The Trait of "Decisiveness" (harizut)

Summary

In this week's episode, Modya and David explore Sh'mot, the first parsha in the Book of Exodus, in light of the trait of harizut, or decisiveness. The hosts explore the idea, suggested by the relationship between God and Moses, that being decisive is not "all about us", but involves other traits, like humility and patience. We must be aware that others can help move processes forward, that we must let events unfold, and that decisiveness is not a purely intellectual process: it is, rather, a partnership, and it requires a balance between instinct, thought, and providence.

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is Director of Jewish Studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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Modya Silver and David Gottlieb

Modya Silver is an author and psychotherapist based in Toronto. David Gottlieb is a faculty member in the Jewish Studies program at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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