Daily Jewish Thought

The Dreidel Within: Uncovering the Psychology and Spiritual Symbolism of Chanukah


Listen Later

In this class, Rabb Yisroel Bernath delves into the profound symbolism of the dreidel, a cherished Chanukah tradition. By examining the four sides of the dreidel and their connection to the human psyche—ego, bodily urges, reason, and the compulsion to destroy—we uncover a deeper narrative about human behavior and spirituality. Through the lens of Jewish mysticism, the dreidel becomes a metaphor for balancing our inner struggles and aligning them with our divine essence. The class further explores historical parallels between the human psyche and the four empires that clashed with Judaism, demonstrating how these lessons remain relevant in contemporary life.

Key Takeaways:
Four Dimensions of the Psyche: The dreidel's four sides symbolize the ego, bodily urges, reason, and the destructive impulse, all of which can either harm or elevate us.
The Fifth Dimension: The dreidel’s point represents the divine spark within each of us, guiding our moral clarity and purpose.
Historical Reflection: The struggles of Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome against Judaism mirror the internal battles of the human spirit.
Spiritual Growth: Chanukah teaches us to harness our inner forces, transforming them into tools for divine expression and moral refinement.
Relevance Today: Understanding the interplay of our psychological elements can lead to personal and societal improvement rooted in universal morality.

Support US and Win BIG www.ndgraffle.com

Support the show

Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.com

Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.

Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate

Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath

Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Daily Jewish ThoughtBy [email protected] (Rabbi Yisroel Bernath)

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

49 ratings


More shows like Daily Jewish Thought

View all
The Office of Rabbi Sacks by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The Office of Rabbi Sacks

531 Listeners

Tablet Studios by Tablet Magazine

Tablet Studios

1,482 Listeners

Judaism Unbound by Institute for the Next Jewish Future

Judaism Unbound

423 Listeners

Orthodox Conundrum by Scott Kahn

Orthodox Conundrum

206 Listeners

Meaningful People by Meaningful Minute

Meaningful People

1,938 Listeners

18Forty Podcast by 18Forty

18Forty Podcast

641 Listeners

For Heaven's Sake by Shalom Hartman Institute

For Heaven's Sake

374 Listeners

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing by The Times of Israel

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

989 Listeners

Jewish History Nerds by Unpacked

Jewish History Nerds

185 Listeners

What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead by Tablet Magazine

What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead

400 Listeners

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam by Unpacked

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

95 Listeners

Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy by State of a Nation Podcast

Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy

378 Listeners

Here I Am With Shai Davidai by Shai Davidai

Here I Am With Shai Davidai

308 Listeners

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt by Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

302 Listeners

Ask Haviv Anything by Haviv Rettig Gur

Ask Haviv Anything

535 Listeners