What do the ancient Jewish holy texts say about good health and longevity? Is playing sports and exercising a mitzvah? How can one maximize wellbeing and lifespan? What were some health tips from our Sages? Find out in this eye-opening class, where we also explore how prayer affects one’s genes, the twelve key aspects of life according to Sefer Yetzirah, and secrets of the number 176.
Tag Archives: Biology
Anatomy of the Soul
What are the different parts of the soul, and how do they relate to, and interact with, the body? What is the real reason for sleeping and dreaming? How might we be able to explain spiritual phenomena like prophecy and telepathy? And how does one rectify their soul to the highest degree to become a master of life? Find out in this class as we embark on an eye-opening exploration of the human soul.
What Exactly is the Yetzer HaRa?
This week’s parasha, Ki Tetze, begins by describing the procedure when Israelite men “go out to war” and encounter a beautiful woman behind enemy lines. The Torah permits taking this woman for a wife, but on condition that the soldier waits for one month. He is to bring her to his home, where she shaves her head and cuts her nails while mourning for a month for the loss of her family. Only then, if the soldier still wants her, he can take her as a wife. If he no longer wants her, then she is to be set free unconditionally. The Torah cautions that she must not be treated as a slave or sold. A big question here is: is the soldier permitted to have relations with the “beautiful captive” immediately, or must he wait one month until she is eligible to be his wife? Continue reading