Jewish Matters

Genesis Unveiled # 5 From Avraham & Sarah to Yitzhak and Rivka , Overview and Insights on the Parshat Chaye Sarah in 20 minutes with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

The parsha chronicles the end of the generation of Avraham and Sarah with their passing, and the marriage of Yitzhak to Rivka which will be begin the next chapter in the lives of the patriarchs and matriarchs.  The death of Sarah introduces the importance of Hebron in Jewish history, and the marriage of Yitzhak give us insights into the Torah’s outlook on marriage. 

Genesis Unveiled # 4 on Parshat Vayera in 20 Minutes: Abraham’s Tent with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast

The parsha begins with Abraham and Sarah’s legendary hospitality, which is compared and contrasted with Lot, her brother.  The differences in how he extends his hospitality and in the birth of his children are striking, for these ethical acts become warped in Lot’s family.  The parsha ends with one of the most enigmatic and yet heroic stories in the Torah, the binding of Isaac.

Avraham The Spiritual Seeker # 3 Genesis Unveiled in Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Abraham’s life begins with a journey, a story of breaking free from the beliefs of his society and leaving his land.  What was Avraham and Sarah’s greatness, and what are we supposed to learn from it?  What was special about Avraham and Sarah that they merited to be the founders of the Jewish people?

Noah: A Complex Personality with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast

The story of Noah is a tragic one, for the world and for Noah.   What were Noah’s qualities that he deserved to be saved, and what were his shortfalls?  We will explore the next stage in the unfolding of the history of humanity according to the Torah. 

Creation and the Fall of Man #1 Genesis Unveiled with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast

Genesis is an enigmatic book, it is a book of stories, yet it is also philosophy, ethics, history and science.  Join us as we explore the Torah’s outlook on the story of the garden of Eden, the order in the natural world, human nature, free will and more…

How Did Shmini Atzeret (8th day Holiday) Become Simhat Torah? with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast

Simhat Torah is one of the most joyful days of the Jewish calendar, yet is is a relatively recent holiday.  Some say that Shmini Atzeret, the 8^th day of the Sukkot festivities, is the most special day of the year. How can that be if there is not specific mitzvah associated with it, and why did it get merged with Simhat Torah?

Sukkot: Finding Spirituality and Joy in Nature with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast.

Sukkot is a fun holiday, yet the deeper meaning seems to be tied to our appreciation of nature: being outdoors in the sukkah and the four species.  We will explore how this is meant to bring us joy, and a greater appreciation for wonders of the natural world. 

 

Harnessing Yom Kippur for Personal Change and Growth on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Kippur is not so fun, so why is it one of the most attended Jewish holidays?  Because we sense its power and its potential to be a meaningful day.  We will look at how to use Yom Kippur as a vehicle for change and personal growth.  We will also discuss how to navigate YK this year with no/limited synagogue opportunities. 

Drawing Inspiration from the Rosh Hashanah Serivce #3 Holidays Series on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

High Holiday Services can be very overwhelming, and for good reason.   The service is not short, the language of the prayerbook is not simple and it is an intimidating day. The good news is that we can make Rosh Hashanah an inspiring and uplifting day by looking at the meaning of the prayers and how they can speak to us in our lives.

How To Succeed For the Coming Year with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman.  

This year has been full of  challenges, how do we transform next year into a year of success?  Learn how to use Rosh Hashanah as a tool for happiness and blessings in the coming year.  We will use Jewish Wisdom to look at the High Holiday service as guidebook to personal fulfillment.