The Bible Teaches Compassion          

      

Many of us share a great thirst for meaning in today’s world, and read the Bible because we yearn for authentic, uplifting teachings. Yet, sometimes the biblical accounts appear superficial, lacking relevance to our lives. I know this first hand, since for many years I struggled with my relationship with the Bible.

    

"The Bible Teaches Compassion" provides an enlightened, sophisticated and highly inspirational approach to the Bible. (It does not matter if, or how, you practice religion.)

      

“The Bible Teaches Compassion” draws on two sources of wisdom:

   

We read the text through the lens of the ethical and spiritual values of the prophets of Israel. In the words of the prophet Micah (6:8): “What does God ask of you? Only to do what is just, to love kindness, and to walk with your God humbly.” How we treat others (with kindness and truth) and how we stand in the presence of God (with humility, gratitude and perspective) form the essence of the spiritual life. 

       

We also read with the skills of Communicating with Compassion, blended with cutting-edge insights of modern psychology. Focusing on the interpersonal dynamics in biblical narratives, we see that sometimes the characters act effectively and with integrity towards each other, and the text teaches us how to live. Other times the characters act without integrity, and they pay the price for it. Like us in many ways, they are imperfect human beings striving to live lives of meaning.

        

There is no discussion of belief, creed and dogma in "The Bible Teaches Compassion."

 

 

Course descriptions and testimonials follow. 

 

 

Course Descriptions:

 

“Grace in the Face of Adversity” is a 3-session tele-course on the story of Hannah (the opening chapter of the Book of Samuel), which is read on Rosh Hashanah. The course will look at the story both in terms of interpersonal dynamics and spiritual insights.

 

Hannah faces three challenging situations -- verbal abuse; her husband’s well-intentioned but hurtful attempt to comfort her; and Eli the priest falsely accusing her of inappropriate behavior.

 

We all confront such situations in our lives. What can we learn from how Hannah responds to each one?

 

Specifically, what can we learn from Hannah not responding to Peninnah’s verbal abuse?

 

What mistake did Elkanah make in his attempt to comfort Hannah, and what might he have done had he been skilled?

 

Finally, what can we learn from the respectful yet assertive way that Hannah responds to Eli the priest’s accusation? 

 

In exploring these questions we will discuss some key communication skills: the principle of empathy; the mistake of “discounting”; dealing with verbal abuse; and dignified, effective assertiveness when we need to stand our ground..

 

Then we will take a deeper look at why Eli the priest loses his compassion and lashes out at a person in pain. What leads to the mistake of rushing to judgment, anger and condemnation, and what are some of the causes and subconscious motives for that?

 

We will also review the kind of lives we are called to lead, lives of kindness and truth, and what happens when we get caught up in the small things and lose sight of the big picture.

 

This entire exploration will open the way for us to renew our lives -- to have more successful relationships, both at work and at home, and to joyously deepen our spiritual lives.

 

 

 

“The Fast I Desire” is a study of Isaiah 58 (the reading from the Prophets for Yom Kippur morning). It is the prophet’s critique of fasting (and of ritual in general) that is not accompanied by spiritual integrity. The prophet then offers a powerful restatement of how one really connects to God and to one’s own authenticity. It is one of the most eloquent expressions of core spiritual values, and a wonderful way to renew our lives.

 

 

In “The Art of Giving Effective Advice”, we will study the story of Jethro and Moses (Exodus 18:13-23). Reading the account carefully, I will illustrate the principles of the Art of Giving Effective Advice as I have taught it over the years in my “Communicating with Compassion” course.

Good advice can be a valuable gift that we offer people. However, if given the wrong way, advice can cause pain and friction, and sometimes it can undermine relationships. That is why we sometimes offer advice and receive in return resentment instead of gratitude.

 

The ability to offer suggestions in a positive and constructive way is an art. This course will teach you that art.

 

In this course as well I will make some key spiritual points. I think of them as universal spiritual principles. (There is no discussion of belief, creed and dogma in this course.)

        

If you seek a “clean”, life-enhancing approach to spirituality, and want the Bible as a guide to an effective, heart-centered life, this course is for you.

 

"After studying with Uzi Weingarten, I can recommend him without reservation. He is an outstanding teacher of contemporary themes that he connects to biblical narrative. And he offers inspiring insights that help us communicate with each other with greater compassion and skillfulness. His spiritual teachings have proved to be pragmatic principles we can all live by." -- Ed Weinsberg, Ed.D., Sarasota FL

“I have thoroughly enjoyed learning with Uzi. His teaching puts us in touch with the universal spiritual values as well as each other. Uzi has a special gift for connecting modern wisdom with ancient text. There is also time for discussion that permits us to connect through our shared learning. I enthusiastically encourage you to join Uzi’s course.”  -- Aviva Berg, Rochester NY

 

 

I look forward to "seeing" you in this very special class.

 

............................................................................................................................................

 

 

To Register:

For a Schedule of upcoming courses, and to Register, click here.