In this episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi D Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Nitzavim, found in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30. He explores the profound themes of covenant, blessings, and curses that define the relationship between God and the Israelites.

Brackman begins by discussing the covenant as a double-edged sword: adherence brings blessings and prosperity, while abandonment leads to severe curses and exile from the Promised Land. He highlights the Hebrew terms used for "curse," particularly "alah," which also means "oath," emphasizing that the curses are part of a divine oath linked to the covenant.

He examines the text's transition from individual responsibility to collective consequence. An individual might think they can escape the repercussions of breaking the covenant, but the text warns that both individuals and entire tribes will face God's wrath if they turn away. Brackman notes textual anomalies, such as Moses referring to "this book," suggesting the possibility of retrospective authorship and adding layers of interpretation.

Drawing parallels to William Strauss and Neil Howe's generational theory from their book "The Fourth Turning," Brackman connects the Israelites' experiences to cycles of societal change: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis. He suggests that the Torah anticipates these cycles and offers a means to break them by choosing life and adhering to God's commandments.

He emphasizes that choosing life and maintaining the covenant isn't an unattainable goal—it's accessible and within reach. By upholding strong institutions and remembering the lessons of history, the Israelites—and by extension, all people—can avoid the destructive cycles that lead to crisis.

Brackman extends this message to the modern context, noting that while some believe society is inevitably headed toward a crisis, the teachings in the Torah portion of Nitzavim offer hope. They remind us that it's within our power to choose a different path by consciously opting for life, blessings, and adherence to enduring values.

He concludes by affirming the timeless relevance of this wisdom, encouraging listeners to "choose life" so that they and future generations may live meaningfully and avoid repeating past mistakes.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26) to explore the mitzvah of Bikkurim—the offering of the first fruits—and its profound implications for our understanding of gratitude, responsibility, and continuous renewal.

Discover how the ancient practice of Bikkurim embodies a "Day One" mindset—a concept popularized by Jeff Bezos but deeply rooted in the Torah long before. By examining the unique declaration made during the Bikkurim ritual, Levi highlights the Israelites' journey from oppression in Egypt to prosperity in the Promised Land, emphasizing the reciprocal covenant between God and His people.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Ritual of Bikkurim: Understanding the historical declaration in Deuteronomy 26:5-10 and its significance.
• Contrasting Declarations: Comparing the Bikkurim declaration with the tithing declaration in Deuteronomy 26:12-15.
• Centrality of the Land of Israel: Exploring the importance of the land in Jewish identity and faith.
• The 'Day One' Mindset: How the annual offering of first fruits teaches continuous gratitude and humility.
• The Covenantal Relationship: The two-way commitment between God and the Israelites, emphasizing both divine blessings and human responsibilities.
• The Virtuous Cycle of Blessing: How gratitude and adherence to commandments create a sustaining cycle of prosperity and spiritual fulfillment.

Levi connects these ancient teachings to modern life, illustrating how the principles found in the Torah offer timeless wisdom that predates and enriches contemporary philosophies like those of Bezos.

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If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe! Leave your thoughts in the comments below—how do you incorporate a "Day One" mindset in your daily life?

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Ki Teitzei, focusing on its complex laws regarding marriage and divorce. He examines how these ancient texts can be interpreted to align with modern ethical standards. Brackman discusses a case where a man falsely accuses his wife of not being a virgin, leading to intricate legal and moral questions. He highlights the role of the Talmud and rabbinic interpretations in ensuring fairness, particularly for women, through the concept of "ethical corrective." This approach allows for a more equitable application of the law. The episode also delves into the debate between literal and rabbinic readings of the Torah, illustrating how interpretations can vary. Brackman emphasizes the adaptability of Jewish law and its focus on peace, inviting listeners to reflect on the balance between tradition and modernity.

Support the show

Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.