Intermediate Talmud Teachings With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

"They Live" is Episode Three of the TALMUD ON THE RESURRECTION: Tractate Ketubot, page 111b

This in-depth Gemara study is about fascinating teachings of our Sages regarding THE RESURRECTION; the belief that those who lived, will rise to live again -- the principal of our Torah Faith that comprises the second blessing of the Amida. There seems to be a Torah tradition linking The Resurrection in Messianic Times exclusively to Israel, and kindred exclusivity to the Righteous. What about people buried elsewhere, what about those lacking merit, and most of all how does it square with the Mishna ruling that all of Am Yisrael are included?! Masechet Ketubot, Daf 111b -- Episode Three, entitled "THEY LIVE" addresses a burning question on The Resurrection: is this reserved for the righteous, or will the masses be included as well? In the previous Episode we clarified the teaching on Resurrection happening only in Israel. Now we will move to another surprising teaching indicating that only perfectly pious people will merit coming back to life in the end of Days. This teaching appears to be at odds with other accepted traditions about the (near) all-inclusive revival of people regardless of their level of learning, observance, or piety. To some degree, the reconciling of these seemingly disparate Torah traditions may be clarified by virtue of a far more inclusive definition of righteousness. Yet lowering the bar won't enable us to overcome the stubborn facts. Clearly the Dew of [re-animated] Life can only flow from the Torah's Light and radiance. How then might [spiritual] commoners receive the vivifying life-elixir energy of the future?! We on a true high with an uplifting and illuminating teaching that shows us all how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary levels of connectivity with G-d. This climatic Episode will provide powerful information on how we can link into the spiritual network to facilitate resuscitation despite systemic inadequacies!

"Quantum Tunneling" ~ Episode two of the TALMUD ON THE RESURRECTION: Tractate Ketubot, page 111a

This in-depth Gemara study is about fascinating teachings of our Sages regarding THE RESURRECTION; the belief that those who lived, will rise to live again -- the principal of our Torah Faith that comprises the second blessing of the Amida. There seems to be a Torah tradition linking The Resurrection in Messianic Times exclusively to Israel. The obvious question: what about people buried elsewhere?! This and other mysterious issues are addressed in this mini-series. Masechet Ketubot, Daf 111a -- Episode Two, entitled "QUANTUM TUNNELING," is about a futuristic subterranean Holyland Highway that'll enable the prophesized Return of The Dead for those buried outside the proverbial Land of The Living! Backgrounder: The Messianic Era resuscitation of the deceased seems to include most (if not all) of Am Yisrael, interment location notwithstanding. Yet, in our first Episode we learnt about the Resurrection happening only for those buried in Israel. This teaching appears to be at odds with other accepted traditions about the (near) all-inclusive revival of [pious] people regardless of where they were laid to rest. This Episode introduces resolution by reconciling the veracity of both teachings: Indeed, from around the world, everyone will rise to their ultimate destiny. At the same time Israel is the true Land of the Living. The reconciling of the seeming contradiction is to be found in a tunneling concept called Gilgul Mechilot, which may be an ancient allusion to modern quantum physics.

"Land of the Living" ~ Episode one of TALMUD ON THE RESURRECTION: Tractate Ketubot, pg. 111a

This in-depth Gemara study is about fascinating teachings of our Sages regarding THE RESURRECTION; the belief that those who lived, will rise to live again. This cardinal principal of our eternal Torah Faith is the theme of the second blessing of the Amida. There seems to be a Torah tradition linking The Resurrection in Messianic Times exclusively to Israel. The obvious question: what about people buried elsewhere?! This and other mysterious issues are addressed in this mini-series.    Episode One: Masechet Ketubot, Daf 111a, "LAND OF THE LIVING" focuses on Graveyard Geography and the prophesized Return of The Dead! To be sure, the universal resuscitation of our deceased after the arrival of Moshiach is a foundational Article of our Jewish Faith. From clear teachings in the Mishna and elsewhere it certainly seems to be inclusive of most (if not all) of Am Yisrael regardless of where they were (or weren't) interred. Shockingly, however, there seems to be an authentic Torah tradition indicating that those buried in the Diaspora would be excluded from this paranormal phenomenon. Yet, how in heaven can that be true?!

"Evil Eye" Episode #12 of TALMUD on DREAMS, Tractate Brachot, Chapter 9, Pg. 55b

This in-depth mini-series focuses on the pages in the ninth chapter of Masechet Brachot in which the teachings of our Sages about Dreams are recorded. Here the Talmud probes the mysteries of Deeper Consciousness, and the compelling or disturbing impact of the Nocturnal Visions people may sometimes experience. ___________________________ This Twelfth segment of our unique mini-series exploring Deeper Consciousness comprises a textually based study of Tractate Brachot, Folio Page 55b. It is the twenty-sixth consecutive class on the Ninth Chapter, AKA Perek HaRoeh. "EVIL EYE" is a fascinating treatment of the phenomenon known as Ayin Hara. Can an evil, jealous, or baleful glance can harm someone? Is this silly superstition or is there really something to it?! As we delve into the question of "True or False" with regard this concept we'll also analyze the unique verbal formula we may employ to ward off the seeming negative energy or harmful possibilities linked to the Evil Eye someone may be directing towards us. Does location make a difference, and is there a genetic code we can download to provide protection? We will also delve into a historic aquatic blessing to better appropriate a protective aura. Plus, we'll even discover how at looking at your nostrils can neutralize negativity! Episode Twelve of this segment on the power of Deeper Consciousness comprises number 26 in the series.

"Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Part 2" Episode #11 of TALMUD on DREAMS, Tract. Brachot, Chap. 9, Pg. 55b

This in-depth mini-series focuses on the pages in the ninth chapter of Masechet Brachot in which the teachings of our Sages about Dreams are recorded. Here the Talmud probes the mysteries of Deeper Consciousness, and the compelling or disturbing impact of the Nocturnal Visions people may sometimes experience. ___________________________ This Eleventh segment of our unique mini-series exploring Deeper Consciousness comprises a textually based study of Tractate Brachot, Folio Page 55b. It is the twenty-fifth consecutive class on the Ninth Chapter, AKA Perek HaRoeh. "CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS, Part 2" picks up where we left off in the past Episode, with the specific focus on a verbal formula we can employ to ward off impending negative energy or baleful possibilities linked to mysterious dreams. Continuing to build on the insight previously presented regarding potency of prayer at the "Priestly Blessings." In this fascinating class we learn about Solidifying Vision, Healing Bitterness, and the Power of Public Affirmation to neutralize the negative potential of dreams -- even those we can't even recall! To understand how this resolution works, we'll have to first decipher the secret code of a seemingly disjointed prayer formula. Finding the organic links between a dreamy adolescent heartthrob, harshly unpleasant waters, a suddenly stricken prophetess, the comeback king, and curses of an evil prophet will be truly eye-opening! By unraveling the prayerful text to be recited alongside priestly singing and chanting that, significantly, climaxes in communal affirmation -- we will also achieve a profound new appreciation of a well-known, but little understood Tefilla!