If your New Year’s resolution includes self-reflection and personal growth, the Aish HaTorah 2008 Speaker Series offers five opportunities throughout the spring.

Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald, the Aish HaTorah education director worked with a group of rabbis and lay leaders to “find a slate of speakers that offers something for everyone.” He believes participants will “learn from the Torah lessons that will relate to everyday life. The Torah has so much wisdom about how to improve your life. The messages can be applicable for relationships or businesses.”

The Speaker Series kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., with Rabbi Ken Spiro at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Through a multi-media presentation, Rabbi Spiro will examine why the Jewish people have been one of the most monumental forces in human civilization. Rabbi Spiro is a licensed tour guide from the Israel Ministry of Tourism and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs such as B.B.C. Radio and TV, The National Geographic Channel, The History Channel and Arutz Sheva-Israel National Radio. A dessert reception will be held prior to the lecture.

On Wednesday, March 5, Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations will discuss the upcoming presidential election at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Specifically, Hoenlein will investigate the “War on Terror” and how the battle relates to America and Israel. Explains Rabbi Greenwald, “Malcolm meets with world leaders and high ranking officials on this topic. He can offer a deeper look than the media offers about what’s going on around the world.”

Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld will address participants on Thursday, April 3 on “The Art of Amazement” at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Seinfeld is an educator and lecturer from Baltimore. His speech will focus on gaining pleasure from everyday occurrences.

Following that, Rabbi Steven Baars will teach attendees how to “Get Bliss” on Monday, May 5 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Rabbi Baars created this non-denominational marriage enrichment seminar to help change the way couples think about their relationships. Through a multimedia presentation, he will demonstrate key skills to sustain healthy, loving and respectful relationships.

The Series concludes on Wednesday, June 11 with Rabbi Yaakov Solomon. Rabbi Solomon, a noted psychotherapist for over 25 years, specializes in marriage and family therapy. He will encourage participants to become masters at identifying the five levels of pleasure in everyday life experiences. The lecture will take place at the Aish HaTorah Center for Jewish Studies in the Mark Raiffie Multi Purpose Room.

These various topics, Rabbi Greenwald feels, will provide insight for all who attend the series. “We can better our lives using century-old, timeless lessons. Though we now have technology and other advances, human nature doesn’t change.”

The first lecture is complimentary to the public, with a ten-dollar suggested donation for the following four speakers. Complimentary parking is available at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. With the exception of the “Get Bliss” seminar, light refreshments will be served. For reservations, more information, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aish HaTorah at 314-862-2474.