Episodes
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Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You | Lesson 1: Echoes of Your Soul in Everyday Life
Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You Lesson 1: Echoes of Your Soul in Everyday Life Why does a certain song move you? Why did you marry the person you did? Where does your soul go when you fall asleep, and what are your dreams really telling you? In this opening lesson of Kabbalah and the...
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Sinai and Civics | Lesson 4: The Separation of Powers
Sinai and Civics Lesson 4: The Separation of Powers Is dividing government power just a mechanism to prevent tyranny, or does it serve a deeper purpose? Every civics class teaches how power is split among three branches of government. But the Torah described its own model of divided authority...
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Sinai and Civics | Lesson 3: In G-d We Trust
Sinai and Civics Lesson 3: In G-d We Trust Why is owning a home the ultimate symbol of the American Dream? The answer traces back to a radical biblical law: every fifty years, the Torah required land to return to its original family (Leviticus 25:10). Discover how that ancient idea shaped…
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Sinai and Civics | Lesson 2: The Roots of Equality
Sinai and Civics Lesson 2: The Roots of Equality Why did Thomas Jefferson call it "self evident" that all men are created equal, when for nearly all of human history it wasn't self evident at all? What did the Torah teach in Genesis 1:27 that no ancient civilization had ever imagined? And how did...
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Sinai and Civics | Lesson 1: The Founders of the Covenant
Sinai and Civics Lesson 1: The Founders of the Covenant Why has America been so welcoming to Jews, more than any other country in our 2,000 year Diaspora? In this opening lesson of Sinai and Civics, we trace the answer back to America's founding, and to a covenant made long before that, at Sinai.
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What is Kabbalah, the Tanya, and Jewish Spirituality?
What is Jewish mysticism? Why was Kabbalah kept hidden for centuries? And why do Chassidic teachings and the Tanya consider these ideas essential for every Jew today? In this in-depth conversation with JLI, Rabbi Levi Dubov explores the origins of Jewish mysticism, tracing its roots back to Mount...
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For All Humankind | Lesson4: It Will Get Better
For All Humankind Lesson 4: It Will Get Better Why be good if the world never gets better? Is history just an endless loop — or is there a destination? And if Judaism carries a message for all of humanity, can we really afford to keep it to ourselves? In this episode, we break the cycle, reclaim...
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For All Humankind | Lesson 3: Educating Children
For All Humankind Lesson 3: Educating ChildrenAre we raising good people — or just successful ones? In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable gap between achievement and character, ask whether morality can exist without a Divine foundation, and explore why a simple moment of silence might be…
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For All Humankind | Lesson 2: Is Morality Obvious?
For All Humankind Lesson 2: Is Morality Obvious? We all agree murder is wrong. We all agree stealing is wrong. But why? In Lesson 2, we're putting logic, conscience, and social norms on trial — and finding out why none of them can actually hold the line. What does the Torah say morality is really...
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For All Humankind | Lesson 1: The Message of Abraham
For All Humankind Lesson 1: The Message of Abraham What is Judaism's message to the world? It's not "be Jewish." What does it mean to be a light unto the nations? From Abraham's radical vision of ethical monotheism to seven foundational values given at Sinai for all of humanity — this first…
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 6: Forging Forward
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 6: Forging Forward Will AI replace rabbis? That’s just one question today’s technology is challenging us to answer. Lab-grown meat. Surrogacy. Space travel. All of these raise important questions for Jewish practice. We’ll uncover the decisive answer…
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 5: The Fifth Factor
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 5: The Fifth Factor In our fifth lesson, we’ll see cases where taking a question at face value would mean missing the point. These are cases where rabbis had to look past the question to see the questioner: You know your tefillin will be incinerated…
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 4: Counterweights Considered
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 4: Counterweights Considered You’ve probably heard a lot of loose talk about “loopholes” in Jewish law. In Lesson 4, we’re putting those rumors to rest. Why do rabbis sometimes rule in unexpected ways? Turns out, there are values hardwired into Jewish...
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 3: Precedent in Practice
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 3: Precedent in Practice New inventions, dangerous new historical realities, or just people doing new things—how is the Torah able to guide us through it all? Dive into more fascinating cases to explore the Torah’s model for applying existing…
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 2: The Quest for Facts
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 2: The Quest for Facts Do sages make assumptions about how reality works, or do they investigate the facts? Follow rabbis as they conduct five fascinating investigations worldwide. Cases: Cairo, 1548; Altona, 1709; Hamburg, 1772; Jerusalem, 1866;...
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Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa | Lesson 1: The Questions and the People who asked them
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 1: The Questions and the People who asked them What do these questions reveal about our ancestors? What did they think, feel, and value? Explore five fascinating stories to find out. Cases: Barcelona, 1300; Algiers, 1450; Modena, 1530; Spain, 1450;...
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 6: I Mean Something, Therefore I Am
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 6: I Mean Something, Therefore I Am Before you do anything, you are worthy. Discover Judaism’s empowering understanding of your inherent worth as an individual and as a Jew, and how it calls us to even greater achievement.
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 5: Meaning in the Unchosen
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 5: Meaning in the Unchosen Some things are clearly meaningful, but what if everything is? Explore a vision of life where every event and circumstance catalyzes growth and leads to greater purpose.
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 4: Meaning in the Rhythms of Time
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 4: Meaning in the Rhythms of Time As time flies by, is it just more of the same? Discover the rich texture of Jewish time, and how attuning ourselves to each moment’s message enables profound spiritual purpose.
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 3: Meaning in the Mundane
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 3: Meaning in the Mundane If existence has a purpose, then what is it? Discovering that purpose uncovers the mystery of life's details. Even if it happens every day, daily life needn’t feel ordinary. See how every part of the day can be as significant as your…
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 2: To Make or Not to Make Meaning
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 2: To Make or Not to Make Meaning When life lacks luster, should we invent a more meaningful way of seeing things? Or is there already a purpose hiding in plain sight?
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The Kabbalah of Meaning | Lesson 1: The Meaning We Seek
The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 1: The Meaning We Seek When we have it all, we still need something more: purpose. Discover four fundamental human qualities that provide lasting fulfillment.
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What's Action worth without Intent? | Parshat Vayakhel
Is a Mitzvah worth anything if the doer had no understanding or intention? Does a transgression not count if it was done unintentionally? In this fascinating teaching of the Rebbe, we will explore the fascinating dynamic interplay between action and intention, and the special message it holds for...
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When Archeology Clashes with Tradition | Parshat Tetzaveh
The Jewish people have traditions dating back thousands of years that outline the specific form and format of our traditions. But what happens if archeologists find contradictory evidence? What is a rational approach to the tension between tradition and modern discoveries?
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The Historic Mistake in the Shape of the Tablets | Parshat Terumah
Over the generations, the Tablets became one of the best-known Jewish symbols. But as its popularity grew, so did the historical error about their appearance: an inaccurate illustration of Christian origin became entrenched in the Jewish community. A careful analysis of what Moses put inside the...
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Don't Pray - Do Something! | Parshat Beshalach
Twice in Moses' leadership, he responded to times of crisis by praying, but G-d made it known to him that this was the wrong course of action. There are moments in life when prayer is not enough - we must act!
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The Rebbe's Mission Statement | 10 Shevat
The 10th of Shevat marks the 73rd anniversary since the fateful day the Rebbe formally assumed leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In this class, we will study the Rebbe's landmark first address, in which he laid out his historic vision of our generation's mission and how to achieve it.
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The Battle over the Jewish Birthrate | Parshat Vaera
A historical journey into the relentless Egyptian efforts to control the Jewish birthrate, a look at the heroism of the Jewish women, and what this teaches us today.
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Joseph and the Evil Eye | Torah Deep-Dive - Parshat Vayechi
Is there significance to the day of the week I was born? Does Judaism believe in the Evil Eye? Is there a safe zone? A fascinating teaching from the Rebbe, connected to Jacob's blessing to Joseph in this week's parsha.
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The Growth from Pain | Torah Deep-Dive - Parshat Vayigash
Difficulties, suffering, mental and emotional upheavals, difficult financial times, relationship problems... Who of us doesn't contend with our fair share of pain and struggle? In this class, we will learn how G-d comforted a distressed Jacob as he led his family down to Egypt, entering a…
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The Feminine Side of Chanukah | Torah Deep-Dive - Chanukah
Who was the young woman who kindled the fire of rebellion against the oppressive Syrian-Greeks? Who was the woman whose resourcefulness helped the Maccabees win? And why did Jewish women suffer more than anyone else under Greek rule? We will learn the stories of these special heroines, and the...
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Insights from the Adversary | Torah Deep-Dive, 19 Kislev
This week we celebrate the 19th of Kislev, the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.” It was on this date, in the year 1798, that the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812), was freed from his imprisonment in czarist Russia. More than a personal liberation, this was a...
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Jews in Captivity: What can we do? | Torah Deep-Dive, Parshat Vayetze
For time immemorial, the Jewish people have always fought to release their captives. The current situation in Israel brings this painful reality to the front of our minds. In this class, we will discuss various perspectives on this mitzvah: its history, importance, and spiritual application, and...
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Showdown at the World's First Bar-Mitzvah | Torah Deep-Dive, Parshat Toldot
At the world's very first Bar Mitzvah, a showdown and debate unfolded. Can a nation built on education, faith, and spirituality stand the test of time in a world dominated by brute force? Is Judaism sustainable? Can little 13-year-old Issac stand up against the giant king Og? A lesson on…
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Altruism with Benefits | Parshat Vayera
A powerful lesson from Abraham how to prioritize helping others even before helping yourself, and how it isn't self-sacrifice but a profitable investment!
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War in Israel: What should we be thinking? | Parshat Lech-Lecha
It is a difficult time for the Jewish people. Israel is at war. What can we do to help? How can we deal with the fear and anxiety? In this class, we'll discover the power of our thoughts and speech, and why it is so destructive to speak negatively about fellow Jews.
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Why did Noah not protest the flood? | Parshas Noach
When G-d tells Noah that he plans to destroy humanity, Noah does not pound on the table and demand mercy for humanity. Why? Why didn’t he act like Moses, who argued and prevented the Children of Israel from being punished? We'll have to dive-deep, discovering Noah’s thinking and a powerful lesson...
About this show
Torah classes and courses with Rabbi Levi Dubov. We will ask piercing questions. Dive deep into the secrets contained within. And find powerful insights, lessons, and inspirations to fire up our souls.
Hosted by
Rabbi Levi Dubov
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