Our focus of study will be just the three gates most germane to the spirit of the holy season -the Gate of Dedication of Purpose, the Gate of Humility, and the Gate of Repentance.
In the first gate (September 9, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) what is meant by "dedicating one's actions to G*d"
b) how to dedicate one's actions to G*d
c) which acts must be dedicated to G*d
d) things that deter you from dedicating your actions to G*d
e) how to stave off the blandishments of the yetzer hara
f) the obligation to guard and control one's thoughts.
In the second gate (September 16, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) what is humble submission
b) the various types of humility
c) the circumstances that make you humble
d) when to be humble and submissive
e) how to become submissive
f) how a humble person should conduct himself
g) the hallmarks of humility
h) is humility a prerequisite for other good qualities, or
can they appear without humility?
i) can a person be proud and humble at the same time?
j) the benefits of humility in this world and in the hereafter
In the third gate (September 23, 7 PM) we will examine:
a) the definition of repentance
b) the categories of repentance
c) the essentials of repentance
d) the elements of repentance
e) specific details of repentance
f) things that motivate a person to repent
g) deterrents to repentance
h) is one who repents equal to a Tzaddik?
i) can a sinner repent of any sin?
j) advice for a person who finds it difficult to repent
All classes are free for members.
Non-members $72 per class- or $318 for all three!
Membership is free the first year.
No Hebrew is required.
All classes will be conducted in English.
Please contact the office to register for the class at 570-421-8781.
Because of the nature of the subject matter, no more than
ten participants will be permitted to enroll for each class.
You may sign up for each class separately, or for all three
classes.
Friends, it's terribly important to commit to some kind
of spiritual preparation to reap the full benefit of Rosh
Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Just showing up, while always a good thing in and of itself,
without any spiritual preparation is akin to drinking a fine
wine sans the swish and the sniff,
or it's akin to taking the final without studying.
You'll take it, but when it was over
you'd wished you had prepared better
to get more out of it. See you there!
Humbly yours,
Rabbi Melman
P.S. To get an overview about Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda,
go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahya_ibn_Paquda.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
