Michael Franco

Parashat Vayigash 2022: The Divinity of the Torah

In this week's podcast, we explore the question: is it possible to prove that the Torah is Divine? We take a lesson from the story of Yoseph to answer this question.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 9: I Contain Multitudes

In this episode, the season finale, we begin with some expansive quotes from the great Walt Whitman, continuing with a discussion of embodying peace as set forth by Thich Nhat Hanh. We dedicate the rest of the class to the mystical view of learning Torah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 8: Being Peace

In this episode, we share some of the works of the late great Thich Nhat Hanh about "Being Peace". We devote the second half of the episode to some closing remarks about the Kabbalistic mystical significance of eating and drinking.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 7: I Have Arrived

In this episode, we discuss various ways of experiencing the mystical notion of "having arrived," from Zen Koans to analogies to music to Kabbalistic ideas regarding the human condition.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 6: The Easy Way in

In this class, we focus on the Taoist philosophical school, which emphasizes "acting without acting," using cleverness rather than effort. We close with a continuation of our discussions of Kabbalah and redemption of Divine sparks.

Kohelet Chapter 2: Wisdom and Folly

In this episode, we explore Kohelet's thoughts on wisdom and its virtues, as well as its shortcomings. We close with Kohelet's thoughts about wisdom and legacy.

Parashat Vayese 2022: Be the Ladder

In this week's podcast, we compare two stories within the Parasha and derive a critical lesson from the life of Yaakob.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 5: Koans and Unraveling Egoic Complexes

In this episode, we begin with a cryptic quote, transitioning to a discussion on Zen Koans and their function. We close with the Kabbalistic ideas on equanimity and some issues with ascetic practice.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 4: The Paradox of Spiritual Growth

In this episode, we discuss some of the (paradoxical) Eastern ways of looking at spiritual development, along with Kabbalistic models of spiritual growth.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 3: Empty Your Cup

In this episode, we begin with some Eastern stories and we continue discussing how the various schools of Kabbalah view the practice of the misvot.