Limmud Bible Studies
Jerusalem - God's Holy City
In this month's Limmud study join Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein in exploring the eternal city of Jerusalem and its spiritual significance. We will study its biblical roots and God's plans for her future. Jerusalem has been described as the "eye of the universe."
The Meaning of Shalom
Shalom is a word so interconnected with the Jewish faith that it has become almost a symbol of Judaism. But what is the true meaning of shalom? And how can we as people of faith incorporate this quality into our own lives? That's what we'll look at in this month's Limmud study.
The Seder Plate: Food for Thought
On Passover, the seder table is brimming with symbolic foods and objects that are used throughout the evening in order to tell the Exodus story. The focal point of the table is the seder plate, which contains six specific foods that take on a spiritual and ritual role.
Prayer: Expression of the Soul
In the previous Limmud study on prayer, we learned about the Jewish perspective of prayer as the “work of the heart.” Prayer is the great change agent — not that we pray for God to change His mind; but in praying, our minds and desires will change and conform to God’s will.
Prayer: Work of the Heart
Judaism defines prayer as "the work of the heart," and thinking of it that way changes the dynamic of prayer from asking God for what we want and hoping that He obliges, to an act that transforms who we are, not what God does for us.
Tzedakah: Righteous Giving
Tzedakah, which means righteous giving, goes far beyond the traditional concept of charity and charitable giving. It is not simply a choice, but a requirement — an act of justice and righteousness. Rabbi Eckstein shares more about this fundamental value in Judaism in this month's study.
Atonement: At One With God
Judaism defines prayer as "the work of the heart," and thinking of it that way changes the dynamic of prayer from asking God for what we want and hoping that He obliges, to an act that transforms who we are, not what God does for us.
Tisha B'Av: A Time to Weep
In this study, we learn about the time of mourning, Tisha B'Av, and how from the tragedies we experience, our faith can grow stronger.
Bikkurim: Giving God Our Best
In this study, we learn about the ancient ritual of the bikkurim, which means offering God our firstfruits. This observance has much to teach us today about gratitude and giving back to God from all He has given us throughout each year.
Omer: Making Every Day Count
In this study, we discover the significance of the omer, which means "sheaf," and the counting of the days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot — and how these observances are tied together spiritually.
