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 workshops
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Join Sam this week for Seasons
of Joy
Every Monday Night, 8:30 to 9:30 in the library at Aish Hatorah
of L.A., 9100 W. Pico at the corner of Doheny.
Most workshops can be given as a single forty-five to ninety
minute class, or broadened into two or three separate sessions. Each presentation
can be tailored to meet the needs of any given audience; from ages 12 to 120,
from educators to executives, layleaders to community members.
Call Marcia Baron at 800-9-SAMMYG to customize a program for your group.
1. TEACHING THE BEAUTY OF TEFILLAH THROUGH SONG
How can we make prayer the most meaningful part of our day?
In this inspiring workshop we will dispel misconceptions about Jewish prayer
and concentrate on key points to improve comprehension and focus. In addition
we will learn the genesis of the basic concepts of our siddur, the deeper meanings
behind specific prayers and the role of our traditional melodies, trope and
nusach. This workshop is guaranteed to invigorate each participants' personal
prayer experience.
2. EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIER: DISCOVERING THE FASCINATING BOUNDARIES OF THE SOUL
Take a journey into the Kabbalistic teachings concerning
the human soul. How can we know that we have one? What's the difference between
nefesh, ruach and n'shama? How do Jewish and gentile souls compare? A remarkable,
common sense methodology to understanding our role in the spiritual realm and
our relationship with our Creator in day-to-day life.
3. AN APPROACH TO JEWISH UNITY: THE LIFE OF RABBI SHLOMO CARLEBACH IN STORY AND SONG
Relive a musical history of the life of Rabbi Carlebach,
sharing his brilliant songs, stories and Torah insights. We will analyze a variety
of his teachings in order to understand his method for bringing healing and
renewed passion to Jewish life. Sam enjoyed several treasured opportunities
as Rabbi Carlebach's accompanist on West Coast tours during the last several
years of his life. Be prepared to sing and dance, reflect and reminisce as we
gain new perspectives into the vast legacy that Reb Shlomo left behind.
4. ACROSS THE RIVER: USING OUR TEXTS TO RE"JEW'VENATE OURSELVES
How can we use our Tanach to inspire and serve as a catalyst
for personal growth? How can we find hidden meanings behind the drama of biblical
narrative and incorporate the messages into our lives? This class focuses on
proven methods of interpreting and adding personal commentary to our sacred
texts through the medium of music. Live versions of several selections from
Sam Glaser's CDs will be interwoven into the discussion.
5. AWAKENING THE MUSE: MAXIMIZE YOUR CREATIVITY NOW!
We're so quick to assume that creativity remains the birthright
of fine artists and musical prodigies. Creative concepts can and should be learned
by those in every field to enhance productivity and fulfillment. Learn to emulate
the greatest Creator of them all as we break down our barriers to creativity
and hone our muse with a variety of exciting and revealing exercises.
6. ALEPH BAIS MEETS DO-RE-MI: MUSICAL CONCEPTS IN KABBALAH
This workshop offers a look at the remarkable ties between
basic musical concepts and our lashon ha-kodesh, the holy language of Hebrew.
Gain insight into the profound symmetry and hidden meanings of a variety of
Hebrew words. We will examine how solfege (the do-re-mi) relates to gematria
(Jewish , numerology,) the spiritual impact of melody and harmony on the celestial
spheres, and the significance of the Levite orchestra during the First and Second
Temple periods.
7. INSIDE THE TWILLIGHT ZONE: DEMYSTIFYING THE JEWISH CONCEPTION OF THE AFTERLIFE
How do our sages describe what happens after we die? What
does Judaism say about such concepts as reincarnation, ghosts, heaven and hell?
What is Olam Habah? What is the connection between the latest research in "Near
Death Experience" and the teachings of Kabbalah? Learn how our philosophies
of the afterlife can be instrumental in maximizing our potential in our day-to-day
existence.
8. AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE MYSTICAL DELIGHTS OF THE SABBATH
Explore the miracle of weekly renewal that is the Jewish
experience of the Sabbath. Examine the clues in our texts that help us perceive
how Shabbat has "kept the Jews" over the millenia. How can the various
halachic restrictions that shape the day contribute to our sense of personal
freedom? How can we maximize our use of music, food, prayer and communal interaction?
Participants will emerge with a renewed appreciation of our weekly taste of
heaven, empowered with practical steps to increase one's enjoyment of the seventh
day.
9. IF I FORGET THEE, OH JERUSALEM: A PRIMER ON THE JEWISH LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE LAND OF ISRAEL
What is the secret behind our eternal obsession with the
Holy Land? How has our spiritual and historical relationship changed over the
course of the millenia? Why was this unique plot of land chosen? Why is Jerusalem
referred to throughout the Torah as "the place that I will show you?"
This workshop will elucidate the phenomenon of the centrality of Israel to the
Jewish people.
10. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WEEKLY PARSHA
Using ancient and modern commentaries we will analyze the
relevant Torah portion of the week. Questions to be explored include: why any
given passage was included in the text, why was it worded in any particular
way, how the portion relates to the Chumash as a whole and how midrashim and
the haftorah might relate. Even the most confusing and seemingly archaic chapters
can present powerful and useful lessons in any age.
11. THE GIFT OF THE "EVIL INCLINATION"
Did G-d create evil? Why were we given the "yetzer
harah" or evil inclination in the first place? How do our sages describe
its manifestation? What's the difference between mental illness and evil? What
exactly transpired in the Garden of Eden? We will explore the genesis of our
dueling internal voices and establish clear cut methodologies we can employ
to use the yetzer harah to our advantage.
12. IMPERFECTLY PERFECT: CONFRONTING THE LEGACY OF IMPERFECTION
IN OUR BIBLICAL HEROES
We live within the paradox that our human frailties are created by a Perfect
and Benevolent Being. How can we use the examples of our role models in the
Torah to enhance our understanding of ourselves? How can we choose which traits
to embody? Using the Chumash and Midrashim we will learn to personalize our
reading of history and enhance our lifelong quest for self-improvement.
13. RESTORING THE "RICH" IN OUR FAMILY RITUALS
The term "ritual" connotes a customarily repeated
action, mindlessly performed out of a sense of habit or duty. We will explore
the the primary holidays in the Jewish calendar, investigating methods that
can create a sense of excitement when each unique opportunity returns. What
are the clues in our Torah and liturgy that help us perceive how our festivals
can enhance our lives? How can we maximize our use of ritual objects, holiday
music, food, prayer to enhance family interaction? Participants will emerge
with a renewed appreciation of our chagim, empowered with practical steps to
increase their family's enjoyment of the holiday.
14. IN SEARCH OF THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
How do we perform the "I am G-d" commandment?
What do our sages recommend for the fulfillment of this first mitzvah of the
decalogue? How can we incorporate this commandment into every mitzvah that we
do? This workshop will examine methods for developing "eyes" to see
G-d in every aspect of our lives, as well as recommending techniques for enhancing
and repairing this formative relationship. Participants will gain a new understanding
of the significance of the entire body of mitzvot and an appreciation of G-d's
critical role in our shaping our past, present and future.
15. MATRIX AS MIDRASH: Using Popular Media to Communicate
Judaism's Essence
Some of the best teaching aids available are presently playing in the neighborhood
multiplex. Because such blockbuster productions as The Truman Show, The Matrix,
Pleasantville and Defending Your Life are perceived as being "cool"
by teens, they can engage students within a shared frame of reference to drive
home crucial points in Jewish philosophy. Utilizing his experience educating
audiences of young people in synagogues, youth group conventions and middle
and high school retreats, Sam will illuminate how theological themes in popular
films can be integrated into the lesson plan.
16. IN SEARCH OF SMALL MIRACLES: A Methodology to
Maximize Heavenly Connections
We have read the books, heard the stories and had our own run-ins with "incredible
coincidences." We hear accounts of channeling, telepathy, Divine guidance.
This course will discuss a technique not only to analyze these situations but
to also create an environment where they can readily occur. Participants will
emerge better equipped to perceive and interpret heavenly messages and will
be invited to share descriptions of personal encounters.
17. WHY DOES THE MESSIAH MATTER? Living With Rambam's 12th Principle
The belief in a messianic age runs through both materialistic,
secular ideologies and religious/mystical beliefs. It is a phenomenon that crosses
religious boundaries and cultures. And yet, the Jewish discussion of the concept
makes many uncomfortable. This workshop will dispel misconceptions and clarify
how the Jewish messianic vision is a logical imperative of our faith.
18. BUILD A BRIDGE: DAILY EXERCISES TO CREATE JEWISH UNITY
Jewish unity and conflict resolution is the theme of Sam Glaser's latest CD release and the focus of his The Bridge 50 city Concert tour. In fact, the CD takes a variety of messages from Israel's popular Common Denominator seminars and brings them to life within each of the fifteen songs. Jewish Unity is not an abstract concept. Learn practical techniques for bringing Jews of all ages and denominations together.
19. ULTIMATE THOUGHTS: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE
AMIDAH
All too often we recite our central prayers without focus or enthusiasm. This
workshop is designed to analyze the origin and intent behind this crucial series
of blessings as well as to suggest methodologies for improving our spiritual
experience with each repetition. We will decode the genius of the text word
for word, highlighting hidden patterns and opportunities therein for personal
and national transcendence.
20. HINENI: ANSWERING THE CALL IN TROUBLED TIMES
We feel sickened by each subsequent incident of terrorism, grow alarmed at rising
international anti-Semitism and feel powerless amidst escalating assimilation.
This workshop is designed to awaken participants from our collective lethargy,
replacing feelings of helplessness with personal empowerment. We will analyze
the examples of our biblical and modern heroes in times of adversity, gain perspective
on our unique historical mission, and learn techniques to respond with renewed
strength and hope rather than despair
21. MOONDANCE: THE INNER SECRETS OF ROSH CHODESH AND THE LUNAR CALENDAR
In the midst of the fire and brimstone of the ten plagues
and the final destruction of Egypt the Torah pauses to instruct us to count
the months...Rosh Chodesh becomes first commandment given to the Jews as a people.
We will analyze the significance of this lunar anniversary and its relationship
to the Exodus, Passover and the Jewish future.
22
. WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW: Physics meets Torah on the
Silver Screen
Take a mind-bending voyage through the worlds of science and spirituality and
discover how revelations by quantum physics experts concur with the millennia-old
secrets of Kabbalah. We will view clips of the journey of the film’s
protagonist in unlocking a “new” understanding of reality…one
that the Jewish people have been discussing for millennia. Join us and see
why this
groundbreaking movie became one of the most compelling and talked about films
of 2005. Participants will emerge with a powerful tool to teach tweens through
adults about the remarkable connections between modern day physics and Jewish
mystical
tradition
23. THE ART OF THE NIGUN: Using powerful melodies to access the highest
heights…no
words required!
This practical workshop will look at historical and present day uses of the
Nigun (spiritual wordless melody) to reach states of ecstasy and connectedness.
Examples of classic Chasidic melodies will be interwoven from Sam Glaser and
RebbeSoul’s groundbreaking new CD The Nigun Project. Be prepared to sing,
sway and daven and experience oneness like never before.
24. VOICES FOR ISRAEL...THE WORKSHOP
This workshop will elucidate the phenomenon of the centrality of Israel to
the Jewish people, opportunities for response in times of crisis and the
power of music to help bind us to the Land and to each other. Voices for
Israel
is
a not-for-profit
organization
that
uses
contemporary
music to send messages of unity and connection around the globe. To date,
two double CDs and videos have been released, involving over three hundred
Jewish musicians and singers and inspiring countless thousands of listeners.
We will analyze the themes of these moving songs and explore how they can
impart the deepest feelings of empathy with Israel’s
triumphs and tragedies. Sam Glaser has served as co-producer and consultant
with the VFI organization.
25. THE ART OF AMAZEMENT: Using Judaism’s Powerful Tools to Create
and Maintain a Sense of Wonder
We will explore opportunities to make “everyday” life
into a bounty of amazement and excitement, stimulating deeper investigation
into the teachings of Judaism on a lifelong quest for pleasure. The tools for
enlightenment and awareness
made
popular in new age movements have roots in our heritage.
This workshop will examine these ancient tools, offering participants a daily “wake
up call” to the inner child and the ability to maintain a state of perpetual “wow!”
