American Idols

In this first class of the series, Rabbi Friedman introduces and defines the general concept of idol worship before looking at specific “idols” of American society, starting with the worship of money.

Do we deserve to be here? Or is our existence an unearned gift? A sense of entitlement is the idolatrous notion that "If I exist, then I must be important."

Is taking care of yourself an inherent value? The difference between "self-improvement" and "improvement of self."

Serving G-d with joy is a virtue. So when does happiness become a false god? When there is a "pursuit of happiness." True happiness is to be content with what G-d gives you whereas idolatrous happiness is the desire for more than what you have.

Americans are a society of people who "love to love." But is love itself a value?

Today's society reveres famous people just for being famous. What is the difference between celebrityhood and true leadership?