Mendel Rivkin

A historical overview of the joyous day of the fifteenth of Av and its inner meaning and significance.

After the Sinai experience the Jews made the Golden Calf. How is this possible? Here-in lies a powerful lesson in internalizing and applying inspiration.

What is prayer meant to achieve? What is the structure and meaning of the “amidah” prayer, the focal point of prayer?

When Israel stood at Sinai they underwent a transformation which serves as the model for all future conversion. We will examine what they did and how this evolved into the criteria for conversion today.

The Jewish belief in the resurrection of the dead—the climax of the final redemption and the two related views on the ultimate reward for the soul.

Was Korach’s rebellion against the authority of Moses and Aaron a well-intentioned mistake or a treacherous villainy?

Many are intrigued by the mystery of the location of the Holy Ark. Don’t just rely on Hollywood; discover what the Torah has to say about this.

The akeida, binding of Isaac, represents the epitome of self sacrifice in the Jewish tradition; what distinguishes Abraham from the many others who sacrificed their life because of their faith?

Eating matzah, a central tradition of Pesach, is one of the first mitzvot performed by our forefathers as a nation. Learn what Jewish mysticism has to say about its spiritual significance.

Joy is not a Mitzvah, but it is a foundation for all Mitzvot. Discover the whats, the whys and even some hows of this important principle.