Best Valley Beit Midrash Podcasts (2025)

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The Art of Caregiving 58:51

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5d ago58:51

58:51

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Richard Address The Event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About The Event: In this session, we will discuss the new life stage of Caregiving and how Jewish texts and tradition have approached this issue. Based on the 5th Commandment, we will examine how our tradition has looked at this life stage from the Ta…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #28 Boredom 54:43

6d ago54:43

54:43

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #27 Meditation 58:17

7d ago58:17

58:17

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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Why Should We Be Excluded? Access, Obligation, and Membership: The Case for an English Megillah 53:11

8d ago53:11

53:11

A virtual event presentation by Rabbanit Devorah Zlochower About The Event: The cry, “Why Should We Be Excluded,” made by those individuals who were not able to bring the Paschal sacrifice is echoed by so many disabled Jews who have been left out of our community – our shuls, our schools, our communal programming due to inaccessibility and to invis…

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On Taking A Stand! 9:04

12d ago9:04

9:04

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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Jews in the Qur’an – How Are Jews Portrayed by the Qur’an: A Study of Qur’anic Texts 56:50

14d ago56:50

56:50

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Reuven Firestone The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About The Event: What does the Qur’an say about Jews? “Israelites,” “Jews,” “People of the Book.” Even “rabbis.” These are all terms found in the Qur’an. Some have claimed that the Qur’an is antisemitic, while others have argued that it values Jews. What doe…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #26 Tribalism 59:46

19d ago59:46

59:46

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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Al Ha’Nisim 10:47

18d ago10:47

10:47

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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The Torah of Inside Out: Feeling Complexity 40:11

22d ago40:11

40:11

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Avi Orlow The event was co-sponsored by Congregation Or Tzion About The Event: The challenge of expressing our feelings is not just an issue for children. From the Pentateuch to Pixar, we will explore how we might better deal with complex emotions. *Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sfbgWHSQKsNE…

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Embodied Holiness: The Role of the Body in Leviticus 1:18:43

23d ago1:18:43

1:18:43

A hybrid event (in-person and virtual) by Rabbi David Kasher The event was co-hosted by Temple Chai About The Event: We sometimes speak of holiness as if it were entirely ethereal, having nothing to do with our physical selves. But Leviticus, the book of the Torah most focused on holiness, is also profoundly interested in the human body. Beginning …

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #25 Discipline 57:31

26d ago57:31

57:31

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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Spiritual Calm Within the Storm? A Conversation with Rabbi David Kasher 22:17

27d ago22:17

22:17

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz in conversation with Rabbi David Kasher. Rabbi David Kasher is the Director of Hadar West, based in Los Angeles. He grew up bouncing back and forth between the Bay Area and Brooklyn, hippies and Hassidim – and has been trying to synthesize these two worlds ever since. He received rabbinic ordination at Yeshivat Chovevei Tora…

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Teaching Heschel to the Next Generation 1:02:28

28d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Or Rose About The Event: Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) was a gifted Jewish theologian and scholar, and an impassioned social activist. His reputation has grown significantly since his death over fifty years ago. What can we learn from the unflagging efforts of this revered twentieth-century figure to…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #24 Resilience 58:49

1M ago58:49

58:49

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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Israel at 77: Appreciating Dreams in a World of Challenges 56:44

1M ago56:44

56:44

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Yair Silverman The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About The Event: The Israeli Declaration of Independence opens with “The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped”. However, in the Jewish Tradition, the people of Israel are fash…

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From the Shoah to October 7th: Perspectives on Jewish Survival 1:13:51

1M ago1:13:51

1:13:51

In this powerful conversation, renowned author and speaker Yossi Klein Halevi joins us for an in-depth conversation exploring the evolving perspectives on Jewish survival, from the Shoah to the profound impact of October 7th. About The Speaker: Yossi Klein Halevi is a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He is co-host, togeth…

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The End of the Post-Holocaust Era: How October 7 Changed Everything 1:22:44

1M ago1:22:44

1:22:44

A hybrid event (in-person and virtual) by Yossi Klein Halevi The event was co-sponsored by Congregation Or Tzion & Jewish Community Relations of Greater Phoenix About The Event: Israelis and Diaspora Jews are experiencing the upheavals caused by the October 7 massacre in different ways, but we share trauma and deep unease about the future. How will…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #23 Conflict Resolution 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

1
50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #22 Neurodivergence and Neurodiversity 59:35

1M ago59:35

59:35

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

1
Is There Still Hope for Israeli-Palestinian Coexistence? - Interview with Yossi Klein Halevi 18:47

1M ago18:47

18:47

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz sits down with Yossi Klein Halevi for a powerful conversation on whether there is still hope for Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. Yossi Klein Halevi is a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He is co-host, together with Donniel Hartman, of the Hartman Institute’s podcast, “For Heaven’s Sake” – the numb…

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Was Moses a Prophet or a Rabbi? 1:01:02

1M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer The event was co-sponsored by Temple Chai About The Event: What does it mean to be Jewish? There are many ways to grapple with this question, and this lesson is inspired by and an elaboration of a unique traditional Jewish oral teaching of an Ethiopian Qes. Specifically, through comparing two mod…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #21 Addiction & Recovery 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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The Shabbat Parent: A Real Talk Book Talk with a Mom and Rabbanit 59:02

2M ago59:02

59:02

A virtual event presentation by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn, BCC About The Event: Rabbanit Alissa will share personal stories and reflections on her new book, “Shabbat Guidebook for Parents: Halacha of Caring for Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children on Shabbat and Yom Tov”, also available on Amazon. This guide is an easy go-to for parents to le…

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Jewish Ethics: The Basics 56:42

2M ago56:42

56:42

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Dr. Geoffrey Claussen About The Event: Rabbi Dr. Geoffrey Claussen’s new book, Jewish Ethics: The Basics, is designed to help us think critically about the diversity of Jewish ethics—on topics including authority, human rights, war, land, power, gender, sexuality, environmental ethics, animal ethics, and more. …

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The Jews are a Nation Unlike All Others: Franz Rosenzweig on Jewish Uniqueness 1:01:34

2M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Zachary Truboff The event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About The Event: Franz Rosenzweig has long been considered one of the most brilliant and insightful Jewish thinkers. At the heart of his thought is the belief that the Jews’ covenant with God marks them as different and, as a result, orients them diff…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #20 Awe 57:22

2M ago57:22

57:22

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

1
Elokai Netzor 14:27

2M ago14:27

14:27

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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From History to Story: The Hagada’s Invitation to Imagination 53:47

2M ago53:47

53:47

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Devora Steinmetz The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About The Event: The Passover seder challenges us to see ourselves as participants in an ancient story. In this session, we will look at a variety of ways in which the hagada helps us enter into our ancestors’ story and make it our own. *Source Sheet: https://…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #19 Tversky and Kahneman 54:54

2M ago54:54

54:54

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. We will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories by examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how c…

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Birkat Cohanim 9:43

2M ago9:43

9:43

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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Shimon & Levi and the Massacre of Shechem 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

A virtual event presentation by Ethan Davidson About The Event: Inspired by his own experiences and the tragic events of October 7, 2023, And They Arose Early To Do Sexual Violence: My Personal Mirror of Torah by Ethan Daniel Davidson challenges readers to consider how ancient narratives parallel humanity’s ongoing struggle with violence and the re…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #18 Learning: Dewey and Vygotsky 1:01:35

2M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

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Shalom 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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Breaking Out of Personal and Family Patterns of Behavior: Esther as a Model of Growth and Courage 48:02

3M ago48:02

48:02

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi David Jaffe The event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About The Event: According to 20th Century Mussar master, Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, much of our behavior is determined by past choices, habits, education, and family culture. Patterns of behavior can be passed down from generation to generation, for better o…

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Behind the Veil: Esther’s Subtle Genius in the Purim Story 48:36

3M ago48:36

48:36

A virtual event presentation by Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana The event was co-hosted by Beth El Phoenix About The Event: Often celebrated as the one who saved the Jewish people from certain downfall, how exactly did Esther do it? A close reading of the text indicates that Esther’s true brilliance lies not only in her bravery to even attempt it on the …

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them Class #17 Abraham Maslow 58:10

3M ago58:10

58:10

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

1
Modim 11:15

3M ago11:15

11:15

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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God is in the Details: Jewish Law in Search of the Ideal 57:58

3M ago57:58

57:58

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard, Ph.D The event was co-sponsored by Congregation Or Tzion About The Event: Why is Jewish Law important and relevant for us today? Written and oral Torah has been an ongoing adaptive legal system for over 3500 years. Its central institutions have been Justice and Loving Kindness, the Sabbath, and …

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them Class #16 Creativity 58:37

3M ago58:37

58:37

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

1
Retzeh 12:55

3M ago12:55

12:55

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom 57:02

3M ago57:02

57:02

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Adina Allen The event was co-sponsored by: About The Event: Join us for an inspiring book talk with artist and educator Rabbi Adina Allen, author of The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom. Creativity offers us a portal to transformation, spiritual connection, and reve…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them Class #15 Steven Pinker 55:52

3M ago55:52

55:52

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

1
Shema Koleinu 12:41

3M ago12:41

12:41

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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Sacred Soundtrack: The Poetry and Music of Piyut from Jewish Communities Around the World 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon The event was co-sponsored by BMH-BJ About The Event: Composed and sung in different lands from the 3rd or 4th century CE on, piyut is the sung sacred poetry that has accompanied individuals, families, and entire communities in the spiritual journey of life throughout Jewish history and which…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them Class #14 Ernest Becker and Denial of Death 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

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The Midwives' Escape: From Egypt to Jericho - An Interview with Maggie Anton 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz sits down with author Maggie Anton. Maggie Anton is an award-winning author of historical fiction, a Talmud scholar, and an expert in Jewish women's history. Her novels include the Rashi's Daughters trilogy; Rav Hisda's Daughter: Apprentice (a National Jewish Book Award finalist) and its sequel, Enchantress; and The Choice: …

1
Davidic Reign 11:33

4M ago11:33

11:33

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…

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Avraham: What is the Source of His Faith? 46:43

4M ago46:43

46:43

A virtual event presentation by Rabbanit Batya Hefter About The Event: Avraham is the father of faith for all monotheistic religions. What was so unique about Avraham that God should choose him? To answer this question, we’ll consider the Torah’s narrative, then learn a classic midrash and finally delve into an innovative and surprising Hasidic ins…

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50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them Class #13 Gratitude 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

In this class series, Rabbi Shmuly will explore the Torah of the mind. Examining thinkers like Freud, Piaget, Maslow, Frankl, and so many others over 50 interactive sessions, we will explore how Jewish thought intersects with modern psychological studies and theories. Looking at consciousness, moral reasoning, ego, love, learning, and evil, how can…

1
Jerusalem 18:07

4M ago18:07

18:07

Rabbi Shmuly guides us through the depths of the blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei (the Amidah) traditional Jewish "standing" prayer. Stay Connected with Valley Beit Midrash: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org • Donate: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyBeitMidrash • YouTube: https://www.you…