Lectures | Rav Mo

top of page

Lectures

Rav Mo has been teaching Jewish thought since 2011. He has been featured as the keynote speaker at community Shabbatons, synagogues, and international conferences. His expertise covers a wide range of topics, including:

Jewish well-being and happiness
The "mussar" approach to personal growth and self-development
Introductions to mysticism, kabbalah, and Jewish meditation
Understanding the Jewish prayer book, and how to connect experientially to prayer
Decoding Talmudic "aggadah" riddles
Deep analysis of Rashi's commentary on the Torah
Introductions to Talmudic legal and ethical analysis
Ancient Jewish civic and political structures
Introductions to Jewish belief, evidence for the existence of God, the veracity of the Torah, and the authority of the Oral Torah

To book Rav Mo for a speaking engagement, you can click here:

Common & Uncommon Proofs for God

39:24

Common & Uncommon Proofs for God

For more lectures visit www.rav-mo.com. In this lecture we explain some of the conventional - and unconventional - proofs for the existence of God. Although we draw on many difference sources for these arguments, they are all compatible with the Torah Jewish tradition. The camera cut out later into the video, but the main arguments are still intact.

Cryptic Talmudic Legends: The Angel Rebellion

44:14

Cryptic Talmudic Legends: The Angel Rebellion

In this cryptic Medrash Agaddah we delve into the bizarre story of when God consulted his ministering angels as to whether or not to create humans. This has profound implications for understanding human nature. To find more material visit www.rav-mo.com.

Mysterious Talmudic Legends 1: How Abraham Discovered God

32:01

Mysterious Talmudic Legends 1: How Abraham Discovered God

This is the first in a series of discussions on "Aggadah," the cryptic stories found in the Talmud. In this segment we discuss the legend of how Abraham discovered God. What exactly did he see in the universe that brought him to the conclusion of monotheism? For more content visit www.rav-mo.com

Practical Ways to Be Happy with What You've Got

46:32

Practical Ways to Be Happy with What You've Got

Find more at www.rav-mo.com Filmed on the 2nd of December 2023.

Jewish Philosophy: Veganism and Animal Cruelty

38:04

Jewish Philosophy: Veganism and Animal Cruelty

In this discussion we cover the Torah's approach to animal cruelty and whether it is moral to eat meat, especially at a time when we no longer need to for survival. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How the Jews Shaped Western Civilization

44:45

How the Jews Shaped Western Civilization

Without the Jewish contribution to society, the Western World would not exist in its current form. The Jews gave five major innovations to the world: 1. Universal human dignity 2. An orderly universe 3. Progress 4. Standing up to Power 5. Human Responsibility To see more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

The Jewish Afterlife Explained

42:48

The Jewish Afterlife Explained

This is a discussion on the Jewish concept of the afterlife. Is there a heaven and hell? If so, how can we conceptualize it? What does that mean for our understanding of reward and punishment for our deeds in this lifetime? For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Unconscious Bias - A Jewish Perspective

01:10:40

Unconscious Bias - A Jewish Perspective

A text-based presentation on the Torah's understanding of unconscious bias: 1) How relevant is it? 2) How comprehensive is it? 3) How can we rectify it?

Practical Kabbalah 1: Healthy Kids and Healthy Politics

45:41

Practical Kabbalah 1: Healthy Kids and Healthy Politics

This is the first part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we discuss the two fundamental forces that make up the universe, and how they can be used in parenting, education, politics, and much more. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 2: Personality Test & How the Mind Works

40:02

Practical Kabbalah 2: Personality Test & How the Mind Works

This is the second part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we discuss the patterns of three's in the Torah, how they make up the basic structure of every creative process, the three core Jewish personalities as exhibited by the three forefathers, and the three-stage structure of integrating knowledge. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 3: Why Men and Women Need Each Other

37:39

Practical Kabbalah 3: Why Men and Women Need Each Other

This is the third part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we discuss the masculine and feminine energy according to the kabbalistic tradition. These two energies represent the way in which divine creativity is created and then expressed in the physical world. We also discuss some of the similarities and differences between the kabbalistic framework, and real-world examples of men and women. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 4: The 5 Steps of Every Creative Process (Audio Only)

46:31

Practical Kabbalah 4: The 5 Steps of Every Creative Process (Audio Only)

This is the fourth part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we discuss the 5 stages of the creation of light (the first created thing in Genesis) as a microcosm for every creative process. This can be applied to starting a new business, writing an essay, composing a song, and just about any other creative endeavor you can think of. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 5: The Aleph Bet Is the Source Code of Reality

38:06

Practical Kabbalah 5: The Aleph Bet Is the Source Code of Reality

This is the fifth part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we introduce the hidden secrets of the Hebrew alphabet. We demonstrate how the letter's shape, sound, grammatical usage, and numerology express each letter's unique meaning, and how those meanings can be strung together to form the meaning of words. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 6: The Hidden Numerology Behind Hebrew (audio only)

39:56

Practical Kabbalah 6: The Hidden Numerology Behind Hebrew (audio only)

This is the sixth part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we continue our discussion of the Hebrew alphabet. Here we focus on gematria, the numerological system of the alphabet. We show that the numerical equivalents of the letters equal meaningful sums that teach us about words and phrases in the Torah. To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Practical Kabbalah 7: Why did God create anything at all?

47:44

Practical Kabbalah 7: Why did God create anything at all?

This is the seventh and final part of a series exploring the practical implications of kabbalistic concepts. In this segment we ask the biggest questions of existence: If God is perfect then why did He need to create anything at all? If God is everything, but we're not God, then what are we? Is it possible to say God is lacking something? To find more of my work visit www.rav-mo.com.

Why Are the Passover Rituals So Subtle?

31:53

Why Are the Passover Rituals So Subtle?

In this lecture we discuss a question of Rabbi Yosef Yehuda Leib Bloch in the "Shiurei Da'as" -- why don't we make our seder meals more dramatic and theatrical if we want to impress upon ourselves and our children the importance of the story? For more content visit www.rav-mo.com

Egyptian Oppression Was the Key to Freedom

33:30

Egyptian Oppression Was the Key to Freedom

See more at www.rav-mo.com. In this discussion we learn from the Sfas Emes on how to reconcile the opinions of the Ramban and Maharal, whether matzah represents slavery or freedom.

Kabbalistic Structure of the Passover Seder

27:42

Kabbalistic Structure of the Passover Seder

A beginner-level discussion of the 4-part structure of the Pesach (Passover) Seder as understood by the Kabbalist and Chassidic Master the Bnei Yissaschar. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com

How to Read the Torah 1: Asking the Right Questions

40:11

How to Read the Torah 1: Asking the Right Questions

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 2: The Basis of Morality

54:06

How to Read the Torah 2: The Basis of Morality

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 3: A Multilayered Text

01:04:27

How to Read the Torah 3: A Multilayered Text

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 4: God's "Split Personality"

50:49

How to Read the Torah 4: God's "Split Personality"

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 5: When Trees Sin

55:01

How to Read the Torah 5: When Trees Sin

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 6: The Function of Human Evil

52:13

How to Read the Torah 6: The Function of Human Evil

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 8: How Religion Was Ruined

01:00:18

How to Read the Torah 8: How Religion Was Ruined

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

How to Read the Torah 9: On Women and Snakes

55:35

How to Read the Torah 9: On Women and Snakes

In this course we will be analyzing the text of the beginning of the Torah - Genesis - through the lens of Rashi, the most influential Jewish Biblical commentator in history. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Philosophy of Shabbat 7: Physical Pleasure Is the Key to Spiritual Delight

55:15

Philosophy of Shabbat 7: Physical Pleasure Is the Key to Spiritual Delight

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more.

Philosophy of Shabbat 8: Pleasure Maxing

43:41

Philosophy of Shabbat 8: Pleasure Maxing

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more.

Philosophy of Shabbat 1: Candle Lighting

41:32

Philosophy of Shabbat 1: Candle Lighting

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll answer these questions and more. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Philosophy of Shabbat 2: Why is "Melachah" Prohibited?

46:54

Philosophy of Shabbat 2: Why is "Melachah" Prohibited?

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll answer these questions and more. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Philosophy of Shabbat 3: A Mystical Definition of Melacha

50:22

Philosophy of Shabbat 3: A Mystical Definition of Melacha

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Philosophy of Shabbat 4: Endless, Endless Details

49:49

Philosophy of Shabbat 4: Endless, Endless Details

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

Philosophy of Shabbat 5: Day of Rest, Day of Rules

51:48

Philosophy of Shabbat 5: Day of Rest, Day of Rules

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more.

Philosophy of Shabbat 6: Kiddush = Wine?

47:44

Philosophy of Shabbat 6: Kiddush = Wine?

For more content visit www.rav-mo.com. In this series of lectures we will be exploring the "why" behind the "what" of the laws of Shabbat. Why are there so many details? How are they meant to enhance my experience of Shabbat? What do the prohibited acts have in common? We'll address these questions and more. For more content visit www.rav-mo.com.

bottom of page