Shows
Machshavah LabThe Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack Update: 66 Changes I'm Considering for January 2025Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length of article: 3 pagesLength of audio: 9 minutes 12 secondsSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 3-page article I wrote and published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 1/1/25, titled: The Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack Update: 66 Changes I'm Considering for January 2025. After last year's cabin retreat, I made three writing-related anti-resolutions for 2024. In this post, I examine this year went, and what I envision for 2025.-----The Torah content through the end of Chanukah is sponsored by Feiga W., with the following dedication: "With deep...2025-01-0210 minMachshavah LabThe Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack Update: Three Changes for January 2024Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length of the article: 6.5 pagesLength of the audio: 18 minutes 44 secondsSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 6.5-page article I published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 1/1/24, entitled: The Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack Update: Three Changes for January 2024. This is my announcement for a major change I intend to make in my substak writing, and a chronicle of the epiphany which led to that change. Feel free to skip to the end for the bottom line.-----The Torah content for this week...2024-01-0219 min
The Stoic JewGod of Time or Dog Eating Its Own Vomit? (a "Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack" Crossover Episode) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 8 minutes 11 secondsSynopsis: This is the audio version of the 2.5-page article I published on rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/ on 11/17/23, entitled: God of Time or Dog Eating Its Own Vomit? I wrote this in lieu of a parashah article because I needed to write it for myself. If I don't write for myself, who will write for me? And if not now, when? (parashah article can be found at the end)-----The Torah content for the remainder of this week has been sponsored b...2023-11-1708 minThe Stoic JewMatt Schneeweiss, the God of Time (Seneca - On the Shortness of Life) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 29 minutes 47 secondsSynopsis: In today's unscripted "Stoic self-talk workshop" episode, I reflect aloud on a mistake I caught myself making, in which I fell victim to the "God fantasy" of living life as though I were outside of time. Related Content:- for my most recent shiur on the phrase "b'Shem Hashem El Olam," here's Part 1 and here's Part 2; I gave these shiurim in September 2020, and have no recollection of what I said, so if you listen to it, let me know...2023-11-0529 min
Rambam BekiusTearing Kria for a Rav Muvhak and Other Torah Scholars (Hilchos Talmud Torah Chapters 8-9) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (6/1/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we took up a one-day topic which (unfortunately) was very practical for me this week. The good news is that my recent experience with these halachos gave me new insight into several things that I wouldn't have otherwise seen. Miraculously, we actually did "bekius" today - so much so, that we'll move on to another topic tomorrow (בג"ה).-----מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר שופטים, הלכות אבל ח:א-ג; ט:א-ה,יא-יגויקרא י:וב' שמואל יג:ל-לארמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות שבת י:ירמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תלמוד תורה ה:ט-----This week's Torah content has been sponsored by Alex K. "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss's shiurim." Thank YOU, Alex, for listening to and supporting my shiuri...2022-06-0157 minThe Stoic JewApplying Epictetus to My Insomnia (Epictetus - Discourses 2:18) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: My insomnia has been particularly bad lately ... OR HAS IT? This episode begins with a recap of Epictetus's approach to "impressions," the Jewish counterpart of which is what Shlomo ha'Melech refers to as ormah ("cunning"). I then walk you through an application of this perspective to my own problem of chronic insomnia, which was the involuntary co-sponsor of today's episode. Note: I recorded this on Wednesday. My sleep improved the next night, but - due to recent events and upcoming events - I have...2022-05-2716 min
The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 22:8 - The Consequences of Sowing Injustice (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 22:8 - The Consequences of Sowing Injustice (Part 2)זוֹרֵעַ עַוְלָה [יִקְצׇר] (יקצור) אָוֶן וְשֵׁבֶט עֶבְרָתוֹ יִכְלֶה:This morning (5/26/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we took a FRESH approach to yesterday's pasuk. We discovered some new facts which helped us better read the pasuk, and we came up with a few nice approaches which the meforshim helped us to develop. ----------מקורות:משלי כב:ז-טמצודת דודפירוש רס"גמלבי"ם----------This week's Torah content has been sponsored by Alex K. "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss's shiurim." Thank YOU, Alex, for listening to and supporting my shiurim!----------If you have questions, comments, or feedb...2022-05-2644 minMachshavah LabWhat is Kareis? Part 3 (Abravanel with some Ran)Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This evening (5/25/22), in our aptly named "Chumash Exploration," we began concluded (for now) our learning of the Abravanel's hidden miniature treatise (in Parashas Shelach) on kareis, in which he surveys all the views of his predecessors and expresses his objections to them. In this final installment we learn through the Abravanel's own view, along with his proofs and refutations of the objections. We raised some of our own objections, based on one of the Drashos ha'Ran. Where does this leave us? That's up to you do figure...2022-05-261h 02The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 22:8 - The Consequences of Sowing Injustice (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 22:8 - The Consequences of Sowing Injustice (Part 1)זוֹרֵעַ עַוְלָה [יִקְצׇר] (יקצור) אָוֶן וְשֵׁבֶט עֶבְרָתוֹ יִכְלֶה:This morning (5/25/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began with a few additional points about yesterday's pasuk, after which we began a new and VERY difficult pasuk. We raised numerous questions and proposed numerous approaches, but if you ask me (and some of the guys in the shiur may beg to differ) we were unable to develop a full and satisfactory explanation. We'll take another crack at it tomorrow (בג"ה), and hopefully the meforshim will be able to help us.----------מקורות:מצודת דוד...2022-05-2548 minThe Stoic Jew"Are you sure it was a rat?" (Seneca - Letter #71: On the Supreme Good) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today’s episode was inspired by a conversation I overheard between my neighbor (who is an exterminator) and an overconfident customer. This conversation led to yet another insight into how moral philosophy should and shouldn’t be approached, according to both Judaism and Stoicism. Sources: - Seneca, Letter #71: On the Supreme Good- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha’Mada, Hilchos Deios 2:1-2----------This week's Torah content has been sponsored by Alex K. "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss's shiurim." Thank YOU, Al...2022-05-2516 min
The Tefilah PodcastHow Davening for Other People Works: A New Theory Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This evening (5/24/22), during our regularly scheduled Tehilim shiur, we took a break from Shir ha'Maalos so that I can address a question I was recently asked: How does davening for other people work? I've had an answer to this question for a while, but I recently came up with a new theory. We spent the first half of shiur reviewing how tefilah works in general. We then went over my "old" answer, which still holds up. And then I shared my new theory. Let me know what...2022-05-2545 minRambam BekiusNidui in a Dream (Hilchos Talmud Torah 7:12) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (5/24/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we aimed to explain the perplexing halachos of "nidui in a dream." Halachically, why should we care about the contents of a dream here when we disregard them in all other areas of halacha? Why are the requirements for being released from a dream-nidui different and more stringent here than by a normal nidui? What is the nature of this nidui anyway? We succeeded in developing an approach based on other Rishonim, but we have yet to determine what the...2022-05-2452 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 22:7 - Mishlei on Hierarchical Socioeconomic Relationships (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 22:7 - Mishlei on Hierarchical Socioeconomic Relationships (Part 2)עָשִׁיר בְּרָשִׁים יִמְשׁוֹל וְעֶבֶד לֹוֶה לְאִישׁ מַלְוֶה:This morning (5/24/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began with my grateful acknowledgement that this is my 300th Mishlei shiur, which I paired with an idea about the benefits of learning Mishlei every day. After that, we reviewed the four approaches we came up with yesterday. Then, in a surprise twist, we went straight to "derech nistar" approaches. We developed a few on our own and then read through the Meiri's commentary ... which we didn't understand. It remains to be seen whether we spend a...2022-05-2445 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:21 - Mishleic Hand to Hand Combat ... In a Manner of Speaking Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:21 - Mishleic Hand to Hand Combat ... In a Manner of Speakingיָד לְיָד לֹא יִנָּקֶה רָּע, וְזֶרַע צַדִּיקִים נִמְלָט:This evening (5/23/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned one of those pasuk that makes you go, "What the WHAT?!" I was worried about whether we would be able to figure out even ONE idea, but we walked away with five: three of our own, and two from the meforshim. We concluded with an idea about Mishleic thinking in general. All in all, it was a very fruitful pasuk!----------מקורות:משלי כב:ומצודת...2022-05-241h 27Rambam BekiusClarification of Nidui (Hilchos Talmud Torah 7:1-12) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (5/23/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, the plan WAS to move forward in the halachos, but because we had two people in shiur who weren't there last week, we ended up reviewing. I, for one, am glad we did, because we ended up clarifying a number of points and gaining some new insights along the way. In the last 15 minutes we set up the problems in the sugya of "nidui in a dream," which we'll take up tomorrow (בג"ה).----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תלמוד תורה ז:א-יבסנהדרין דף ל עמוד ארמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר קנין, הלכות זכיה ומתנה י:ז-----This we...2022-05-2357 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 22:7 - Mishlei on Hierarchical Socioeconomic Relationships (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 22:7 - Mishlei on Hierarchical Socioeconomic Relationships (Part 1)עָשִׁיר בְּרָשִׁים יִמְשׁוֹל וְעֶבֶד לֹוֶה לְאִישׁ מַלְוֶה:This morning (5/23/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began with a few short points about the previous pasuk, and then we started this new one. We came up with 3-4 nice approaches on our own. Tomorrow we'll see what the meforshim have to say.----------מקורות:משלי כב:ו-זקידושין דף ל עמוד אתרגום רס"גThis week's Torah content has been sponsored by Alex K. "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss's shiurim." Thank YOU, Alex, for listening to and supporting my shiurim!----------If you have questions, comments, or...2022-05-2343 minThe Stoic JewWhat Won't Last (Aurelius - Meditations 5:23) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today’s episode is an example of how a familiar idea can be imbued with a new level of insight if one finds a new way of engaging it. In this case, the old idea was the opening thesis of Koheles and the Rambam’s explanation of mezuzah, and the new way of engaging it was a writing exercise suggested by Natalie Goldberg.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The Sacred Pause as Applied to Mezuzah Sources:- Aurelius, Meditations 5:23- Nat...2022-05-2312 minThe Stoic JewHabit Tracking and Sefiras ha'Omer (Epictetus - Discourses 2:18) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In today’s episode we go over a practical habit cultivation (or habit removal) tip from Epictetus, which is expanded upon by James Clear in Atomic Habits. The mitzvah of Sefiras ha’Omer serves as the ideal scaffolding for this method, and there are enough days left in this year’s count to initiate a habit cultivation experiment of your own!Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Why Do We Count the Omer? Three Explanations You (Probably) Haven't Heard- Stoicism, Habit Cultivation, and El...2022-05-1813 minThe Stoic JewHow to Learn Ethics Without Vomiting (Epictetus - Discourses 3:21; 2:9) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today’s episode explores one of the fundamental differences between the Jewish and Stoic approach to ethics (based on my experience) and the approach to ethics via Moral Philosophy, as exemplified in the book I just read, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question, by Michael Schur.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Stoic Anxiety vs. Torah Anxiety- Book Review WhatsApp Chat Sources:- Epictetus, Discourses 3:21; 2:9- Michael Schur, How to Be Perfect: The Cor...2022-05-1616 minThe Stoic JewA Stoic Jew Mother's Day Episode, Dedicated to Mommy and Popo (Seneca - Consolation of Helvia) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Happy Mother's Day! Today's episode is dedicated to my mom, and to her mom - my grandma, a.k.a. Popo - in gratitude for who they are, and how they have helped me to become who I am.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Happy Being Happy - How to Convince Mom That You’re Invulnerable- Seneca’s Ruthless Consolation of His Mother- A Stoic Perspective on Shavuos, True Wealth, and Constant Partying 2022-05-0811 minThe Stoic JewHow I Met Epictetus (Epictetus - Enchiridion 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: I recently took a stroll down memory lane and reflected on my very first encounter with the teachings of Epictetus, which happened at a critical time in my development. In this episode I share the exact transcript of that encounter. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- How to Convince Mom That You’re Invulnerable (Seneca – Consolation of Helvia)- Aurelius - Meditations 4:8: The Stoic Definition of Harm- Aurelius - Meditations 4:7: The Secret to Not Getting Hurt- Aurelius - Me...2022-05-0613 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Interlude: 300 Days of Gratitude Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today marks the 300th day of my Gratitude Journal. In today's episode I reflect on one of the many benefits I've noticed from this daily practice, which I illustrate through a recent example of something that happened in my apartment. I conclude the episode by connecting this daily practice with Epictetus's Stoicism. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: --225 Days of Gratitude (Aurelius - Meditations 9:6)-- 100 Days of Gratitude (Seneca - Letter #81: On Benefits)-- The Gratitude Accountability Experiment (Aurelius – Meditations 9:6)So...2022-05-0412 minThe Stoic JewPesach, Epictetus, and Man's Search for Meaning Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In this cutting-it-too-close-to-the-holiday Pesach episode I attempt to round up and articulate my thoughts on the difference between Judaism’s concept of freedom and that of Epictetus, in light of my recent reading of Viktor Frankel’s Man’s Search for Meaning. My primary goal in recording this podcast was to get out as many of my thoughts in one take as I could. Afterwards I realized that there were points I had intended to make but forgot to mention. Oh well – at least I got somethin...2022-04-1418 minMachshavah LabPesach Q&A 5782Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This morning (4/1/22), in our "Machshavah Lab" series for women, we did a non-halachic Pesach Q&A. All the questions asked were thought-provoking, and our discussions covered a lot of ground as far as seder-prep goes. If you have more (non-halachic!) questions before Pesach, feel free to contact me! ----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות חמץ ומצה ז:דהגדה של פסחערוך השולחן: אורח חיים תנג:ד-הרמב"ם - ספר המצוות, עשה קנזAlHaTorah Haggadah MaterialMaror as a Philosophical Theme of PesachBo: Sforno's Counterintuitive Take on Korban Pesach and Makkas Bechoros----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in hon...2022-04-011h 19The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:28 - The Fate of the Lying Witness (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:28 - The Fate of the Lying Witness (Part 2)עֵד כְּזָבִים יֹאבֵד וְאִישׁ שׁוֹמֵעַ לָנֶצַח יְדַבֵּר:This morning (3/31/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued our analysis of yesterday's pasuk. After refining our understanding of Metzudas David, we learned Rabbeinu Yonah's approach, followed by the Meiri's derech nigleh and derech nistar approaches. This ended up being quite a fruitful pasuk!----------מקורות:משלי כא:כחרבינו יונהרשב"א - תשובה בעניין אמונת הייחודמאירי----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a grounded and thoughtful Judaism."...2022-03-3144 minRambam BekiusPreparing the Korban Pesach for Eating (Hilchos Korban Pesach 1:14-15; 8:1-10) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/30/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we finished the halachos about the procedure of offering the Korban Pesach, and then we began the halachos about eating the Korban Pesach. We encountered several questions along the way which we were unable to answer - largely due to our ignorance of Kodshim - but I'll try to answer them tomorrow. ----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר קרבנות, הלכות קרבן פסח א:יד-טו; ח:א-ירמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר עבודה, הלכות מעשה קרבנות ה:ו-ז; י:י-יארלב"ג תועלות - שמות יב:ט----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a gro...2022-03-3056 minThe Stoic JewSome Thoughts on Will Smith's Angry Reaction (Epictetus - Enchiridion 20; Seneca - On Anger 2:1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Although I am loath to engage in celebrity gossip, I felt I HAD to make an episode about the incident that has dominated the U.S. news cycle these past couple of days: Will Smith publicly slapping Chris Rock in the face on stage at the 94th Academy Awards. I had to actively suppress my irrationally ambitious urge to produce a comprehensive treatment of Judaism’s and Stoicism’s stance on anger. Instead, I contented myself with sharing the three thoughts I had when I saw the...2022-03-3017 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:28 - The Fate of the Lying Witness (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:28 - The Fate of the Lying Witness (Part 1)עֵד כְּזָבִים יֹאבֵד וְאִישׁ שׁוֹמֵעַ לָנֶצַח יְדַבֵּר:This morning (3/30/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began working on a new pasuk. The first half is clearly about a witness who tells lies. The second half is decidedly less clear. We developed three approaches, then began working on the Metzudas David's approach. Tomorrow we'll refine that and learn the ideas from other meforshim (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי כא:כחמצודת דודרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר אהבה, הלכות תפילין, ומזוזה, וספר תורה י:יב----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce...2022-03-3044 minThe Tefilah PodcastHow NOT to Daven (Avos 2:13) Part 2 - Krias Shema at Sunrise Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This evening (3/29/22), in our tefilah shiur, we continued our analysis of the mishnah in Avos we began last week. After reviewing the facts and questions, we focused on the first clause: "be careful in krias shema." We developed three approaches: one based on Rabbeinu Yonah, who learns this as a reference to saying Krias Shema at haneitz, another based on the Abravanel, who learns this as an explanation of how krias shema prepares us for tefilah, and a third original approach. ----------מקורות:אבות פרק ב משנה יגרבינו יונה - אבות ב:יגברכות דף ט עמוד ב עם פירוש רש"י...2022-03-3047 minRambam BekiusThe Procedure of Shechitas Korban Pesach in Mikdash (Hilchos Korban Pesach 1:9-14) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/29/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we continued our foray into the wonderful world of Korban Pesach. Today we made it through roughly half of the halachos outlining how the Korban Pesach was brought in the Beis ha'Mikdash. We took up a few questions along the way, using the Gemara and meforshim as supplements to the halachos. I, for one, am starting to develop a much more vivid picture of the role played by the Korban Pesach in the era of Mikdash.----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תור...2022-03-2957 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:27 - The Offering of the Rasha (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:27 - The Offering of the Rasha (Part 2)זֶבַח רְשָׁעִים תּוֹעֵבָה אַף כִּי בְזִמָּה יְבִיאֶנּוּ:This morning (3/29/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued working on yesterday's pasuk. Instead of developing the approaches we started yesterday, we devoted the full force of our minds to the commentary of the Metzudas David ... and we were rewarded for doing so! He answered all of our questions with his beautiful interpretation and ideas. We briefly explored two other approaches at the end, but didn't have time to develop them. Let me know if you come up with anything!Please feel f...2022-03-2945 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:16 - In Pursuit of Kavod: Machiavellian vs. Mishleic Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:16 - In Pursuit of Kavod: Machiavellian vs. Mishleicאֵשֶׁת חֵן תִּתְמֹךְ כָּבוֹד וְעָרִיצִים יִתְמְכוּ עֹשֶׁר:This evening (3/28/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned one of the most difficult pesukim in recent memory. The questions were powerful and it was difficult to pin down the subject matter of the pasuk. We worked really hard to develop a couple of approaches, but we were unsuccessful in "solving" the pasuk. We ended by learning Rabbeinu Yonah, who gave us a solid approach - albeit one which conveniently downplayed one of our major questions - and although we gained insigh...2022-03-291h 49The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:27 - The Offering of the Rasha (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:27 - The Offering of the Rasha (Part 1)זֶבַח רְשָׁעִים תּוֹעֵבָה אַף כִּי בְזִמָּה יְבִיאֶנּוּ:This morning (3/28/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began a seemingly non-Mishleic pasuk about the korbanos of the wicked. We quickly found ourselves faced with a decision-tree of readings which led to different approaches to the pasuk. We didn't arrive at any conclusive interpretations today. Tomorrow we'll attempt to refine today's steps and to learn the meforshim (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי כא:כזמצודת ציוןתרגום כתובים----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss...2022-03-2843 minThe Stoic JewWhy We Choose Evil (Epictetus - Discourses 2:18) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today’s episode emerged from a confluence of sources: (1) a basic facet of Epictetus’s Stoicism, (2) an anecdote from the childhood of lion tracker Boyd Varty, and (3) a scene in a TV show I’ve been obsessed with for the past three weeks. All three of these sources are rooted in the Rambam’s theory of evil.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- That's a Jacket, Not a Bad Cat! - TSJ Interlude - I Got Got By An Impression!Sources:- Ep...2022-03-2813 minMachshavah LabThe Superiority of Rabbinic Laws Over Torah Laws - Part 4: AnswersHave any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This morning (3/25/22), in our "Machshavah Lab" series for women, we concluded our series on the question, "How should we relate to Rabbinic laws vs. Torah laws?" After a quick review of the Ran's answer, we learned whatever we were able to learn from the Ran's three counterarguments to the question he raised, followed by the answer he cited in the name of Rabbeinu Yonah. We concluded the shiur with a summary of the three-part answer to our original question. Although there is undoubtedly more to be gained...2022-03-251h 14Rambam BekiusThe Experience of Using the Mishneh Torah to Answer a Halachic Question Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/24/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we went on a little adventure. In his first mission statement for the Mishneh Torah the Rambam promises that his work will contain the answer to every halachic question that needs to be answered: either he will answer it directly OR he will "mention the foundation from which the answer to that question can be derived easily without too much analysis." Obviously, there are many who believe that the Rambam failed in this regard. But what might it look like...2022-03-2459 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 4) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 4)תַּאֲוַת עָצֵל תְּמִיתֶנּוּ כִּי מֵאֲנוּ יָדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹת:This morning (3/24/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we concluded our analysis of this week's pesukim. After reviewing the insight from yesterday, we sharpened our own approach and Rabbeinu Yonah's approach. We then spent the last portion of shiur going over practical strategies for overcoming laziness based on James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits." ----------מקורות:משלי כא:כה-כורבינו יונה"Atomic Habits," by James Clear (cheat sheet is available here: )"Tiny Habits," by BJ Fogg----------The Torah content f...2022-03-2446 minMachshavah LabWhy Did Hashem Redeem Us From Egypt? Sforno's Counterintuitive TakeHave any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 1 hour 5 minutesSynopsis: This evening (3/23/22), in our aptly named "Chumash Exploration," we took up a very basic question: Why did Hashem redeem us from Egypt? Most of us would answer, "Because He said He would in the Bris Bein ha'Besarim (Covenant Between the Parts)." But not Sforno! And even if we look at the pesukim without Sforno, the answer is not simply "because He said He would in the bris." In tonight's shiur we go through the facts, raise the questions and problems, and learn...2022-03-241h 06Rambam BekiusLaws of Slaughtering the Korban Pesach (Hilchos Korban Pesach 1.1-8) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/23/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we began learning Hilchos Korban Pesach. Today's focus was on the halachos pertaining to the actual slaughter, and we (mostly) stayed on topic! Tomorrow we'll learn about the procedure for slaughtering the Pesachim in Mikdash (בג"ה).----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר קרבנות, הלכות קרבן פסח א:א-חרמב"ם - ספר המצוות, לא תעשה קטו-קטזרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר שופטים, הלכות סנהדרין והעונשין המסורין להם יז:ז; יט:א----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a grounded and thoughtful Judaism."----------Bekius Disclaimer:Note that this is a bekius chavurah - as opp...2022-03-2355 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 3) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 3)תַּאֲוַת עָצֵל תְּמִיתֶנּוּ כִּי מֵאֲנוּ יָדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹת:This morning (3/23/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued to develop the approach we took yesterday, inspired by Rabbeinu Yonah. We spent the first half of shiur developing a "horseshoe theory" about the developmental trajectories of the leitz and the atzel, and we spent the second half of shiur working on the second half of the last pasuk. Our goal tomorrow will be to complete our analysis AND identify some practical techniques for overcoming laziness (בג"ה).----------...2022-03-2347 minThe Tefilah PodcastHow NOT to Daven (Avos 2:13) Part 1 Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This evening (3/22/22), in our tefilah shiur, we began learning one of the few mishnayos in Pirkei Avos about tefilah. Specifically, how NOT to daven and how to daven, among other things. As usual, we began by raising all the questions and problems we could find. We then read through the Rabbeinu Yonah's commentary, and although we didn't have time to analyze all of it or answer all our questions, we did emerge with a clear practical directive for how NOT to daven and how to daven. We...2022-03-2347 minRambam BekiusThe Mitzvos of Pesach (Koseres to Hilchos Korban Pesach & Chametz u'Matzah) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/22/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we read through the koseres for all of the mitzvos in Hilchos Korban Pesach and Hilchos Chametz u'Matzah. As usual, we got sidetracked - again, in a good way! - to various other related topics, including bris milah and kareis. The plan for tomorrow is to start Hilchos Korban Pesach Chapter 1 (בג"ה).----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר קרבנות, הלכות קרבן פסח, כותרתרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות חמץ ומצה, כותרתרמב"ם - משנה תורה: הקדמה, מנין המצוות נהרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר אהבה, הלכות מילה א:א-ברמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תשובה א:ג----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a grounded and thoughtful Judaism."----------Bekius Disclaime...2022-03-221h 02The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 2)תַּאֲוַת עָצֵל תְּמִיתֶנּוּ כִּי מֵאֲנוּ יָדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹת:This morning (3/22/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we refined the idea we were developing yesterday about how the lazy person is in a constant state of suffering even in the realm of pleasure-seeking, as opposed to the tzadik who experiences the opposite. Rabbeinu Yonah gave us another step in the idea, but there's far more to explore here, and that is what we intend to do tomorrow (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי יג:כה; טו:יט; כא:כג-כורבינו יונה - משלי כא:כה----------The Torah content for the remai...2022-03-2244 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:15 - Who Should Hate Handshakes? Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:15 - Who Should Hate Handshakes?רַע יֵרוֹעַ כִּי עָרַב זָר וְשֹׂנֵא תֹקְעִים בּוֹטֵחַ:Last night (3/21/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned a pasuk which, at first glance, seemed to give anti-Mishleic (and anti-social) advice. Additionally, it was a challenge to figure out what this pasuk was even talking about. Thankfully, we developed several approaches which led to some very practical ideas with far-reaching implications, and we learned an additional insight from Rabbeinu Yonah.----------מקורות:משלי יא:טותרגום רס"גרבינו יונה----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of...2022-03-221h 25The Stoic JewDecorating Our Prison Cells (Epictetus - Enchiridion 3) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This episode was inspired by a Rumi poem I've been thinking about lately. After reading and analyzing the poem, we compare and contrast it with two similar examples: a decision made by Claire Wineland, as a child, to decorate her hospital room, and a halachic institution which I won't spoil by naming it in the synopsis.Sources:- Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) Chapter 3- Rumi, A Given (translated by Coleman Barks)- Claire Wineland at Zappos All Hands Meeting...2022-03-2112 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:25-26 - The Lethal Desire of the Lazy Person (Part 1)תַּאֲוַת עָצֵל תְּמִיתֶנּוּ כִּי מֵאֲנוּ יָדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹת:This morning (3/21/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began a Mishlei couplet on laziness. We raised a TON of questions and made some moves, but we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see how these play out with the help of the meforshim (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי כא:כה-כומצודת ציוןתרגום רס"גבמדבר יא:ד----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a grounded and thoughtful Judai...2022-03-2139 minMachshavah LabPurim 5782 – A Theory Connecting Purim to Yom ha’Kipurim Which is NOT Based on Specious Linguistics – Part 2 (An Answer)Synopsis: This is the audio version of the 1-page article I wrote entitled, Purim 5782 – A Theory Connecting Purim to Yom ha’Kipurim Which is NOT Based on Specious Linguistics – Part 2 (An Answer) - which assumes you've either read or listened to Part 1. Let me know what you think!----------If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi...2022-03-1704 minMachshavah LabPurim 5782 – A Theory Connecting Purim to Yom ha’Kipurim Which is NOT Based on Specious Linguistics – Part 1 (Facts and Questions)Synopsis: This is the audio version of the 1-page article I wrote entitled, Purim 5782 – A Theory Connecting Purim to Yom ha’Kipurim Which is NOT Based on Specious Linguistics – Part 1 (Facts and Questions) - a "half-dvar Torah" which I cranked out and uploaded 20 minutes before minchah on Taanis Esther. Enjoy, and please help me to figure out an answer to the question I left off with! ----------If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.----------The Torah content for th...2022-03-1605 minThe Stoic JewPurim vs. Stoicism (Epictetus – Discourses 4:4; 2:6; Enchiridion 14) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In this episode I share some thoughts I had about how the ideas of Purim embody some fundamental differences between Judaism and Stoicism with regards to factors outside of our control. These thoughts were prompted by the writings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (a.k.a. the Rav). I’m sure my ideas can be developed, but I figured it would be better to get them out there before Purim starts. Happy Purim! Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Seneca on Purim Drinking (Seneca: Lett...2022-03-1619 minRambam BekiusRambam Purim Exploration 5782 - Part 3 (Hilchos Megilah v'Chanukah) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/14/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we finished the Rambam's Hilchos Megilah v'Chanukah Chapter 2 (after getting a LITTLE bogged down in some other shitos about getting drunk on Purim), and we did most of the halachos of simchah in Hilchos Shevisas Yom Tov. I'm not sure whether we're having Rambam Bekius tomorrow, but either way, at least we finished going through the facts and paved the way for answering our question!----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות מגילה וחנוכה ב:יד-יחמאירי - בית הבחירה מגילה דף ז עמוד במחזור ויטרי סימן רמחישעיהו נז:יד - נח:יד (הפטרת יום הכיפורים שחרית)רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות שביתת יום טוב ו:יז-כב----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who w...2022-03-1558 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:14 - A Strategy for Generating Strategies Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:14 - A Strategy for Generating Strategiesבְּאֵין תַּחְבֻּלוֹת יִפׇּל עָם וּתְשׁוּעָה בְּרֹב יוֹעֵץ:This evening (3/14/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned a pasuk about the importance of strategies and abundant counsel. The challenge was understand the context and the lack of qualifications (e.g. Why "strategies" rather than "good strategies"? Why "abundant" counsel rather than "wise counsel"?) By putting our heads together in an effort to generate "abundant counsel," we came up with one nice approach together, and then explored some of the ideas in the meforshim.----------מקורות:משלי יא:ידתרגום...2022-03-151h 36Rambam BekiusRambam Purim Exploration 5782 - Part 2 (Hilchos Megilah v'Chanukah) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (3/14/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we continued our review of Hilchos Purim with the objective of understanding the uniqueness of Simchas Purim. Today's exploration took us ALMOST through the end of Hilchos Megilah Chapter 2, which we will aim to finish tomorrow (בג"ה).----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר זמנים, הלכות מגילה וחנוכה א:א; ב:יג-ידMegillat Esther Mesorat HaRav (Koren / OU Press), pp.115,118,121אסתר ט:יט,כז-כחרמב"ם - משנה תורה, הקדמה, אות יחרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר אהבה, הלכות תפלה וברכת כהנים ד:יזרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר קנין, הלכות מכירה כט:יחשולחן ערוך אורח חיים תרצה:בערוך השולחן שם סעיף קטן ה----------The Torah content for the remainder of Adar II has been sponsored by David Campbell, and is dedicated "in honor of Rabbi Schneeweiss and all those who work to produce a grounded and thoughtful Judaism."----------Bekius Disclaimer:Note that this is a bekius chavurah...2022-03-1457 minThe Stoic JewXTREME Premeditatio Malorum, Vaynerchuk Style (Seneca - Letter #91: On the Lesson to Be Drawn from the Burning of Lyons) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In today's episode we explore an advanced method of premeditatio malorum (the premeditation of evils). After reviewing the basic technique - as formulated by Seneca, Shlomo ha'Melech, and Chazal - we read and reflect on a more extreme method, as articulated by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. This practice is not for the faint of heart, but is something we can practice on a smaller scale until we become capable of the truly extreme version. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content- The Medallion Experiment...2022-03-0911 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Interlude: Reflection on Five Consecutive Days of TSJ Episodes Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This past Monday (2/28/22) I declared my intent to make an episode each day in an effort to break my "podcaster's block." Not only did I succeed in that, but I also rediscovered an important truth along the way, and was reminded of a fundamental difference between Judaism and Stoicism. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- The One-Page Article: a Summer 2021 Experiment- Hunting for Treasure vs. Panning for Gold on the Beaches of NomeSources:- Mishlei 2:4 with Rabbeinu Yonah2022-03-0410 minThe Stoic JewHow to Avoid Results-Oriented Thinking (Epictetus – Enchiridion 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In this episode we take a look at a sharper formulation of a familiar and fundamental concept in Stoic decision-making, Mishleic thinking, and gaming strategy. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Keanu Reeves, Free Will, and Results-Oriented ThinkingSources:- Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) 1- Koheles 11:1-6- Julia Galef, cited in Tim Ferriss’s Tribe of Mentors----------This week's Torah content has been sponsored by Sarah, in memory of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l, who chan...2022-03-0310 minThe Stoic JewMy February 2022 Experiments in the Art of Creating Time (Seneca - Letter #1: On Using and Wasting Time) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In this episode I share two “experiments” I conducted this February which were aimed at creating more time in my busy schedule. This may be viewed as a sequel to the episode I made last year with a similar name, which I recap at the beginning of this one. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - My February 2021 Experiments in the Art of Creating Time - Reflection on a Year of COVID and the Sanctification of TimeSources:- Seneca, Letter #1: On Usi...2022-03-0113 minThe Stoic JewMarcus’s Material Mortality Meditation (Aurelius – Meditations 5:4) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In an effort to break my “podcaster’s block,” I’m going to attempt to make five episodes this week, and I’m going to do my best to make them closer to 10 minutes than to 20. We’ll begin by returning to where we left off in Meditations, with a meditation on death which pairs nicely with a Rambam in the Moreh ha’Nevuchim. Sources:- Aurelius, Meditations 5:4- Rambam, Moreh ha’Nevuchim 3:12- Bereishis 2:7; 3:19----------The Torah content for the remainder...2022-02-2812 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:23 - Guarding Your Mouth, Tongue, and Soul (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:23 - Guarding Your Mouth, Tongue, and Soul (Part 1)שֹׁמֵר פִּיו וּלְשׁוֹנוֹ שֹׁמֵר מִצָּרוֹת נַפְשׁוֹ:This morning (2/28/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began learning a new pasuk - one which struck some of us as "obvious" and others of us as "NON-obvious." Thankfully, we found a foothold early on which pointed in the direction of a nice chidush (novel insight). We worked on several versions of that approach, then entertained a second approach at the very end. Tomorrow we'll see what the meforshim have to say (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי א:ג-ד,כ-כא; כא:כב-כג...2022-02-2845 minMachshavah LabThe Superiority of Rabbinic Laws Over Torah Laws - Part 1: Scope and Nature of Rabbinic AuthorityHave any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This morning (2/25/22), in our "Machshavah Lab" series for women, we began a new topic, prompted by the following question that was sent to me: "What is the impetus for one to follow Halachos d'Rabbanan? When I am sitting alone at night in the privacy of my home, what should motivate me not to eat chicken with cheese?" In today's shiur, Part 1 of the series, we laid the groundwork by reviewing, on a factual level, the scope and nature of Rabbinic authority. We then read what will be...2022-02-251h 15The Tefilah PodcastTehilim 145: "Ashrei" (Part 8 - MORE Radak on 145:8-10) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Tonight (2/24/21) in our Tehilim/Tefilah shiur we continued our pasuk-by-pasuk analysis of Ashrei. We set out to review what we did last time, and ended up diving even deeper into those same three pesukim with the Radak! After a few new observations at the beginning, we reread the Radak, then took a detour to review the Ralbag's take on the middos Ha'Kadosh Baruch Hu which are mentioned in 145:8. We then started to look up the other passages in the Radak's commentary referenced by the footnote, which led...2022-02-2551 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:22 - How to Bring Down a City of Strength (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:22 - How to Bring Down a City of Strength (Part 2)עִיר גִּבֹּרִים עָלָה חָכָם וַיֹּרֶד עֹז מִבְטֶחָה:This morning (2/24/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued learning the pasuk we began yesterday. After reviewing yesterday's ideas, we looked through ALL the meforshim - the majority of whom did little more than refer us to Koheles. We learned an approach based on the pshat of those pesukim (as explained by the Metzudas David) and we read through the allegorical interpretation (as brought down by Rashi, and as favored by the Meiri). Unfortunately, we didn't have time t...2022-02-2445 minMachshavah LabSefer ha'Chinuch's Intro to Mikdash: Part 3 (Seir l'Azazel)Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This evening (2/23/22), in our aptly named "Chumash Exploration," we continued learning the Sefer ha'Chinuch's introduction to Mikdash. After reviewing what we covered last time, we learned the Sefer ha'Chinuch's explanation of Seir l'Azazel, which we compared and contrasted with the Rambam's in the Moreh ha'Nevuchim, and with the Sefer ha'Chinuch's explanation of the Avodas Yom ha'Kippurim. Although there's more left in this mitzvah, we're most likely going to move on to something else next week. I encourage you to finish it on your own!----------מקורות:ספ...2022-02-241h 00Rambam BekiusHonoring a NON-Chacham Elder - Part 2 (Hilchos Talmud Torah 6:9) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (2/23/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we continued in the halachos about non-chacham elders. After reviewing the Rambam and the basics of what we covered yesterday, we finished the Torah Temimah and then moved to the Aruch ha'Shulchan to see what the psak halacha was. What we encountered, in addition, was an elaborate, creative, cheshbone-filled endeavor on the Aruch ha'Shulchan's part to justify the common minhag (of not standing up all the way for non-chacham elders) based on the premise that there's no contradiction between the...2022-02-2355 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:22 - How to Bring Down a City of Strength (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:22 - How to Bring Down a City of Strength (Part 1)עִיר גִּבֹּרִים עָלָה חָכָם וַיֹּרֶד עֹז מִבְטֶחָה:This morning (2/23/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began learning a new pasuk about the power of chochmah. In what context? That's what we worked on today. We developed three approaches to the type of "strong city takedown" that the pasuk is referring to. Tomorrow we'll see what the meforshim have to say (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי כא:כבתרגום רס"גתרגום כתובים----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi Schneeweis...2022-02-2346 minThe Tefilah PodcastTehilim 145: "Ashrei" (Part 7 - Radak on 145:8-10) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Last night (2/22/21) in our Tehilim/Tefilah shiur we continued our pasuk-by-pasuk analysis of Ashrei. After reviewing the ideas from last Thursday (how Ashrei gets you Olam ha'Ba) and last Tuesday (the flow of pesukim 1-7), we continued in the Radak's commentary, taking a detour to the three Gemaras (with Rashi and Tosafos) which discuss the middah of "erech apayim." We got most of the facts, and we'll attempt to understand the unity and flow next time (בג"ה).----------מקורות:תהלים קמה עם פירוש הרד"קעירובין דף כב עמוד א עם פירוש רש"י ותוספותסנהדרין דף קיא עמוד א-ב עם פירוש רש"יבבא קמא דף נ עמוד ב עם פירוש תוספות----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude...2022-02-2346 minRambam BekiusHonoring a NON-Chacham Elder - Part 1 (Hilchos Talmud Torah 6:9) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (2/22/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we continued in the halachos about honoring chachamim, beginning the sugya of honoring elders who are NOT chachamim. We started with the Rambam, but because the sugya is relatively localized, we ventured out into a LOT of different non-Rambam sources in an effort to familiarize ourselves with the area, and we will continue to do so tomorrow as well (בג"ה).----------מקורות:רמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תלמוד תורה ו:טקידושין דף לב עמוד בויקרא יט:לב עם תרגום אונקלוס, ופירוש רלב"ג, אבן עזרא, ותורה תמימהגיטין דף כח עמוד אמגילה דף יז עמוד בספר החינוך מצוה רנז----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi Schneeweiss's teaching.----------Bekius Disclaimer:No...2022-02-2257 minThe Stoic JewIs “Subjugation” to Stoicism a Bad Thing? (Epictetus – Discourses 4:4) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This episode is another attempt on my part to articulate a problem I have with Epictetus’s presentation of Stoicism. I’d like to believe that it’s less a critique of the content of his teachings and more a critique of Epictetus’s presentation – or, to be more accurate, the presentation of his student, Arrian – but I still believe that Epictetus’s Stoicism lends itself to this criticism than that of Marcus Aurelius or Seneca. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- Yet Another Inhuman Facet o...2022-02-2215 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:21 - The Perks of Chasing Tzedakah and Chesed (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:21 - The Perks of Chasing Tzedakah and Chesed (Part 2)רֹדֵף צְדָקָה וָחָסֶד, יִמְצָא חַיִּים צְדָקָה וְכָבוֹד:This morning (2/22/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued learning the pasuk we began yesterday - this time, with our usual Morning Mishlei Crew! After reviewing (or rediscovering) the interpretation we gave yesterday, we developed one-and-a-half new approaches. We attempted to learn Rabbeinu Yonah and Meiri, but didn't have enough time to grasp what they were saying.----------מקורות:משלי כא:כאתרגום ופירוש רס"גרבינו יונהמאירי----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi...2022-02-2246 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:12 - To Deride or to Derive? Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:12 - To Deride or to Derive?בׇּז לְרֵעֵהוּ חֲסַר לֵב וְאִישׁ תְּבוּנוֹת יַחֲרִישׁ:Tonight (2/21/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned a very interesting pasuk with major, wide-reaching practical implications. Even though there were only two participants in the shiur, we managed to come up with a really nice idea on our own, along with some spicy (and controversial?) ideas in the meforshim.----------מקורות:משלי יא:יבתרגום רס"גרבינו יונהאבות ד:ג - רבינו יונהשמות לא:ו - רלב"ג ביאור המילותמאיריא' שמואל י:כט - רלב"ג תועלותרד"ק----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi Schneeweiss's teaching.----------If you h...2022-02-221h 41Rambam BekiusHow to Make a Rav, Buy a Fiend, and Judge a Person (Avos 1:6) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (2/20/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we did a standalone topic as a follow-up to my Sunday shiur on "Midrashic Embellishment." I was asked a question based on the Rambam's halacha of "judge every person favorably," and I wanted to review it inside before answering. Right before shiur I realized that the other two clauses of the mishnah are actually related to the sugyos we've been doing in Rambam Bekius, so this ended up being more on topic than I thought!----------מקורות:רמב"ם - פירוש המשניות אבות א:ורמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר ה...2022-02-211h 00The Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:21 - The Perks of Chasing Tzedakah and Chesed (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:21 - The Perks of Chasing Tzedakah and Chesed (Part 1)רֹדֵף צְדָקָה וָחָסֶד, יִמְצָא חַיִּים צְדָקָה וְכָבוֹד:This morning (2/21/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began learning a pasuk that looked really simple to analyze on the surface, but raised MANY nuanced questions. We developed our own approach and then read the commentaries of Metzudas David and Saadia Gaon, which we will learn tomorrow, along with others (בג"ה).----------מקורות:משלי כא:כאתרגום ופירוש רס"גמצודת דוד----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi Schneeweiss's teaching.----------If...2022-02-2145 minMachshavah LabMidrashic Embellishment: Why Did Chazal Villainize “the Bad Guys” and Vindicate “the Good Guys” and What are the Educational Implications for Us?Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!The full title of this YBT Sunday Shiur (given on 2/20/22) is "Midrashic Embellishment: Why Did Chazal Villainize 'the Bad Guys' and Vindicate 'the Good Guys' and What are the Educational Implications for Us?" It is a sequel to the shiur I gave on 4/18/21 entitled: "Midrashic Betrayal: the Detrimental Effects of the Failure to Distinguish Between Pshat and Drash." You are advised to watch (or, bedieved, listen to) that shiur before this one. Chazal criticize those who say that David, Reuven, Shlomo, and other tzadikim sinned, b...2022-02-211h 58Machshavah LabR' Akiva's View of Human Existence (Avos 3:15) Part 3Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This morning (2/18/22), in our "Machshavah Lab" series for women, we concluded our multi-part series on R' Akiva's loaded-with-fundamental-ideas-about-human-existence statement in Pirkei Avos. After reviewing ALL the facts and ideas from Parts 1 and 2 and learning Chazal's statements about erech apayim which were cited by the Rambam, we arrived at The Main Idea: a new way of viewing human existence which has a practical impact on how we live and how we perceive Hashem's judgment.----------מקורות:אבות ג:טורמב"ם - פירוש המשניות, אבות ג:יח; שמונה פרקים פרק ב+חרמב"ם - משנה תורה: הלכות תשובה ה:א-גרמב"ם - משנה תורה: הלכות יסודי התורה ג:יא----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in...2022-02-181h 01The Stoic Jew225 Days of Gratitude (Aurelius - Meditations 9:6) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: I had planned on updating you about my Gratitude Journal when I reached 200 days, but since that fell out during my winter break, I decided to update you at 225 days instead. In Part 1 of today's episode I speculate about why gratitude is a more central theme in Judaism than in Stoicism. In Part 2 I reflect on the three positive changes I've noticed in my Gratitude Journal Practice over the past 125 days.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content- 100 Days of Gratitude (Seneca - Letter #81: On...2022-02-1821 minThe Tefilah PodcastTehilim 145: "Ashrei" (Part 6 - How Saying Ashrei Three Times a Day Gets You Olam ha'Ba) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Tonight (2/17/21) in our Tehilim/Tefilah shiur we paused our analysis of Ashrei with the Radak to learn the Gemara which states that a person who says Ashrei three times a day is assured a prime spot in Olam ha'Ba. We initially intended to just raise the questions and leave the answers for next week, but we were zocheh to answer all our questions and explain the entire Gemara tonight! ----------מקורות:ברכות דף ד עמוד ב עם פירוש רש"ירמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר שופטים, הלכות מלכים ומלחמות ט:איערות דבש ח"א דרוש ידרמב"ן - שמות יג:טזרבינו בחיי - ויקרא לז:זרמב"ם - מורה הנבוכים ג:נד----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbart of Boca Raton, FL, in gratitude for Rabbi Schneeweiss's t...2022-02-181h 04The Stoic JewLiza's Short, Good Life (Seneca - On the Shortness of Life) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: I recorded this episode in conjunction with a review I wrote (and shared on Facebook and in my WhatsApp Book Review group) of Philip Lister’s A Short Good Life: Her Father Tells Liza’s Story of Facing Death. I initially intended to share ONLY new thoughts in this episode, but I ended up recapping much of what I wrote in the review. I’ve included a link to purchase the book in the shownotes below. Let me know if you buy it, and if you read i...2022-02-1719 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:20 - The Saving or Swallowing of Wealth (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:20 - The Saving or Swallowing of Wealth (Part 2)אוֹצָר נֶחְמָד וָשֶׁמֶן בִּנְוֵה חָכָם וּכְסִיל אָדָם יְבַלְּעֶנּוּ:This morning (2/17/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began by reviewing the three approaches we came up with yesterday, supplementing them with additional examples. We then learned Rabbeinu Yonah, who took the third of our approaches. From there we moved on to the Meiri, who referred us to an explanation in his hakdamah on a pasuk we learned in January. Lastly, we read the Malbim who approached the pasuk allegorically.----------מקורות:משלי כא:כ; כו:טרבינו יונהמאירי - הקדמה וכא:כמלבי"ם----------The Tor...2022-02-1744 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:20 - The Saving or Swallowing of Wealth (Part 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:20 - The Saving or Swallowing of Wealth (Part 1)אוֹצָר נֶחְמָד וָשֶׁמֶן בִּנְוֵה חָכָם וּכְסִיל אָדָם יְבַלְּעֶנּוּ:This morning (2/16/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we began a new pasuk. This is a good example of a pasuk which seems to be stating a rather "cliché" Mishleic idea. The challenge with such pesukim is to find a chidush. Today we developed three approaches which hovered on that borderline between cliché and chidush. Tomorrow we'll learn the meforshim and see what else we can find.----------מקורות:משלי כא:כמצודת דוד----------The Torah content for the remainder of February has been sponsored by Jeremy Gelbar...2022-02-1644 minThe Tefilah PodcastTehilim 145: "Ashrei" (Part 5 - Radak on 145:1-9) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Tonight (2/15/21) in our Tehilim/Tefilah shiur we continued our analysis of Ashrei with the aid of the Radak's commentary. We began with a methodology point about how to approach texts like this, which the chachamim acknowledge are deeper or more important than most. We then reviewed pesukim 1-7 to refine some of our previous ideas, note some new ones, and to grasp the flow and unity of the section. We concluded by going over the facts of 8-9 to set up for next time. Buckle in, boys...2022-02-1644 minRambam BekiusKavod Hierarchies for Chachamim (Hilchos Talmud Torah 6:6-7) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!This afternoon (2/15/22), in our Rambam Bekius chavurah, we began by addressing two (out of three) of the tantalizing leftover questions from Thursday. We may not have succeeded in arriving at well-formulated, crystal clear abstract definitions, but we definitely improved our understanding. After that we moved on to the next couple of halachos about the hierarchies in honoring different levels of chachamim (i.e. Nasi, Av Beis Din, Chachamim) and the procedures for how to conduct oneself during ... [we couldn't figure out the context; that's first on our...2022-02-1557 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:9 + 25:24 - Solitude vs. a Contentious and Provocative Wife (Part 3) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:9 + 25:4 - Solitude vs. a Contentious and Provocative Wife (Part 3)טוֹב לָשֶׁבֶת עַל פִּנַּת גָּג מֵאֵשֶׁת מִדְיָנִים וּבֵית חָבֶר:This morning (2/15/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued with the sugya we've been learning since Thursday. After reviewing the approaches we've gained so far, we flipped to Mishlei 25:24, which is a verbatim repetition of 21:9, with the goal of understanding what that repetition adds. We began by going over some basic ideas on the pesukim in the surrounding context (25:21-23 and 25:25-26) and then attempted to learn our pasuk in that light. We came up with a few approaches, TRIED to understand what...2022-02-1547 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 11:11 - How to Raise Up or Tear Down Your City Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 11:11 - How to Raise Up or Tear Down Your Cityבְּבִרְכַּת יְשָׁרִים תָּרוּם קָרֶת וּבְפִי רְשָׁעִים תֵּהָרֵס:Last night (2/14/22), in our Monday Night Mishlei Shiur, we learned a sequel to last week's pasuk. Whereas last week everyone in the shiur contributed to a UNIFIED approach, this week everyone came up with DIFFERENT approaches. There were so many different approaches that we didn't even get to the meforshim until well over an hour into the shiur. We learned through three commentaries at the end, and came up with ideas for at least two of them. As usual, there were questions we...2022-02-151h 44The Stoic JewA Stoic Cure for Insomnia ... I Hope (Aurelius - Meditations 6:31) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: We're putting our "Seneca on Hashgachah" plans on hold for now in order to address a time-sensitive topic: my insomnia. This was a hastily planned episode that I decided to make this morning, after two consecutive nights of my chronic insomnia. In this episode I articulate what I hope will be a strategy for combatting this persistent problem of mine.Sources:- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6:31- Epictetus, Enchiridion (The Handbook) 1:1-2- Adon Olam- Talmud Bavli, Berachos 33b...2022-02-1512 minThe Mishlei PodcastMishlei 21:19 - Solitude vs. a Contentious and Provocative Wife (Part 2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 21:19 - Solitude vs. a Contentious and Provocative Wife (Part 2)טוֹב שֶׁבֶת בְּאֶרֶץ מִדְבָּר מֵאֵשֶׁת [מִדְיָנִים] (מדונים) וָכָעַס:[Note: the internet connection was bad today; pardon the interruptions in the recording.]This morning (2/14/22), in our Morning Mishlei shiur, we continued learning the pasuk we started on Thursday, in conjunction with the similar 21:9 which we learned earlier this year. Rabbeinu Yonah and the Malbim read both pesukim in counterintuitive ways, which resulted in some interesting ideas. Because we have more meforshim to learn, and because we discovered that 21:9 is repeated in 25:24, AND because a bunch of our regulars will be gon...2022-02-1443 minThe Stoic JewStoic Thoughts on My Winter Break 2022 - Part 2 (Seneca - Letters #2 and 83; Aurelius - Meditations 4:3) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This is the second installment of a two-part reflection on my upcoming Winter Break 2022. In today’s episode, we revisit the excerpts from Seneca and Marcus Aurelius which I reflected on after Winter Break 2021, and reexamine them in light of the tools I’ve gained since then. Next, we discuss my discovery of avodah zarah thinking in my application of premeditation malorum. Finally, I reflect on another pitfall that workaholics such as myself are prone to falling into. And with that, I begin my Winter Break 2022! ...2022-01-1418 minThe Stoic JewStoic Thoughts on My Winter Break 2022 - Part 1 (Seneca – On Tranquility of Mind 17:5) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This is the first installment of a two-part reflection on my upcoming Winter Break 2022. In today’s episode, Seneca and the Meiri join forces to give me permission – within the framework of my own psychological drives – to take this winter break, and actually use it to relax and recharge.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Thank Iron Archer (and IFS) for Today’s Non-Episode Episode - 38th Birthday Reflections: On Self-Harm and Self-Actualization Sources: - Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind 17:5 (with comm...2022-01-1316 minThe Stoic JewStoic Authenticity (Aurelius - Meditations 5:3) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: What does it mean to "live an authentic life" or to "be an authentic person"? In this episode I argue that the answers given by Judaism and Stoicism are closely related, if not identical - in contrast to the popular conception. I then apply this idea to a rather amusing experience that happened to me a few months ago. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- Mishlei 21:1 Mishleic FatalismSources: - Aurelius, Meditations 5:3- Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda, Chovos ha'Levavos (Duties...2022-01-1216 minThe Stoic JewThe Waltz of Fate (Epictetus - Enchiridion 8; Aurelius - Meditations 5:20) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: This episode begins with a review of what I think of as the three stages of Stoic development. I then share a new way of conceptualizing these stages as three ways we relate to fate (i.e. to those things we cannot control), which I apply to a situation of uncertainty I am currently facing in my life.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - The Medallion Experiment- The Obstacle is the Way to Knowledge of Hashem - The Obstacle is the...2022-01-1116 minThe Stoic Jew38th Birthday Reflections: On Self-Harm and Self-Actualization (Aurelius - Meditations 2.6) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today is my 38th birthday! In this episode I reflect on where I was last year at this time, what happened in between, and where I hope I’m going. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - TSJ Interlude - 37th Birthday Reflections: On the Allegory of the Soldier- Torah as Melachah (Craft)- Simone Biles is My HeroSources: - Aurelius, Meditations 2:6- Ralbag, Vayikra 23- Greg McKeown, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less----------2022-01-1015 minThe Stoic JewHow Much of Our Suffering is Performative? (Seneca – Letter #63: On Grief for Lost Friends) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In today’s (short!) episode we compare Epictetus’s unrealistic and inhuman standards of grieving (or lack thereof) with the tempered and realistic alternative taught by Seneca, as codified by the Rambam in the Mishneh Torah. The explanation Seneca provides for why people grieve excessively raises an interesting question about the psychodynamic forces behind our own experiences of suffering and loss. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- Yet Another Inhuman Facet of Epictetus's Stoicism- Shooting Yourself With the Second Arrow Source...2021-12-2310 minThe Stoic JewThe Hidden Costs of Life (Epictetus - Enchiridion 12,25; Discourses 1) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: I came across a quotation from Thoreau which resonated with me, thanks to my “Counting the Weeks of My Life” experiment. In this episode we expand upon Thoreau’s thoughts with excerpts from Epictetus, du Lair, and Pirkei Avos. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- Remember that You're ALREADY Dead- How to Shower Like You're Dying- Counting the Weeks of My LifeSources: - Thoreau, Walden- Epictetus, Enchiridion 12:2; 25:4-5; Discourses 1:29:21- Guillaume du Lair, The Mor...2021-12-2114 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Interlude: Asarah b'Teves and the Tragedy of The Stoic Jew Podcast Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Since today is the 10th of Teves, I decided to devote the episode to a reflection on how the very existence of The Stoic Jew Podcast is directly related to one of the three events we commemorate on this day – namely, the translation of the Torah into Greek. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:- TSJ Interlude: A Defense of This Podcast- Asarah b'Teves 5781: A Live Prophecy About an Ongoing Tragedy Sources: - Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer Zmanim, Hilchos Taaniyos 5:1...2021-12-1420 minThe Stoic JewRemember that You're ALREADY Dead (Aurelius - Meditations 7:56) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: I seem to be on a memento mori kick as of late. In today’s episode I discuss the biggest impact (thus far) of my “Counting the Weeks of My Life” experiment, which I spoke about in one of last week’s episodes. For those who are turned off to memento mori practices because they see them as overly negative or morbid might find Marcus Aurelius’s alternative approach to be more appealing. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - Counting the Weeks of My Life...2021-12-0816 minThe Stoic JewHow to Shower Like You're Dying (Aurelius - Meditations 2:11) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today we return to a familiar theme: how to live like it’s your last day. In past episodes we’ve discussed the challenges to implementing this in practice. Thanks to some insights from Mark Nepo and Steve Jobs, I think I’ve found another piece to the puzzle. This is one of those “thinking aloud” episodes in which I explore how these ideas can apply to my own life. I hope that listening to my own musings helps you to adapt these ideas to your own situat...2021-12-0316 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Interlude: Post-Thanksgiving Musings Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In today’s episode I muse out loud about some thoughts I had on and about Thanksgiving in light of my Thanksgiving meal and my reflections on my 21st geriversary (i.e. anniversary of converting to Judaism).This week's Torah content has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Dr Leon & Frances Gersten. Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - TSJ Interlude - A Stoic Pep Talk on My Mild Anxiety About Meeting Up With My Dad's Family for Thanksgiving Sources: - Au...2021-11-2917 minThe Stoic JewThe Crown of Torah and the Crown of Stoicism (Seneca - Letter #53) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In my Rambam Bekius Chavurah we’ve been learning Hilchos Talmud Torah Chapter 3, in which the Rambam prescribes guidelines for attaining the Crown of Torah. I recently came across a letter from Seneca in which he tells his pupil, Lucilius, what he’ll need to do in order to succeed in the life of philosophy. I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between these two exhortations, and I decided to make an episode about them.This week's Torah content has been sponsored by Shirle...2021-11-1916 minThe Stoic JewAre Humans Naturally Inclined Towards Virtue? (Rufus - Lectures 2:7:1-2) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Rufus taught “The human being is born with an inclination toward virtue.” Would Judaism agree? In today’s episode we take a look at the Sforno’s revolutionary interpretation of a familiar statement from Chazal (which was already preempted by the Rambam), which sheds a new light on how Hashem helps us in the battle against the yetzer ha’ra on a daily basis.This week's Torah content has been sponsored anonymously for the continued recovery of Rabbi Moskowitz. May Hashem grant Ha'Rav Meir ben Esther...2021-11-0115 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Milestone: 200 Episodes and the Value of Talking About Virtue (Aurelius – Meditations 10:16) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today’s focus is on a one-liner from Marcus Aurelius: “Stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.” We use this as a springboard to reflect on our 200th episode, and whether we have fallen into this trap through this podcast, or whether the Torah’s values offer a different perspective on the Stoic Emperor’s self-rebuke. This week's Torah content has been sponsored by an anonymous donor, whom I consider to be both a friend and a role model.2021-10-1113 minThe Stoic JewYou Will Die Today ... OR Tomorrow (Aurelius - 4:47) Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: Today's episode is about Marcus Aurelius's memento mori thought experiment: If God told you that you are going to die either today OR tomorrow, would the difference of a day make a difference? And would Judaism offer a different response than Stoicism? This week's Torah content has been sponsored by an anonymous donor, in memory of her grandmother, Golda Henya bat Devora a"h.Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content: - How to Enjoy the Present Day As If It’s Your Last (Aur...2021-10-0617 minThe Stoic JewTSJ Interlude: Removing the Evil of the Decree Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Synopsis: In this episode I share an insight I had on Rosh ha’Shanah into the famous statement “teshuvah, tefilah, and tzedakah remove the evil decree” – or should I say, “the evil OF the decree.” I share a real-world example of this which transpired on the second day of Rosh ha’Shanah this year. This week's Torah content has been sponsored by an anonymous donor in gratitude to the YBT community for being so welcoming to the new guys, and to the "old" guys.Related Rabbi...2021-09-1419 min