Nina Amir: Interview Topics

The Kabbalah of Conscious Creation: 
How to Tap Into the Divine Flow of Giving and Receiving

The only author to approach the subject of desire fulfillment (Law of Attraction) from a Jewish perspective while also appealing to the market created by the trend towards non-Jews embracing Jewish spiritual tools through the practice of Kabbalah, Amir integrates secular teachings on how to manifest wants and needs with traditional Jewish teachings about giving and receiving and offers steps based on the Kabbalistic creation story. Amir talks about how to move beyond our natural desire to receive for ourselves alone and manifest a higher consciousness that receives for the sake of giving unconditionally to others.

Talking Points: 

1. Does Judaism encompass the Law of Attraction?
2. A lot of people seem really interested in Kabbalah these days. Are your teachings pertinent to Jews and non-Jews alike?
3. How does Judaism’s view on the Law of Attraction differ from secular views?
4. You say that we need to move beyond our mundane desires and manifest a new consciousness. Can you explain what you mean by this?
5. Should we only focus on giving to others unconditionally and forget about our desire to receive anything for ourselves?
6. You talk about several steps that aren't talked about often by all LOA teachers and writers - Soul's Purpose, Being and Doing and Giving. What is their importance to the process of actually manifesting or attracting what we want?
7. You stress a spiritual side to the process saying that in the process of giving and receiving people can learn about God and draw closer to God. Can you explain how this happens?
8. Explain what you mean when you say that by using all seven steps in your process, we are more likely to manifesting what we want, that we tap into the Divine Flow of abundance. Please explain?
9. By approaching conscious creation from a Kabbalistic perspective, you say people can draw closer to God; how is that possible?
10. What about when you don’t get what you want? What does Kabbalah say about that?

Navigating the Narrow Bridge: How to Move Forward Courageously Even
When Life Seems Most Precarious

We all walk on a “narrow bridge” called “life” every day, never knowing if the slats will drop out from beneath our feet when we take the next step. Yet, most of us aren’t afraid of life itself but of aspects of life. Anyone who feels any degree of fear becomes imprisoned by that fear and insecurity. They then need help breaking out of jail and moving feely, confidently and joyously through life and towards their fullest potential. To help them accomplish this, Amir talks about learning to: live in the moment; turn fear of death into awe for life; find and communicate with God; use thoughts creatively; cultivate an attitude of gratitude; use meditation and visualization to feel safe; and make affirmations of action. She draws on Jewish wisdom—in particular the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, metaphysical and quantum physics principles, spiritual ideas, and human potential techniques.

Talking points:

1. Why do you feel it’s so important to talk about fear?
2. What do you mean when you say “life is a narrow bridge” and where does the idea originate?
3. How do we live on this narrow bridge without constantly fearing falling to the depths below?
4. There seem to be many reasons these days for people to feel afraid. What suggestions do you have for people who want to move through their fear?
5. Are you ever afraid, and, if so, of what?
6. With your own fears, how do you get through the day? How do you get through your life, deal with your own fear, move forward courageously?

How to Create Sacred Space & Invite the Divine to Dwell Within It

In most religious traditions, while the men have historically been the ones to preside over religious and spiritual rituals, the women have actually created the space in which these happen. Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the Jewish tradition of “making Shabbos,” or celebrating Shabbat weekly. Amir discusses the fact, much like a priestess, women—Jewish or not—can create sacred space in the home and invite the Divine Feminine, to join them and their families in the mishkan, the sanctuary, they create.

Talking points:

1. Discuss five ways to create sacred space in the home.
2. What are the benefits of creating sacred space in the home?
3. What are some ways to create sacred space when you have little time?
4. Are there ways to create sacred space with your children?
5. Why don’t people typically think of creating sacred space outside of the typical places, such as church and synagogue?

Shabbat Candle Lighting as a Weekly Spiritual Practice

Every Friday night all over the world, Jewish women take on the role of kohenet—priestess—when they light Shabbat candles, but they don't always know that they are fulfilling this role and rarely do they feel like kohanot (priestesses). Focusing on Shabbat candle lighting as a spiritual practice and Jewish women as strong spiritual leaders in their homes, Amir talks about the connection between what women do when they light Shabbat candles and the duties of the kohenim (priests) in the Temple.

Talking points:

1. Why does Sabbath candle lighting offer a good entry into Jewish spiritual or religious practice?
2. Why do you say women who light candles on Friday nights to welcome the Sabbath should see themselves as priestesses?
3. How does lighting candles create sacred space?
4. What does lighting candles have to do with inviting in a Divine Presence?
5. How does this particular ritual encourage women to delve into the Shabbat candle lighting practice on a deeper level?
6. Why do you say Shabbat candle lighting should be used as a weekly spiritual practice?

Additional Interview Topics:

Inviting God to the Office: How to Create Sacred Space in the Workplace

How to Transform Empty Holidays, Prayers and Rituals into Meaning-Full and Spirit-Full Practices and Observances

Feeling the Divine Presence Every Day

Transforming Commercial Holidays into Spiritual Observances

Making any Holiday and Meaning-Full and Spirit-Full Observance

Living Life Fully: The Challenge of Living Rather than Surviving

Ready, Aim, Shoot: Hit the Target This Year

Abracadabra! How to Harness the Power of Words