Torah Cafe

The Roman Empire in its different forms lasted for 1,000 years and had a big impact on Jews in our long history. At times the Romans were tolerant and even supportive of Jews at other times they were ruthless including in destroying the second Temple and ending Jewish independence in the land of Israel.Jewish tradition traces Romans back to Jacob's brother Esau who attempted to kill him.A fascinating relationship between Rome and the Jews.

In one of the most perplexing stories in the Torah, Isaac wanted to bless his older son Esau before his death. However, his younger son Jacob tricked his father into believing that he was Esau and blessing him instead. How was Jacob allowed to trick his father? Was it ethical for him to take the blessings meant for his brother?A fascinating class about how Jacob was able to trick his father.

It is a jewish custom not to cut a boy's hair until their third birthday and then on their 3 year old birthday. cut their hair short leaving their peyot (sidelocks) visible. What is the reason for this custom and where does it come from?A fascinating discussion about the Upsherin, the 3-year-old haircutting. Other classes mentioned:Why Do Many Jewish Men Have Beards? https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xY7BYAGlLDyajzT2AveRv?si=pAMy3syjT5i6s9QI6gG0PAThe 13 Attributes of Mercy https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yTWzQqJattoOKsB9VfPV0?si=9XNkDhgwTy2O3PGfC52eSwParallel Universes https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wwVTpeGUOGtEmuuxraaCf?si=2R3YW30TQhq8oOHW6xeOtAThe Importance of Jewish Pride https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GCMjj8MruxNWKDWayMFv6?si=95GNTl9LS3CEwpeh-Cjmcw

Not only are we commanded to care for the sick and help them heal, it is an important Mitzvah for us to visit the sick and spend time with them. A fascinating discussion about the unique Mitzvah of visiting the sick. 

Lot, Abraham's nephew has a notable role in the story of Abraham, traveling with him to Canaan until they eventually separate. Abraham later risks his life to save Lot from captivity and G-d saves him from Sodom before it was destroyed.Who was Lot, why does he play such an important role in Abraham's story and what is his historical impact?

Wine has a prominent role in the Torah and Jewish sources. Wine is found in many stories in Tanach )Scripture) and was part of the service in the Holy Temple. Later, our sages instructed us to recite Kiddush, Havdalah and many other important Jewish prayers and events with a cup of wine. Yet, as an alcoholic drink, there is a clear downside to wine.What is the Torah's view on wine? Why is wine used extensively in Jewish practice?A fascinating discussion about the role of wine in Judaism.

Any Jewish celebration usually involves Jews forming a circle and dancing. While circle dancing isn't unique to Jews, it is the most common form of jewish dancing particularly among Chassidim who dance almost exclusively in circles. What is the deeper significance behind the circle and how is it connected to dancing?

On Sukkot, there was a special water pouring ceremony in the Temple in Jerusalem. In preparation for the ceremony, there were great celebrations in the Temple called Simchat Beit Hasho'eva, the Water Drawing Celebration. Though the Temple no longer stands and we no longer have the water pouring ceremony or the celebration, we still celebrate on Sukkot in commemoration. A fascinating discussion about the Water Pouring Ceremony and the Water Drawing Celebration. 

Teshuvah - Return is one of the most powerful gifts that G-d has given to us. It allows us to clean up our missteps and mistakes and allows us to return to our true deeper selves. How can we do Teshuva - Return? What are the steps of Teshuvah? How can we connect to our deeper selves?A fascinating discussion about the unique gift of Teshuvah.

On the first eve of Rosh Hashanah, there is a custom to eat a number of special foods, some of which are universally eaten by all Jewish communities and some that are unique to specific communities. A fascinating discussion about the special foods that we eat on Rosh Hashanah Eve.