Wednesday, February 11th, 12pm-1pm
Free Kosher Lunch Served
Wednesday, February 18th, 12pm-1pm
Free Kosher Lunch Served
Wednesday, February 25th, 12pm-1pm
Free Kosher Lunch Served
Wednesday, March 4th, 12pm-1pm
(www.zicklincenter.org/)
and the Abenaim Program for Jewish Literacy / Lubavitch House at Penn
(www.LubavitchHouse.com)
Compassionate Capitalism-Torah Imperatives for Business
The Torah not only allows, but also even encourages us to pursue our self-interest. At the same time the Torah recognizes that each of us has a selfish inclination (or “Animal Soul”), and if we only follow our hearts' desires and see the world only from a selfish perspective, we will eventually justify taking advantage of others, as our minds are capable of rationalizing almost anything. In this session we'll study the laws of “hasagat gevul” — infringing on someone else's business — and see how the Torah's laws, both in their plain meaning and inner wisdom, ensure ethical business practices, and produce a "compassionate capitalism" that represents the best of both economic worlds, providing both the freedom and wealth of capitalism as well as the compassion and protections of socialism.
Careful Communications-The Root of Ethical Business Practices
From the multi-billion-$ advertising industry to the one-to-one haggling at the used-car lot, business is all about communications. Someone has goods or services that they want you to buy, and in order to persuade you to buy their products or services, they have to convey information in the form of words and images that impact your intellect, your emotions, and your instincts. But exactly how honest and forthright must they be? Deceptive business practices are as old as the marketplace, and in this session we will begin to delve into the Torah's extensive laws and advice about what should and should not be said in order to ensure fairness and integrity in business communications of every kind.
Head Hunting-The Torah's Approach to Recruiting
There are few "headier" feelings than being contacted by a headhunter. We balance the rewards and risks involved in changing jobs, but do we also consider our responsibilities to our current employer? According to the Torah's higher moral standards, do employees and recruiters have unlimited rights? Do I have the right to leave my company if doing so will threaten the livelihood of others? Do I have ethical responsibilities to my employer that might prevent me from taking the better job? Does a Torah-observant recruiter have the right to "steal" an employee from his current company? In this session we will see how the Torah truly offers a "higher standard" in employment and hiring practices, standards that would be in the best interests of the individual, the employer, and society as a whole to follow.
The Jewish Work Ethic
When we think of a thief, what picture comes to mind? Perhaps it's the image of a masked man, secretly climbing over a wall, picking a lock and quickly plundering a home of its valuables. Perhaps it's of a bank robber with a pistol and a ski mask, terrorizing tellers and customers as he rifles through the drawers for cash, then drives off in his getaway car. But the Torah's view of theft extends far beyond such obvious cases, especially when it involves business and the workplace. In this session, we will learn about the Torah's broad definition of honesty, and learn how to apply it to the modern workplace.
Beyond Survival-The Purpose of Work and Wealth
In this session, we will be dealing with some of the most fundamental and important issues in life: our general attitudes toward work and wealth. There is no question but that our attitude towards money impacts every area of our lives— our marriages, our peace of mind, even our physical health. So, how much importance does the Torah advise us to put on honest work? Is it good to be rich? What role should earning a living or gathering wealth play in the life of the average person? In short, what is the proper balance between the pursuits of materialism and spirituality? In today's class we will be exploring these important questions, and more.
From here below are not being offered in the Fall 2012 Season
Mysticsim 101; a basic work of Jewish mysticism. Get to know your soul. This class will shed new light on you, and the world around you.
Date: Shabbat afternoon, one hour before nightfall.
Location: Lubavitch House
Requirements: No knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic is required, just a genuine thirst for Jewish spirituality and growth. This class is open to all levels of study.
Instructor: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Anderw Kener
Not offered during Fall 2011
Acheiving Integrity;Torah Studies for the Workplace.
Housing Crisis, Credit Crunch, Maket Crashes...
Learn how to balance profit and principles. Discover the Torah's version of Capitalism. Explore the true meaning of making money.
All sessions will take place in Huntsman Hall, F96 and a Free Kosher lunch will be served.
Dates:
1. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 12-1:20pm - Compassionate Capitalism
2. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 12-1:20pm -Careful Communications
3. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12-1:20pm - Head Hunting
4. Wednesday, March. 4, 12-1:20pm - Jewish Work Ethic
Instructor: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Dan Turgel
Sepharadic Torah Study
Date: TBA
Location: Student's apartment. Dinner is usually served.
Requirements: Must be Sephardic, Latin American or admirer.
Instructor: Rabbi Ephraim Levin
Hebrew Reading
Date: TBD (Apply by clicking the link below and select what times work for you).
Location: Lubavitch House
Spring 2009
We are organizing beginner Hebrew lessons for a small group of people interested in learning (i) how to read Hebrew and (ii) beginning level Hebrew language/conversation. Lessons will be 1 hour long. If you are interested, please complete the application form and we will get back to you. Begins in February.
Tought by:
If you are interested please email us at [email protected]
Teffilin bagel brunch.
Wrap Teffilin and enjoy discussion over Bagels and Lox.
Dates: Selected Sundays at noon.
Fall 2009:
November 1st: 12pm
December 6th: 12pm
Location: Lubavitch House
Requirements: No Tefflin or knowledge of "how to" is necessary.
Contact: Andrew Kener
If you are interested in beginning to lay Tefflin daily and would like financial assitance in purchasing a pair, please contact us.
Fireside Chat
Date: Thursdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Location: Alpha Epsilon Pi
Fireside Chat; Chips and salsa, a discussion on any given Jewish topic of interest. Ask all the questions you have always wanted to, but never have.
Facilitator: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Elliott Berkowitz Sturgis
The Tanya is one of the important spiritual works of Judaism. It is the philosophy of mysticism as it pertains to the spiritual development of the individual and realizing his or her purpose on this planet. Authored by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi circa 1797 it has become a Classic text studied by laymen and scholars alike. Dozens of commentaries have been written to expound its meaning and thousands have sited it’s passages. This group class/discussion will enable the novice and seasoned alike to plumb the shining depths of this Chassidic philosophy.
Talmud and Tanya will split the hour into two sections covering both the Body (Talmud) and Soul (Tanya). It enables those who would like to explore both aspects but are limited in time.