Sublime

The idea that each of us has a fixed quantum of intelligence, virtue, academic ability, motivation, and drive is absurd. Not all of us can paint like Monet or compose like Mozart. But we each have gifts, capacities that can lie dormant throughout life until someone awakens them. We can achieve heights of which we never thought ourselves capable.

the future of Jewish life is dependent on Jews—not just rabbis—taking hold of the rich, challenging, surprising, and inspiring heritage that makes up our texts and traditions.

The significance of Lurianic kabbalah is that it is a redemption of small steps, act by act, day by day. Each act mends a fracture of the world. The way from here to there, like the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, takes time. There are setbacks on the way – sins, rebellions, false turns. A journey of a few days takes 40 years. But

A person once came to R. Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch, and asked him, “Rebbe, our Sages tell us that we must bless G-d when something good happens, and in the same way, we should bless G-d when something negative happens.10 How can this be actualized?”

Rabbi Salanter created a movement with systematic practices for opening the heart and aligning what we know is right with how we actually behave. This included rigorous study of Jewish ethical literature, fervent and emotional chanting of ethical teachings, meditation, daily practices to develop character traits (middot), and careful review and

There is simply no coordinated effort to educate the Jewish people in a way that empowers them.

leader does not stand above the people. He serves the people, and he serves God. The