Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode was prompted by a minor kitchen mishap and my childish reaction to it. I didn’t set out to record an episode about runny noses, uncurable diseases, and the limits of prayer, but that’s what I ended up recording. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - How to Daven for a Sick Person Who is Beyond Recovery Sources: - Epictetus, Discourses 1:6 - Berachos Chapter 9 Mishnah 3 - Ari Bleicher, Tefillat Shav: The Limits of...
Aug 10, 2022•12 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode is an amalgamation of insights spurred by my (non-halachic) 48-hour fast on the 11th of Av, following our observance of Tishah b’Av on the 10th of Av. Special thanks to Marta bas Baisos and R’ Tzadok. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - My Experience Fasting for 48 Hours on the 9th and 10th of Av ( article version + podcast version ) - A Stoic Perspective on Tishah b’Av - Seneca - Letter #18: On Festivals and F...
Aug 09, 2022•28 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: My initial answer to this question prompted by a letter from Seneca was, “No!” but then I realized that the question is more nuanced than I thought. The answer and its implications are not as simple as they seem. In this episode I offer some thoughts, examples, and questions on this topic in light of a pasuk in Mishlei cited by the Rambam and elucidated by a midrash. Sources: - Seneca, Letter #13 - Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ...
Jul 27, 2022•17 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today's more-scattered-than-usual episode was brought to you by my insomnia. I got zero sleep last night, and rather than keep my Stoic Jew self-talk to myself, I figured I'd think it out loud - for my own sake and for the sake of others. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - A Stoic Cure for Insomnia ... I Hope - Applying Epictetus to My Insomnia Sources: - Aurelius, Meditations 6:31 - Mishlei 18:8; 26:22 ---------- The Torah c...
Jul 25, 2022•22 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today's episode was brought to you by the Internal Revenue Service, which might or might not have taken $800 from me. You can be the judge of that in light of the ideas in this episode. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The Saga of the Resurrected Shirt Sources: - Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) Chapter 11 - R' Yosef Kara on Iyov 1:20-22 - Malbim on I Divrei ha'Yamim 29:14 ---------- The Torah content for these two wee...
Jul 20, 2022•13 min•Season 9Ep. 6
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In today's episode I discuss what I believe will be my next level-up in Premeditatio Malorum. It's a technique called EFT (Episodic Future Thinking), and I learned about it from a book I'm reading by Jane McGonigal. After recapping my overview (which I wrote about in a blog post, linked below) we examine some of the many Stoic/Mishleic benefits of this practice. I'm certainly excited about what this practice will yield in my ow...
Jul 18, 2022•18 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode is a bit experimental. A friend of mine asked me: “Do you have a post or a quick answer as to what makes you value stoicism and/or how it augments or interacts with Judaism?” and this is my attempt at a concise answer. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - literally all the other episodes of TSJ Sources: - Mishlei 15:33; 28:14 - Koheles 12:13-14 - Epictetus, Enchiridion 8,5,1 - Rambam, Moreh ha’Nevuchim 3:12 - Se...
Jul 15, 2022•21 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Have you ever seen the audition tape for Henry Thomas, the kid who played Elliot in Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ? Well, if you haven’t, drop everything you’re doing and watch it now, because it’s one of the best performances of a child actor I’ve seen – and it was all improvised! Not only that, but it led to an insight about Stoicism which, in turn, led to an insight about human perfection, and that’s what th...
Jul 13, 2022•14 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: I am pleased (and grateful) to say that my Gratitude Journal practice has reached its one-year milestone! In today’s episode I reflect on how these last 365 days of gratitude journaling have changed me, and how this whole process has exemplified the habit cultivation principles stated by Aurelius, Epictetus, and the Rambam. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The Gratitude Accountability Experiment - 100 Days of Gratitude - 22...
Jul 11, 2022•14 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: We’re back! Since the last episode I posted was my eulogy of Rabbi Moskowitz, and since today (the day of the recording) is Rabbi Moskowitz’s shloshim , I decided to devote this episode to one of Rabbi Moskowitz’s many virtues – one which is discussed by Marcus Aurelius, and is shared by Judaism and Stoicism. Sources: - Aurelius, Meditations 6:21 - Saadia Gaon, unsourced quotation (according to Rabbi Moskowitz’s unreliable memo...
Jun 22, 2022•10 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! I'm sharing this recording on all five of my podcasts, regardless of their subject matter, because Rabbi Moskowitz is responsible for all the Torah I learn and teach. This is the audio of the eulogy I gave for my beloved rebbi, Rabbi Morton Moskowitz zt"l on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5782 (May 30th, 2022). For the video, click here . I plan on typing up the transcript of the abridged version of the eulogy (which is the one I gave), as well...
May 30, 2022•9 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: My insomnia has been particularly bad lately ... OR HAS IT? This episode begins with a recap of Epictetus's approach to "impressions," the Jewish counterpart of which is what Shlomo ha'Melech refers to as ormah ("cunning"). I then walk you through an application of this perspective to my own problem of chronic insomnia, which was the involuntary co-sponsor of today's episode. Note: I recorded this on Wednesday. My sleep improve...
May 27, 2022•16 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode was inspired by a conversation I overheard between my neighbor (who is an exterminator) and an overconfident customer. This conversation led to yet another insight into how moral philosophy should and shouldn’t be approached, according to both Judaism and Stoicism. Sources: - Seneca, Letter #71: On the Supreme Good - Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha’Mada, Hilchos Deios 2:1-2 ---------- This week's Torah content h...
May 25, 2022•17 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode is an example of how a familiar idea can be imbued with a new level of insight if one finds a new way of engaging it. In this case, the old idea was the opening thesis of Koheles and the Rambam’s explanation of mezuzah, and the new way of engaging it was a writing exercise suggested by Natalie Goldberg. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The Sacred Pause as Applied to Mezuzah Sources: - Aurelius, Meditations 5...
May 23, 2022•13 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In today’s episode we go over a practical habit cultivation (or habit removal) tip from Epictetus, which is expanded upon by James Clear in Atomic Habits . The mitzvah of Sefiras ha’Omer serves as the ideal scaffolding for this method, and there are enough days left in this year’s count to initiate a habit cultivation experiment of your own! Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Why Do We Count the Omer? Three Explanations You (...
May 18, 2022•14 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode explores one of the fundamental differences between the Jewish and Stoic approach to ethics (based on my experience) and the approach to ethics via Moral Philosophy, as exemplified in the book I just read, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question , by Michael Schur. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Stoic Anxiety vs. Torah Anxiety - Book Review WhatsApp Chat Sources: - Epictetus, Discours...
May 16, 2022•16 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Happy Mother's Day! Today's episode is dedicated to my mom, and to her mom - my grandma, a.k.a. Popo - in gratitude for who they are, and how they have helped me to become who I am. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Happy Being Happy - How to Convince Mom That You’re Invulnerable - Seneca’s Ruthless Consolation of His Mother - A Stoic Perspective on Shavuos, True Wealth, and Constant Partying Source: - Seneca, Consolation fo...
May 08, 2022•12 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: I recently took a stroll down memory lane and reflected on my very first encounter with the teachings of Epictetus, which happened at a critical time in my development. In this episode I share the exact transcript of that encounter. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - How to Convince Mom That You’re Invulnerable (Seneca – Consolation of Helvia) - Aurelius - Meditations 4:8: The Stoic Definition of Harm - Aurelius - Meditations...
May 06, 2022•14 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today marks the 300th day of my Gratitude Journal. In today's episode I reflect on one of the many benefits I've noticed from this daily practice, which I illustrate through a recent example of something that happened in my apartment. I conclude the episode by connecting this daily practice with Epictetus's Stoicism. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: -- 225 Days of Gratitude (Aurelius - Meditations 9:6) -- 100 Days of Gratitud...
May 04, 2022•12 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In today’s episode I attempt to express my thoughts about the type of daagah (anxiety/stress/worry) that can be generated by the attempt to live by Stoic principles as if they were laws, and how the Torah is structured in a manner which aims to sidestep this problem. Sources: - Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) Chapter 50 - Michael Schur, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question, Ch8 pp.146-150 - Ralbag...
May 02, 2022•19 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: I hadn’t planned on recording any episodes of TSJ during Pesach, but after visiting Bruce Lee’s grave on R' Soloveitchik’s yahrtzeit yesterday morning, I had to express my thoughts while they were still fresh in mind. And if the title of this episode isn’t the perfect embodiment of my own eclectic approach to learning, teaching, and life, then I don’t know what is. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - A Glimpse Into Bruce Lee's...
Apr 20, 2022•22 min•Season 7Ep. 20
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In this cutting-it-too-close-to-the-holiday Pesach episode I attempt to round up and articulate my thoughts on the difference between Judaism’s concept of freedom and that of Epictetus, in light of my recent reading of Viktor Frankel’s Man’s Search for Meaning . My primary goal in recording this podcast was to get out as many of my thoughts in one take as I could. Afterwards I realized that there were points I had intended to m...
Apr 14, 2022•18 min•Season 7Ep. 19
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Although I am loath to engage in celebrity gossip, I felt I HAD to make an episode about the incident that has dominated the U.S. news cycle these past couple of days: Will Smith publicly slapping Chris Rock in the face on stage at the 94th Academy Awards. I had to actively suppress my irrationally ambitious urge to produce a comprehensive treatment of Judaism’s and Stoicism’s stance on anger. Instead, I contented myself with s...
Mar 30, 2022•17 min•Season 7Ep. 18
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: Today’s episode emerged from a confluence of sources: (1) a basic facet of Epictetus’s Stoicism, (2) an anecdote from the childhood of lion tracker Boyd Varty, and (3) a scene in a TV show I’ve been obsessed with for the past three weeks. All three of these sources are rooted in the Rambam’s theory of evil. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - That's a Jacket, Not a Bad Cat! - TSJ Interlude - I Got Got By An Impression! Sources...
Mar 28, 2022•14 min•Season 7Ep. 17
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: This episode was inspired by a Rumi poem I've been thinking about lately. After reading and analyzing the poem, we compare and contrast it with two similar examples: a decision made by Claire Wineland, as a child, to decorate her hospital room, and a halachic institution which I won't spoil by naming it in the synopsis. Sources: - Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) Chapter 3 - Rumi, A Given (translated by Coleman Barks) - Cl...
Mar 21, 2022•13 min•Season 7Ep. 16
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In this episode I share some thoughts I had about how the ideas of Purim embody some fundamental differences between Judaism and Stoicism with regards to factors outside of our control. These thoughts were prompted by the writings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (a.k.a. the Rav). I’m sure my ideas can be developed, but I figured it would be better to get them out there before Purim starts. Happy Purim! Related Rabbi Schneeweiss...
Mar 16, 2022•19 min•Season 7Ep. 15
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In today's episode we unpack a popular saying - "tafasta merubeh lo tafasta" - as explained by Epictetus and Mark Nepo, and as exemplified by the wisdom of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai. Sources: - Epictetus, Discourses 3:9:22 - Wikipedia, Tafasta merube lo tafasta - Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening , March 7th - Talmud Bavli, Gittin 56b - Avos d'Rebbi Nosson 4:5 - Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau, The Sages: Character, Context, & Creat...
Mar 10, 2022•15 min•Season 7Ep. 14
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: In today's episode we explore an advanced method of premeditatio malorum (the premeditation of evils). After reviewing the basic technique - as formulated by Seneca, Shlomo ha'Melech, and Chazal - we read and reflect on a more extreme method, as articulated by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. This practice is not for the faint of heart, but is something we can practice on a smaller scale until we become capable of the truly...
Mar 09, 2022•11 min•Season 7Ep. 13
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: This morning I misread a quotation from Seneca. Thankfully, both the actual quotation AND the misreading led to insight - thanks to Sigmund Freud, Dick Schwartz, and Rashi's citation of Chazal on Koheles. Sources: - Seneca, Letter #13 - Rashi on Koheles 4:13 ---------- The Torah content from now through Shushan Purim has been sponsored anonymously. This is the last sponsorship we have lined up. If you would like to sponsor a we...
Mar 08, 2022•11 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Synopsis: This past Monday (2/28/22) I declared my intent to make an episode each day in an effort to break my "podcaster's block." Not only did I succeed in that, but I also rediscovered an important truth along the way, and was reminded of a fundamental difference between Judaism and Stoicism. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The One-Page Article: a Summer 2021 Experiment - Hunting for Treasure vs. Panning for Gold on the Beaches o...
Mar 04, 2022•11 min•Season 7Ep. 11
