Idolatry; Paganism

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.

Gefilte Fish gives an in-depth analysis of the Golden Calf, explains the importance of not worshipping idols, and complains about the lack of Fresca in the IKS studio.

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."

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.

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

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?

The Sages of the Talmud ask: “Why does G-d allow the sun and moon to exist, if they have become objects of idolatry?” They answer: The forces of nature are positive and beneficial; should God destroy His creations only because of the fools who worship ...

In listing the places where the Jews encamped, we learn alternative names for locations named for idols. What is the law about mentioning the name of a false deity?