Art & Music
The artist’s genius lies in the ability to bypass the externals and perceive the essence. This too is the goal of a mitzvah.
Music might be the closest physical representation of the spiritual. And, as they say, art is the biggest lie relating the greatest truth. From pop to classical to a simple lullaby hummed by a mother, music is the universal language of heart. From post-modern to pre-Renaissance to surrealism, art frames life in a whole new light. Are these things G-dly, holy, or profane? Isn’t there some commandment against images? And what about music – is music spiritually sound?
How to Get Past Writer’s Block
Write with the intention of solving a dilemma. Then you will be able to shift your focus away from yourself (writer’s block is you getting in your own way) to serving the needs of others.
Read MoreEntertainment
Meaningful, spiritual entertainment stimulates the human spirit to grow. How to know the difference between empty entertainment and spiritual entertainment.
Read MoreThe Art of Deception
Jewish mystical thought: The artist is a master of deception. What is our world? A product of the art of deception.
Read MoreArt, Religion & Democracy
In a democracy, whose responsibility is it not to offend the community with art? Can art, religion and democracy ever agree on freedom of expression?
Read MoreThe Soul of Music
A conversation between a best-selling rabbi and the acclaimed musician Peter Himmelman about the true soul of music. Soul, music, and Judaism converged.
Read MoreSimchat-Torah: From Chickens to Vegetables
As we move right along from fauna to flora, from swirling chickens before Yom Kippur to thrusting shrubs on Sukkot, the holidays have an organic nature…
Read MoreDo You Know How to Sing?
Learn how to access your inner song and discover how melody, the language of your soul, can carry you to new and exciting places.
Read MoreFinding Purpose in the Pursuit of a Hobby
Pursuit of a hobby can be an act of selflessness — when the soul of the pursuit is in sync.
Read MoreOlympic Thoughts
Sports are all consuming in today’s society, but what can we learn from this about reality and illusion?
Read More