EPISODE · Jun 5, 2025
Should we be happy we received the torah
from Iyun Lemachshava English · host Yitzchok Lowy
This lesson examines whether we should genuinely be happy about receiving the Torah, distinguishing between defending an abstract religious ideal and evaluating the actual lived tradition as it exists among real people and teachers. The discussion argues that Torah exists not as a book but as a system of trained character traits (middot) that must be cultivated through education, and that being happy with Torah means recognizing which virtues we've been taught are genuinely good versus which need refinement. The framework suggests that religious authenticity depends on teachers being sincere in using Torah to become better people, not on defending correct beliefs, since children naturally continue traditions only when they witness genuine virtue in their educators.
What this episode covers
This lesson examines whether we should genuinely be happy about receiving the Torah, distinguishing between defending an abstract religious ideal and evaluating the actual lived tradition as it exists among real people and teachers. The discussion argues that Torah exists not as a book but as a system of trained character traits (middot) that must be cultivated through education, and that being happy with Torah means recognizing which virtues we've been taught are genuinely good versus which need refinement. The framework suggests that religious authenticity depends on teachers being sincere in using Torah to become better people, not on defending correct beliefs, since children naturally continue traditions only when they witness genuine virtue in their educators.
NOW PLAYING
Should we be happy we received the torah
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 31, 2026 ·143m
Mar 24, 2026 ·88m
Feb 27, 2025 ·73m