The Science of Kabbalah

On this week's show Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss the weekly Torah portion, Vayishlach. It tells the story of Yaakov (Jacob) and the messengers he sent to his brother Eisav (Esau). However, there is a powerful message to be learned about how we are to live in our current exile and the power of the spiritual weapon we possess.

This week Rav Yitzchak is once again joined by his wife for this special show on Yom Kippur. Every year in every synagogue the book of Jonah is read on Yom Kippur, but is there something more we can learn about our current troubles in the world and the story of a prophet swallowed by a fish? Listen in to this very special message for the Jewish people and all of humanity.

This week Rav Yitzchak is once again joined by Rav Doniel Katz. In a continuation of the discussion from last week they discuss "devekut" or cleaving to the divine, how to make Judaism and a relationship with the Creator more passionate, and Rav Yitzchak shares from his own personal struggles in accomplishing this in his own life.

William returns and joins Rav Yitzchak to speak about politics in both the U.S. and Israel. How are we to view the opposite sides, and what does Kabbalah teach us about finding the balance instead of the extreme.

More often than not the Torah portion Lech Lecha is translated as "Go for yourself," however, the Zohar teaches us that this is really translated as "Go into yourself."

With Pesach just a day away and a worldwide Pandemic looming over us, is there a price to be paid for our freedom? In this season of redemption, Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss some distinctions between the good eye and the evil eye as it relates to our outlook and perspective. We also discuss the actions of the righteous like Yotam in 2 Kings 15 and the courage of the Hebrews in following the commandments given them in taking a lamb, a symbol of one of the Egyptian's deities.

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.

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.

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.

This week Rabbi Yitzchak discusses the very interesting and often misunderstood concept of reincarnation. Kabbalah has much to teach about the soul, and its need for rectification as it relates to the Torah and Mitzvot. If you have ever been interested in the subject, this might be the show that will help you to understand.

Rabbi Yitzchak is joined this week by his wife Leah as they discuss the issues of travel during a pandemic, as well as preparations for Rosh HaShana. The focus of the show is from Parsha Nitzavim tied together with Kabbalah and a section of Rebbe Nachman's Likutei Moharan. All of these point us to our true faces, which are a reflection of all of us having been created in the image of God.

Rav Yitzchak is joined by renowned author and international speaker, Laya Saul. Often times in Judaism and the world in general, women are viewed as less than. However, in Laya's latest book, "Sisterhood of the Copper Mirrors," she brings the story of the Jewish matriarchs and their great legacy in participating sometimes with holy tears in forging what we know as the Jewish nation. Their stories are not just for the Jewish people, but will inspire all women regardless of their background.

This week Rav Yitzchak and William discuss the Torah Portion Terumah, which has to do with bringing offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. However, there is much more we can learn about the physical tabernacle and its connection to the spiritual.

There are triggers in life that always allow us to become nostaligic and to dwell on the past. A major theme in the climatic verse from Lamentations that we read on Tish B'Av relates to both old and new.

This week on the Science of Kabbalah, Rav YItzchak and William explore the weekly Torah portion of Balak. Is there a connection between this evil king of Moab, and the planet Jupiter? Jupiter has actually been visible in Israel for the last few days, and you would be surprised to learn that the Torah does in fact speak about it, as well as several of the sages of Judaism. Listen in to learn some amazing facts about the planet and its connection to this Torah portion.

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?

We are joined this week by Rabbi Yechiel Yashfe from Yashfe Winery here in Tzfat. Are you aware that wine can be made according to Torah?

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.

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 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).

Rabbi Yitzchak is joined by his wife Leah as they discuss Parsha Vayechi and the diverse blessings given by Yaakov to his sons. That these same sons who represent the twelves tribes had mutually exclusive and contradictory character traits, yet without each one could not have combined to be Knesset Yisrael. In essence, like so many things in this universe that the Kabbalah describes as unity of opposites, each one of us like the twelve tribes as different as we are can come together and hasten the redemption.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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."

This week Rabbi Yitzchak and William discuss Parsha Miketz and how the Zohar discusses putting an end to darkness. This is an interesting connection to Chanukah which we are currently celebrating. Learn what Kabbalah teaches about the connections and distinctions, and how we are able to dispel the darkness and bring in the light.

Musings on the first Torah Portion of Bereshit include not only a discussion of the Hebrew language and why the Torah starts the way it does

Rav Yitzchak is joined by his friend Rabbi Amichai Cohen who was in attendance at the Lag B'Omer celebration on Mt. Meron when tragedy struck. Hear his first hand impressions as well as a discussion on the spiritual lessons we learn when dealing with situations above and beyond our control.