The Chavrusa

Responding to questions fielded this week, including: How come you haven't released a statement on the riots this week? Should I take a job that I am not passionate about? Can one administer a vaccine on Shabbat? (& more!)

Affiliating with the Child within: Tools for an Enriched Life of Clarity

(also included-

• The worst & most painful thing to disregard in life

• Combating the opposite of confidence

• Creating antidotes to feelings of inadequacy

• New depth of understanding the fruit of Eden

• Differentiating between simplicity & stupidity

• Musings on talking to yourself

• The highest possible level to reach in life; Rebbe Nachman's take

• Debating all-purpose vs. bread flour

• Jewish process of becoming a leader) (Living in the Presence- 12)

- A story of saintly Chofetz Chaim that's spotlighted in the show Fargo, and it's ramifications

- Feedback that encapsulates the aim of The Chavrusa-

- The definition of confidence

- The essence of a person of Torah

- Navigating Doubt

- Seeking approval of others

- Baal Shem Tov's innovative interpretation of finding equanimity

- Differentiating between calmness and numbness

- The admission test administered by the Arizal, and the story of the man who failed it

- The Kotzker Rebbe's understanding of the spies failure

- How cultivating the trait of equanimity will empower all moments of life

- Tips to live in the moment; not for a moment

- A deeper understanding of the concept of Hashem's providence

- How to break out of a slump

- Taking initiative & producing- ideas of "Lchatchila Ariber" & from Pharaoh's daughter

-

& more! (Living in the Presence- 11)

Please listen, follow, share your thoughts, and share the podcast 🙏

In today's episode: An incredible story about what a true 'chavrusa' is, and it's implications on the culture of dissenting dialougue today (or it's lack thereof). Differentiating between information and wisdom, and a note on mentors. Discovering the roots of the Trolley Problem, and a discussion on navigating conflcting values. Joe Judge says he won't disrespect the NFL like the Eagles; we respond. Deep Torah idea of what a 'name' is, why the 2nd book of the Chumash is called "Names", and an antidote to depression, anxiety, and disconnection. (Living in the Presence- 10)

As the word 'AMEN' goes viral, a reclaiming of its actual intent is due.. Distinguishing Hashem from Brahma in the quest for truth.. A discussion on mental slavery, and the opportunity it offers for freedom TODAY. Essentialism & Minimalism emerge from contrasting the moon with the sun, & produces a deep understanding of the Jewish calendar & value system. How can you ensure lasting resolutions? Thoughts on Beginners Mindset, Deliberate Practice, Attention Residue, & Limiting Inputs. (Living in the Presence, 9)

2nd Ever episode of the Mailbag! This week's questions include New Years and Holiday celebrations, Jonathan Pollard and the celebration of spies, Book recommendations, and predictions for the new Gregorian year

In today's Chavrusa we explore the most foundational concept in Torah that the English language needed to create a new word to encapsulate..Delve into 3 categories of fairness- Legal Justice, Moral Fairness, and undeserved Love and Kindness..Discuss the orgin story of Yale Law professor Stephen Carter..Explain the highest regard that the Torah accords to inviting guests.. Provide a barometer of how to test one's selflessness through Talia from Oregon's question..Invert the Golden Rule..Discuss the highest achievement of the moral life..Conclude with a tale of the Rebbe of Nemirov's alleged ascent to the Heavens (Living in the Presence- 8)

Applying musings from Jerry Seinfeld about Breaks, Car Horns, News Tickers & History to our topic of Mindfulness and Presence. Also, we distinguish History from Memory and ruminate on the importance of memory in Judasim. Conclude by exploring two divergent life paths of Being and Becoming, with one holding the recipe for contentment; the other for frustration. (Living in the Presence- 7)

Fascinating techniques for success learned from arguably the greatest coach in the NBA, a debate on the ideal crowd size for a Shabbat meal, how implementing definitional "wisdom", (in Hebrew- 'chochma'), in our mindest can invigorate overwhelming feelings of dryness in our daily life, Judaism, and relationships. Rounded out with some feedback and anecdotes to complement the episodes aspirations. (Living in the Presence- 6)

Encapsulating all of Jewish Spirituality in one word= Yearning. First though need to differentiate between superficial yearning and intrinsic longing. Then progressing to manifest this yearning (in the 3 dimensions spelled out in the most ancient text of Torah mysticism). A key divergence between the outlook of the Stoic & the Jew emerges. Concludes with bringing it to date as a resolution to the rampant feelings of alienation, division, & isolation that is prevalent today between people, and ultimately in our self. (Living in the Presence- 5)