David and Modya welcome Dr. Robert Barris to this episode. Robert is a NY-based psychiatrist, a deep thinker and a long-time student of Mussar who has been influenced by and learned from his father-in-law, a Mussar scholar from the Mir Yeshiva in Shanghai. This episode brings to a close the Torah cycle and allows the exploration of spiritual separation (perishut) as Moses leaves the world and the Torah ends its cycle. We learn that through separation we can find the path to holiness. May we all find joy along that path.

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This week, Modya and David explore Moses's final, poetic message to Israel (Ha'azinu, Deut. 32:1-32:52), through the lens of the trait of prishut, or "separation". As we begin to separate from the current year, Moses prepares to separate from Israel -- and from his dream of entering the Land. Moses calls heaven and earth to witness against the people, but depicts God as the enduring Rock on whom the people can and must rely. We ask ourselves: what must we separate from, and upon what can we enduringly rely? Thanks for listening!

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In this week's episode, Modya and David explore the Double Torah portion of Nitzavim-Vayelech through the lens of the trait of Separation. Questions pondered: How do blessings and curses (and their consequences) help us separate from our baser desires? What does it mean to fully be present to the challenge Moses poses to the Israelites at the very end of his life? And what does it mean for us, at this moment in history, and at this time of year?

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We begin our 13th and last middah (separateness - perishut) that we explore in conjunction with parsha Ki Tavo. David and Modya look at what separate means, why it's important, and why it is left as the last of the 13 character traits. In the parsha we apply the trait to an exploration of blessings and curses and the role of our inclination toward physicality. We see how building fences is one step toward separateness, and still requires action to develop the trait further.

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This week, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi Chaim Safren to discuss parshat Ki Teitzei through the Mussar lens of Emet, or Truth. Their discussion ranges over such topics as: What is truth, anyway? How do we find truth in commandments that today seem strange or repugnant to our modern sensibilities? How can we cultivate a closer relationship to truth now, during the month of Elul, as we prepare for the High Holidays? We hope you enjoy!

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This week, Modya and David discuss parshat Shoftim (Deut. 16:18-21:9) through the lens of the trait of Truth. How does the establishment of a system of justice preserve and advance -- and sometimes undermine -- the quest for truth? What is the relationship between truth and memory? How does one balance the elements of justice and mercy in the quest for pursuing (and even defining) truth? We hope you'll listen in as the hosts contemplate these and other questions raised by this week's Torah portion!

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In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss parshat Re'eh (Deut. 11:26-16:17) through the lens of Emet (Truth). Among other directives, Moses directs the people to choose between blessing and curse, and to adhere to the laws he has imparted throughout the course of the Israelite journey in the wilderness. Modya and David explore the sometimes stark binary between truth and falsehood that Moses depicts. They seek to derive lessons on the consequences of deception of self and other, and on cultivating a personal path of truth. We hope you enjoy!

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This week, Modya and David look at the weekly Torah portion through a new lens -- that of Truth. They explore whether there is absolute truth, and when and if to be truthful in thought, speech, and action. They explore how Moses changes some of the narrative of the past 40 years, and what that means for both the speaker (Moses) and the listener (ourselves).

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Modya and David are joined this week by Ruth Schapira (about whose work you can learn more at innerjudaism.com) to look at the role of grace and calmness within this week's Torah portion. Together, they focus on the value of gentle words in Moses' plea to be allowed to enter the land, and how a calm orientation is necessary to navigate difficult conversations.

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In this week's episode, Modya and David ponder the repetition that now unfolds in the Book of Deuteronomy (Devarim). As we read of Moses beginning to recount the travels of 40 years and the resistance of the Israelites, we look at the role of calmness in telling troubling stories about others, and challenging people to rise above their fears.

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