Teshuva in a Globalized World

Teshuva in a Globalized World

Spiritual Writing Workshop: Cheshbon HaNefesh

Spiritual Writing Workshop: Cheshbon HaNefesh

Middah Reflection #1: Achrayut - Responsibility

Responsibility is one of the most important midot to cultivate in one’s soul. Acharayut (responsibility in Hebrew) comes from the root “acher” (other). To take responsibility means to cultivate the “ability” for response” to an “other.” This responsibility to another is born in the moment where no...

Middah Reflection #2 - Anivut, Humility

Anivut (humility) has a very special priority in positive Jewish self development. Rav Kook wrote (The Moral Principles, page 174) that “Humility is associated with spiritual perfection. When humility effects depression it is defective, when it is genuine it inspires joy, courage, and inner...

Middah Reflection #3 - Savlanut vs. Zrizut, Patience vs. Alacrity

Activism requires a very calculated and sensitive balance between patience and alacrity. On the one hand, one must have the patience for teaching and engaging the apathetic and the uninformed. On the other hand, one must also have the alacrity to respond to crises and injustices at the most...

Middah Reflection #4 - Messianic Yearning

Religious Jews are taught at a young age to yearn for the geulah (redemption). With sophistication, the student comes to learn that messianism is not just about seeking an end but is also a worldview, a process of living with a vision and with a dream. What is one to do if they lack...

Middah Reflection #5 - Pursuit of God in Justice

“Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with beings divine and human and have prevailed,” (Bereshit 32:29). Yaakov Avinu is blessed with a new name only once he has struggled both with G-d and humanity together. The Jewish people are named Israel only after...

Middah Reflection #6 - Actualizing One's Potential, by Shmuly Yanklowitz

Our work is never done! This is what makes Jewish activism so intimidating and also so invigorating. We never complete the larger goals. We are never whole. Until the day that we pass from the earth, we are unable to fully step back and “throw the towel in.” The Maharal M’Prague taught:...

Middah Reflection #7 - Activisms of Love and Hate

Should we fight for justice with hearts full of love or hearts full of anger? Which is more rewarding? Which is more productive? Which must we cultivate as religious activists? Rav Soloveitchik argued (A Theory of Emotions, 183):...