Holy Bagel Theory

Human Connections Can't Last Forever...But G-d's can. And do.The big deal about Yitzchak having his Brit Milah at 8 days old

Since Mount Sinai, we are charged with the mission to completely synthesize 'Heaven and Earth'.Despite the paradoxical nature of these two extremities, our role is to harmonise the highest of the Divine, with every aspect of our own identity, individuality and personality. By living in accordance with Torah, we infuse holiness into every aspect of our being, thereby revealing the true essence of the most mundane and physical aspects of our existence, talents and skills. Abraham’s story highlights the key role he played in paving the way for this ‘impossibility’ to become a reality.

A fascinating analysis on why it took Noach a whopping 120years to build the ark.In our post-class chat, we reflected further on what ittakes to ensure effective inspiration, that enables the listener to learn and grow. Noach did was he was told to do. And then, when the rainstarted, he entered the ark, closed the door and let go of the failures of his mission. Moses, and the truly righteous leaders of Jewish history,had full skin in the game, and risked all - with 'Mesirat Nefesh, true Self-Sacrifice - to ensure their leadership and guidance was effective. It never entered their mind to ‘escape into an ark and closethe door’. Their dedication guaranteed Jewish continuity, and leaves an indelible lesson for each of us.(Based on Likutei Sichot Vol. 15, page 34)

Could G-d Regret Creation?!Is it even possible for us to raise such a question?Why would Torah commentator Rashi want us to know the question was ever posed?!

An insightful deep-dive into why the Talmud argues thathumility and fear of sin never ceased, despite the Mishna declaring that they did cease after the passing of Mishnaic sage Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi.

We each hear verbal messages through our own individual,subjective lens.On Rosh Chodesh Sivan, when the Jewish people arrived atMount Sinai, Moses didn't communicate any message. Only on the subsequent days,in the lead up to the 6th of Sivan and the Giving of the Torah, did he givedaily pronouncements. The arrival at Mt. Sinai was a spiritual leap beyond any'regular' experience, reaching the essence of the soul, where all are united inabsolute oneness. At this stage, there's no space or opportunity for subjectiveinstruction. Hence the arrival at Mt. Sinai 'As One Man; With One Heart'.Only on the subsequent days, did Moses give theminstruction, effectively empowering them to make the experience their own,through their own subjective application of the pronouncements.

*DELAYED UPLOAD: This class was recorded on Wed 29th April - Parshat Emor*Facilitating powerful, positive outcomes, by verbally amplifying positive bias.Another radical teaching from the Rebbe, in which he flips the script on us and urges us to think differently on the power of positive speech.

Inspiring lessons on how to be a 'Mountain', with no risk that it'll feed your ego.

The Torah explicity instructs us to 'Be Holy'.While some commentaries interpret this as an instruction to maintain basic standards of Jewish moral ethics, others understand this as an instruction to strive for the highest levels of spiritual holiness and connection to Hashem. How can us mundane humans relate to this seemingly lofty and even abstract expectation?

When diagnosing someone with Tzara’at – the leprosy-type ailment described in this week’s Parsha, both an expert and a Kohen were required. Inspiring lessons on the vital involvement of a Kohen, notwithstanding that he may not possess any expert knowledge on the technical laws of Tzara’at.