RABBI GEDALIAH FLEER
November 9 - December 14, 2008
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Details: Course Descriptions, Fees, and
Directions |
Sunday afternoon, Nov 9, 1:00-4:00 p.m.,
The Ten Commandments
While everyone knows that the Ten Commandments are important in Judaism,
and that they have inspired Western Civilization as a whole, how many of
us have had an opportunity to learn about them in depth based on the teachings
of our Sages? This seminar is a thorough exploration of the 10 Commandments,
including: What are the various ways of understanding the commandments? What is
the reason for their order? How are they interconnected? What are the primary
ethical, moral and religious principles they deal with? Why these and no others?
Why are these principles considered a synopsis of the whole Torah? Concepts
from the Zohar about the hidden meanings of some of the commandments.
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $25/person $18/student or KTM member
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Monday evenings, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Nov 10, 17, 24, Dec 1, 8
The Mystical Meaning of Clothing
(5-part series)
This fascinating series provides an in-depth exploration of clothing in the Bible,
Kabbalah and Jewish Law. The following are just some of the many themes that will be
explored: What is the deeper meaning of clothing in Biblical stories like Adam and Eve
making clothes of leaves to hide their shame, Jacob dressing up like Esav to fool his father,
Josephs clothes of many colors evoking jealousy from his brothers, Tamar deceiving her
father-in-law, and many others? Why did the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) wear eight special
garments while ordinary priests wore four? Each morning a Jew blesses G-d who clothes the naked
and goes on to bless Him for supplying me with my every want, which the sages understood as
referring to owning a pair of shoes. Why did Moshe remove his shoes at the burning bush, while
Joshua, when in the presence of the Angel, was told to remove only one shoe? Clothes insulate or
reveal, making or breaking self-image or how we are seen in the eyes of others. What is the secret
of clothing from a Kabbalistic perspective? What spiritual energy is imparted through clothes?
What are the spiritual and psychological advantages that come to a person who understands
the true meaning of clothing?
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $100/person for 5-part series if paid in full by first session; $85/student or KTM member; $25/session
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Tuesday evenings, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9
Likutei Moharan:
The Teachings of Rebbe Nachman
(5 classes)
After 200 years, appreciation of the great Chassidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, continues to grow.
Likutei Moharan, the main collection of Rebbe Nachman's teachings, contains profound lessons which
weave concepts and images from the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah, engaging our minds and hearts and
showing us how to grow spiritually. Studying Likutei Moharan is never the same - each dip into the text
yields new treasures. Rabbi Fleer is one of the world's experts in Likutei Moharan, with a unique way of
bringing Rebbe Nachman's inspiring teachings to life. Not to be missed.
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $15/class
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Wednesday evenings, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Nov 12, 19, Dec 3, 10
Transition: Embracing Change (4-part workshop)
We all experience transitions, both from circumstances out of our control (such as illness and loss)
and conscious choices to change our lives (such as a starting a new career, marriage, and personal growth work).
The point between being and becoming is a place of transition. There is who I am now and my inner vision of the
person I would like to become. Embracing change requires confidence, trust in G-d and a willingness to take
the difficult step of letting go of the past while reaching for an uncertain future. This four part interactive
workshop will include Hassidic insights, discussion, and psychological visualizations to develop new tools for
dealing with transition. Learn ways to identify obstacles that get in the way of reaching our potential, discover
what most stimulates and motivates us to action, put the past into useful perspective, and attain Joy and
expanded awareness.
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $80/person for 4-part series if paid in full by first session;
$70/student or KTM member; $25/session
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Thursday evenings, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Nov 13, 20, Dec 4, 11
Zohar: The Bible of Jewish Mysticism (4 classes)
The Zohar is one of the most important works in Kabbalah. This text-based class is a
rare opportunity to study the Zohar with one of today's leading authorities on Jewish
Mysticism. For those who attended in previous years, new themes will be explored this
year.
Location: Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, Newton, MA
Cost: $15/ class
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Sunday afternoon, Nov 16, 1:00 - 4 p.m. (with breaks),
Food and Jewish Spirituality
Food keeps body and soul together and mediates the relationship between the
two. Why is the first sin about food? How does food fit in with Jewish
observance of Shabbat and the holidays? From the time of Adam to Noah people
did not eat meat. From the time of Noah onward, the eating of meat was
permitted. (What is the place of vegetarianism today?) What are the
Kabbalistic insights about the laws of milk and meat? Are these laws outside
of our understanding? At the time of the giving of the Torah, people ate and
drank. What is the relationship of food to revelation? Why are Chassidic
teachings of Torah given around a food table?
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $25/person $18/student or KTM member
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Sunday afternoon, Nov 23, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. (with breaks),
The Storytelling Tradition of Rebbe Nachman (full day seminar)
When the soul wants to bypass the pitfalls of the intellect and reveal itself to the mind, it conceals itself in the
raiment of well told stories. Stories expand consciousness, stimulate wellbeing, and free us from the negative
influences of past experiences. Rebbe Nachman (1772-1810) was one of the greatest Chassidic teachers and a master
storyteller whose tales are among the great classics of Jewish literature. In this course, Rabbi Fleer will read and
explicate a lesson taught by Rebbe Nachman dealing with the Kabbalistic and psychological aspects of storytelling.
We will listen closely to one of Rebbe Nachman's tales in an attempt to capture the essence of his teaching.
We will then discuss the difference between storytelling as entertainment and storytelling as a means of
changing consciousness. Finally, we will touch on the idea of storytelling and prophecy. This seminar is hosted
by the C. G. Jung Institute of Boston. For exact location and registration information, contact the C.G. Jung Institute
via email (cgjungbos1@aol.com) or by phone at 617-332-0383, or visit their web site at www.cgjungboston.com.
Location: Private home, Newton (contact the C.G. Jung Institute)
Cost: $50/person;
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Saturday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. Dec 6
Melave Malka with Rabbi Fleer and Friends
We celebrate the conclusion of this year's program with a Melave Malka (traditional after-shabbat celebration) with Divrei Torah (torah teachings), Chassidic music and light refreshments. Join us as we thank Rabbi Fleer for the opportunity
to learn with him again this year.
Location: Adams Street Shul, Newton
Cost: $10/person
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Sunday afternoon, Dec 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (with breaks),
Being in the Moment: Intuition and Halacha
What is the relationship of the Infinite to the Finite? At the core of every experience there is something God-like
and holy that can be imparted to us - if only we have the courage to look, the sensitivity to see, and the openness to
discover. So how do the Mitzvot (Commandments) fit in with this process of spiritual discovery? The Mitzvot are intended
to guide each Jew through life, to help us be aligned with G-d in every situation. What if the spiritual opportunity of
a particular moment seems to conflict with one's religious obligation? Learn about the radical views of Rabbi Mordecai
Yosef of Ishibitz on this topic, and the response of other Jewish authorities.
Location: Tremont Street Shul (Temple Beth Shalom), Cambridge
Cost: $25/person $18/student or TBS member
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Sunday afternoon, Dec 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (with breaks),
Teshuvah: A Continual Process
The The sages taught that Teshuvah (the potential for "return") was created before the universe was brought into existence
(T.B. Pesachim 54a). Teshuvah allows us to draw constantly closer to our source in the Divine and provides us with a means
for achieving forgiveness and ultimate atonement. Rabbi Fleer will discuss the various levels of Teshuvah, many of which do
not involve the concept of sin. He will elaborate on Rebbe Nachman's fascinating notion of "Teshuvah on Teshuvah". He will
also attempt to explain how and why Teshuvah absolves people from types of wrongdoing such as murder, where restoration,
compensation or seeking forgiveness from the injured party is virtually impossible. We will learn about the Jewish idea of
grace, examine the Talmudic legend of Jeroboam son of Nebat who refused God's offer of return, and much more.
Location: Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe, Brighton
Cost: $25/person; $18/student or KTM member
LOCATIONS
Adams St. Shul:
Adams St. Shul is located at 168 Adams Street in the Nonantum section of Newton,
between Washington Street and Route 16 (Watertown St.). Also, visit www.adamstreet.org.
Temple Beth Shalom: 8 Tremont Street, Cambridge: off Broadway, near Central Square. Also, visit www.tremontstreetshul.org.
Congregation Shaarei Tefillah: 35 Morseland Avenue, Newton, 617-527-7637. Also, visit www.shaarei.org.
Congregation Kadimas Toras Moshe, Brighton:
: 113 Washington Street, Brighton: half a block from the Washington Street stop. Also, visit www.ktmshul.org.
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