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Rabbi's Blog

What is Humility?

Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 9:21 PM

The rabbi explores why this quality is important for all of us.

They tell a story about a Rabbi who was always trying to impress his “humility” on those around him. It was in the middle of the synagogue service, the rabbi suddenly cried out, "Oh dear G-d, I am but nothing in your eyes!" Not wanting to be outshone, Joseph, the synagogue cantor cried out, "Oh G-d, I am also but nothing in your eyes!” When George, the synagogue's president, heard the cries from the Rabbi and the cantor, he followed and cried out, "I, too, Oh G-d, am nothing in your eyes!"

On hearing this,the Rabbi turned to the cantor and said, "Ha! look who thinks he's a nothing!"

In continuation with the past weeks' columns, (http://malibu.patch.com/articles/are-you-compassionate) this week we examine the attribute of humility, or in Hebrew "Hod" (http://www.jewishmalibu.com/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380802/jewish/Netzach-Hod-Yesod.htm) literally: acknowledgement -- the part of us that that is expressed in humility.

Humility is often confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Humility is modesty; it is acknowledgment, it is clearly recognizing our qualities and strengths and acknowledging that they are not our own; they were given to us as a gift for a purpose higher than just satisfying our own selfish needs. Recognizing how small we are allows us to realize how large our potential is. This is what makes humility so formidable.

True humility is silent it but not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven qualities (http://www.jewishmalibu.com/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380812/jewish/Emanations-Interact.htm) of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and sovereignty.

Loving kindness in Humility

Healthy humility brings love and joy not fear. Often, humility is confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility brings love because it gives us the ability to rise above ourselves and love another. When we examine this point within we ask ourselves; does my humility cause me to be more loving and giving? More expansive? Or does my "humility" inhibit and constrain me in other ways?

Discipline in Humility

Humility must be disciplined and focused. At times humility calls for us to compromise and at times not. When we remain silent and neutral in the face of outright evil, it is humility without discipline. In addition, humility must include respect and awe for the person or experience before whom we stand humble.

Compassion in Humility

An important aspect of the humility quality, is that it be compassionate. A false sense of humility can cause one to be self-contained and anti-social. True humility expresses itself in empathy for others. Thus when we examine this aspect of self we ask; Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or is it a cause for awkward behavior?

Endurance in Humility

Walking the path of humility requires strength and endurance. A humility that cannot withstand challenges, lacks the true experience of humility. Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Endurance in humility underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength.

Humility in Humility

Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Am I afraid to be too humble? Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much pride in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine? True humility is when we are humble just for its own sake.

Bonding in Humility

Humility ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build. The ultimate expression of humility is when it makes us available to build something lasting.

Nobility in Humility

Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all. Thus, when we examine nobility in humility we ask ourselves; does my humility make me feel dignified? Do I feel alive and vibrant?

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes, we are assured to come away from the experience a more truly fulfilled and compassionate person.

Adopted from “A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer -- Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.

Shabbat Shalom!

Are You a Winner?

Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 9:14 PM

Without endurance, any good endeavor or intention has no chance of success.

Do you remember "The Little Engine that Could?" It’s the story of an upbeat engine that saves the day when a long train needs to be pulled over a high mountain. Larger trains refuse the job for various reasons.

The small engine is asked to take on the challenge, and agrees. Chugging the phrase, “I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can,” he eventually pulls that big train over the mountain.

The book, a classic, is a celebration of optimism, the power of positive thinking, drive and perseverance. In some sense, it’s a metaphor for the American Dream. Just think the right thoughts, manifest your desire on a message board or repeat them to yourself at breakfast and bedtime, and hey!—you’ll get what you want.

It seems that while there are some out there that practice this behavior with their eyes closed, so many of us need a constant reminder. How does one persevere? In continuation with the past weeks columns, regarding the inner workings of our personality, kabbalisticly speaking. This week we will examine the 4th of the seven emotions, the attribute of endurance. Endurance or in Hebrew "Netzach" literally: Victory -- is the part of us that has the properties of the little engine that could.

The attribute of endurance, Netzach in Hebrew, is the part of us that expresses fortitude and ambition, determination and tenacity. It is a balance of patience, persistence and guts. Endurance is also being reliable and accountable, which establishes security and commitment. Without endurance, any good endeavor or intention has no chance of success. Endurance means to be alive, to be driven by what counts. It is the readiness to fight for what you believe, to go all the way.

This, of course, is hat is responsible for so much irrational behavior amongst our species, too many people become marinated in senseless endurance and are so focused on winning, that so many a time it results in behaviors that breeds destruction and havoc. Consider the mindless ways on which, sadly, many couples approach divorce.

The need to win comes at the cost of raising healthy balanced children. Thus, if we are going to live a more productive life, it is of utmost importance that our drive to endure be closely examined to ensure that it is used in a healthy and productive manner.

As was mentioned last week, our array of emotions are multidimensional; when we examine the quality of our emotions, we probe deeper:

Lovingkindness in Endurance

For endurance to be effective it needs to be caring and loving. A neutral or indifferent attitude will reflect in a marginal commitment. We ask ourselves, does my endurance cause me to be, or seem to be, inflexible? Does my drive and determination cause me to be controlling? Am I too demanding? Endurance needs us to first pause to ensure that it is accomplished in a loving manner.

Discipline in Endurance

Healthy endurance is when it is directed toward productive goals and expressed in a constructive manner. Is my endurance and determination focused to help cultivate good habits and break bad ones? Or is it the other way around? Does my endurance come from strength or weakness? The discipline aspect of endurance is what gives us the ability to break bad habits.

Compassion in Endurance

The compassion of endurance reflects a most beautiful quality of endurance: an enduring commitment to help another grow. Endurance without compassion is misguided and selfish. Am I able to rise above my ego and empathize with my competitors? Am I gracious in victory?

Endurance in Endurance

Everyone has willpower and determination. We have the capacity to endure and prevail under the most trying of circumstances. There are times that, convinced that we are doing all that we can, we are believing our own "story" of how determined we are are, yet in reality our behavior is mercurial. Thus, we ask ourselves, do I underestimate my capacity to endure? This particular trait is the power within us to commit to developing new good habits with the attitude of "whatever it takes" and thus succeed time and time again.

Humility in Endurance

Yielding - a by product of humility - is an essential element of enduring. Standing fast can sometimes be a formula for destruction. The oak, lacking the ability to bend in the hurricane, is uprooted. The reed, which yields to the wind, survives. When endurance is fueled by inner strength it allows us to yield, out of strength not fear. Humility helps us recognize and acknowledge that the capacity to endure and prevail comes from the limitless Divine soul innate within each person, and when we see live in our souls perspective, we naturally embody humility.

Bonding in Endurance

Bonding expresses our unwavering commitment to the person or experience we are bonding with, a commitment so powerful that we will endure all to preserve it. Endurance without bonding will not endure. To ensure the endurance of our new resolution, we bond with it immediately. This can be assured by promptly actualizing our resolution in some constructive deed or committing ourself to another.

Nobility in Endurance

Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Endurance that encompasses the previous six qualities is indeed a tribute and testimony to the majesty of the human spirit. Is my endurance dignified? Does it bring out the best in me? When faced with hardships am I confident in my of the Divine gift, my life force and her strengths, or do I cower and shrivel up in fear? When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes, we are assured to come away from the experience a more truly fulfilled and compassionate person.

Adopted from “A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer -- Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.

Shabbat Shalom!

If you would like to learn more about the Kabbalah science of our personality, we are beginning a new class on this subject. For more information please email me at [email protected].

Are You Compassionate?

Friday, April 12, 2013 - 4:02 PM

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes, we are assured to come away from the experience a more truly fulfilled and compassionate person.

Last week I shared with you the inner workings of our personality...kabbalisticly speaking.

This week, the third week in this journey, we move on to the third attribute of human impulse; compassion.

What is compassion? The Hebrew word for this attribute is “Tiferet”, also means "beautiful". This attribute, which is one of the basic human characteristics, blends and harmonizes the free outpouring of love (Chesed) with discipline (Gevurah) and thus introduces truth, the integration of love and discipline.

Truth is accessed through selflessness. That is, when we rise above our ego and our predispositions, we can realize truth. Truth gives us a clear and objective picture of our needs. Thus, Tiferet means beauty because the harmony of love and discipline is beautiful.

As was mentioned last week, our emotions are multidimensional; each of our distinct emotions (Love, discipline, beauty, etc.) includes a blend of all seven attributes. Thus, when we examine the quality of our emotions, we probe deeper:

1. Loving-kindness of Compassion: Is my compassion tender and loving or does it come across as pity? Does my compassion overflow with love and warmth and is it expressed with enthusiasm, or is it static and lifeless?

2. Discipline of Compassion: True compassion requires discipline and focus to recognize when compassion should be expressed or withheld. After all, true compassion is not about the bestower's needs, but for the recipient's needs.

3. Compassion of Compassion: Compassion for another is achieved by having a selfless attitude in order to place ourself in the other person's situation. Is my compassion that which comes out of guilt rather than genuine empathy?

4. Endurance of Compassion: Is my compassion consistent and does it prevail among other forces in my life? For example, do I have the capacity to be compassionate even when I'm busy or or only when it's comfortable for me? Am I ready to stand up for another?

5. Humility of Compassion: Compassion without humility can be condescending. Humility recognizes that my ability to be compassionate does not make me better than the recipient. Do I look down at those who need my compassion? Finally, am I humble and thankful to G-d for giving me the means to have compassion for others?

6. Bonding of Compassion: For compassion to be fully realized, it requires creating a channel between the giver and receiver, that is, a mutuality that extends beyond the moment of need. Do I bond, beyond a single act of empathy, or do I remain apart?

7. Nobility of Compassion: Here we examine the dignity of our compassion. For compassion to be complete, it must boost self-esteem and cultivate human dignity. Is my compassion expressed in a dignified manner, and does my compassion elicit dignity in others?

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes, we are assured to come away from the experience a more truly fulfilled and compassionate person.

Adopted from “A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer -- Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.

Shabbat Shalom!

If you would like to learn more about the Kabbalah science of our personality, we are beginning a new class on this subject. For more information please email me at [email protected].

Breaking Free From Bondage of Work, Fear, Lack of Love

Friday, April 5, 2013 - 5:09 AM

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes within, we are assured to come away from the experience with a new found freedom.

We live in a world that has increasingly embraced the inalienable right of every person to be free. It would seem that we are more free than we’ve ever been, conquering time and space with the internet, smart phones, and the exponential development of technology affecting every aspect of our lives. But for all this prosperity and high tech, are you more free of your inner demons and scars, of oppressive employers or pressures? Are you more free in your relationships, free of jealousy, anger or substance abuse?

The reality is we are all slaves to something – to work, or a relationship, to fear, or food, to a lack of discipline, or too much discipline, to love, or a lack of love. We just concluded the holiday of Passover, commemorating the freedom of the Hebrews from the Egyptian exile.

The Hebrew word for ‘Egypt’ used in the Torah is “Mitzrayim.” The word “Mitzrayim” also means “limitations and boundaries” thus, the esoteric teachings of the Torah speak of the slavery in “Mitzrayim” representing all forms of constraints that inhibit our true free expression. Thus, the ancient story of the exodus from Egypt can also be seen as a formula on how to overcome our limitations and boundaries and thus achieve inner freedom in our lives.

After leaving Egypt the Jewish people traversed the desert for 49 days until they were ready to reached Mount Sinai, the zenith of the exodus.

Enslavement is a habit that needs to be broken and transformed over an extended period of time – a time that is refining and healing. The 49-day process in this journey, can be seen as the keys to freedom.

Kabbalistic teachings explain that there are seven basic impulses in the heart of humans:

1. Chessed (love, benevolence)

2. Gevurah (restraint, awe, fear)

3. Tiferet (compassion, harmony)

4. Netzach (ambition, competitiveness, persistence)

5. Hod (humility, devotion, surrender)

6. Yesod (communicatively, connectedness)

7. Malchut (regality, receptiveness, expression).

Furthermore, since a fully functional emotion is multidimensional, it must include within itself a blend of all other seven attributes (e.g., chessed of chessed, gevurah of chessed, tiferet of chessed). Thus, the seven week period, which represent these emotional attributes, further divide into seven days making up the 49 days.

The first week (which began this year March 27) was an internal exploration on the attribute of “loving kindness”. Love is a single most powerful and necessary component in life. Love is the origin and foundation of all human interactions. It is both giving and receiving. It allows us to reach above and beyond ourselves; to experience another person and to allow that person to experience us. It is the tool by which we learn to experience the highest reality – G-d.

The week we are now in is when we explore the attribute of “Justice and discipline.” If love is the bedrock of human expression, discipline is the channel through which we express love. It gives our life and love direction and focus. Take a laser beam: Its potency lies in the focus and concentration of light in one direction rather than fragmented light beams dispersed in all different directions.

Gevurah - discipline and measure - concentrates and directs our efforts, our love in the proper directions. Another aspect of gevurah is - respect and awe. Healthy love requires respect for the one you love.

When we are exploring the attribute of Justice and discipline, we ask ourselves some important questions;

1. When I judge and criticize another, is it in any way tinged with my own contempt and irritation?

2. Is there any hidden satisfaction in the other person’s failure?

3. Is my judgment coming from love?

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes within, we are assured to come away from the experience with a newfound freedom.

Adopted from “A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer -- Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.

Shabbat Shalom!

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