Sophisticated Vulgarity
The Sophisticating of Vulgarity in Society & its Moral Consequences, with diverging concepts of 'being true to yourself'.
Jan 20, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 19
The Chavrusa
Exploration of deep Torah and ideas that have guided some of history's greatest men and women for over 3,000 years, & contemporary takes on moral and social issues.
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Episodes
Ineffable Rest [ #Shabbat ]
The primary tool to achieve true mindfulness, How to quell the emptiness of constant tension & doubt, and Uncovering the depths in the ancient Jewish practices of Techum & Eruv (Living in the Presence- 17)
Jan 19, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 17
The Unreal You
Today on The Chavrusa Podcast: The Unreal You. In this episode: 4 Philosophers reconciling a thorny theological conundrum l Shedding deep distinctions between choices & decisions. l An exploration on determining a person's essential self, & its incisive implications on the most vexing of moral issues facing contemporary society l and more!
Jan 18, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Campus Couple (Mailbag Friday- 4)
A fantastic conversation with my wife Esti. (Remaining audio was compromised by wind)
Jan 15, 2021•25 min•Season 3Ep. 4
The Resistance
* The epic costs of taking the easy way out when faced with obstacles * A Talmudic twist on the new month’s effect on muted hearts * How hope is born at the very edge of the abyss of despair * Advice for a smart driven college student about to graduate * Transforming impediments from a nuisance into the essence of life * Me singing randomly and critiquing zodiacs * How to overcome the ‘Tyranny of History’ (Living in the Presence- 16)
Jan 14, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Secret Life
The Secret of Life (or lack thereof?) In this episode: *The story of the man locked out of over 7,000 bitcoins and it’s connection to equanimous living *The first ever quotation from Moses and its’ lasting reverbarations on greatness & responsibility *The 2 factors lacking within me that contribute to riots & unrefined behavior in society *The Kotzker Rebbe’s take on spiritual patience *A paradigm-shifting Torah directive to experience a new type of secrecy (Living in the Presence- 15)...
Jan 13, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Patience
The imperative to eradicate ‘hastiness’ from our lives, and how patience is inseparably connected with mindfulness. Also: Social Media Sabbaticals, a Youtube clip that exposes Hasidic families on Shabbat, a profound teaching from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a debate on if it’s possible to approach life with innocence, & a conversation about equilibrium (Living in the Presence- 14)
Jan 12, 2021•30 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Elusive Happiness
Judaism’s Definition of Happiness, Why it’s Elusive, & How to increase Joy in your Life. Included in this episode: Torah perspectives on simcha, How to navigate unwanted emotions, Deep thoughts from Rav S.R. Hirsch, Why so many comedians are Jewish, a cryptic Kabbalistic teaching, a writing from a chassidic Rebbe in the Warsaw Ghetto, and a detailed analysis of the connection between ‘Shemos’ and the state of America today in the WSJ & more! (Living in the Presence- 13)
Jan 11, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Passion & Pressure (Mailbag Friday- 3)
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!)
Jan 08, 2021•41 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Inner Child
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 becomin...
Jan 07, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Equanimity
- 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 understandin...
Jan 06, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 11
What's your name?
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 an...
Jan 05, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
A-men
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 Inpu...
Jan 04, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 9
2021 (Mailbag Friday- 2)
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
Jan 03, 2021•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Undeserved
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 t...
Dec 31, 2020•30 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Break Life
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)
Dec 30, 2020•24 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The Home of the Wise
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)
Dec 29, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Yearning
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...
Dec 28, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Beers & Chilbeh with a Fool (Mailbag Friday- 1)
New segment: Mailbag/Inbox/Q&A Friday! Reviewing some of the weeks questions fielded from University students and podcast chavrusas. Questions include: Should I go to an office party that I'm not so comfortable with the vibe? What are examples of scenarios that you would recommend hiding a Jewish identity? What is there to learn from someone I think is immoral and foolish? What is your take on Chilbeh? What is your approach to learning the pasha? Can I make up my own prayers? Why is muktzah ...
Dec 25, 2020•40 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Avoiding Voids
Discussing the worst possible thing to do Jewishly. Next, should one dress down when doing something immoral? A debate. Introducing a fascinating attitude of "innovation " that one can apply to their worldview to boost feelings of liberation & humility. Finally, some great feedback, Aged Sumatra coffee review, and a profound thought from a listener. (Living in the Presence- 4)
Dec 24, 2020•25 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Love the Process
Discussing the key paradigm to a life of happiness- embracing the process, not the goal- while simultaneously calibrating the process toward the goal. Provides super deep insight to the Torah's expression of 'a fruit tree that produces fruit', (and Adam & Eve's tree episode). Concludes with a listener's thought on the episode 'skin in the game'- a profound to connection of the relationship of communites/individuals with the Tower of Babel. (Living in the Presence- 3)
Dec 23, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Skin in the Game
With news of a covid relief bill, interesting questions of reincarnation arise. A scathing critique of policy makers without 'skin in the game', and a call for understanding instead of explaining- humans instead of humanity. Within the first chapter of the book we define the depth of the term for Jewish Mindfulness- 'yishuv hadaat'. Includes musings on ethical refinement, the Hebrew language, criticism of "always be positive" sentiments, and the 2 aspects of living in the moment. (Living in the ...
Dec 22, 2020•23 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In the Zone
Beginning our exploration into mindfulness and it's core centrality in Torah Judaism. A brief note on covid-19 vaccines. A jumpstart intro to zoned-in living and a critique of systematic Judaism symbolized by Jacob's Ladder and the hapless pursuit of external happiness exposed by the forbidden fruit of Eden. (Concluding by interchanging a Dalai Lama billboard message with my grandma.) (Living in the Presence- 1)
Dec 21, 2020•32 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Harp of Mashiach (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 10)
The end of Chanukah or the beginning of Mashiach? Concluding our first book of the Chavrusa Podcast with some Kabbalstic notions and survival hacks for enduring exiles.
Dec 19, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Homestretch (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 9)
The centrality of 'home' in the festival of lights. A bonus talmudical exposition on the nature of the mitzvah of Chanukah lighting. Finally, a US Supreme Court battle over menorah- its roots and ripple effects to today.
Dec 17, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Potentially (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 8)
A wide-ranging conflict over the primacy of Potential vs. Actuality based on the menorah candles with real life implications. Plus a brief on the 'miracle' of Jewish survival. Finally, responding to some of the harsh feedback on the Doctor/Rabbi title issue from Monday's "Pantheon" episode.
Dec 16, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Scotch Eggs (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 7)
A fascinating debate happening in English pubs as to what constitutes a 'substantial meal', and the great Jewish implications and deep Torah values it exposes. Followed by an examination into the unique Chanukah aspect of going "public". And a chavrusa from Arizona sparks an exchange into the ideal response to Anti-Torah decrees.
Dec 15, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Pantheon (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 6)
With a controversy about usage of the title 'Dr.' raging, we examine the usage and prestige of the title 'Rabbi' in contemporary context. Deep Chanukah Torah on the centered-ness of man in the Greek Pantheon worldview, and how the Jewish response to reclaim the definition of religion itself shaped the mode of the festival's celebration. Concluding with a thought from a Chavrusa in Wisconsin about tznius (authenticity) and an elaboration.
Dec 14, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Gratitude (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 5)
Why is Chanukah called a 'Yom Tov'? How is the Menorah connected to Gratitude? What is true gratitude anyway? Should I eat fancy meals on Chanukah? Elaborately talking about the concept of 'Beautifying Mitzvos'. The hidden depth and reasoning behind the height and placement of the Menorah, and a conclusion on everyday miracles.
Dec 11, 2020•21 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Externalities (Chanukah, Capturing the Light- 4)
Discussing an oft-quoted phrase of 'External Wisdom' (aka "Chochma Chitzonios") : What it means, why it falls short, how to avoid, and its eternal rebuke that Chanukah delivers...How it manifests in terms of secular studies for a passionate Jew...Brings to light a key message of a call for authenticity in the face of superficiality, and a Torah perspective on the benefits of music and art. Concludes with a Kabbalstic connection of the sefira of 'Hod' and it's connection to Chanukah.
Dec 10, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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