Rabbi Forsythe's Tape Catalog
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RABBI FORSYTHE'S TORAH TAPE CATALOG
SERIES PRODUCED ENTIRELY BY RABBI JEFF FORSYTHE
In clear, articulate English - based on impeccable traditional Torah sources!
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THIS CATALOG
MAJOR CATEGORY TITLES AT A GLANCE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM TITLES AT A GLANCE
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Each program takes on subjects of concern and significance to the Torah Jew or the Jew exploring his Torah heritage, bringing to each subject depth, richness, beauty and insight. There is truly so much on each tape that you will want to listen repeatedly to receive all of the value that each one can genuinely offer you. About eighty percent of these are 90 minute tapes, about twenty percent are 60 minute tapes. Each program is researched and compiled using sources such as Chumash, Prophets, Tehillim (Psalms), Mishlay (Proverbs), Shir HaShirim (Song Of Songs), Kohelless (Ecclesiastes), Iyov (Job), Siddur, Gemoras, Midrash (e.g. Raba, Tanchuma, Yalkut Shimoni), Pirkay Avos, Targumim, Zohar, Rashi, Daas Zekainim MiBaalay Tosfos, Rambam, Ramban, Chinuch, Orchos Tzadikim, Evven Ezra, Tur, Ralbag, Yehuda HaChassid, Menoras HaMeor, Shulchan Oruch, Taz, Be'er Haitiv, Arizal, Avudraham, Maharal, Maharsha, Me'am Loez, R. Moshe Chayim Luzzato, Avodas HaKodesh (Chidah), Ohr HaChayim, Vilna Gaon, R. Chayim Mi'Velozhin, Chasam Sofer, R. Nachman Mi'Breslav, R. Shimshon Rafael Hirsch, Kitzur, Pela Yo'etz, R. Yisroel Salanter, S'fas Emess, Chofetz Chayim (e.g. Mishna Brura, Loshon Hora, Ahavas Chesed, "tzadik stories"), Oruch HaShulchan, Contemporary/Recent Torah authorities including teachings from/stories about Chazone Ish, Steipler, Michtav Me'Eliyahu, R. Avigdor Miller, R. Moshe Feinstein, R. Yaakov Kaminetsky, R. Shalom Schwadron, R. Yaakov Perlow (Novominsk) & numerous other giants of the Yeshivish and Chasidish "world."
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Rabbi Forsythe is familiar to many through his popular Jewish Press column on Shalom Bayis (marital peace) and Shidduchim (matching singles), which appears frequently in the "Family Matters" section, and his role as a public speaker throughout the English-speaking Jewish world on Torah, relationship and self-improvement topics. He is working on several books and does private counseling for singles, couples and businesses. In his counseling and workshops, he applies his unique and effective "Kosher Synthesis" of Torah and psychology to human relations in general and the man-woman relationship in particular. For professional services, contact Rabbi Forsythe through the "Contact Rabbi Forsythe for non-shaalo purposes" function of this internet site. You may briefly describe a situation, interest or need and request tape program recommendations by using the "Contact Rabbi Forsythe for non-shaalo purposes" function of this site.
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Rabbi Forsythe has haskomo letters which were given by HoRav Avrohom Asher Zimmerman, z'l (late morah de'asra of Kehal Shaarai Tefilla and magid shiur for Yorah Dayah Yeshiva Birkas Reuven, Brooklyn NY), Rav Chayim Krauss (morah de'asra Kahal Bais Yisroel, Dayan and Rosh Kollel Ohel Chayim, Brooklyn NY), Rav Dovid Talansky (Rosh Yeshiva Tal Chayim, Brooklyn NY), Rav Yaakov Jungreis (Dean Yeshiva Ateres Yisroel, Brooklyn NY), Rav Yitzchok Feigenbaum (Education Director, Navon Outreach Foundation, Toronto, Canada), and Rav Yitzchok Hirshfeld (Rosh Yeshiva Darchai Noam, Jerusalem, Israel). There is considerable expense in preparing and producing these items, therefore COPYING OF ANY OF THESE ITEMS IN ANY WAY IS FULLY AND STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Ordering instructions follow program descriptions.
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MAJOR CATEGORY TITLES AT A GLANCE
PROGRAMS WHICH PERTAIN TO ALL THREE CATEGORIES OF: HUMAN RELATIONS, MARRIAGE AND FINDING ONE'S MATE THE "HAPPY, PEACEFUL & SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE" SERIES FINDING ONE'S ZIVUG (MATE) IMPROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS & INTERPERSONAL MITZVOS PERSONAL PERFECTION & SUCCESS IN LIFE BETWEEN MAN & HASHEM, HASHKAFA (TORAH WORLDVIEW) & MISCELLANEOUS RAMBAM'S WRITINGS FOR SUCCESSFUL TORAH LIVING
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Please note that many programs are multi-tape sets (a number in brackets after a title indicates the number of cassettes; no number means one cassette). Some items are booklets (duly noted), not tapes. A title list comes first. The title list is followed by full descriptions of each program.
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INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM TITLES AT A GLANCE
PROGRAMS WHICH PERTAIN TO ALL THREE
CATEGORIES OF:
HONORING SPOUSE - HONORING PARENTS - HONORING CHILDREN: RULES, ROLES AND DYNAMICS OF THE JEWISH FAMILY THE ART OF COMMUNICATING BE THE "YOU" WHO PEOPLE WILL LIKE BEST: TORAH KEYS TO A PLEASANT PERSONALITY HOW PEOPLE HURT AND ALIENATE EACH OTHER; HOW PEOPLE ATTRACT, PLEASE AND KEEP EACH OTHER COMMUNICATION IN THE MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIP HANDLING ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND QUARRELS IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP COMMON MYTHS OF LOVE, LASTING TRUTHS OF THE LOVE RELATIONSHIP HOW TO HELP SINGLES FIND A MATE (AND HOW NOT TO!)
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THE "HAPPY, PEACEFUL & SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE" SERIES
WISDOM OF THE TORAH AND TZADIKIM ON MARITAL PEACE, UNDERSTANDING AND HAPPINESS [7] HOW TO EFFECTIVELY HANDLE ANGER, FIGHTS AND DIFFERENCES IN THE JEWISH MARRIAGE [3] AN IN-DEPTH VIEW OF THE TORAH MARRIAGE [6] KEYS TO A FULFILLING AND QUALITY MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP: PRACTICAL, SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TOPICS FOR UNDERSTANDING AND UPGRADING BEHAVIOR AND PATTERNS [4] THE TORAH VIEW OF INTIMACY, MODESTY AND FAMILY PURITY [3] A SOLID AND BONDING FOUNDATION FOR YOUR MARRIAGE [2] THE BREAKTHROUGH HANDBOOK - FOR THE MORE ABUSIVE OR TROUBLED MARRIAGE (booklet) THE COMPLETE MARRIAGE SET [32]
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FINDING ONE'S ZIVUG (MATE)
MOST POPULAR MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIP & SINGLES TOPICS [4] YITZCHOK AND RIVKA: A BIBLE'S-EYE-VIEW OF FINDING YOUR PERFECT MATE [2] LAWS AND STRATEGIES FOR CHECKING OUT A SHIDDUCH PRACTICAL HISHTADLUSS [EFFORT] FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET MARRIED HOW TO BE THE ONE YOUR MATE WILL WANT TO KEEP UNLEASHING YOUR POWER TO BE MORE MARRIAGEABLE [8] PRAYERS AND SEGULOS FOR FINDING YOUR ZIVUG/MATE (booklet) FACING THE SINGLES SITUATION (3 booklet set) ARE WE MAKING SHIDDUCHIM WITHOUT MAKING MARRIAGES? (booklet) HOW TO TELL IN ADVANCE IF A SHIDDUCH WILL LAST (booklet) THE COMPLETE "FIND YOUR ZIVUG" SET [30 (24 cassettes and 6 booklets)] ------------------------
IMPROVING YOUR INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS & MITZVOS
THE CHESED PERSPECTIVE (KINDNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE) RELATIONSHIPS - FOR HAPPINESS AND MEANING IN LIFE KOSHER BUSINESS AND SELLING [4] STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS FOR SOLVING THE AGUNAH PROBLEM (booklet) THE GREATEST THING BETWEEN PEOPLE IS PEACE (booklet) SHALOM, ACHDUSS AND AHAVAS YISROEL (PEACE, UNITY AND LOVE) DERECH ERETZ, KAVOD HABRIOS, SENSITIVITY AND UNSELFISHNESS: THE FINE ART OF BEING A HUMAN BEING [3] INTERPERSONAL COMMANDMENTS AS MITZVOS AND LAW [9] note: the following four programs are a re-organizing and re-mastering of the material in the above nine-tape set, for those who wish focused study: PRACTICAL MITZVOS INVOLVING KINDNESS AND PROPERTY - WITH LAWS FOR THEIR PROPER FULFILLMENT [3] MIDOS (CHARACTER QUALITIES): THE FOUNDATION OF BEING A "MENTSH" [2] THE POWER OF THE TONGUE...FOR GOOD OR BAD [3] STUDIES IN LOVINGKINDNESS [3]
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PERSONAL PERFECTION & SUCCESS IN LIFE
SELF-IMAGE AND TORAH PSYCHOLOGY - RELATING TO YOURSELF, OTHERS AND THE WORLD [2] MIDOS AS MITZVOS AND HALACHOS OF THE TORAH [2] APPRECIATING AND PRODUCTIVELY MANAGING TIME [booklet + 3 tapes] PRAYERS AND SEGULOS FOR PARNOSSA & HATZLOCHA (booklet) ARROGANCE AND HUMILITY: "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT" CHARACTER TRAITS HELP YOURSELF TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH LIGHT VS. DARK IN THE HEART SIMCHA - THE JEWISH ROAD TO INNER HAPPINESS THE MERAGLIM (SPIES): PSYCHOLOGY OF SIN AND METHODOLOGY OF REBUILDING HOW TO FIGHT YOUR YAITZER HORA (EVIL INCLINATION) [2] THE JEWISH POWER OF INNER TRANSFORMATION HOW TO MAKE HASHEM LOVE AND HELP YOU A LIFE OF WISDOM RECEIVING THE TORAH ANEW EVERY DAY FOR TIMES THAT REQUIRE SPIRITUAL STRIVING AND SELF-ELEVATION [25, (23 cassettes and 2 booklets)] ------------------------
BETWEEN MAN & HASHEM, HASHKOFA (TORAH WORLDVIEW) & MISCELLANEOUS
BRINGING SPIRITUALITY AND HOLINESS INTO MATERIALISM & LIVELIHOOD [3] SO! YOU WANT HATZLOCHA (SUCCESS)? SUFFERING: THE TORAH RESPONSE [3] TORAH GEMS FROM RABBI AVRAHAM ASHER ZIMMERMAN, Z'L (booklet) PARSHAS HAMON A CHANUKAH MESSAGE FOR ALL YEAR THE NASSI'IM (TWELVE TRIBAL LEADERS) [2] HOLINESS OF THE BAIS HAKNESSESS ("SHUL") GETTING PRAYER INTO YOUR HEART [4] KAVOD HATORAH (HONORING TORAH) ------------------------
RAMBAM'S WRITINGS FOR SUCCESSFUL TORAH LIVING translated by Rabbi Forsythe into clear, contemporary English one booklet each
RAMBAM'S SHMONEH PRAKIM ("EIGHT CHAPTERS") RAMBAM'S WRITINGS ON TSHUVA (REPENTANCE), MOSHIACH (MESSIAH) AND OLAM HABO (THE WORLD TO COME) RAMBAM'S HILCHOS DAYOS - RAMBAM'S COMPLETE CODIFICATION OF LAWS OF MIDOS, INTERPERSONAL MITZVOS AND DAILY CONDUCT RAMBAM'S YESODAY HATORAH - FUNDAMENTAL TORAH BELIEFS RAMBAM'S LETTER TO YEMEN - CLASSIC WORK ON TORAH FAITH, MOSHIACH, REFUTATION OF OTHER RELIGIONS' ARGUMENTS AGAINST TORAH, ETC. SELECTED INFORMATIVE AND ELEVATING PERSONAL LETTERS OF RAMBAM
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PROGRAMS WHICH PERTAIN TO ALL THREE CATEGORIES OF: HUMAN RELATIONS, MARRIAGE AND FINDING ONE'S MATE
HONORING SPOUSE - HONORING PARENTS - HONORING CHILDREN: RULES, ROLES AND DYNAMICS OF THE JEWISH FAMILY The Jewish Family unit is the link with the chain which transmits our mesorah (tradition) from generation to generation as well as being the building block of society in every generation. This story starts with five heartwarming and instructive anecdotes about being a Jewish spouse, parent or child (two of which are about Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky). The program proceeds to a presentation addressing the Jewish home and family, relationships between parent and child, promoting shalom bayis (marital peace), changes in relationships as the family grows older, Torah atmosphere, dealing with problem situations (e.g. difficult parent, undisciplined child), the role of family in society, the parallel between parent-child relationship and the Hashem-Jew relationship. There is a section with practical halacha (law) digest for honoring spouse and parents and for raising children.
THE ART OF COMMUNICATING Only when you can communicate effectively can you relate effectively. People - and their perceptions - are very complex. One statement might be understood many different ways. To convey one idea, I may have to modify it several ways for different people to understand my intended meaning. How do I allow for different personality types, thinking processes, moods, backgrounds, circumstances, biases...and still have rapport? What about the effect of voice tone, gestures and other "non-verbals?" What effect does the choice of medium have (in-person vs. phone vs. writing)?
BE THE "YOU" WHO PEOPLE WILL LIKE BEST: TORAH KEYS TO A PLEASANT PERSONALITY Loaded with practical ideas and golden sources on how to be a sweeter, more friendly and agreeable person; on midos and derech eretz in every-day relating, and on being a daily Kidush Hashem. Contains statements from Talmud and Midrash, stories of gedolim and halachos (laws of being a "mentsch"). This program is an excellent "tool" for developing sensitivity, consideration & respect for others [Note: this program is a one hour abridgement of the four and a half hour long set: "Derech Eretz, Kavod Habrios, Sensitivity And Unselfishness: The Fine Art Of Being A Human Being"].
HOW PEOPLE HURT AND ALIENATE EACH OTHER; HOW PEOPLE ATTRACT, PLEASE AND KEEP EACH OTHER Bain adam lechavairo studies (interpersonal) for relationships; addresses the various relationships of life: social, neighbors, dating, marriage, work and friends. Contains numerous halachos and principles, with applications to practical daily life. Includes representative scenarios showing how Jews should treat and be considerate of eachother. Focuses on Torah obligations not to harm or mistreat others and how to behave and set Torah standards for interpersonal relating in general and with some emphasis for the man-woman relationship in particular.
COMMUNICATION IN THE MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIP Uniting two separate "realities," understand and relate to who the other really is, adapt for the opposite gender, distinguish between what you think about what you say and what another actually perceives, create receptivity, avoid and reconcile differences, recognizing that speech can be positive or negative, the destructiveness of failure to effectively communicate, one-sided "steamrolling" vs. genuine two-way communicating, using questions to soften an adversarial topic, getting into the other's frame of mind, etc.
HANDLING ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND QUARRELS IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP How anger, harshness and quarreling do not work, as a practical matter; working on improving temperament and controlling emotions; evaluating the merits of both sides of the story; differentiating between angry behavior and an underlying cause; differentiating between the issue and the person; steadily building a good relationship; effectively approaching anger in another person; techniques for controlling your anger; etc.
COMMON MYTHS OF LOVE, LASTING TRUTHS OF THE LOVE RELATIONSHIP What love is and what love isn't, how people mistakenly feel they have love and then fall "out of" love, what confuses people about false love, how "love" can be for self - not for the other person, how to build true love, what can kill a relationship even if it has genuine love, what goes into enabling love to last forever, what besides love is necessary for a peaceful and lasting relationship, etc.
HOW TO HELP SINGLES FIND A MATE (AND HOW NOT TO!) The Jewish singles population is frighteningly large and dealing with it is a very delicate, sensitive issue. Whereas responsible, concerned individuals may sincerely want to help their single friends and relatives, or be a professional shadchan, how does one do so without blunt and wounding mistakes? After all, many singles are frustrated and hurt enough without well-intended blunders and insults. How much of the problem is in the single? How do you broach personality or relating shortcomings? How do you determine when to back off? What constitutes a sensible set-up (blind date)? What relationships does halacha forbid because of the risk of divorce or misery? How can you help a single to practice caring for others to have a more successful marriage relationship later? Are the single's expectations realistic? How do you approach self-sabotage or fear of commitment...with a constructive, receptive and honest atmosphere?
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THE "HAPPY, PEACEFUL & SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE" SERIES
WISDOM OF THE TORAH AND TZADIKIM ON MARITAL PEACE, UNDERSTANDING AND HAPPINESS [7 cassettes] How the Torah teaches men and women to address and understand gender differences, practical and specific obligations and laws (incumbent on husbands and wives towards each other), the first year - building a solid relationship in a new or shaky marriage, the husband and wife are as one person, establishing a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a "tzadik's eye view" of treating a wife (teaching by and stories about how Chazal (Talmudic sages) and Gedolim (our great leaders) treated wives or instructed men to treat wives), commentary to "Aishess Chayil" (the wife of valor, primarily based on Chazal and Rishonim), using chesed and community projects to give couples common projects that build "alliance" and admiration, much more.
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY HANDLE ANGER, FIGHTS AND DIFFERENCES IN THE JEWISH MARRIAGE [3 cassettes] Understanding what the fight really is about "under the surface," dealing with emotion and thoughtlessness in yourself or your spouse, making every one a winner, sheilding children, keeping a fight from resurfacing after resolution, using creativity and humor to undo trouble, rules for expressing feelings constructively, empathy, healing, building a solid relationship before fights, Talmud and Midrash on anger and fighting, Gedolim on Shalom Bayis, Hashem as always present, hitting (in Jewish law), keeping relatives from destructive meddling, tshuva for wronging a spouse, how to "cool off" when angry, etc.
AN IN-DEPTH VIEW OF THE TORAH MARRIAGE [6 cassettes] This program provides a multi-faceted picture of many aspects of the Jewish view of marriage. Marriage as analogy to Mount Sinai and the sanctuary, Chazal's "formula" for marital peace, Hashem's creation of male and female, keys to happiness and success, overrcoming impasses, the centrality of giving, the paralel of one's "bashert" and the Yam Suf (Reed Sea), commentary to the seven wedding blessings, the seven elements of a complete marriage relationship, how to develop and increase love, prioritizing your spouse, treatment of your spouse as governed by halacha (Torah law), giving and taking criticism, helping eachother to grow caringly and constructively, promoting emotional security, how "dwelling" in a suka teaches man and wife "dwelling" as a home, attributing appropriate value to a spouse, much more.
KEYS TO A FULFILLING AND QUALITY MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP: PRACTICAL, SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TOPICS FOR UNDERSTANDING AND UPGRADING BEHAVIOR AND PATTERNS [4 cassettes] How to appreciate your mate, how to identify and focus on eachother's positive aspects, how to rearrange priorities and make time for the relationship, how to make your "being accessible to the relationship, how to define having "enough" and how to feel you have enough, how does one psychologically sabotage or hold back fulfillment in a marriage relationship, where do happiness and fulfillment come from within oneself, how to improve a partner's capacity to be pleased with you, how to define and increase quality relating, how to motivate a partner to give quality relating to you, study of specific midos of peaceful and lasting relating, projection of inner mind onto a spouse - the difference between what you think your spouse is and who your spouse really is - the troubles that come from not dealing with the "real person" in your spouse, catching and changing your behavior patterns and habits, much more.
THE TORAH VIEW OF INTIMACY, MODESTY AND FAMILY PURITY [3 cassettes] Applicable to the observant Jew seeking "chizuk [motivation, strengthening]" or information, the beginner to Judaism seeking undertanding, the rov or outreach worker who seeks to better advise others on these crucial and complex topics, and those whose observance is shaky and do not know how to get back on track. Seeks to imbue the listener with holiness, consideration and respect for a spouse, greater awareness of and commitment to Torah law, personal happiness and contentment, inner and marital peace, moral sensitivity, attachment to G-d, self-discipline and spiritual growth. Loaded with sources, advice, explanations and inspiration. Includes Chazals, Rishonim, gedolim, mussar, TaNaCH and many representative halachos.
A SOLID AND BONDING FOUNDATION FOR YOUR MARRIAGE [2 cassettes] Marriage as a package of duties assigned by Chazal, wisdom of gedolim on happy marriage, survey of what made successful marriages, marriage as opportunity for chesed [kindness], tzneeus [modesty rules] for the wife, shana rishona [building closeness during the first year], eradication of anger, the importance of respect and appreciativeness; keys to making a marriage last; etc.
THE BREAKTHROUGH HANDBOOK - FOR THE MORE ABUSIVE OR TROUBLED MARRIAGE (booklet) Understanding, soothing and effectively dealing with incompatibility, hostile tension and emotional abuse in marriage [more serious cases than those addressed in the "Marriage Series" below]. How to achieve marital resolution: problem analyses, solid advice and effective remedies for couples committed to practical resolution, to making breakthroughs, to a loving peace and lasting repair of serious but non-hitting marital trouble, anger, fighting, miscommunication, incompatibility and/or emotional abuse; based on Rabbi Forsythe's years of practical marriage counseling experience, and expertise in both Torah and Psychology.
THE MARRIAGE SET [32 cassettes] One of Rabbi Forsythe's more popular items. Provides a thorough education in building and maintaining a happy, peaceful and durable marriage. Contains all tapes in this marriage section [excludes "The Breakthrough Handbook," which may be ordered separately] and the applicable tapes in the "Human Relations, Singles and Marriage" section [all except "How To Help Singles Find Their Mate"].
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FINDING ONE'S ZIVUG (MATE)
MOST POPULAR MAN-WOMAN RELATIONSHIP & SINGLES TOPICS [4 cassettes] This program is compiled from many of the most useful, inspiring and effective components of Rabbi Forsythe's famous and popular presentations and workshops on finding, choosing, developing and maintaining a serious and successful man-woman relationship. Material was originally presented at Hineni Heritage Center (N.Y.C.), Linclon Square Synagogue (N.Y.C.), Congregation Ohab Zedek ("O.Z."; N.Y.C.), Etz Chaim Torah Center (Phila. Pa.), Sephardic Education Center (N.Y.C.), Kehilath Jacob (the "Carlebach Shul"; N.Y.C.), Brown's Resort Hotel (Catskills), Ruach Shabatones '93 and '94, Havurat Yisrael (Queens, N.Y.), Chabad-Lubavitch of Five Towns Long Island and of West Bloomfield Michigan, K'hal Bnei Yisrael Learning & Outreach Center of Boro Park N.Y., several prestigious Manhattan synagogues and numerous Torah and outreach institutions throughout the northeastern USA. Topics include: succeeding in a man-woman relationship, family values in Torah Judaism, the battlefield of relationships...and where the truce comes from, finding the right one to marry and the courage to make it happen, overcoming obstacles to getting and staying married, defining genuine readiness for commitment and marriage, identifying problems that block selecting and relating successfully, how to be the person your mate will want - and the person who will choose that mate, fed up with being single and what to do about it, fear of rejection or commitment, the link between self-awareness and mate selection, what goes into peaceful marriage, etc.
YITZCHOK AND RIVKA: A BIBLE'S-EYE-VIEW OF FINDING YOUR PERFECT MATE [2 cassettes] In-depth study of the Torah's account of the match between Issac and Rebecca (contains about 20% other zivug-related material). Loaded with wisdom and insight, primarily based on meforshim (Torah commentaries) and midrashim.
LAWS AND STRATEGIES FOR CHECKING OUT A SHIDDUCH Many of the practical and halachic aspects of seeking and revealing information, selection criteria and priorities for selecting a match, verifying or handling suspicions about phoney or incomplete information, checking a shadchan's integrity or competence, referring questions to da'as Torah, differentiating between lashon hora vs. what is obligatory to reveal, indicators of compatibility, etc.
PRACTICAL HISHTADLUSS [EFFORT] FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET MARRIED Practical aspects of getting over obstacles to getting your zivug (mate): measuring a relationship's potential, networking, dealing with a pressuring or inept shadchan, dealing with expectations that don't work for you, making a singles event meaningful and effective, handling shyness and rejection, being an interesting and comfortable date, etc.
HOW TO BE THE ONE YOUR MATE WILL WANT TO KEEP. When singles seek a mate, they often are looking for someone they will be happy with or feel excited about. But marriage requires practical fulfillment of roles and responsibilities, constant striving to please the other and to get along, adaptability, consideration and respect. Much marital trouble or termination comes from singles seeking a partner on the basis of an initial romantic phase; and from failing to adequately evaluate whom they can genuinely complete and be completed by, work with on a daily basis in "real life," and build a mature and committed relationship with. This program is for singles who want to learn how couples can: behave so as to get along for a lifetime, work on building a solid and bonded foundation at the beginning of a marriage, consistently treat eachother nicely and with understanding, fulfill practical and emotional responsibilities, establish a warm and loving atmosphere in their home, and create a secure and happy relationship with an authentic long-run perspective. The program generously brings Torah sources from Talmudic sages, Rishonim, seforim and recent authorities; and it shares representative and fundamental samples of material from the "Marriage Set" described above.
UNLEASHING YOUR POWER TO BE MORE MARRIAGEABLE [8 cassettes] Contains all of the tapes in the Zivug series which are not available separately. Approaches numerous aspects of seeking a mate - and of being the one your mate would want. Criteria for measuring how happy a relationship you can sustain and how much serious potential a relationship has, the goal of attachment, the dynamics and destructiveness of subjectivity, high and unattainable expectations that don't work, coming across as a valuable person, building an understanding and bonded relationship, how to search, when are you really ready (being lonely or sentimental is not enough), what are real priorities to look for, what are healthy needs to base a mate-selection on, what holds back finding one's mate, how should you want to treat a mate, how the "right one" completes you, the shiduchim of Yaakov Avinu, the Maharal on the man-woman relationship, relating from the heart as the basis for lifelong love, Hashem as the only maker of zivugim (matches), the spiritual forces that hold back one's mate, the one most fundamental element of a sustainable marriage, how to pray for the right one, much more.
PRAYERS AND SEGULOS FOR FINDING YOUR ZIVUG/MATE (booklet) This booklet furnishes numerous carefully selected prayers, segulos, Tehillim and avodas for when it is difficult to find one's "basherte [destined mate]," when there is "ikuv (Heavenly stoppage). Where appropriate, different materials and instructions are furnished for men and women, for Shmoneh Esray and for individual davening, for with a minyan and without. Includes instructions as to how, when, how often, under what circumstances to say the various materials and how to do the segulos and avodas. There is an extensive overview which addresses several important and central issues including: readiness for marriage, Heaven's providence, increasing merit for finding one's mate, Torah axioms for marriage. Also contains halacha and descriptive backround material. Backround and instruction material in English. Material to be davened in Loshon Kodesh.
FACING THE SINGLES SITUATION (3 booklet set) With one out of three American Jews of marriageable age single, Jewish society - and Jewish continuity - have a crisis to face. The problems are too widespread and deep to fix with a singles barbecue or arbitrary set-ups. Many of the articles in this compendium, based on years of experience working with singles and studying human relations, have been published in Jewish magazines (Jewish Homemaker, Country Yossi Family Magazine, Kashrus Magazine, Jewish Image) and take on subjects that take the singles situation "head on." Includes: Formula For Success (How To Make A Relationship Last), Responsible Matchmaking, Responsible Dating (Success After Marriage Begins Before Marriage), Self-Image And Relationship Blockage, How To Help Singles Find Their Mate (And How Not To) [an elaboration of approximately 25% of the tape in this series by the same name], How A Community Can Be A Shadchan (Making A Shabatone That Is Organized, Torahdik and Effective), The Effect Of Self-Image On Choosing And Sabotaging Relationships, What In Heaven's Name Is Holding Back My Zivug (Hashgacha Pratis And Midos Tovos - Heaven's Providence And Your Having Good Character As Elements Of Delay In Finding Your Mate) and others.
ARE WE MAKING SHIDDUCHIM WITHOUT MAKING MARRIAGES? (booklet) Compilation of articles from Rabbi Forsythe's Jewish Press series on how people (shadchanim, singles, society at large) use false or inadequate premises and approaches for making or choosing matches or setting-up marriages; separating from mistakes; practical and valid strategies for finding or selecting a mate; good vs. bad preparation for marriage; suffereing on the way to finding a mate; handling rejection by someone you don't want to be rejected by; personal growth and family values.
HOW TO TELL IN ADVANCE IF A SHIDDUCH WILL LAST (booklet) Compilation of articles from Rabbi Forsythe's Jewish Press series on difficulties of meaningful meeting, human dynamics of compatibility, "reading" another person when you date or "bashow," investigating the person relaibly, halachos of shidduchim, psychological avoidance or destruction of commitment or relationships, improving matchmaking, marriageability criteria, achieving true "specialness" when finding your mate, from our sages on finding one's mate.
THE COMPLETE "FIND YOUR ZIVUG" SET [30 (24 cassettes, 6 booklets)] One of Rabbi Forsythe's best sellers and probably the closest thing you'll find to a comprehensive seminar on preparing for and finding your mate. Contains all items in this "Finding One's Zivug" section and the applicable cassettes in the "Human Relations, Singles And Marriage" section [all except "Rules, Roles And Dynamics Of The Jewish Family"].
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IMPROVING YOUR INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS & MITZVOS
THE CHESED PERSPECTIVE (KINDNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE) The destruction of the Holy Temple occurred as a result of causeless hate, so it stands to reason that the repair is Jewish love. How do I develope love? How spiritually powerful is kindness? What else, in conjunction with kindness, can restore the Holy Temple? Based on numerous verses, Chazals, Rashi, materials in the siddur, later Gedolim (such as R. Eliyahu Dessler and Ben Ish Chai); this is a powerful, inspiring and well-sourced presentation, which will warm any heart and motivate you to become a baal chesed (master of lovingkindness) and to increase your interpersonal mitzvos.
RELATIONSHIPS - FOR HAPPINESS AND MEANING IN LIFE Starts with a Torah definition of happiness and how to develope happiness. Good relationships (e.g. friendships, one's spouse, a chavrusa, etc.) are one of the biggest gifts that Hashem has given man. Potentially, herein lies one of the greatest sources of joy in life. This presentation brings out how to have happiness from relationships (including: how to have spiritual values for the relationship, what qualities promote closeness, peace and unity; what does the Torah instruct one to do to increase genuine and lasting love in myself for others? How, through relationship, can people increase personal qualities, human potential and lasting inner satisfaction? This program is designed to augment your success in, and fulfillment from, your relationships [Note: most of this tape's material is also found in "Unleashing Your Power To Be More Marriageable" (in the "Zivug" section) and "An In-Depth View Of The Torah Marriage" (in the Marriage section)].
KOSHER BUSINESS AND SELLING [4 cassettes] The Torah's standards, its demands of honesty and integrity, the universal and uncompromising applicability of "love your neighbor as yourself," the value of material objects when used for and in accordance with spirituality, impose on the Torah Jew halachic observance in every business and financial matter. This is a matter of serious and constant test. We all know how tempting it is to cheat, mislead, manipulate, bend the tuth to one's advantage. Ironically, with resourcefulness and seichel (intelligence), this can be turned to the frum (observant) businessperson's advantage. Did you know that there is a technique for having happy customers sell for you and pay you back for their satisfaction? to have happy customers help you increase your customer base? to have employees be more dedicated and cooperative? After all, you want everyone who does business with you - as well as Hashem - to be happy with how you do business! The program starts with a wide-ranging overview creating a Torah foundation and perspective for approaching interpersonal relationships in general and business in particular; including an in-depth study of "Kidoshim tihiyu (the mitzva to be holy)," business as nesayone (spiritual testing ground) and responsibility (to those who you effect e.g. employers, employees, suppliers, customers, family, community, competitors), spiritual consequences of free will choices and actions, objectivity vs. subjectivity and much more. Then, the program studies source verses in the Torah from which major business laws derive. Next is a considerable section of actual halacha (Torah law) in such business-related topics as pricing, weights and measures, pressuring, interest, misrepresenting (e.g. "watering down" or mixing inferior quality merchandise with the good), machlokess (dispute), paying employees and debtors, when and how to go to bais din (Torah court), theft and cheating, shaming competitors, hasagas gvul (encroaching impermissibly on another's business), harm to the neighbors around your place of business, and more. And, you'll be happy to know, the program contains numerous intelligent, real-world, proven selling and business techniques that are as kosher as they are effective. This program is for sellers, buyers, bosses, employees, inheritors, partners, "deal makers," etc. - A MUST FOR ANY YORAY SHOMAYIM IN BUSINESS.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS FOR SOLVING THE AGUNAH PROBLEM (booklet) Moral vs. immoral molding of public opinion, values and action; Doing what is correct and good in the eyes of Hashem; dozens of Torah principles that the "agunah-making" husband violates; the agunah dilemma as governed by halacha; never making the children a "korban [sacrifice]" in a bad or dissolved marriage; compassion for the anguished woman; interpersonal Torah standards, behavior and awareness; approaching a recalcitrant husband; motivating rabbis and others to act on behalf of people's needs and troubles; etc.
THE GREATEST THING BETWEEN PEOPLE IS PEACE (booklet) How peace is different from other mitzvos; the Torah's view of the value of peace; obligations of making and maintaining peace; numerous Chazals on peace; peace as the basis for halachos; peace as it pertains to individuals and between husband and wife; sacrificing for the will of G-d is precious to Him; avoiding fights or hate by investigating the truth of a thing you heard against a person, talking out problems, creative circumventing of confrontation and looking honestly into yourself to find fault; a true talmid chochom increases peace and tshuva in the world; etc.
SHALOM, ACHDUSS AND AHAVAS YISROEL (PEACE, UNITY AND LOVE) A facet of the concept that the tikun (repair) for sinas chinom (causeless hatred that destroyed the Temple) is ahavas chinom: increasing love between Jews; eradicating machlokess (fights) and separation; harmony between different segments of Jewry. The program deals with focusing on commonality and positivism, reward and punishment, the difference between machlokess that is (versus is not) for the sake of Heaven, the trap of using Torah for sinas chinom, the Jewish people's unified manifesting of the Torah as the condition for Hashem keeping the world in existence, and the vital importance of pursuing, increasing and maintaining Jewish peace and unity, etc.
DERECH ERETZ, KAVOD HABRIOS, SENSITIVITY AND UNSELFISHNESS: THE FINE ART OF BEING A HUMAN BEING [3 cassettes] Derech Eretz is translatable as proper conduct; manners; or as polite, civil and thoughtful behavior. But, this is too vague to know how to act so as to achieve derech eretz, as a practical matter. The midrash teaches, "Derech eretz comes before Torah." What exactly is derech eretz? How does one do derech eretz? If derech eretz comes before Torah, what is one's Torah if one does not conduct himself with derech eretz? The sages teach us to act with kavod habrios (human dignity, respect for people) and with love and consideration for people. Again, how? This program brings together literally dozens of teachings from the sages that define, explain and exemplify these fundamental principles. The program explores numerous additional sources including Pela Yoetz, Ramban and Rabbi Shimshon Rafael Hirsch; studies these principles as seen in Biblical figures such as Avraham, Rivka, Rachel and Moshe; and shares examples of these from Torah giants from Alazar Ben Azaria and Rabbi Yehoshua (from the Talmud) to the more recent (Reb Zusha, the Bais HaLevy, Chazone Ish, Chofetz Chayim and Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky). The program studies approximately a dozen halachos in the Shulchan Oruch (Code Of Jewish Law) from the sections Orech Chayim and Chshen Mishpot showing foundations for these laws as being derech eretz or kavod habrios. Includes a scan through many of the teachings in the two Talmudic tractates on Derech Eretz as well as an in-depth study of the midrash from which we learn that "derech eretz comes before Torah."
INTERPERSONAL COMMANDMENTS AS MITZVOS AND LAW [9 cassettes] The sages teach that most fundamental principles in the Torah are: Loving each other as each loves himself, getting along peacefully and never damaging one another. How do we make this practical? Further, the Torah doesn't only want us to do good; the Torah faults us for all of the potentyial good that we could do but don't. The Torah also obligates us to foresee the impact of our actions on others. What are the good things that we are obligated to do and bad things we are prohibited from doing? This in-depth study starts with a substantial overview that meaningfully gives you backround on the Torah's view of interpersonal obligations, opportunities, problems, values and philosophy. The program extensively discusses loving other Jews, pursuit of peace, the commandments to be holy and to emulate Hashem, loshon hora (prohibited defamation), charity, kindness, prioritizing (when you can't give to or do for everyone), developing and having a "giving orientation," developing creativity for finding mitzvos, and approximately a dozen and a half good or bad midos (character traits) that have effect on interpersonal behaviors. The program includes numerous stories of tzadikim who exemplify kindness, thoughtfulness andmitzva fulfillment. The program goes through numerous interpersonal mitzvos of the Torah, with specific laws on how to fulfill them, including: visiting and caring for the sick, having guests, comforting mourners, prohibitions of hurting or shaming with words, benefit of doubt, resolving fights and hatred, lending money or property, damages, returning lost property, verbal kindnesses (encouraging, beneficially advising, cheering up, etc.), listening to and helping people with burdens, pleasing newliweds, getting along with neighbors, etc. The program is designed to open your heart to people, to inspire and equip you to be a Baal Chesed (a master of active lovingkindness), upgrade your attitudes and relationships and dramatically increase your interpersonal mitzvos and merits.
Note: the following four programs are a re-organizing and re-mastering of the material in the above nine-tape set, for those who wish focused study:
PRACTICAL MITZVOS INVOLVING KINDNESS AND PROPERTY - WITH LAWS FOR THEIR PROPER FULFILLMENT [3 cassettes] Visiting and caring for the sick, having guest, comforting mourners, damages, lending money and property, returning lost property, charity, pleasing newliweds, helping the burdened and troubled, living with neighbors, etc. etc.
MIDOS (CHARACTER QUALITIES): THE FOUNDATION OF BEING A "MENTSH" [2 cassettes] Describes and studies approximately two dozen essential character traits; good ones to develope and apply (e.g. humility, patience, compassion, happiness, self-control, benefit of doubt, appreciation, responsibility); bad ones to conquer and eliminate (e.g. arrogance, cruelty, anger, hate, jealousy).
THE POWER OF THE TONGUE...FOR GOOD OR BAD [3 cassettes] Laws and principles of Loshon Hora (deragatory speech); the differences between Loshon Hora, Motzee Shaim Ra (slander) and Richiluss (talebearing); Ona'as Devorim (hurting or shaming with words); Tochacha (constructively and caringly correcting another's misdeeds with words); verbal kindnesses (advising, encouraging, comforting, praying for people, cheering up); dealing with quarrels and pursuing peace; etc.
STUDIES IN LOVINGKINDNESS [3 cassettes] In-depth study of the mitzvos to love your fellow Jews, to be holy, to pursue peace and to do kindnesses at all times for fellow Jews. Includes stories about and teachings from Biblical figures, Talmudic sages, and tzadikim throughout the ages; what are the value, nature and applications of kindness; Torah standards, models and obligations; etc.
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PERSONAL PERFECTION & SUCCESS IN LIFE
SELF-IMAGE AND "TORAH PSYCHOLOGY" - RELATING TO YOURSELF, OTHERS AND THE WORLD [2 cassettes] The Mishna tells us that everything is in the Torah (hafech ba...hakol ba). We live in a tough, complex world, which can weigh on one's mind and heart, so much so that we see numerous widespread sociological and psychological difficulties which have seeped into the Jewish community. We see manifestations in such central facets of life as parnossa (e.g. career sabotage, "worshipping" money, anxiety over money), relationship difficulties (e.g. shalom bayis, divorces, widespread singlehood) and personality problems (e.g. failure to choose or achieve reasonable and normal goals, unhappiness, disorders, neuroses). In increasing numbers, people who you see on the street as socialized, nice neighbors, have difficulties in their inner lives that often come - in varying ways and levels of intensity - from outside societal values or shortcomings, emotional neglect or abuse, major or repeated pssychological blows (e.g. disappointment, hardship, stress, pressure or emotional trauma), never having been adequately nurtured so as to be able to cope and function in various areas of life. In an effort to develope an effective and kosher response - after years of research in Torah sources and practical experience in private counseling of individuals and couples, an effective "Kosher Synthesis" of Torah and Psychology has been developed. By weaving together a profound human nature and personality construct (which proves that everything - even "psychology" - is in the Torah), a Torah vehicle exists now for dealing with many of the psychological and social issues that our generation requires. The Torah knows about "conditioning," "behavior modification," motivation, projection, emotional release, subconscious, self-image, rationalization, anxiety, defense mechanisms, etc. But, that is just the beginning. A framework for analyzing, understanding and addressing psychological problems can be built with the diverse mass of sources, teachings and insights. Further, there is a "Personality Matrix" that is a tool for locating, identifying and treating personality and relating problems. Sources include two verses in "Shma;" gemoras in Kiddushin, Shabos, Yuma and Taanis; Targum Yonason; mussar; Mishna Nedarim; Mishlay (Proverbs); Tehillim (Psalms); Pirkei Avos; Yehuda HaChosid; Shulchan Oruch; Kitzur; Iyov (Jobe); etc. In addition are case histories which show how the principles come "to life" as practical.
MIDOS AS MITZVOS AND HALACHOS OF THE TORAH [2 cassettes] Often times, work on midos (character qualities) or mussar (personal refinement and elevation) is relegated to a position of being optional, beyond the requirements of the law, non-essential, low priority or unrealistic. This program presents sources in Chumash, Chazal, Halacha, Rishonim, Acharonim and Mussar which prove that work on - and growth in - midos are fundamental, mandatory and lifelong obligations commanded by the Torah. Refraining from - or diminishing the central importance of - work in midos bring to Torah prohibitions and sins, while working on - and prioritizing - midos - at all times - fulfills mitzvos and serious obligations and helps interpersonal relationships. The program demonstrates where mitzvos to elevate and perfect one's character and one's behavior erive from in the Torah and in Chazal; presents several key positions from Rishonim on the nature of midos obligations, establishes the tie between mitzvos of the Torah (which can only be done with a foundation of good midos) and necessary actual midos; and defines what "working on midos" is. The program ties several fundamental elements of Torah (e.g. emulation of Hashem, Derech Eretz, loving fellow Jews, the commandment to be holy, the war against the yaitzer hora [evil inclination] and "according to the pain is the reward") to midos. The program contains a description of what approximately twenty good midos are, so you can have some "targets" to go for.
APPRECIATING AND PRODUCTIVELY MANAGING TIME [4 (booklet + 3 cassettes)] In ruchniyuss and goshmiyuss (materialism and spirituality) - in everything we do - time is the most essential resource of life. Every moment is precious and is irreplacable if lost. And, the amount that we each have of it is limited. Yet, within it, we must achieve our life's mission; and achieve as much Torah, tshuva, mitzvos, maasim tovim (good deeds) and spiritual growth as possible. The first 25% of this program consists of a pure Torah drasha on the nature and value of time and the opportunity it provides. The remainder deals with tested, practical ideas and techniques for the optimized use of time and for the optimized guarding against the waste of time. Topics include: self-organization, detecting personal time wasters, setting concrete goals, prioritizing, planning and scheduling, handling interruptions, paper clutter, working with others, procrastination, improving decision-making, reducing tension, getting momentum and more.
PRAYERS AND SEGULOS FOR PARNOSSA & HATZLOCHA (booklet) This booklet anthologizes and brings together numerous carefully selected prayers, verses, Tehillim, segulos and tikunim - some well known, some rare and esoteric - into one convenient handbook. Instructions are included for materials (when to say, how often, with minyan vs. without, etc.). Citations from Chazal, Kabala, Mussar and TaNaCH give perspective on pain, hardship and suffering in general and on causes for financial yisurim (suffering) and nesoyone (test) in particular. Includes numerous activities which evoke rachamim (Heaven's mercy) and hatzlacha (success). If you want to know what to do when hashgacha (Providence) sends you or someone you know financial trouble, economic recession or parnossa (livelihood) difficulty, here is where to look. Includes advice from renowned contemporary Torah leaders for designing your individual "program" of avoda, Torah learning, davening, tikunim, tshuva and hishtadluss (practical effort), establishing priorities and attitudes, how to distribute your time, and getting yourself moving in a better direction - in ruchniyuss (spirituality) and gashmiyuss (materialism). Background material in English. Material to be davened in Loshon Kodesh.
ARROGANCE AND HUMILITY: "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT" CHARACTER TRAITS Sefer Orchos Tzadikim, citing numerous verses from TaNaCH and statements from Chazal, teaches that gaiva (arrogance) is the root of all evil midos (traits) and behaviors, and that anava (humilty) is the root of all good midos and behaviors. The stakes, of course, for breaking arrogance and optimizing humility are high. What are these two midos, which are at opposite extremes from one another? Why are they so all-encompassing? When is arrogance good and humility bad? What do we learn from Biblical figures whose downfall came from arrogance and lack of humility. How are one's values, relationships and hashkafos (views, attitudes) influenced by midos? How does one mesaken (improve, correct) oneself?
HELP YOURSELF TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH Dealing with life today can be complex and challenging - hardships withinoneself, hardships in one's external situation - spirituality, materialism, emotions, relationships. Yet, the Torah's standards and obligations upon us demand that we manage life without ever letting down our spiritual standards. To be a Torah Jew, one must develope in mitzvos towards both Hashem and fellow human beings. At times, a person's shortcomings stem from "the person and himself." If one can have a solid foundation within himself upon which his total edifice of divine service can stand, his completeness as a personality and as a "spiritual entity" increases. Using various sources which tech how one may grow in personality, relating toward people and Hashem, we can derive a comprehensive, unified and holistic approach to elevating ourselves. Among the ideas include are: having a goal, midos (traits) and halachos (laws) of tshuva (spiritual return) as tools for self-improvement, and characteristics that a Jew is to have. To address spiritual growth on the interpersonal side, the program addresses developing relationships by means of which your performance measures where you are holding (such that your spiritual performance can be optimized). Then, there is an in-depth study of a series of verses in Tehillim (Psalms) which give a course for, and a value system for, spiritual elevation and your service of Hashem.
LIGHT VS. DARK IN THE HEART How do we operate and manage in life? How do we establish how to relate to oneself, spouse, family, friends, community and one's mission in life? How can we develope clarity, midos, objectivity, priorities, self-awareness and personality integration (fusion of one's external and inner self)? This presentation furnishes a "Torah Psychology" learned from a teaching from the Chofetz Chayim, an in-depth study of, "bichol levovcha, bichol nafshecha and bichol mi'odecha, and various references to light and darkness (creation, the plague of darkness in Egypt vs. light in the Jewish dwellings, Korach: boker viyoda, R. Nachman's teaching of nature is darkness and spirituality is light, "Do not fear the dread of night" (Tehillim 91), yotzer hame'oros (Siddur), light in the future is the reward for the righteous vs. dark is the punishment for the wicked, and light from the menorah. The bottom line is: developing, and operating in practical situations from, a pure heart.
SIMCHA - THE JEWISH ROAD TO INNER HAPPINESS The program studies approximately 20 sources (Talmud, Midrash, Siddur, TaNaCH/Bible & Mussar) each of which reveals an aspect of what true happiness in life is, or how to acquire it.
THE MERAGLIM (SPIES): PSYCHOLOGY OF SIN AND METHODOLOGY OF REBUILDING Studies the motives and mental process of the spies, how they bent the truth to justify sin and cause centuries of destruction and tragedy. We learn how the mind formulates and rationalizes sin, how we can undo and rectify this process in ourselves to hold back from sin, how to pursue truth and mitzvos and how to undo the damage and exile caused by the spies.
HOW TO FIGHT YOUR YAITZER HORA (EVIL INCLINATION) [2 cassettes] Studies in understanding and fighting the clever and powerful evil inclination in human nature to better motivate and equip the Jew for his lifelong battle to steadily be a good person, to keep spiritually growing and to be servant of G-d. Sources include numerous gemoras, Sefer Segulos Yisroel, R. Yisroel Salanter, Vilna Gaon, Rambam, Ramban, HoRav Avraham Asher Zimmerman, R. Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, Chofetz Chayim, Tosfos, Rabainu Chananel, R. Elimelech of Lizinsk, Chidah, Maharal, Raishis Chochmah, Mesilas Yesharim, Shaaray Tshuvah, R. Chayim MiVelozhin, studies in how to pray for Heaven's help, etc.
THE JEWISH POWER OF INNER TRANSFORMATION Creating spiritual greatness within yourself, everyone's deeds have impact on building or damaging the world, Heaven exacts justice in every detail for everything we do, introspection leading to personal elevation, improving midos, seeing yourself as "dwelling in the house of G-d" at all times, preparing your mind and attitude for optimizing tshuva and personal (spiritual and emotional) growth at all times, maintaining and improving relationships and peace even when there are obstacles, knowing when to "chase" mitzvos, failing in interpersonal requirements is considered in Heaven to be theft from the other person, the mitzva of making others happy, working on midos and self-correction, dealing with things as they really are, improving loyalty to the will of G-d.
HOW TO MAKE HASHEM LOVE AND HELP YOU Ways in which we can gain favor, mercy, blessing and closeness from Hashem. Loaded with sources from Chazal, seforim and gedolim. Tshuva "cleans the slate" so Hashem can remove suffering or punishment. Individual prayer. Overlooking wrongs done to you by others so Heaven overlooks your wrongs. Increasing the quality and quantity of your acts of kindness to others. Being truthful. How to treat people so Hashem will be pleased with you. Imitating Hashem's traits. Refraining from sins that you want to do. Bringing other people closer to Hashem and Torah. The positive impact on our lives of having rachamim (compassion for others), being peaceful with people and steadfast loyalty to Hashem and His mitzvos. Mida kinegged mida (Heaven's measure-for-measure treatment of us), etc.
A LIFE OF WISDOM Studies several dozen statements in TaNaCH, Chazal and Rishonim on wisdom, sages or understanding; to give the listener Torah insights and teachings for living a wiser and more successful life. Topics include: the prerequisite and elements of wisdom, what true and lasting wisdom is, optimizing tshuva and good deeds, dealing with provoking people and circumstances calmly and substantively, who merits being given wisdom from Hashem, knowing when to be silent and when to speak, seeing the outcome before acting, learning from those who know more than you rather than learning on your own, not relying on your own perception, use of wisdom by evil people brings downfall, accepting rebuke from a wise person, Chazal on Torah wisdom vs. secular wisdom, true wisdom requires practical application of what one learns, the truly wise person has joy in life and studies mussar (self-perfection), how to increase wisdom, etc. [MULTIPLE TAPE SET STILL IN PRODUCTION, CHECK BACK IN NEAR FUTURE FOR NUMBER OF TAPES AND AVAILABILITY]
RECEIVING THE TORAH ANEW EVERY DAY In the month of Nissan, the Jewish people left Egypt on the 49th level of spiritual defilement. By the month of Sivan they had attained to so much holiness and purity that they were fit to permanently receive the holy Torah. How did they do it? Based on a Maharsha, a Be'er Haitiv, a Kli Yakar and an intriguing at-first-glance seemingly simplistic Rashi on Chumash, you will hear the "procedure" for carrying the giving of the Torah into your heart every day. Learn the midos which will change your approach to Torah. Inspire yourself to experience the the acquisition of Torah into your "system" every day. Make elevation in holiness and purity a real and ongoing part of your life. Understand why Moshe - and not Avraham Avinu - merited to receive the Torah. You can attain a new "taam" in Torah every single day.
FOR TIMES THAT REQUIRE SPIRITUAL STRIVING AND SELF-ELEVATION [25 (23 cassettes and 2 booklets)] This set consists of specially selected tapes to address the spiritual strivings required of the Jew - especially at times of introspection, self-correction and judgement. This set is particularly appropriate for: * the "three weeks" between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B'Av, * Ellul (the month before Rosh HaShanah), * the "Yomim Norayim" (the ten days Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur), * anytime one wishes to do tshuva to correct actual deeds or, * anytime one wishes to achieve self-elevation. This compilation is designed to enable those who apply it to improve and correct things that are crucial for obtaining Hashem's help, forgiveness, favor and blessing. It emphasizes bain odom lechavairo (interpersonal) behavior and mitzvos, guarding against lashon hora (slanderous, degrading or harmful speech), spiritual growth, increasing objectivity and awareness of one's true motivations as well as of the spiritual and practical impact of one's choices and actions, repairing the faults which brought and maintain galus (exile), etc. The set includes the following programs selected from this catalog: * The Chesed Perspective; * Light Vs. Dark In The Heart; * Help Yourself To Spiritual Growth; * Relationships - For Happiness And Meaning In Life * Arrogance And Humility: "Make It Or Break It" Character Traits; * Peace, Unity & Ahavas Yisroel; * Midos As Mitzvos And Halachos Of The Torah (2 tapes); * Derech Eretz, Kavod Habrios, Sensitivity And Unselfishness: The Fine Art Of Being A Human Being (3 tapes); * Studies In Lovingkindness (3 tapes); * The Power Of The Tongue For Good And For Bad (3 Tapes); * Rambam's Hilchos Tshuva And Writings On Moshiach And Olam Habo (booklet, in English); * The Meraglim (Spies) - Sin And Rebuilding; * How To Fight Your Yaitzer Hora (Evil Inclination, 2 tapes); * The Jewish Power Of Inner Transformation; * How To Make Hashem Love And Help You; * How People Hurt And Alienate Each Other - How People Attract And Please Each Other; * The Greatest Thing Between People Is Peace [booklet].
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BETWEEN MAN & HASHEM, HASHKOFA (TORAH WORLDVIEW) & MISCELLANEOUS
BRINGING SPIRITUALITY AND HOLINESS INTO MATERIALISM & LIVELIHOOD [3 cassettes] One of the questions that our soul's eternal judgement is based on is whether we behaved honestly and spiritually in the workplace. Particularly, if work/business represents about a third of every weekday, that's a lot of time - over the course of a lifetime - during which our eternal life can be developed or destroyed. Further, there is potential - here and now - to use our work life as an opportunity for constructive, spiritual behavior which can elevate life and relationships during business hours, turn work experiences into mitzvos, and make a contribution to this world at the same time. Trusting in Hashem. Work and personal potential. How the physical world and spiritual world come together for the servant of G-d. How physical objects (including merchandise) are intrinsically imbued with holy potential. What does Hashem want from the person to whom He gives wealth? What are the values and priorities for which we are to work? Parshas Hamon (Sefer Shmos/book of Exodus) is the Torah's principle source regarding parnossa and this program provides an in-depth commentary, dealing with key words, phrases, concepts and hashkofos (Torah views and attitudes). The program also studies the "work life" of the Chofetz Chayim and shows how a Torah Jew should view and operate a business.
SO! YOU WANT HATZLOCHA (SUCCESS)? The Chida, Midrash Talpios, Maharil and Me'am Loez bring that withing the Torah's Parshas Vayishlach is a powerful segula for hatzlacha, protection and for being well-liked. This program is a running commentary of the relevant portion, focussing on elements which bring out the advantages and powers buit by the Torah into it. The approach is a selected mix of p'shat (literal meaning of text), practical aitza (advice), drash (deeper meanings of Torah text) hashkofa (philosophy) and kabala (mysticism). By accepting the instruction, values, standards and behaviors in this narrative of the relationship between Yaakov and Esav (and what each represents), we can gain from the means by which Yaakov had hatzlacha and prevailed.
SUFFERING: THE TORAH RESPONSE [3 cassettes] One of the most painful, difficult and dismaying aspects of life is suffering, particularly suffering of the righteous. Hashem wouldn't show Moshe His "ways." Using TaNaCH (Bible), Talmud and Midrash, the presentation sheds some light on this obscure and disturbing facet of life. The suffering of Iyov (Jobe) and Talmudic tzadikim. Why did the Jewish people, weary after slavery in Egypt, suffer the attack by Amalek? The halachic attitude and response to suffering. Behavior towards people and business conduct as causes for suffering. Using sources in Chazal, numerous avodas (spiritual activities) are revealed that are said by our tradition to have the power to lessen trouble and pain. By a comprehensive yet individualized program of tikunim (spiritual repairs), praying, avodas and segulas, one may use Hashem's "system" for obtaining Heavenly mercy (as much as may be available in any given case); including increasing Torah learning, service of G-d, lovingkindness, charity, tshuva (repentence for wrongdoings) and dealing with the matters that apply to the individual's case. There is an extensive section on laws of prayer for those who will wish to sayindividual prayers (for themselves or others) based on Mishna Brurah, Ve'imru Amen and Tefila Kehilchaso. In addition, instruction is furnished from teachings by recent or contemporary Torah authorities including Rav Avraham Asher Zimmerman, Rav Shimon Schwab, Rav Yaakov Perlow (Novominsk), Rav Chaim Krauss, etc.
TORAH GEMS FROM RABBI AVRAHAM ASHER ZIMMERMAN, Z'L (booklet) Rabbi Avraham Asher Zimmerman was a giant of Torah and one of the last from the generation who learned in pre-war Europe (he was a talmid of Rov Elchanon Wasserman z'l). Rov Zimmerman was called for shaalos and advice from all around the world. For approximately eleven years, Rabbi Forsythe was a talmid of Rov Zimmerman, a congregant of his shul and a neighbor who had the benfit of close access to this tzadik and gadol. Rabbi Forsythe attended numerous shiurim and drashos given by Rov Zimmerman on halacha, mussar and parsha; and spoke often with the Rov for halacha and advice. After Rov Zimmerman's passing in '96, Rabbi Forsythe wrote down some of Rov Zimmerman's Torah gems and they are presented here in a touching tribute to a recent and irreplacable giant of Torah. Topics include marriage, midos, peace, interpersonal relating, prayer, proper use of speech, suffering, devotion to Torah, etc.
PARSHAS HAMON Running commentary on the Torah's story of Hashem's provision of miraculous bread and meat in the desert, which shows us how to evoke parnossa (sustainance, livelihood) from Hashem and to handle and appreciate it [note: this tape is a component of the multi-tape program "Bringing Spirituality And Holiness Into Materialism & Livelihood].
A CHANUKAH MESSAGE FOR ALL YEAR How does Chanuka teach the Torah Jew to view life in this world and his role in it? Why on Chanukah, was the miracle of the outnumbered Chashmonayim winning a "guerilla" war against the Greeks commemorated specifically by saying an extra paragraph in prayer, while the miracle of the oil burning for eight days (instead of one) was commemorated specifically with an active mitzva (candles)? How do these relate to the fact that giving tzadaka (charity) during Chanuka gives special "tikun (spiritual repair)"? How do these all relate the the Torah reading for Chanuka (mishkon/sanctuary and lighting the original menorah)? What do the word "Yavon (Greece)" and the characteristic of pure olive oil (as needed for the Holy Temple's menorah) teach us about spirituality? How do we learn from Chanuka to achieve spiritual accomplishment through all worldly dealings, all year round?
THE NASSI'IM (TWELVE TRIBAL LEADERS) [2 cassettes] In Parshas Naso, the 12 tribal leaders brought sacrifices to inaugurate the service of the sanctuary (the forerunner of the Holy Temple). The Torah repeats, word for word, the lengthy list of sacrifices (approximately 70 words long) 12 times, taking up almost an entire chapter of Sefer Bamidbar (the book of Numbers). The Torah goes out of its way to be so concise that an extra letter teaches us laws and lessons. What do we say when the Torah adds 800 "extra" words? The Torah, never redundant, is revealing deep lessons about shidduchim, marriage, generous giving, unity, peace, Torah leadership qualities, Chanukah, raising material of the physical world to spirituality, being "lishaim Shomayim" (for the sake of Heaven), and behavior which endears one to Hashem and man. An incredible example of how deep and diverse the Torah is - and what a gift the "package" of written and oral Torah is.
HOLINESS OF THE BAIS HAKNESSESS ("SHUL") In Parshas Trumah, the Torah commands the building of the holy sanctuary. In King Solomon's time, the sanctuary became the Holy Temple. With the Temple's destruction, its sanctity is transferred to the "mikdash me'at," the miniature sanctuary: the synagogue. The sages tell us profound teachings about the holiness, power and function of "shul." If the "opportunity" of the synagogue is properly utilized, Hashem and the Jewish people achieve great attachment and the Jew attains great holiness and favor from Hashem. The benefits and rewards for this "day-in day-out opportunity" are enormous; while the downside for its misuse and for misconduct in shul is also significant. How is praying in shul different from paraying elsewhere? What is Hashem's reaction to your not attending shul? In addition to considerable explanation as to what shul is and offers, the program provides numerous principal - and often neglected - laws on how to sanctify shul and oneself.
GETTING PRAYER INTO YOUR HEART [4 cassettes] Chazal teach that Hashem wants the heart and that avoda (service) of the heart is prayer. To truly serve Hashem, the Jewish heart must be aroused to and attached to prayer and Hashem. It is often hard for some to "get into" prayer, especially on a long-term and steady basis. This program is designed to give you the inspiration, meaning and relevance that you need. It is primarily a running commentary on the siddur (prayer book) from the key standpoints of hakaras tova (appreciating what Hashem gives us), kavana (intent), the structure of shacharis (the morning service, which contains the basic elements of prayer - the four developmental and graduating divisons of 1. morning blessings, 2. pesukai dezimra [verses of praise], 3. Shma Yisroel and its blessings and 4. Shmoneh Esray (the standing prayer). Includes explanations of words and concepts, using tradition sources primarily from commentaries on the siddur and on the laws of prayer.
KAVOD HATORAH (HONORING TORAH) The Torah is the "voice" of Hashem to the world. Our masorah (tradition) is continued from generation to generation by those who know Torah giving it over to others. It is a fundamental mitzva for us all to recognize the authority of those who transmit the Torah - to respect, to receive, to learn and to observe. How do we attribute value and weight to Torah figures? How do we view a Torah figure: his Torah contrasted with the person himself? This presentation addresses kavod, emuna and yira (reverent honor, faithful acceptance and awe) for a talmid chochom, definition of kavod, Korach's rebellion against Torah authority, the story of Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 disciples (who withheld kavod for Torah scholars and died), and selected halachos of how we actually practice kavod. How should one respond if one experiences a person associated with Torah not behaving as expected? How can one maintain regard for the Torah itself and those who, indeed, do the Torah honor by their teaching, tzidkus (saintliness) and mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Torah. Includes Chazal's advice on how to select a rabbi for yourself and Chazal's description of Hashem's "attitude" towards talmiday chachomim.
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RAMBAM'S WRITINGS FOR SUCCESSFUL TORAH LIVING
translated by Rabbi Forsythe into clear, contemporary English one booklet each
RAMBAM'S SHMONEH PRAKIM ("EIGHT CHAPTERS") The Classic introduction to Pirkei Avos complete.
RAMBAM'S WRITINGS ON TSHUVA (REPENTANCE), MOSHIACH (MESSIAH) AND OLAM HABO (THE WORLD TO COME) Compiled from Rambam's Hilchos Tshuva & Milochim, Chelek, Iggerress Shmad [letter encouraging persecuted Moroccan Jews], Moreh Nevuchim [Guide Of The Perplexed] and 13 Ikarim [Foundations of Judaism].
RAMBAM'S HILCHOS DAYOS - RAMBAM'S COMPLETE CODIFICATION OF LAWS OF MIDOS, INTERPERSONAL MITZVOS AND DAILY CONDUCT
RAMBAM'S YESODAY HATORAH - FUNDAMENTAL TORAH BELIEFS
RAMBAM'S LETTER TO YEMEN - CLASSIC WORK ON TORAH FAITH, MOSHIACH, REFUTATION OF OTHER RELIGIONS' ARGUMENTS AGAINST TORAH, ETC.
SELECTED INFORMATIVE AND ELEVATING PERSONAL LETTERS OF RAMBAM
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