To attend Rabbi Skobac’s Spring Lecture Series COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM below
- May 24 – FREE WILL: How Free Are We? It’s clear that since God holds us morally responsible for our actions, we must have free will. Indeed, human moral free will is a fundamental axiom of Judaism. Some commentaries understand this to be one of the features of being created in the image of God. But is our free will absolute and without limits? Philosophers have raised the puzzling question of how we are able to have free will if God has foreknowledge of everything that we do and will do? In addition, there are Biblical stories that seem to say that our free will can be interfered with, such as God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. This program will explore this complex topic.
- May 31 – THE BEAT GOES ON: A Jewish Perspective on Music. The Bible describes the manufacture of musical instruments very early in the history of humanity. There are numerous examples of individuals and sometimes the entire nation of Israel breaking out in song to praise and thank the Almighty. The Levites sang Psalms to musical accompaniment in the Holy Temple. Sometimes prophesy is associated with music. This lecture will explore the spiritual significance of music in Judaism according to a wide variety of perspectives.
- Jun 07 – CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: The Mystery of Elijah the Prophet. In Jewish sources, Elijah is said to attend every circumcision and Passover Seder. Great mystics were reported to have learned profound Torah secrets from Elijah, the prophet who, we are told, didn’t die, but ascended alive to heaven. The last Biblical prophet, Malachi, ends his revelations by informing us that Elijah will return before the coming of the Messiah and the great and awesome day of the Almighty. This lecture will discuss these and many other fascinating aspects to the life and persona of the prophet Elijah.
- Jun 14 – AS A DEER LONGING FOR WATER: Yearning for Spiritual Connection. Psalm 42 compares the yearning of a soul for God to a thirsty deer crying out for water. The Bible speaks often of the seekers who long for God’s nearness. Psalm 73 describes the sensation of this closeness as the ultimate good. This program discusses the nature of this quest and those exalted characters who strive to be attached to the Creator at all times.
- Jun 21 – HOW COULD HE? The Horrifying Story of Yiftach and His Daughter. In the Bible’s book of Judges, chapter 11 tells the story of Yiftach, a mighty man of valor. The nation was being threatened by the Ammonites, and they implored Yiftach to defend them in battle. He vowed that if God would lead him to victory, he would make an altar offering of the first thing to emerge from his house. Of course, this wasn’t wise – how could he know with certainty that it would be an animal. Indeed, after his victory, he returned home and his daughter came toward him from their house. What then transpired is not entirely clear. From the text, it seems that Yiftach may have actually sacrificed his daughter. Another view is that she wasn’t actually sacrificed, but lived out the rest of her life in seclusion. In this program, we will discuss the implications of this disturbing event.
- Jun 28 – MINING OUR MINDS: Exploring the Nature of Wisdom. It is clear from the Bible and Rabbinic literature that wisdom is one of the most vital qualities one can have. In our daily prayers, the first formal request we make of God is to grant us wisdom. But how does one actually acquire wisdom? Our literature mysteriously teaches that God only grants wisdom to the wise. But how do these people receive their initial level of wisdom to enable them to receive the gift of wisdom from the Creator. This program explores this wide-ranging and fascinating topic.
Six consecutive Tuesdays, May 24 – June 28, 2022 – 8 PM – ET
Shaarei Tefillah Congregation, 3600 Bathurst St., Toronto, Canada
Admission: FREE
Attend either in-person or via ZOOM
COVID-19 Protocols Enforced If Mandated
Registration Required
Provide the required info in the form below and click “send”
Zoom Login and password (good for all 6 sessions) will be emailed to you prior to the program
