Self-Control Through Torah https://newbooksnetwork.com en New Books Network How can Torah help you improve your self-control? With the help of Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh, an important 19th-century work on character refinement, we delve into the weekly Torah portion to seek wisdom on refining our traits and mastering our moods and emotions. Listen in as Modya Silver, a psychotherapist and author, and David Gottlieb, a scholar of Jewish history and a teacher of Jewish contemplative practice, uncover the ethical wisdom contained in each weekly reading. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cdb6532a-7192-11ee-8fd6-f308bf4963d9/image/selfcontroltorah.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Self-Control Through Torah https://newbooksnetwork.com no episodic New Books Network How can Torah help you improve your self-control? With the help of Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh, an important 19th-century work on character refinement, we delve into the weekly Torah portion to seek wisdom on refining our traits and mastering our moods and emotions. Listen in as Modya Silver, a psychotherapist and author, and David Gottlieb, a scholar of Jewish history and a teacher of Jewish contemplative practice, uncover the ethical wisdom contained in each weekly reading. How can Torah help you improve your self-control? With the help of Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh, an important 19th-century work on character refinement, we delve into the weekly Torah portion to seek wisdom on refining our traits and mastering our moods and emotions. Listen in as Modya Silver, a psychotherapist and author, and David Gottlieb, a scholar of Jewish history and a teacher of Jewish contemplative practice, uncover the ethical wisdom contained in each weekly reading.

]]> New Books Network marshallpoe@newbooksnetwork.com Spiritual Separation in V'zot Habracha 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 52 New Books Network Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2746 no "Separation" in Ha'azinu 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 51 New Books Network Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2248 no "Separation" in Nitzavim-Vayelech 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 50 New Books Network Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30 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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2264 no "Separateness" in Ki Tavo 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 49 New Books Network Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 1838 no "Truth" in Ki Teitzei 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 48 New Books Network Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2560 no "Truth" in Shoftim 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 46 New Books Network Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2118 no The Idea of "Truth" in Re'eh 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 46 New Books Network Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2352 no "Truth" in Eikev 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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 45 New Books Network Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25 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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2555 no "Grace" and "Calmness" in Va'etchanan 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 44 New Books Network 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2516 no "Calmness" in Devarim 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 43 New Books Network Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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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]]> 2155 no "Calmness" in Matot-Masei This week, Modya and David explore the double parsha that ends the book of Numbers (Bamidbar). They explore once again the role of calmness in speech through taking on responsibilities that previously were only in the domain of the Divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 42 New Books Network Numbers 30:2-36:13 This week, Modya and David explore the double parsha that ends the book of Numbers (Bamidbar). They explore once again the role of calmness in speech through taking on responsibilities that previously were only in the domain of the Divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David explore the double parsha that ends the book of Numbers (Bamidbar). They explore once again the role of calmness in speech through taking on responsibilities that previously were only in the domain of the Divine.

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]]> 2263 no "Calm" in Pinchas In Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1), the Moses prepares the people for crossing over into the land. The preparations come on the heels of violence and plague, but are meant to maintain peace and communal cohesion. Modya and David discuss how an attitude of calm and deliberation can help both individuals and communities in times of dramatic change. Please listen and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 41 New Books Network Numbers 25:10-30:1 In Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1), the Moses prepares the people for crossing over into the land. The preparations come on the heels of violence and plague, but are meant to maintain peace and communal cohesion. Modya and David discuss how an attitude of calm and deliberation can help both individuals and communities in times of dramatic change. Please listen and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1), the Moses prepares the people for crossing over into the land. The preparations come on the heels of violence and plague, but are meant to maintain peace and communal cohesion. Modya and David discuss how an attitude of calm and deliberation can help both individuals and communities in times of dramatic change. Please listen and enjoy!

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]]> 1957 no The Middah of "Silence" in Balak In this week's episode, David and Modya speak with Rebecca Schliser, a core faculty member at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and rabbinical student at Aleph, The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. They explore the middah of silence through the stories in parsha Balak and see how a donkey may be more in tune with the Divine than a human by employing silence as a contemplative tool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 40 New Books Network Numbers 22-24 In this week's episode, David and Modya speak with Rebecca Schliser, a core faculty member at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and rabbinical student at Aleph, The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. They explore the middah of silence through the stories in parsha Balak and see how a donkey may be more in tune with the Divine than a human by employing silence as a contemplative tool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, David and Modya speak with Rebecca Schliser, a core faculty member at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and rabbinical student at Aleph, The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. They explore the middah of silence through the stories in parsha Balak and see how a donkey may be more in tune with the Divine than a human by employing silence as a contemplative tool.

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]]> 2235 no "Silence" in Chukat In this week's episode, Modya and David's method for exploring the Torah portion through the lens of a specific character trait lands them on Chukat (Num. 19:1-22:1) through the lens of Silence. In Chukat (spoiler alert), a lot happens: the law of the red heifer is expounded, Miriam and Aaron pass on, and Moses's exasperation with the people leads him to act in a way that causes God to forbid him to enter the Promised Land. The hosts explore how restraint in speech and action -- or lack thereof -- can lead to cascading consequences, and to an alienation of people from each other, and from the people to their God. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 39 New Books Network Numbers 19:1-22:1 In this week's episode, Modya and David's method for exploring the Torah portion through the lens of a specific character trait lands them on Chukat (Num. 19:1-22:1) through the lens of Silence. In Chukat (spoiler alert), a lot happens: the law of the red heifer is expounded, Miriam and Aaron pass on, and Moses's exasperation with the people leads him to act in a way that causes God to forbid him to enter the Promised Land. The hosts explore how restraint in speech and action -- or lack thereof -- can lead to cascading consequences, and to an alienation of people from each other, and from the people to their God. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David's method for exploring the Torah portion through the lens of a specific character trait lands them on Chukat (Num. 19:1-22:1) through the lens of Silence. In Chukat (spoiler alert), a lot happens: the law of the red heifer is expounded, Miriam and Aaron pass on, and Moses's exasperation with the people leads him to act in a way that causes God to forbid him to enter the Promised Land. The hosts explore how restraint in speech and action -- or lack thereof -- can lead to cascading consequences, and to an alienation of people from each other, and from the people to their God. Thanks for listening!

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]]> 2433 no Silence in Korach Korach (Num. 16:1-18:32), one of the most riveting and dramatic narratives in all of Torah, is, perhaps counterintuitively, fertile ground for a discussion of the trait of Silence. When is speech destructive? When is silence -- a deliberate avoidance of harsh or provoactive speech -- healing? How do we balance our "inner Korach" and "inner Moses"? Modya and David explore these and other topics in this week's episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 38 New Books Network Numbers 16:1-18:32 Korach (Num. 16:1-18:32), one of the most riveting and dramatic narratives in all of Torah, is, perhaps counterintuitively, fertile ground for a discussion of the trait of Silence. When is speech destructive? When is silence -- a deliberate avoidance of harsh or provoactive speech -- healing? How do we balance our "inner Korach" and "inner Moses"? Modya and David explore these and other topics in this week's episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Korach (Num. 16:1-18:32), one of the most riveting and dramatic narratives in all of Torah, is, perhaps counterintuitively, fertile ground for a discussion of the trait of Silence. When is speech destructive? When is silence -- a deliberate avoidance of harsh or provoactive speech -- healing? How do we balance our "inner Korach" and "inner Moses"? Modya and David explore these and other topics in this week's episode. Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2362 no On "Silence" (Shtikah) in Shelakh This week, Modya and David discuss parshat Shelakh (also known as Shelakh Lekha) in the Book of Numbers, using the lens of the attribute of Shtikah, or Silence. In the Mussar tradition, silence refers to the deliberative pause taken before speaking, to make sure that what is said is truthful and beneficial to self and others. This Torah portion includes the fateful incident of the report of the spies who scout out the land and bring a pessimistic report. The hosts consider the ramifications and consequences of speech that is truthful but not beneficial, and they discuss how to build a practice of using speech sparingly and wisely. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 37 New Books Network Numbers 13:1–15:41 This week, Modya and David discuss parshat Shelakh (also known as Shelakh Lekha) in the Book of Numbers, using the lens of the attribute of Shtikah, or Silence. In the Mussar tradition, silence refers to the deliberative pause taken before speaking, to make sure that what is said is truthful and beneficial to self and others. This Torah portion includes the fateful incident of the report of the spies who scout out the land and bring a pessimistic report. The hosts consider the ramifications and consequences of speech that is truthful but not beneficial, and they discuss how to build a practice of using speech sparingly and wisely. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David discuss parshat Shelakh (also known as Shelakh Lekha) in the Book of Numbers, using the lens of the attribute of Shtikah, or Silence. In the Mussar tradition, silence refers to the deliberative pause taken before speaking, to make sure that what is said is truthful and beneficial to self and others. This Torah portion includes the fateful incident of the report of the spies who scout out the land and bring a pessimistic report. The hosts consider the ramifications and consequences of speech that is truthful but not beneficial, and they discuss how to build a practice of using speech sparingly and wisely. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2396 no The Trait of "Diligence" in B'ha'alotkha Today, Modya and David welcome Mindy Shapiro, a Philadelphia-based student and teacher of Mussar and an artist*, to discuss parshat B'ha'alotkha (Num. 8:1-12:16) through the lens of Zerizut, or diligence. Central questions explored in conversation: How do we bring the rebellious aspects of our natures into alignment with our higher purpose? How can we see our own "desert wanderings" as part of a meaningful experience? And how can we identify and address our fear of not being seen, and what that fear causes us to do? We hope you enjoy! *Mindy's work can be seen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 36 New Books Network Numbers 8:1-12:16 Today, Modya and David welcome Mindy Shapiro, a Philadelphia-based student and teacher of Mussar and an artist*, to discuss parshat B'ha'alotkha (Num. 8:1-12:16) through the lens of Zerizut, or diligence. Central questions explored in conversation: How do we bring the rebellious aspects of our natures into alignment with our higher purpose? How can we see our own "desert wanderings" as part of a meaningful experience? And how can we identify and address our fear of not being seen, and what that fear causes us to do? We hope you enjoy! *Mindy's work can be seen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, Modya and David welcome Mindy Shapiro, a Philadelphia-based student and teacher of Mussar and an artist*, to discuss parshat B'ha'alotkha (Num. 8:1-12:16) through the lens of Zerizut, or diligence. Central questions explored in conversation: How do we bring the rebellious aspects of our natures into alignment with our higher purpose? How can we see our own "desert wanderings" as part of a meaningful experience? And how can we identify and address our fear of not being seen, and what that fear causes us to do? We hope you enjoy! *Mindy's work can be seen here.

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]]> 3110 no On "Diligence" (zerizut) in Naso This week, Modya and David dive into parshat Naso (Num. 4:21-7:89), the longest portion in the entire Torah -- 70 verses of which are identical! This parshah also features the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), the laws of Sotah (Num. 5:1-31), and a host of lessons on the middah of Zerizut, or Diligence, for individuals and communities, in relation to each other and to God. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 35 New Books Network Numbers 4:21-7:89 This week, Modya and David dive into parshat Naso (Num. 4:21-7:89), the longest portion in the entire Torah -- 70 verses of which are identical! This parshah also features the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), the laws of Sotah (Num. 5:1-31), and a host of lessons on the middah of Zerizut, or Diligence, for individuals and communities, in relation to each other and to God. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David dive into parshat Naso (Num. 4:21-7:89), the longest portion in the entire Torah -- 70 verses of which are identical! This parshah also features the Priestly Blessing (Num. 6:24-26), the laws of Sotah (Num. 5:1-31), and a host of lessons on the middah of Zerizut, or Diligence, for individuals and communities, in relation to each other and to God. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2468 no What is Your Mission? What sort of people do you surround yourself with? And what is your mission in life? How best to marshal all aspects of your personality, and your community, in order to pursue it? And, on another note: what explains the Jewish aversion to being counted?These are just some of the questions Modya and David explore in this week's episode, in which they look at parshat Bamidbar (Num. 1:1-4:20). We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 34 New Books Network On Bamidbar: Numbers 1:1-4:20 What sort of people do you surround yourself with? And what is your mission in life? How best to marshal all aspects of your personality, and your community, in order to pursue it? And, on another note: what explains the Jewish aversion to being counted?These are just some of the questions Modya and David explore in this week's episode, in which they look at parshat Bamidbar (Num. 1:1-4:20). We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What sort of people do you surround yourself with? And what is your mission in life? How best to marshal all aspects of your personality, and your community, in order to pursue it? And, on another note: what explains the Jewish aversion to being counted?These are just some of the questions Modya and David explore in this week's episode, in which they look at parshat Bamidbar (Num. 1:1-4:20). We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2572 no On "Diligence" (zerizut) in Bechukotai On this week's episode, Modya and David switch lenses to the trait of Zerizut, or Diligence, and use that as a lens through which to explore parshat Bechukotai, the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (26:3-27:24). In this portion, God delineates the good that will come of following divine laws and commandments -- and the ills that will befall Israel if they turn away. The hosts explore how diligence in following divine will can keep our selves, our communities, and our world in balance. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 33 New Books Network Leviticus 26:3-27:24 On this week's episode, Modya and David switch lenses to the trait of Zerizut, or Diligence, and use that as a lens through which to explore parshat Bechukotai, the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (26:3-27:24). In this portion, God delineates the good that will come of following divine laws and commandments -- and the ills that will befall Israel if they turn away. The hosts explore how diligence in following divine will can keep our selves, our communities, and our world in balance. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode, Modya and David switch lenses to the trait of Zerizut, or Diligence, and use that as a lens through which to explore parshat Bechukotai, the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (26:3-27:24). In this portion, God delineates the good that will come of following divine laws and commandments -- and the ills that will befall Israel if they turn away. The hosts explore how diligence in following divine will can keep our selves, our communities, and our world in balance. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2221 no The Trait of "Frugality" in Behar This week David and Modya complete their investigation of frugality looking at the parsha of Behar. We see how the lens is widened to include not only the self and community but also our orientation to the land and ultimately the Divine. In an agrarian culture, land represented economy and so the focus on letting the land lay fallow (shemitah and yoval) equated to frugality with finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 32 New Books Network Leviticus 25:1-26:2 This week David and Modya complete their investigation of frugality looking at the parsha of Behar. We see how the lens is widened to include not only the self and community but also our orientation to the land and ultimately the Divine. In an agrarian culture, land represented economy and so the focus on letting the land lay fallow (shemitah and yoval) equated to frugality with finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week David and Modya complete their investigation of frugality looking at the parsha of Behar. We see how the lens is widened to include not only the self and community but also our orientation to the land and ultimately the Divine. In an agrarian culture, land represented economy and so the focus on letting the land lay fallow (shemitah and yoval) equated to frugality with finances.

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]]> 1910 no On "Frugality" (kimutz) in Emor In parsha Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23), David and Modya continue to explore "frugality." They look at it being part of a continuum of holiness and see how frugality in action needs to match an inner authentic orientation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 31 New Books Network Leviticus 21:1-24:23 In parsha Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23), David and Modya continue to explore "frugality." They look at it being part of a continuum of holiness and see how frugality in action needs to match an inner authentic orientation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In parsha Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23), David and Modya continue to explore "frugality." They look at it being part of a continuum of holiness and see how frugality in action needs to match an inner authentic orientation.

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]]> 1876 no On "Frugality" (kimutz) in Kedoshim Modya and David focus again this week on kimutz, or frugality, through the lens of the week's Torah portion, Kedoshim (Lev: 19:1-20:27). The central question: what do the priestly and ethical laws teach us about stewardship of our resources, both as individuals and as members of a community living in a covenanted relationship to each other and to God? We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 30 New Books Network Leviticus 19:1-20:27 Modya and David focus again this week on kimutz, or frugality, through the lens of the week's Torah portion, Kedoshim (Lev: 19:1-20:27). The central question: what do the priestly and ethical laws teach us about stewardship of our resources, both as individuals and as members of a community living in a covenanted relationship to each other and to God? We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Modya and David focus again this week on kimutz, or frugality, through the lens of the week's Torah portion, Kedoshim (Lev: 19:1-20:27). The central question: what do the priestly and ethical laws teach us about stewardship of our resources, both as individuals and as members of a community living in a covenanted relationship to each other and to God? We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 1513 no On "Frugality" in Acharei Mot Modya and David begin this week a focus on the trait of frugality, the careful shepherding of one's resources, monetary and otherwise. The Torah portion under consideration is Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30). Modya and David explore how the careful allocation and conservation of resources can help to create a balance between the divine and animal energies which comprise the human being and human societies. The rite of the scapegoat is also discussed as a way to recognize, honor, and maintain the balance between these energies. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 29 New Books Network Leviticus 16:1-18:30 Modya and David begin this week a focus on the trait of frugality, the careful shepherding of one's resources, monetary and otherwise. The Torah portion under consideration is Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30). Modya and David explore how the careful allocation and conservation of resources can help to create a balance between the divine and animal energies which comprise the human being and human societies. The rite of the scapegoat is also discussed as a way to recognize, honor, and maintain the balance between these energies. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Modya and David begin this week a focus on the trait of frugality, the careful shepherding of one's resources, monetary and otherwise. The Torah portion under consideration is Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30). Modya and David explore how the careful allocation and conservation of resources can help to create a balance between the divine and animal energies which comprise the human being and human societies. The rite of the scapegoat is also discussed as a way to recognize, honor, and maintain the balance between these energies. Thanks for listening!

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]]> 1781 no "Righteousness" (tzedek) in Metzora On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by the artist, writer, coach, and fellow podcaster Avrum Rosensweig to discuss parshat Metzora in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 14:1-15:32), and what can be learned about the trait of tzedek, or righteousness. The wide-ranging discussion centers on the importance of being careful in one's speech, as one message of this parsha is how gossip and slander can throw an individual, and indeed an entire community out of balance. Modya, David, and Avrum also discuss how sacrificing for the greater good can help create and preserve healthy relationships and a righteous community. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 28 New Books Network Leviticus 14:1-15:32 On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by the artist, writer, coach, and fellow podcaster Avrum Rosensweig to discuss parshat Metzora in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 14:1-15:32), and what can be learned about the trait of tzedek, or righteousness. The wide-ranging discussion centers on the importance of being careful in one's speech, as one message of this parsha is how gossip and slander can throw an individual, and indeed an entire community out of balance. Modya, David, and Avrum also discuss how sacrificing for the greater good can help create and preserve healthy relationships and a righteous community. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by the artist, writer, coach, and fellow podcaster Avrum Rosensweig to discuss parshat Metzora in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 14:1-15:32), and what can be learned about the trait of tzedek, or righteousness. The wide-ranging discussion centers on the importance of being careful in one's speech, as one message of this parsha is how gossip and slander can throw an individual, and indeed an entire community out of balance. Modya, David, and Avrum also discuss how sacrificing for the greater good can help create and preserve healthy relationships and a righteous community. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2631 no "Righteousness" in Tazria David and Modya know that beauty is more than skin deep. In this episode, they look at the parsha of tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) through the lens of righteousness to see what we can learn about skin outbreaks, life and death and communal responsibility to the individual and the community. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 27 New Books Network Leviticus 12:1–13:59 David and Modya know that beauty is more than skin deep. In this episode, they look at the parsha of tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) through the lens of righteousness to see what we can learn about skin outbreaks, life and death and communal responsibility to the individual and the community. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices David and Modya know that beauty is more than skin deep. In this episode, they look at the parsha of tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) through the lens of righteousness to see what we can learn about skin outbreaks, life and death and communal responsibility to the individual and the community.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2091 no More on "Righteousness" (Tzedek) Modya and David take a deep dive this week into Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47) to explore the content for lessons in tzedek, or righteousness. How might detailed instructions on the way to conduct different ritual sacrifices help build a society that cultivates righteousness and justice? What other middot (character traits) are related to righteousness? This Torah portion also contains the profoundly troubling episode of the deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offer a "strange fire" before God (Lev. 10:1-2). David and Modya discuss different commentaries on this episode, and how they illuminate the relationship between character traits, especially righteousness and humility. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 26 New Books Network Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47) Modya and David take a deep dive this week into Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47) to explore the content for lessons in tzedek, or righteousness. How might detailed instructions on the way to conduct different ritual sacrifices help build a society that cultivates righteousness and justice? What other middot (character traits) are related to righteousness? This Torah portion also contains the profoundly troubling episode of the deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offer a "strange fire" before God (Lev. 10:1-2). David and Modya discuss different commentaries on this episode, and how they illuminate the relationship between character traits, especially righteousness and humility. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Modya and David take a deep dive this week into Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47) to explore the content for lessons in tzedek, or righteousness. How might detailed instructions on the way to conduct different ritual sacrifices help build a society that cultivates righteousness and justice? What other middot (character traits) are related to righteousness? This Torah portion also contains the profoundly troubling episode of the deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offer a "strange fire" before God (Lev. 10:1-2). David and Modya discuss different commentaries on this episode, and how they illuminate the relationship between character traits, especially righteousness and humility. Thanks for listening!

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]]> 2462 no On "Righteousness" (Tzedek) This week, Modya and David discuss what can be learned about tzedek, or righteousness, from Tzav in the book of Leviticus (Lev. 6:1-8:36). What do priestly guidelines for conducting sacrifices tell us about righteousness and how to enact it in the world? What other character traits help us develop into people who advance righteousness, for ourselves and for others? And just what is righteousness, anyway? Listen and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 25 New Books Network Leviticus 6:1-8:36 This week, Modya and David discuss what can be learned about tzedek, or righteousness, from Tzav in the book of Leviticus (Lev. 6:1-8:36). What do priestly guidelines for conducting sacrifices tell us about righteousness and how to enact it in the world? What other character traits help us develop into people who advance righteousness, for ourselves and for others? And just what is righteousness, anyway? Listen and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David discuss what can be learned about tzedek, or righteousness, from Tzav in the book of Leviticus (Lev. 6:1-8:36). What do priestly guidelines for conducting sacrifices tell us about righteousness and how to enact it in the world? What other character traits help us develop into people who advance righteousness, for ourselves and for others? And just what is righteousness, anyway? Listen and enjoy!

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]]> 2001 no More on "Humility" with Rabbi Marc Margolius This week, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi Marc Margolius, Vice President of Faculty and Program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, to discuss lessons for the character trait of humility that can be gleaned from Vayikra, the first Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 1:1-5:26). Beginning from the small letter aleph at the end of the first word of the Torah portion, Modya, David, and Marc explore the mystical, sociological, and ethical lessons to be gained by Israel through the order and methods of sacrifice outlined in the Torah portion. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 24 New Books Network This week, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi Marc Margolius, Vice President of Faculty and Program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, to discuss lessons for the character trait of humility that can be gleaned from Vayikra, the first Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 1:1-5:26). Beginning from the small letter aleph at the end of the first word of the Torah portion, Modya, David, and Marc explore the mystical, sociological, and ethical lessons to be gained by Israel through the order and methods of sacrifice outlined in the Torah portion. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi Marc Margolius, Vice President of Faculty and Program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, to discuss lessons for the character trait of humility that can be gleaned from Vayikra, the first Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 1:1-5:26). Beginning from the small letter aleph at the end of the first word of the Torah portion, Modya, David, and Marc explore the mystical, sociological, and ethical lessons to be gained by Israel through the order and methods of sacrifice outlined in the Torah portion. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2931 no The Mussar Tradition and "Humility" (anavah): On Exodus 38:21-40:38 This week, Modya and David discuss Pekudei (Ex. 38:21-40:38), the last Torah portion in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of Humility. Among the questions the hosts ponder: What does the contrast between the episodes of the Golden Calf and the construction of the Mishkan teach us about cultivating humility? Why is humility seen as the trait to start with in the Mussar tradition? How do we bring these lessons into our daily lives? And how can humility help us to be more responsive and responsible in our relationships? The hosts bring a variety of biblical and other sources to the discussion. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full 23 New Books Network This week, Modya and David discuss Pekudei (Ex. 38:21-40:38), the last Torah portion in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of Humility. Among the questions the hosts ponder: What does the contrast between the episodes of the Golden Calf and the construction of the Mishkan teach us about cultivating humility? Why is humility seen as the trait to start with in the Mussar tradition? How do we bring these lessons into our daily lives? And how can humility help us to be more responsive and responsible in our relationships? The hosts bring a variety of biblical and other sources to the discussion. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David discuss Pekudei (Ex. 38:21-40:38), the last Torah portion in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of Humility. Among the questions the hosts ponder: What does the contrast between the episodes of the Golden Calf and the construction of the Mishkan teach us about cultivating humility? Why is humility seen as the trait to start with in the Mussar tradition? How do we bring these lessons into our daily lives? And how can humility help us to be more responsive and responsible in our relationships? The hosts bring a variety of biblical and other sources to the discussion. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2188 no Building the Tabernacle: On Exodus 35:1-38:20 This week, Modya and David delve into Vayakhel (Ex. 35:1-38:20), the Torah portion that describes in great detail the specific materials and dimensions of the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, and what lessons this parsha holds for developing the trait of humility. The hosts ponder the meaning of the empty space at the center of the Mishkan, the communal efforts needed to produce the raw materials and the finish product, and thus, the relationship between humility and devoting oneself to the needs of the community, and to the indwelling divinity at the center of each community and each member of that community. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 09 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 22 New Books Network This week, Modya and David delve into Vayakhel (Ex. 35:1-38:20), the Torah portion that describes in great detail the specific materials and dimensions of the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, and what lessons this parsha holds for developing the trait of humility. The hosts ponder the meaning of the empty space at the center of the Mishkan, the communal efforts needed to produce the raw materials and the finish product, and thus, the relationship between humility and devoting oneself to the needs of the community, and to the indwelling divinity at the center of each community and each member of that community. We hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David delve into Vayakhel (Ex. 35:1-38:20), the Torah portion that describes in great detail the specific materials and dimensions of the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, and what lessons this parsha holds for developing the trait of humility. The hosts ponder the meaning of the empty space at the center of the Mishkan, the communal efforts needed to produce the raw materials and the finish product, and thus, the relationship between humility and devoting oneself to the needs of the community, and to the indwelling divinity at the center of each community and each member of that community. We hope you enjoy!

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]]> 2340 no The Character Trait of Humility (anavah) This week, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) in light of the character trait of anavah (humility). Their wide-ranging discussion covers such topics as what humility is and isn't; the perils of both arrogance and low self-esteem; the Mishkan, and how it represents the space we must maintain for the Divine; and of course the Golden Calf, which can represent our mistaken belief that we can change the basic nature of the human-divine order. The hosts ponder the human task of finding and claiming one's proper place in the world as an essential aspect of cultivating the humility. Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000 full 21 New Books Network On Exodus 30:11-34:35 This week, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) in light of the character trait of anavah (humility). Their wide-ranging discussion covers such topics as what humility is and isn't; the perils of both arrogance and low self-esteem; the Mishkan, and how it represents the space we must maintain for the Divine; and of course the Golden Calf, which can represent our mistaken belief that we can change the basic nature of the human-divine order. The hosts ponder the human task of finding and claiming one's proper place in the world as an essential aspect of cultivating the humility. Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) in light of the character trait of anavah (humility). Their wide-ranging discussion covers such topics as what humility is and isn't; the perils of both arrogance and low self-esteem; the Mishkan, and how it represents the space we must maintain for the Divine; and of course the Golden Calf, which can represent our mistaken belief that we can change the basic nature of the human-divine order. The hosts ponder the human task of finding and claiming one's proper place in the world as an essential aspect of cultivating the humility. Thanks for listening!

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2857 no Physical Cleanliness and Spiritual Cleanliness (nekiut) In this episode Modya Silver concludes our four week look into the middah of cleanliness. He reviews the focus on physical cleanliness and how it inspires us to spiritual cleanliness. He also explores how one's own cleanliness helps support others in their own quest for personal growth. All of this and more through looking at the Torah portion of Tetzaveh. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 24 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 20 New Books Network On Exodus 27:20–30:10 In this episode Modya Silver concludes our four week look into the middah of cleanliness. He reviews the focus on physical cleanliness and how it inspires us to spiritual cleanliness. He also explores how one's own cleanliness helps support others in their own quest for personal growth. All of this and more through looking at the Torah portion of Tetzaveh. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode Modya Silver concludes our four week look into the middah of cleanliness. He reviews the focus on physical cleanliness and how it inspires us to spiritual cleanliness. He also explores how one's own cleanliness helps support others in their own quest for personal growth. All of this and more through looking at the Torah portion of Tetzaveh.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto.

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]]> 1653 no "Cleanliness" (nekiut) and the Hubble Telescope This week Modya presents solo on what we can learn about the middah of cleanliness (nekiut) from the Hubble telescope! Specifically, there are steps we can take to further develop physical and spiritual cleanliness and reduce confusion and suffering in the world. The week's Torah portion of Terumah teaches us not only how to build a mishkan (tabernacle) but how to live life with a pure heart. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 19 New Books Network On Exodus 25:2 This week Modya presents solo on what we can learn about the middah of cleanliness (nekiut) from the Hubble telescope! Specifically, there are steps we can take to further develop physical and spiritual cleanliness and reduce confusion and suffering in the world. The week's Torah portion of Terumah teaches us not only how to build a mishkan (tabernacle) but how to live life with a pure heart. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week Modya presents solo on what we can learn about the middah of cleanliness (nekiut) from the Hubble telescope! Specifically, there are steps we can take to further develop physical and spiritual cleanliness and reduce confusion and suffering in the world. The week's Torah portion of Terumah teaches us not only how to build a mishkan (tabernacle) but how to live life with a pure heart.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. 

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]]> 1826 no More on "Cleanliness" (nekiyut) On this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Mishpatim (Ex. 21:1-24:18) through the lens of the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness. In this Torah portion, the divine articulation of detailed laws helps to establish a culture in which physical, spiritual, and moral cleanliness are upheld on an individual and collective basis. What does this mean for how we, today, confront temptation, cultivate care for our physical selves, and support collective efforts toward elevating these aspects of our lives? Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 18 New Books Network On Exodus 21:1-24:18 On this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Mishpatim (Ex. 21:1-24:18) through the lens of the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness. In this Torah portion, the divine articulation of detailed laws helps to establish a culture in which physical, spiritual, and moral cleanliness are upheld on an individual and collective basis. What does this mean for how we, today, confront temptation, cultivate care for our physical selves, and support collective efforts toward elevating these aspects of our lives? Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Mishpatim (Ex. 21:1-24:18) through the lens of the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness. In this Torah portion, the divine articulation of detailed laws helps to establish a culture in which physical, spiritual, and moral cleanliness are upheld on an individual and collective basis. What does this mean for how we, today, confront temptation, cultivate care for our physical selves, and support collective efforts toward elevating these aspects of our lives? Thanks for listening!

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]]> 2166 no On the Idea of "Cleanliness" (nekiyut) in Exodus 18:1–20:23 This week, Modya and David move on to the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness, and use it as a lense on the Torah portion of Yitro, in which the Theophany at Sinai takes place. Just some of the questions pondered by the hosts: How does the concept of ritual purity influence the concept of purification of one's character? How are "inner" and "outer" cleanliness related? How can we know the true location of the "border of the mountain" (Mount Sinai), which the Israelites are instructed not to cross as God makes God's Presence known? And in the same way, how can we know when we have "crossed the line" between the minor transgression and the slippery slope? Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full New Books Network This week, Modya and David move on to the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness, and use it as a lense on the Torah portion of Yitro, in which the Theophany at Sinai takes place. Just some of the questions pondered by the hosts: How does the concept of ritual purity influence the concept of purification of one's character? How are "inner" and "outer" cleanliness related? How can we know the true location of the "border of the mountain" (Mount Sinai), which the Israelites are instructed not to cross as God makes God's Presence known? And in the same way, how can we know when we have "crossed the line" between the minor transgression and the slippery slope? Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David move on to the character trait of nekiyut, or cleanliness, and use it as a lense on the Torah portion of Yitro, in which the Theophany at Sinai takes place. Just some of the questions pondered by the hosts: How does the concept of ritual purity influence the concept of purification of one's character? How are "inner" and "outer" cleanliness related? How can we know the true location of the "border of the mountain" (Mount Sinai), which the Israelites are instructed not to cross as God makes God's Presence known? And in the same way, how can we know when we have "crossed the line" between the minor transgression and the slippery slope? Thanks for listening!

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2715 The Lessons of the Middah of "Deciveness" (harizut) On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi David Jaffe, a writer, Mussar teacher, and organizer, to discuss lessons on the middah of harizut (decisiveness) in parshat Beshalah (Ex. 13:17-17:16). Some questions discussed: What does the midrash about Nachshon bring the first to wade into the sea teach us about the line between divine providence and human agency? Why must God garden Pharaoh's heart and seal his fate, and the fate of the Egyptians? How should we understand the situatedness of our decisions, large and small, in the context of our relationships, our obligations, and our communities? Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 16 New Books Network On Exodus 13:17-17:16 On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi David Jaffe, a writer, Mussar teacher, and organizer, to discuss lessons on the middah of harizut (decisiveness) in parshat Beshalah (Ex. 13:17-17:16). Some questions discussed: What does the midrash about Nachshon bring the first to wade into the sea teach us about the line between divine providence and human agency? Why must God garden Pharaoh's heart and seal his fate, and the fate of the Egyptians? How should we understand the situatedness of our decisions, large and small, in the context of our relationships, our obligations, and our communities? Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi David Jaffe, a writer, Mussar teacher, and organizer, to discuss lessons on the middah of harizut (decisiveness) in parshat Beshalah (Ex. 13:17-17:16). Some questions discussed: What does the midrash about Nachshon bring the first to wade into the sea teach us about the line between divine providence and human agency? Why must God garden Pharaoh's heart and seal his fate, and the fate of the Egyptians? How should we understand the situatedness of our decisions, large and small, in the context of our relationships, our obligations, and our communities? Thanks for listening!

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 3181 no "Decisiveness" (harizut) in Exodus 10:1-13:16 (Bo) In this week's episode, Modya and David delve into lessons on decisiveness (harizut) in the weekly Torah portion, Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16). Our hosts discuss the linguistic commonality in Hebrew between decisiveness and speed. They also explore how the plagues, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, leads him down a path in which his free will to determine his own fate, and the fate of Egypt, grows progressively narrower. The hosts discuss decisiveness as an embodied discipline is forward moving but not hasty, deliberative but not endlessly analytical -- leading toward liberation from enslavement to fear and hesitation. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 15 New Books Network In this week's episode, Modya and David delve into lessons on decisiveness (harizut) in the weekly Torah portion, Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16). Our hosts discuss the linguistic commonality in Hebrew between decisiveness and speed. They also explore how the plagues, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, leads him down a path in which his free will to determine his own fate, and the fate of Egypt, grows progressively narrower. The hosts discuss decisiveness as an embodied discipline is forward moving but not hasty, deliberative but not endlessly analytical -- leading toward liberation from enslavement to fear and hesitation. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David delve into lessons on decisiveness (harizut) in the weekly Torah portion, Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16). Our hosts discuss the linguistic commonality in Hebrew between decisiveness and speed. They also explore how the plagues, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, leads him down a path in which his free will to determine his own fate, and the fate of Egypt, grows progressively narrower. The hosts discuss decisiveness as an embodied discipline is forward moving but not hasty, deliberative but not endlessly analytical -- leading toward liberation from enslavement to fear and hesitation.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2183 no More on "Decisiveness" (harizut) In discussing this week's Torah portion, Va'era (Ex. 6:2-9:35) in light of the character trait of Decisiveness, Modya and David ponder big questions: Do we have untrammeled free will? Or are there limits -- and how would we know? What is the right balance between decisiveness and the weighing of options? How can we make decisions more mindfully -- being cognizant of their effects on others? Pharaoh's hardened heart, Moses and Aaron's determination, and the Israelites' crushed spirits after centuries of slavery are also discussed. Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 14 New Books Network On Va'era (Exodus 6:2-9:35) In discussing this week's Torah portion, Va'era (Ex. 6:2-9:35) in light of the character trait of Decisiveness, Modya and David ponder big questions: Do we have untrammeled free will? Or are there limits -- and how would we know? What is the right balance between decisiveness and the weighing of options? How can we make decisions more mindfully -- being cognizant of their effects on others? Pharaoh's hardened heart, Moses and Aaron's determination, and the Israelites' crushed spirits after centuries of slavery are also discussed. Thanks for listening! Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In discussing this week's Torah portion, Va'era (Ex. 6:2-9:35) in light of the character trait of Decisiveness, Modya and David ponder big questions: Do we have untrammeled free will? Or are there limits -- and how would we know? What is the right balance between decisiveness and the weighing of options? How can we make decisions more mindfully -- being cognizant of their effects on others? Pharaoh's hardened heart, Moses and Aaron's determination, and the Israelites' crushed spirits after centuries of slavery are also discussed. Thanks for listening!

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2281 no The Trait of "Decisiveness" (harizut) In this week's episode, Modya and David explore Sh'mot, the first parsha in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of harizut, or decisiveness. The hosts explore the idea, suggested by the relationship between God and Moses, that being decisive is not "all about us", but involves other traits, like humility and patience. We must be aware that others can help move processes forward, that we must let events unfold, and that decisiveness is not a purely intellectual process: it is, rather, a partnership, and it requires a balance between instinct, thought, and providence. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full 13 New Books Network On Sh'mot (Exodus 1:1–6:1) In this week's episode, Modya and David explore Sh'mot, the first parsha in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of harizut, or decisiveness. The hosts explore the idea, suggested by the relationship between God and Moses, that being decisive is not "all about us", but involves other traits, like humility and patience. We must be aware that others can help move processes forward, that we must let events unfold, and that decisiveness is not a purely intellectual process: it is, rather, a partnership, and it requires a balance between instinct, thought, and providence. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David explore Sh'mot, the first parsha in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of harizut, or decisiveness. The hosts explore the idea, suggested by the relationship between God and Moses, that being decisive is not "all about us", but involves other traits, like humility and patience. We must be aware that others can help move processes forward, that we must let events unfold, and that decisiveness is not a purely intellectual process: it is, rather, a partnership, and it requires a balance between instinct, thought, and providence.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2044 no Naming The Need For "Order" In this episode David and Modya look at the final Torah portion of Vayechi in the book of Genesis through the lens of order (seder). In this parsha the patriarch, Jacob, bestows blessings on each of the 12 sons, well, 13 actually since Joseph’s two sons each get the blessing. We look at the purpose of names and how our future may be determined by a complexity of current decisions. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 12 New Books Network On Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26) In this episode David and Modya look at the final Torah portion of Vayechi in the book of Genesis through the lens of order (seder). In this parsha the patriarch, Jacob, bestows blessings on each of the 12 sons, well, 13 actually since Joseph’s two sons each get the blessing. We look at the purpose of names and how our future may be determined by a complexity of current decisions. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode David and Modya look at the final Torah portion of Vayechi in the book of Genesis through the lens of order (seder). In this parsha the patriarch, Jacob, bestows blessings on each of the 12 sons, well, 13 actually since Joseph’s two sons each get the blessing. We look at the purpose of names and how our future may be determined by a complexity of current decisions.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 1800 no "Order" and the Big Reveal David and Modya explore the challenges of balancing relationships with getting things done in life. They see how in parsha VaYigash order and disorder play against or with each other and how missteps can cause suffering for self and others. The path forward is to find one’s purpose and see how the Divine is included or is central in life. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 11 New Books Network On VaYigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27) David and Modya explore the challenges of balancing relationships with getting things done in life. They see how in parsha VaYigash order and disorder play against or with each other and how missteps can cause suffering for self and others. The path forward is to find one’s purpose and see how the Divine is included or is central in life. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices David and Modya explore the challenges of balancing relationships with getting things done in life. They see how in parsha VaYigash order and disorder play against or with each other and how missteps can cause suffering for self and others. The path forward is to find one’s purpose and see how the Divine is included or is central in life.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 1410 no More on Joseph and "Order": On Genesis 41:1-44:17 This week, Modya and David explore parshat Miketz (Gen. 41:1-44:17) and consider its lessons for the character trait of Order. As Joseph gains power and influence, and preserves order and wellbeing in Egypt, he also confronts both his brothers and his own feelings about them. The hosts consider the many ways in which our own senses of order must be balanced with other traits in order to create an approach to life that is both freeing and disciplined, informed by both a desire for justice and the capacity to forgive. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 10 New Books Network This week, Modya and David explore parshat Miketz (Gen. 41:1-44:17) and consider its lessons for the character trait of Order. As Joseph gains power and influence, and preserves order and wellbeing in Egypt, he also confronts both his brothers and his own feelings about them. The hosts consider the many ways in which our own senses of order must be balanced with other traits in order to create an approach to life that is both freeing and disciplined, informed by both a desire for justice and the capacity to forgive. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Modya and David explore parshat Miketz (Gen. 41:1-44:17) and consider its lessons for the character trait of Order. As Joseph gains power and influence, and preserves order and wellbeing in Egypt, he also confronts both his brothers and his own feelings about them. The hosts consider the many ways in which our own senses of order must be balanced with other traits in order to create an approach to life that is both freeing and disciplined, informed by both a desire for justice and the capacity to forgive.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2594 no "Order" in Joseph's Extraordinary Dreams In this week's episode, Modya and David read Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) and consider what can be learned about the character trait of Order from Joseph's extraordinary dreams, the deep antipathy his brothers feel toward him, and from the episode of Judah and Tamar. How might we best control our appetites and deploy our natural gifts to build a disciplined life without hurting others? The hosts explore these and other questions with examples from other readings, and from their own lives. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 9 New Books Network On Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) In this week's episode, Modya and David read Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) and consider what can be learned about the character trait of Order from Joseph's extraordinary dreams, the deep antipathy his brothers feel toward him, and from the episode of Judah and Tamar. How might we best control our appetites and deploy our natural gifts to build a disciplined life without hurting others? The hosts explore these and other questions with examples from other readings, and from their own lives. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David read Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) and consider what can be learned about the character trait of Order from Joseph's extraordinary dreams, the deep antipathy his brothers feel toward him, and from the episode of Judah and Tamar. How might we best control our appetites and deploy our natural gifts to build a disciplined life without hurting others? The hosts explore these and other questions with examples from other readings, and from their own lives.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1993 no Loving Acts Through Patience: On the VaYishlach David and Modya complete their four episode exploration of patience by looking at the Torah portion of VaYishlach. The focus in this episode is on the role of patience in managing internally-motivated desires and external temptations. They explore how using patience can lead to healthier decisions made from a place of love rather than fear. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 8 New Books Network David and Modya complete their four episode exploration of patience by looking at the Torah portion of VaYishlach. The focus in this episode is on the role of patience in managing internally-motivated desires and external temptations. They explore how using patience can lead to healthier decisions made from a place of love rather than fear. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices David and Modya complete their four episode exploration of patience by looking at the Torah portion of VaYishlach. The focus in this episode is on the role of patience in managing internally-motivated desires and external temptations. They explore how using patience can lead to healthier decisions made from a place of love rather than fear.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2404 no Jacob, Leah, Rachel and the "Middah" of Patience In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss parshat Va-Yetzei (Gen. 28:10-32:3) and its lessons for the middah (character trait) of patience. Is the patriarch Jacob a model of patience, or does his predilection for deceit suggest a person too eager to get what he wants? What does the matriarch Leah teach us about the relationship between patience and acceptance of what is? Does the matriarch Rachel provide her own lessons? Modya and David look to these tangled, archetypal personalities and relationships for clues on how to develop patience with self and other. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 7 New Books Network On Genesis 28:10-32:3 In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss parshat Va-Yetzei (Gen. 28:10-32:3) and its lessons for the middah (character trait) of patience. Is the patriarch Jacob a model of patience, or does his predilection for deceit suggest a person too eager to get what he wants? What does the matriarch Leah teach us about the relationship between patience and acceptance of what is? Does the matriarch Rachel provide her own lessons? Modya and David look to these tangled, archetypal personalities and relationships for clues on how to develop patience with self and other. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss parshat Va-Yetzei (Gen. 28:10-32:3) and its lessons for the middah (character trait) of patience. Is the patriarch Jacob a model of patience, or does his predilection for deceit suggest a person too eager to get what he wants? What does the matriarch Leah teach us about the relationship between patience and acceptance of what is? Does the matriarch Rachel provide her own lessons? Modya and David look to these tangled, archetypal personalities and relationships for clues on how to develop patience with self and other.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 1533 no Building Wells of Patience In this week's episode, David and Modya discuss where patience may be found within the Torah portion of Toldot. As they look into the text and are challenged to find examples, it brings them face to face with their own patience or at times lack thereof. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 6 New Books Network On the Toldot In this week's episode, David and Modya discuss where patience may be found within the Torah portion of Toldot. As they look into the text and are challenged to find examples, it brings them face to face with their own patience or at times lack thereof. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, David and Modya discuss where patience may be found within the Torah portion of Toldot. As they look into the text and are challenged to find examples, it brings them face to face with their own patience or at times lack thereof.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2531 no The Flow of Patience In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Hayyei Sarah and what it teaches about the middah (trait) of patience. They note the kindness, generosity, and grace of the matriarch Rivkah, and the relationships between these traits and the trait of patience. They explore the water that plays a central role in this Torah portion, and water's fundamental link to patience: its ability to wear away, drop by drop over great spans of time, any obstacle before it. And they begin by discussing what was making each of them impatient as they were beginning to record today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full 5 New Books Network Hayyei Sarah and the Trait (Middah) of Patience In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Hayyei Sarah and what it teaches about the middah (trait) of patience. They note the kindness, generosity, and grace of the matriarch Rivkah, and the relationships between these traits and the trait of patience. They explore the water that plays a central role in this Torah portion, and water's fundamental link to patience: its ability to wear away, drop by drop over great spans of time, any obstacle before it. And they begin by discussing what was making each of them impatient as they were beginning to record today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Modya and David discuss the Torah portion of Hayyei Sarah and what it teaches about the middah (trait) of patience. They note the kindness, generosity, and grace of the matriarch Rivkah, and the relationships between these traits and the trait of patience. They explore the water that plays a central role in this Torah portion, and water's fundamental link to patience: its ability to wear away, drop by drop over great spans of time, any obstacle before it. And they begin by discussing what was making each of them impatient as they were beginning to record today's episode!

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]]> 2334 no Equanimity in Dark Times In concluding their focus on the trait of equanimity, Modya and David are joined in conversation by Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute and the author of several books on Mussar, the Jewish ethical self-development discipline. Modya, David, and Alan focus on the Torah portion of Vayera in the Book of Genesis, especially in light of the difficult times being experienced as this episode was recorded. They address numerous questions, including: How do you practice equanimity in dark times? Is it even appropriate to do so? What makes the patriarch Abraham a good model for developing equanimity? How do you bring other personality traits into your work on equanimity? These are just some of the topics covered in this week's rich discussion. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 4 New Books Network A Discussion with Alan Morinis In concluding their focus on the trait of equanimity, Modya and David are joined in conversation by Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute and the author of several books on Mussar, the Jewish ethical self-development discipline. Modya, David, and Alan focus on the Torah portion of Vayera in the Book of Genesis, especially in light of the difficult times being experienced as this episode was recorded. They address numerous questions, including: How do you practice equanimity in dark times? Is it even appropriate to do so? What makes the patriarch Abraham a good model for developing equanimity? How do you bring other personality traits into your work on equanimity? These are just some of the topics covered in this week's rich discussion. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In concluding their focus on the trait of equanimity, Modya and David are joined in conversation by Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute and the author of several books on Mussar, the Jewish ethical self-development discipline. Modya, David, and Alan focus on the Torah portion of Vayera in the Book of Genesis, especially in light of the difficult times being experienced as this episode was recorded. They address numerous questions, including: How do you practice equanimity in dark times? Is it even appropriate to do so? What makes the patriarch Abraham a good model for developing equanimity? How do you bring other personality traits into your work on equanimity? These are just some of the topics covered in this week's rich discussion.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 3039 no Equanimity and Abraham In this episode, Modya and David dive into Lekh Lekha, the Torah portion in which the story of the patriarch Abraham begins to unfold, and consider what lessons this narrative holds for developing our equanimity. Here we see Abraham as both a flawed and faithful person, as a wanderer and a warrior, and as someone who follows the command to embark on a journey whose destination is unknown. In what ways are we like Abraham? How does he instruct us on how to identify what is consequential and what isn't? Tune in to hear the discussion. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 3 New Books Network Going to Yourself In this episode, Modya and David dive into Lekh Lekha, the Torah portion in which the story of the patriarch Abraham begins to unfold, and consider what lessons this narrative holds for developing our equanimity. Here we see Abraham as both a flawed and faithful person, as a wanderer and a warrior, and as someone who follows the command to embark on a journey whose destination is unknown. In what ways are we like Abraham? How does he instruct us on how to identify what is consequential and what isn't? Tune in to hear the discussion. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, Modya and David dive into Lekh Lekha, the Torah portion in which the story of the patriarch Abraham begins to unfold, and consider what lessons this narrative holds for developing our equanimity. Here we see Abraham as both a flawed and faithful person, as a wanderer and a warrior, and as someone who follows the command to embark on a journey whose destination is unknown. In what ways are we like Abraham? How does he instruct us on how to identify what is consequential and what isn't? Tune in to hear the discussion.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2599 no Equanimity and Noaḥ In this episode, psychotherapist and author Modya Silver and scholar David Gottlieb explore parshat Noaḥ, seeking wisdom in the story of the Flood, and the conduct of both God and Noah, about how one can develop and maintain equanimity under even the most difficult circumstances. The hosts also discuss what the narrative of the Tower of Babel, and how selfishness and overreach can undermine our ability to rise above events that are inconsequential, whether good or bad. See also: The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion, Vol. 1, by Shai Held. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 2 New Books Network Staying Upright Through the Storm In this episode, psychotherapist and author Modya Silver and scholar David Gottlieb explore parshat Noaḥ, seeking wisdom in the story of the Flood, and the conduct of both God and Noah, about how one can develop and maintain equanimity under even the most difficult circumstances. The hosts also discuss what the narrative of the Tower of Babel, and how selfishness and overreach can undermine our ability to rise above events that are inconsequential, whether good or bad. See also: The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion, Vol. 1, by Shai Held. Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, psychotherapist and author Modya Silver and scholar David Gottlieb explore parshat Noaḥ, seeking wisdom in the story of the Flood, and the conduct of both God and Noah, about how one can develop and maintain equanimity under even the most difficult circumstances. The hosts also discuss what the narrative of the Tower of Babel, and how selfishness and overreach can undermine our ability to rise above events that are inconsequential, whether good or bad. See also: The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion, Vol. 1, by Shai Held.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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]]> 2434 no Equanimity and Bereshit In this first episode, author and psychotherapist Modya Silver, and David Gottlieb, Director of Jewish Studies at Spertus Institute, begin a yearlong project of seeking guidance on self improvement in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, with the help of R. Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh: A Guide to Self-Improvement Through Character Refinement. This book, one of the classics of the Jewish practice of Mussar, or ethical self-improvement, provides guidance on how to methodically develop each of 13 personality traits. Modya and David begin at the beginning: with the very first portion of the Torah, Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8). Follow them as they consider the Torah portion of the week through one of Rabbi Lefin's 13 character traits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 1 New Books Network The Hardwiring of Human Majesty and Fallibility In this first episode, author and psychotherapist Modya Silver, and David Gottlieb, Director of Jewish Studies at Spertus Institute, begin a yearlong project of seeking guidance on self improvement in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, with the help of R. Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh: A Guide to Self-Improvement Through Character Refinement. This book, one of the classics of the Jewish practice of Mussar, or ethical self-improvement, provides guidance on how to methodically develop each of 13 personality traits. Modya and David begin at the beginning: with the very first portion of the Torah, Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8). Follow them as they consider the Torah portion of the week through one of Rabbi Lefin's 13 character traits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this first episode, author and psychotherapist Modya Silver, and David Gottlieb, Director of Jewish Studies at Spertus Institute, begin a yearlong project of seeking guidance on self improvement in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, with the help of R. Menahem Mendel Lefin's Cheshbon haNefesh: A Guide to Self-Improvement Through Character Refinement. This book, one of the classics of the Jewish practice of Mussar, or ethical self-improvement, provides guidance on how to methodically develop each of 13 personality traits. Modya and David begin at the beginning: with the very first portion of the Torah, Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8). Follow them as they consider the Torah portion of the week through one of Rabbi Lefin's 13 character traits.

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