Crossfire: Tackling the Big Jewish Questions
Torah Cafe presents another enriching and thought-provoking episode of Crossfire! from the National Jewish Retreat of 2013. Moderated by former television personality Mrs. Molly Resnick, this crossfire addresses numerous topics and questions in a light-hearted and humorous exchange.
To register for this year’s retreat, visit JRetreat.com.
The three illustrious panelists include Mrs. Shimona Tzukernik, creator of “The Method” – a therapeutic application of Kabbalah for individuals and corporations seeking a spiritually based transformation, as well as an internationally recognized and acclaimed speaker; Rabbi Asher Crispe, executive director of the Interclusion organization, an educational initiative celebrating the convergence between contemporary art and Torah thought, who is known for making the esoteric texts of Kabbalah and Chassidic Philosophy understandable to the general public; and Rabbi Shais Taub, an expert in Jewish Mysticism and the 12 steps, who was called “a phenomenon” by the New York Times. Rabbi Taub is a leading exponent of the fundamental Chassidic text Tanya, and he created two groundbreaking works on the book: “The Map of Tanya” and the author of the popular JLI Course Soulmaps.
In this panel you will hear diverse and insightful answers to a wide range of questions like:
“When do we start introducing Kabbalah, or the deeper meaning of Torah to our children?”
“Why is G-d referred to in the masculine pronoun?”
“Why can’t women go up to the Torah and lead the services?”
“Why can’t I (a woman) shake hands with a man?”
“What is the purpose of existence?”
“What is the difference between Chassidus and Mussar? Does it accomplish the same thing?”
no gemara for women?
The Rebbe once asked the Belzer Rebbe, when he visited the Rebbe, if they teach Gemara to girls in their schools.The Belzer Rebbe responded:
“No we don’t. How could we? The Gemara says that anyone who teaches women Gemara, ‘melamda tiflus’ (Sotah 20a). Tiflus means lasciviousness. If teaching Gemara to women makes them act immodestly, clearly its not a good thing!”
The Rebbe, witty as ever, responded
“Once upon a time the only places to learn immodesty from, were the stories in Gemara about immodest acts. However nowadays, immodesty is taught, whether explicitly or implicitly, everywhere. So at least level the playing field and teach them Gemara!” from http://www.healthyjudaism.com/uncategorized/the-rebbes-clever-position-on-teaching-gemara-to-women/
:-)
Rabbi Crisp and Rabbi Taub were absolutely wonderful. Intelligent, thought provoking wise, kind and just overall great a pleasure.