Rabbi E in 3

People have probably always suffered from "FOMO," but just as the term itself is of recent origin, so is the greater intensity and frequency of the feeling in our lives...due (at least in part) to our massive involvement with social media. Rabbi E, and special guest, Mrs. E, analyze FOMO from the perspective of psychology, and Jewish ethics, and discuss ways of reducing its hold over us. Don't miss out (or fear missing out!) on this episode of Rabbi E in 3.

Columbia University researchers have concluded that a robot can show a form of primitive empathy for its fellow robot. Which leads to the question: "If they can do it...why can't WE humans??" Rabbi E discusses the crucial trait of empathy, for our human and JEWISH lives!

If you or I won a huge lottery jackpot, we would be singing and dancing for joy. But we have truly wondrous creations all around us (and even inside of us) that are worth far, far more to us than any lottery jackpot...and, yet, we often hardly take notice. We run the risk both of depriving ourselves of much pleasure, and of tragically falling short of our Jewish (and human) obligation. Rabbi E discusses, and offers positive guidance from a great ethical master...but only after first unsuccessfully trying to buy some liver!

A certain prisoner would be permitted freedom for one day in the year to practice his Jewish faith. What day should he choose? The answer has MAJOR relevance to all of us, and can transform our lives!

We all need time to just stop, sit, breathe, and THINK about ourselves and our lives: for both our physical and emotional well-being, and our larger spiritual fulfillment in this world. A great and awesome gift called, "Shabbat," presents us with the perfect opportunity.

The miracle of the oil in the Temple lasted 7 days, not 8! (A one-night flask of oil kept the Menorah burning for 8 days. 8-1 = 7 days of miracle!) Yet, the festival of Chanukah was instituted for 8 days by our Sages. Why? Maybe because the Jewish view is...everything is a miracle??!!

The great Jewish Sages teach us that, "All Beginnings are Difficult." Were they trying to discourage us? NO! They were encouraging us to step up and take on big challenges and commitments that can help us grow as human beings. They were reassuring us: It may seem SO difficult to take that step to a new level of responsibility, but that's ONLY "now," at the beginning. From then on, it will become easier and sweeter, and ultimately lead to great blessing.

The word for "thanks," in Hebrew comes from the same word as, "to admit." Being grateful starts with being TRUTHFUL: admitting that we are receiving so much good in our lives!