Coaching The Bible

Hi All!

Happy Purim for those celebrating tonight/tomorrow!

This is Episode 79 (S2:E25)

Our focus this week will be the holiday and not Tzav (this week's Torah portion)

Topic: On Being The 'Right' Person

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed something from someone else, asked them, got rejected, and could not for the life of you figure out why that happened?

Well, then this week's episode is for you!  Spoiler alert: It's not personal. It's just that you were NOT the RIGHT person for that moment. It's ok. (Maybe) You'll get them next time!

So jump in, take a listen to a bit about Mordechai from the Book of Esther and see how it applies to you and some of your past experiences.

Happy Learning!

Hi All!

This is Episode 78! (Season 2:24)

We begin the 3rd book of the 5 Books of Moses, known as Leviticus (Vayikra). Much of the book revolves around issues of the pure and impure, the holy and unholy.

Our topic this week: On Behavior Change

What do a Stanford professor, an ultra-athlete and a 13th-century Rabbinic scholar have in common? Take a listen as we begin to think and speak about how we can change our behavior no matter our age and current direction.

Super interesting stuff!

Hey, I'd love your feedforward (it's a more future-focused term than feedback), so hit me up with your thoughts, questions, ideas and suggestions for the future! Always looking to learn and grow.

Happy Learning!

Quote of the Week:

Hi all!

This is Episode #77 (Season 2:23)

This week we once again complete the Book of Exodus with the building and establishment of the Tabernacle (Mishkan) in the desert. A story that has occupied much of the bible text for the last 5 weeks.

Our topic this week: On Measuring Success

The question: How do we measure our successes in life? Is it purely a calculation of numbers, overall impact? Is it emotional or is it something else? If we look at the bible story would we measure the people's success by virtue of the number of donations, or the time spent volunteering to build the Tabernacle or would it be the end when God 'rests' on the building? 

Each is a worthy measure in its own right, but which is correct? 

Or is there no right answer?

Let's find out.

number

Happy learning!

Quote of the week:

Hi All!

Welcome back to Coaching With The Bible! This is Season 2, Episode 22, and overall #76!

Our topic this week: Talent

We talk about talented people all the time. Some we see as 'prodigies' and others as 'naturals.' They have 'God-given ability' the likes of which we could never approach.

Is that actually true? Is there truly a thing as 'innate ability?'

Hmmm... Good question, no?

So, this week, we will look at the choice of Bezalel to build the Tabernacle (heb. Mishkan) for the people of Israel. Where does he come from and where does he get the ability to do the things he is tasked with? 

How then, does that relate to us?

Happy Learning!

Quote of the Week:

'Hide not your talents, they for use were made, What’s a sundial in the shade? ― Benjamin Franklin

Hi all!

Welcome back to another week of Coaching With The Bible!

This week: Ki Tisa, Episode 75!

Our Topic: Anxiety

We will look at one approach to understanding what the people of Israel were thinking when they determined it was time to make the Golden Calf. We will not excuse the act, but rather explain what is going on in that moment and perhaps appreciate how that could be us, though not in building idols but in many other moments and situations in life.

I get a little vulnerable this week and I hope it helps deepen your understanding of this top-layer conversation on anxiety.

Happy Learning!

Quote of the Week:

“Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it—just as we have learned to live with storms.” – Paulo Coelho 

Hi all!

I hope you are having a great day!

This is Season 2 Episode 20, #74

Our topic this week: 

Tetzaveh: On Showing Up

We take a look at George Washington at his first inauguration and the High Priest as he enters the Tabernacle. Yes! A comparison between the two exists! But that's not our focus...

Our focus is on the idea of how each 'showed up' when they needed to. 

What is it that the leader has to have in mind and pay attention to when it is that he/she has to 'show up' somewhere?

What is 'showing up'?

Showing up is the impression, the vibe, the energy, and the presence we bring to any moment that we find ourselves in. It could be a meeting, a sporting event, a dinner with family or friends, or even a religious service. It begins before we arrive, but it shows itself in the first moment that we do arrive.

How do we come into those spaces and moments?

How do we prepare for them?

As a leader at work, in the community, or at home we actually do get to choose how we can show up. So the question then is, how do I think about it and how can I prepare better for those opportunities? So Important!

Enjoy & Happy Learning!

Quote of the week:

Showing up is essential. Showing up consistently is powerful. Showing up consistently with a positive outlook is even more powerful. – Jeff Olson

Hi all!

Season 2 Episode 19 is here!

Our topic this week: On Volunteering

The bible spends a lot of time over the next few weeks discussing the many intricate details of the Tabernacle (Mishkan) and the clothing of the Priests, but we should not lose sight of the many contributions that the people made to the success of that massive project.

We go deep (and long! sorry) on what it means to volunteer and why it is so important.

Enjoy and Happy Learning!

Quote of the Week:

‘Volunteers are not paid- not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless’- Sherry Anderson

Hi all!

This week's topic: Responsibility

So my question for this week is: Is there ever a point where our responsibility for actions ends? Is there a line we can draw after which we are no longer responsible for what happens? Does it differ between a legal and perhaps our own moral/ethical standard?

Ok, that was more than one question.

Oh, and what is the difference, assuming there is one, between responsible and accountable?

BIG Topic!

Looking forward to diving in with you!

Happy Learning!

Quote of the Week:

– Hal Elrod

Hi all!

Episode 71 has arrived!

This week we are discussing 'Boundaries'

Some will call them borders, others will call them fences, and still others, walls. They are the things that separate us and divide us, or so we might think! 

What if boundaries are actually good for us, help us, allow us to grow? Then maybe they're not so bad and maybe we should consider the boundaries we have and perhaps more importantly the ones we don't yet have...

This week, we will take a look a the People of Israel as they stand at the foot of Mt Sinai to experience the revelation and the receipt of the Torah from God and focus on the boundaries that God sets up around the mountain in advance of that all-time powerful experience.

Happy Learning!

If you are enjoying the podcast each week, then please take a moment to share it with others and share your thoughts with me!

Quote of the week:

“Healthy boundaries are not walls. They are gates and fences that allow you to enjoy the beauty of your own garden.”- Lydia Hall (Nursing Theorist)

Hi all!

We have reached another milestone! Episode #70!!! Feeling quite grateful and thankful!!!

This week's discussion, for Season 2 Episode 16, is Beshalach: On Obstacles

The people of Israel hit the ground running this week and run into obstacle after obstacle, adversity after adversity, problem after problem and the question is 'why?'

Why does God have to constantly make it so difficult for them? Can't they rest? They've been slaves forever! How about a week off, then bring on another challenge?!? It seems endless... What is going on?

The truth is, I think many of us feel that right now it's the same for us as well. If that is the case, then what is going on? What can we do about it? How do we handle/deal/approach it? What does the story of the People of Israel in the desert this week have to teach us about life's many obstacles?

Happy Learning! Happy Growing!

Quote of the week:

“Obstacles do not block the path. They are the path.” - Zen Proverb