What does it mean to be a Jew? Join us as we explore the fundamentals of Judaism and our role in the world. This class is the first of a six-part lecture series titled ‘The Essentials,’ which introduces the foundations of Jewish life and living.
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Discussion (31)
February 4, 2013
JUST what I needed!
I had toyed with converting since I was 16. For 30 years I kept building up the nerve. 2 years ago I found out something amazing. The so-called skeleton in our family closet was mum's family Jews. Now I belong to a congregation, am taking classes, and am making up for the heritage I was almost denied. These lessons are just what I needed.
ThommyMac Pittsburgh, PA
October 4, 2012
G-d, Torah and the Jews
Thank you for your wonderful lectures, I am watching each for the second time. You are a really good speaker and tie things together so well. I am studying to convert, at age 63!!! I have so much to learn!!!
Margery Klepinger Atlanta, Georgia
May 18, 2012
Thank you
What a wonderful lesson. Thank you Rabbi. Totally change my mind on how to help the world around me.
Moshe Ramos Kissimmee, FL
March 2, 2012
Jewish Essentials
Thank you for the wonderful lesson
Anonymous oak park, michigan
December 25, 2011
a bird, alights G_d is in the Wings
what IF you were experiencing massive synchronicity, not a few astounding stories, like the kind we read here on line, in one life: stories that cohere following a straight line, that never stop. Of course coincidence means it's all cohesive. We all experience this, but what about the very visible, very obvious presence of a Divine Hand in a life, and record now extant, a gold braid, as in our Challah? A weave that is a story that only G_d could have scribed, a Divine Hand, that is leading us all, through a most cosmic story?
I am seeing that this story is deeply coded within words, and the aleph bet. It would seem to "get this", at the deepest level, would to have the doors opened, and that is up to G_d.
Maybe, the best for last, a deliberate slow opening of this, the "many-petalled" rose.
Dawn/ a/ rose. A dawning consciousness. A story that is about LOVE. A story that dovetails, as dove is to peace, and dovetail is to dove tale. Pieces that fit together. As puzzle to WONDER!
ruth housman marshfield hills, ma
December 24, 2011
A light unto the nations.
Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky, after watching your lecture tonight, I felt a sense of empowerment and purpose that I have not felt in a long time. Thank you for your light.
Julie Weiss Chicago, Il
April 3, 2011
Profound
Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky, your presentation was both profound and touching. It brought tears to my eyes a few times and laughter as well. Thank you. I look forward to the other 5 lectures.
Aimee Salt Lake City, UT
October 7, 2010
Study
Have been brought to your door am not a Jew but had a jewish connection through marriage .although I didn't know at the time and have found a possible jewish link through my father's family the Hahnemanns am studying through Chabad...hearing this I wept...thankyou Rabbi....
Jane Hughes Ely, UK
August 23, 2010
My Personal Resolve
As a Ger (convert) coming in and joining alongside my Jewish brothers and sisters as we journey together in this world, let be my oath to follow more of the Torah and draw close to G-d. I publicly acknowledge G-d as the true G-d, the Creator of the universe who oversees all things and control every aspect of it, and He has given Torah to mankind at Horev as he connected with His chosen people Yisrael and I join the voice of every Israeli (past, present, and future) to accept and obey the mitzvot found in Torah regardless of the struggle we face in this world.
Dr. Derrick Whitt
August 23, 2010
Jewish Essentials - Part 1
Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky i have not forgot about your wise and helpful lectures. The story of how i found interest in such great kindness in the message is just the beginning. Remembering back about two years ago i made the decision to buy a book of the Torah. Before i bought the Chumash i had to ask myself a question. The question i asked myself, i asked to G-d to help me with the answer. The answer was do i (rgr) accept the terms in which the Torah was based on? A second after that i was getting my stuff together to purchase a investment in the Jewish ways and understanding our Creator. i knew it wasn't going to be easy but i had already made the promise to G-d. i really do not like to go back on my word so i always have trusted G-d in these matters and still do.
Pittsburgh, PA
Atlanta, Georgia
Totally change my mind on how to help the world around me.
Kissimmee, FL
oak park, michigan
I am seeing that this story is deeply coded within words, and the aleph bet. It would seem to "get this", at the deepest level, would to have the doors opened, and that is up to G_d.
Maybe, the best for last, a deliberate slow opening of this, the "many-petalled" rose.
Dawn/ a/ rose. A dawning consciousness. A story that is about LOVE. A story that dovetails, as dove is to peace, and dovetail is to dove tale. Pieces that fit together. As puzzle to WONDER!
marshfield hills, ma
Chicago, Il
Salt Lake City, UT
am studying through Chabad...hearing this I wept...thankyou Rabbi....
Ely, UK