Bnei Heichala. This (fourth of four classes on the Pizmonim of Shabbos) discusses the time of Mincha of Shabbos and the lofty light that is available then. It is a time of ‘Kisufin’, wanting what can never be truly had; and ‘eis ratzon’ an Auspicious time but from G’vura as opposed to from Chesed, we…

Asader Lisudasa. The second of the three pizmonim of Shabbos, deals exclusively with holiness, as by this point of Shabbos that is all there is. In the holiness itself there is a need to create a vessel (or chariot) in two ways: 1) set a table and 2) say Torah ideas to bring forward the…

Azamer Bishvuchin This (the second of four classes on the ARiZaL’s pizmonim for Shabbos) studies the Friday night Pizmon Azamer Bishvuchin. It divides it into five parts: 1) going out of the week, darkness and entanglement, 2) Preparing to bring in Shabbos, 3) On Shabbos itself: setting the table, 4) Receiving the Godliness of Shabbos…

Introduction to the Pizmonim of Shabbos. This class introduces the three Pizmonim of the ARiZaL that were composed for the Shabbos meals. In this class we discuss 1) why the ARiZaL included his name in each of the pizmonim, 2) the three stages of rest on Shabbos and how this reflects itself (in part) in…

Ata Kidashta. Ata Kidashata: The beginning of the middle Bracha of the Friday night Davening. Why Shabbos (and Yom Tov) has seven Blessings (rather than nineteen); It begins with Kidusha, like betrothal- formal Marriage that will deepen over Shabbos; the ‘Tachlis’ of all of creation is A. To reward man, B. To bring God down;…

This very short Ma’amar explores the Friday night Kigavna, from the Zohar. This Ma’amar was said by each of the first three Rabbeim, (which shows on a unity of forms for ideas). In it he explains the Yichudim that happen on earth as do (always) in heaven (Atzilus). He explains further that the Avoda we…

The Zoharic section added (relatively recently) to the Kabbalas Shabbos at the expense of Bame’ Madlikin. This class involves a long introduction to all of Kabbalas Shabbos. Kigavna, on Shabbos the lower worlds mirror the Unity and peace that exists (always) in the higher world. On Shabbos the lower and higher worlds A. Mirror each…

The Friday night praise for the Soul as it returns after a week of work in Clarifying and elevating through spiritual risk and struggle.

Who is this business lady and why do we sing her praises at the beginning of Shabbos? A beautiful analysis of Aishes Chayil prefaced by several stories. Recorded at a talk given at a Toronto Shabbaton.

(5776/2016) London discussion that included a thought on יודו להוי’ חסדו ונפלאותיו לבני אדם and שלום עליכם all leading up to explaining אשת חיל. The Neshama comes home (and is welcomed) Friday night.