Self Awareness & the Emotionally Intelligent Rabbi - R' Dr. Alex Mondrow

Overview: In this episode, R’ Dr. Alex Mondrow explores the role of emotional intelligence in rabbinic leadership. How do we become more aware of our own emotional strengths and blind spots? How do we receive difficult feedback without becoming defensive? What's the difference between understanding someone's pain and truly being present with them? And why might a rabbi's ability to sit silently with a congregant sometimes be more powerful than the perfect words of comfort?Drawing on his work with RIETS semicha students, R’ Dr. Mondrow shares practical insights about self-awareness, empathy, emotional vocabulary, feedback, and personal growth. Along the way, we discuss why emotional intelligence is not simply a matter of middos, the difference between cognitive and emotional empathy, how rabbis can identify areas they may not naturally perceive, and why the most important question may not be what an assessment reveals, but how we choose to respond to what we learn about ourselves.Bio: Rabbi Dr. Mondrow maintains a private psychology practice in Jerusalem and Teaneck. He also serves as the mental health advisor at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), where he trains students in pastoral skills and emotional intelligence. Additionally he served as the Rabbi of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Synagogue for several years.Contact: [email protected]