Jewish Customs & Conventions With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

THE YUD SHEVAT ADDRESS: Why it had to be a Ma'amer. The ONLY Change we Can Believe In! The Central Yud Shevat Farbrengen 5782 Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

is a special presentation delivered to honour CHOF BAIS SHEVAT, the Yahrzeit-Hilula of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, Soulmate of the internationally revered Lubavitcher Rebbe of Righteous Memory. Backgrounder: In 1992, in the days following Yartzeit-Hilula of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe and leading up to the Rebbetzin’s fourth Yartzeit-Hilula, the Rebbe delivered a series of ground-breaking addresses on Female empowerment in the Torah Perspective. Rather than the typical modern-day accommodations and adjustments, they comprised an unapologetic presentation of eternal Yiddishkeit values. To summarize (at the risk of gross oversimplification) this is the Timeless Torah-True Take on Female Empowerment. The ideas are ground-breaking. Shattering glass ceilings with concepts that are at once copiously sourced, yet entirely novel. Its an insightful, and uplifting presentation that provide us a powerful and inspirational Torah viewpoint on Jewish Femininity and our Modern Era. Ultimately our Mesorah and Torah traditions are Eternal, if your seeing anything new it's because we’re simply going Back to the Future. Sounds intriguing, watch, listen, and see for yourself! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

We the Jewish People have been observing a Rosh Hashana for Trees – in the middle of the winter -- since arriving in the Israel more than 32 centuries ago and beginning to work the land. So, to be sure, Tu B'Shvat is clearly an ancient Torah tradition that's as old as Eretz Yisrael itself. Yet as Israel is better known today for High Tech Start-ups than Agriculture should it still occupy that much space on our National Hard Drive? To explain why we persist in marking this date, many invoke a Talmudic teaching on a verse in Deuteronomy (20;19) protecting trees from destruction in warfare. Our Sages saw it as (in effect) likening a human being to a tree. However, instead of clarifying our seemingly inexplicable obsession with this minor anniversary, it only serves to exacerbate the question: Why indeed would the Torah Compare People to Trees?! This deeply insightful, and emotionally evocative presentation will offer a lucid overview of what this holiday is (and isn't) about, as it answers the questions and provides powerful lessons about life, and life-long learning. Here you will discover invaluable information on Tu B'shvat, as well as an effective strategy to identify truly ethical and inspirational spiritual leadership and guidance -- perhaps more relevant than ever in our confusing day and age! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Rosh Chodesh Nissan. -’ . , . Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Pre-Shabbat Mivarchim Parshat Yitro - Mivarchim Chodesh Adar Sermon. !

Presented in direct response to Disney's misguided depictions! A Deep Look at the Soul’s Personality and Purpose: Is there a cosmic foyer leading towards a white light e.g. a "Great Afterwards." How about "Great Before" with rules and procedures in which Souls have to discover a ‘spark’ to a happy and productive life down on earth and are there Souls really who can’t find their purpose?!

What’s Ahead in the New Year —Part II of the Wondrous Discovery of a 30 year old Prescient Note! Part Two illuminates the many details of this previously cryptic footnote that suddenly resonates with unprecedented optimism —unmasking the wonders in the sacred vision of the Rebbe!

An incredible note – written by the Rebbe nearly 30 years ago has come to light and it seems to uncannily predict the events of the upcoming new year of 5781! PART ONE

Deciphering Judaism’s most Foundational Prayer as we Honour the Hilulah of Rav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe's father, — a remarkably insightful and illuminating manuscript authored in the gulag that can change your view of the Shema forever!

Holiness & Healing III Maimonidean Medieval Nutrition as a Torah Truth? Eternal Halacha vs. Dated Wellness Advice? Understanding the Rambam’s inclusion of Hippocratic Medicine in Halacha!

Holiness & Healing Part 2 Dated Medicine vs Eternal Mitzvot, Rabbinic Remedies & Lasting Relevance Crises of Faith? squaring seemingly non-relevant Talmudic Medical Advice with the notion of Torah’s eternity and lasting meaning! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Holiness & Healing - Part 1 Rabbis’ Remedies and Relevance Talmudic Medicines and Modernity; Can sacred, yet ancient medical advice still be meaningful in today’s day and age?!

Hope And Healing - Inspiration From The Teachings And Wisdom Of The Rambam

Seeing The Big Picture Discovering how each of us plays a critical role in putting G-d's global peace puzzle together.

An Inspirational Presentation: “The New Year for Trees in the Age of Corona”

Coping Strategies for our Challenging Times!

Making Good Better Revealing layers of Torah truth and Kabbalah secrets that will ignite your imagination, and open your eyes to amazing new vistas! ! — ? The original Half-Shekel contribution is presented as a relationship repair medium with G-d (famously framed in terms of a cosmic marriage), which was weakened by the tragic (adulterously defined) Golden Calf debacle. This annual event is thusly portrayed as an annual envelope to nurture continued connection; shedding light on the hallmark of healthy marriages. Yet, although gift-giving is a logical commonly employed remedial strategy, the unusual limitations imposed seem entirely out of place. Ensuing Kabbalah-based elucidation of the subject also reveals secret recipes to marriage enhancement and realization of Shalom in the home!

Vegetative Virtue: Torah states that a human being is like a tree. The Talmud ask how this is possible. Its intriguing answer is a springboard for growth and development!

Jewish Custom & Convention! Learning the How and Why of our Cherished Traditions Shabbat’s Signature Dish Hot Cholent! Current Time 0:02 / Duration 52:48 1x Why We Eat Hot Cholent on Shabbat 0 Autoplay Why We Eat Hot Cholent on Shabbat Hands down, it’s the long-simmering stew of Shabbat morning that is its signature staple. A surprisingly strong statement from a 12 century luminary – incorporated into the menu of the Shulchan Aruch, Judaism’s proverbial “Set Table” of Torah Law – gives us a taste of just how important serving and eating this traditional delicacy really is! Another medieval manuscript thickens the consistency of its mysterious prominence, as numerous other ideas further stir the pot. Finally, a bag of beans added to the mix, concludes this delightfully flavored offering!

Jewish Custom & Convention! Learning the How and Why of our Cherished Traditions Shabbat Foods - Kugel and Company! Beyond its ubiquitous presence at Shabbat tables in virtually every (Ashkenazic) community – there are numerous astounding statements attributed to outstanding Chassidic Masters attaching extraordinary prominence and importance to the proverbial Shabbat staple known as “Kugel.” Our voyage into the past to discover the origin and meaning, sails from an ancient harbor, unfolds dinner napkins and Talmudic recipes to link us back to the miraculous Manna of old – culminating with uniquely propitious properties associated with “Lokshin Kugel”!