LRDTC.5/6 MADRUGUETE EXISTE QUIEN NO EXISTE, LEJ LEJA.

Introduction to the Month of Av

Overview of the Month

• The speaker welcomes everyone and mentions that they are about to begin discussing the month of Av, which is significant as it marks their wife's birthday.

• The speaker highlights the astrological significance, noting that their wife is a Leo (the sun) while they are a Cancer (the moon), suggesting a balance between energies.

Historical Context

• According to Jewish tradition, this month should have been one of redemption; however, past actions led to negative consequences that affect future generations until the arrival of the Messiah.

• The speaker discusses errors made during critical historical events in relation to receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai and entering Israel.

Spiritual Significance and Cautionary Advice

Importance of Israel in Kabbalah

• The speaker emphasizes that according to Kabbalah, Israel is central for abundance and blessings worldwide. Events in Israel influence global circumstances.

Recommendations for Observing Av

• Listeners are encouraged to be mindful during this period, particularly as it begins tonight. It’s advised not to engage in risky activities or sign contracts.

• Emphasis on self-reflection and avoiding negativity; any negative actions or thoughts can amplify during these days.

Behavioral Guidelines During Av

Conduct Expectations

• Participants are urged to behave well during this time since negative behaviors will have greater repercussions.

• Encouragement towards maintaining peace and avoiding conflicts is highlighted as crucial for personal growth during these nine days.

Class Structure and Previous Discussions

Class Format

• The speaker indicates an intention to open up discussions at the end of class for those who haven't spoken yet.

Recap of Previous Session

• A brief check-in regarding understanding from previous classes is conducted, with emphasis on feeling energy from prior discussions.

Exploring Concepts Related to Honor (Kavod)

Understanding Kavod

• Discussion transitions into how honor (kavod) relates to divine revelation; God reveals aspects through history but remains hidden overall.

Divine Attributes Manifestation

• The concept that God's attributes can be perceived through various biblical narratives post-Mount Sinai is introduced.

Understanding the Concept of Cabod in Relationships

The Impact of Cabod on Interpersonal Dynamics

• The speaker discusses how cabod (honor) can impact a person to the extent that it may nullify their own desires, emphasizing a voluntary desire to receive from others.

• There is an exploration of how individuals strive for the well-being of those they honor, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing others' worth.

Learning from Wise Individuals

• The concept of "shim shim também amim" is introduced, which refers to attaching oneself to wise individuals (talmid jajamim), indicating a desire to learn from their wisdom rooted in Torah.

• It is noted that true honor comes not just from knowledge but also from the ability to explain and embody Torah principles.

Behavior and Learning Through Example

• The speaker emphasizes that one can learn halacha (Jewish law) through observing the behavior of a rabbi or talmid jajam, suggesting trust in their actions as embodiments of Torah.

• Personal anecdotes are hinted at regarding learning experiences with teachers, reinforcing the idea that proximity to wise individuals fosters growth.

Valuation and Desire for Connection

• A relationship dynamic between teacher and student is compared to that between spouses, stressing mutual recognition and valuation as essential for connection.

• The speaker illustrates this with an analogy involving sports figures like Messi, where concern for another's success reflects deep-seated care driven by shared interests.

Fundamental Human Desires

• The discussion shifts towards humility as a fundamental human trait; people naturally gravitate towards humble individuals due to their inherent value.

• Acknowledging cabod as a core desire within everyone highlights its significance in fostering meaningful relationships.

Aspiration Towards Being a Source of Cabod

• The aspiration for personal value and significance in life is articulated as a universal human desire; people want their actions recognized positively by others.

Understanding Self-Perception and Personal Growth

The Importance of Internal Revelation

• The speaker emphasizes the need for self-respect when interacting with others, highlighting that understanding one's values is crucial for personal growth.

• Step one involves achieving an internal revelation about oneself, recognizing that individuals are more than their perceptions or thoughts.

• The concept of "cabot" (a term used in the discussion) is introduced as a source of awareness; recognizing it in others can lead to self-awareness.

Recognizing One's True Potential

• Acknowledging oneself as a source of potential is vital; realizing one’s capabilities can lead to significant personal insights.

• This initial step towards understanding "cabot" is framed as essential for true activation or awakening within oneself.

Addressing Feelings of Worthlessness

• If an individual does not feel valuable or worthy, it indicates a malfunction in their internal mechanisms, suggesting deeper issues at play.

• The speaker references a quote from Talía regarding unchanging nature, illustrating how some people resist change despite negative consequences.

Challenges in Personal Change

• An anecdote about someone struggling with a problematic family member highlights resistance to change and acceptance of one's flaws.

• The speaker questions the attention given to repetitive experiences (like watching the same movie), drawing parallels to personal stagnation.

Steps Toward Transformation

• Discusses the common cycle of setting New Year’s resolutions but failing to maintain motivation over time, leading to feelings of being stuck.

• Illustrates how initial enthusiasm can fade quickly when faced with challenges like gym memberships becoming burdensome rather than motivating.

Discovering New Aspects of Self

• Encourages taking decisive action toward change and recognizing moments where one behaves differently than before as signs of growth.

• Realizing that one has changed significantly can be surprising and enlightening; this realization opens up new possibilities for self-discovery.

Embracing Divine Potential Within

Understanding Transcendental Connection

The Nature of Spirituality

• The speaker discusses a profound realization of being connected to a greater, transcendental reality, emphasizing the importance of spirituality.

• Personal experiences reveal a divine connection with God, leading to feelings of beauty and divinity within oneself.

Manifestations of Insight

• Insights can manifest in various forms such as words, songs, or emotions; these moments are described as sparks of inspiration that provide clarity.

• The speaker highlights the significance of emotional responses and insights as pivotal moments in personal growth.

Deep Desires and Existence

• A deep desire for existence is discussed, likening it to the joy felt when loved ones achieve something meaningful.

• This desire transcends mere survival instincts; it represents a fundamental yearning for life itself.

Self-Awareness and Realization

• Recognizing one's worth and value is crucial; individuals must realize they can cultivate their own sense of self-worth without external validation.

• The concept of "cabod" (glory or weightiness in Hebrew thought) is introduced as an internal experience rather than one reliant on outside approval.

The Journey Towards Existence

Internal vs. External Validation

• Individuals often seek external validation but must understand that true fulfillment comes from within themselves.

• Seeking approval from others complicates the journey towards realizing one's inner "cabod."

Understanding Existence

• A powerful statement contrasts those who claim existence with those who doubt it; true existence stems from the will to be recognized.

Willingness to Exist

• The desire to exist is framed as one of life's greatest achievements; acknowledging this need marks a turning point in personal development.

Emotional Dimensions of Cabod

Emotions Associated with Cabod

• Cabod is described not just as an emotion but as a complex experience encompassing various feelings tied to existence and self-awareness.

Divine Connections

Insights on Parenting and Attention Dynamics

Emotional Connections in Parenting

• The speaker shares a personal experience with a sensitive student who resonated deeply with a quote from Julio Cortázar's "Rayuela," highlighting the emotional weight of certain phrases in shaping one's perspective.

Family Dynamics and Perceptions

• A participant, Mari Rodríguez, reflects on her strong relationship with her parents, emphasizing her father's role as a supportive figure and discussing the implications of parental attention based on children's behavior.

The Struggle for Attention

• Mari discusses the notion that parents often focus more on children who misbehave, suggesting that good behavior may lead to less attention, which can create internal conflict for children seeking validation.

Understanding Behavioral Patterns

• The speaker notes that some children behave well to alleviate their parents' burdens but questions whether this is truly beneficial or if it leads to neglect of their emotional needs.

Attention Allocation Among Siblings

• The discussion shifts to biblical examples where problematic children receive more attention, illustrating how this dynamic can foster stronger connections between parent and child due to increased time spent together.

Misinterpretation of Quietness

• It is emphasized that quieter children may also require significant attention; assumptions about their well-being can be misleading if they are not actively engaged or supported.

Seeking Parental Validation

• A personal anecdote reveals how one child decided to act out in order to gain parental attention, demonstrating the lengths children might go to feel acknowledged by their parents.

Values Behind Parental Attention

• The conversation explores why parents might prioritize attention towards misbehaving children—stemming from fears of being labeled as bad parents or concerns over their child's safety and future.

Building Stronger Bonds Through Giving

• The idea is presented that giving oneself emotionally creates deeper connections; love grows through shared experiences and sacrifices made for others.

Self-perception vs. External Validation

• Another participant reflects on how she struggles with accepting compliments about her character, attributing positive traits not to herself but rather to divine influence, raising questions about self-worth and humility.

Modesty vs. Reality

• There’s an exploration of false modesty versus genuine humility; the speaker expresses discomfort with praise while acknowledging societal perceptions regarding self-esteem and recognition from others.

Reflections on Goodness and Recognition

The Motivation Behind Actions

• The speaker emphasizes their desire to do good without seeking recognition, aiming to impact the world positively through love and service to others.

• They express a struggle with feeling inadequate in their family context, despite efforts to prioritize family well-being as a starting point for their actions.

Understanding Goodness and Divine Influence

• The speaker reflects on their self-perception, stating they do not see themselves as inherently good; any goodness comes from God within them.

• They discuss the common misunderstanding of receiving compliments, suggesting that acknowledging praise can be uncomfortable but is an opportunity to recognize God's influence.

The Source of Glory

• When praised, the speaker suggests responding graciously while attributing all glory to God, recognizing Him as the source of any positive attributes or actions.

• They explain that doing good deeds allows individuals to sanctify God's name and feel joy in being chosen by God for such purposes.

Embracing Humility and Joy

• The speaker shares feelings of unworthiness when receiving compliments but finds joy in recognizing that it is God working through them.

• This realization brings about emotional responses, highlighting gratitude for being used by God despite feeling undeserving.

Impacting Others Through Goodness

• The act of doing good opens doors for sharing faith and impacting others with love, justice, and mercy.

• They reflect on the idea that no one truly deserves existence; rather, it is divine grace that allows us to be here.

Acknowledging Divine Grace

• The speaker notes how upbringing influences perceptions of worthiness; even biblical figures expressed feelings of unworthiness due to God's kindness towards them.

• They emphasize that life is a gift from God’s love and grace rather than merit-based existence.

Daily Affirmations of Worth

• Each day begins with affirmations of faith in God's trust in individuals' potential for goodness.

Understanding Self-Worth and Divine Purpose

The Importance of Recognizing Your Value

• Acknowledging one's self-worth is crucial; it’s essential to see and feel your value, which can be achieved through personal reflection and emotional awareness.

• Engaging in positive actions fosters a desire for self-improvement, leading to a harmonious relationship with oneself, akin to the feelings one would have for someone they respect deeply.

Love as a Connection to Personal Value

• Experiencing joy from good deeds reflects love; this connection is vital for understanding one's intrinsic worth and serves as a profound way to engage with personal value.

• This sense of divine glory within oneself is part of our purpose on Earth, emphasizing that we are meant to recognize our importance rather than merely being useful.

The Call to Love Yourself

• The biblical principle "Love your neighbor as yourself" implies that self-love is foundational; without it, one cannot genuinely extend love to others.

• Many struggle with self-love today, which hinders their ability to fulfill the commandment of loving others effectively.

Fulfilling Divine Will Through Goodness

• God desires us not just to feel valuable but also to act beneficially in the world; fulfilling this mission aligns with divine will and brings joy.

• Engaging in acts of kindness releases positive emotions (like serotonin), enhancing both personal well-being and communal harmony.

Embracing Opportunities for Goodness

• We are instruments for good; recognizing our role allows us to contribute positively regardless of past experiences or beliefs about ourselves.

• Our interactions can lead us toward goodness or negativity based on our choices; thus, it's important to embrace opportunities presented by God.

Discovering Inner Values

• Each individual has inherent values waiting to be discovered beyond childhood teachings; maturity involves recognizing these values independently.

• Life presents chances for everyone—good or bad—to make impactful choices. It’s essential that we seize these moments for positive action.

Trusting Divine Selection

• Understanding that God chooses individuals for specific purposes reinforces the belief in one's worthiness and capability.

Understanding Divine Justice and Human Agency

The Nature of Light and Divine Manifestation

• Discussion on how divine light manifests through individuals, emphasizing that it is not limited to a specific group or people. This concept ties back to biblical narratives regarding the Israelites in Egypt.

Predestination and Moral Responsibility

• Exploration of the idea that God predetermined the actions of the Egyptians, leading to their oppression of the Israelites. Questions arise about divine justice when humans act as "puppets" for God's will.

• A critical inquiry into whether it is just for God to punish those whose actions were foreseen and predetermined, likening this situation to historical figures like Hitler.

Consequences of Evil Actions

• The discussion continues with the notion that if evil acts are decreed by God, then punishing those who commit them raises moral dilemmas about free will versus determinism.

• Emphasis on spiritual determinism where consequences must manifest physically based on actions taken, questioning who bears responsibility for these outcomes.

Historical Context and Collective Guilt

• Reflection on various nations (e.g., Babylon, Medes) that could have been chosen as oppressors instead of Egypt. It suggests a collective meritocracy in receiving punishment based on historical actions.

Personal Reflection and Divine Favor

• The speaker contemplates personal worthiness in relation to divine favor, suggesting that everyone has a unique role in God's plan regardless of perceived merit.

The Role of Influential Figures

• Comparison between Tony Robbins' motivational speaking style and a modern patriarchal figure who sees himself as an instrument of God while charging high fees for his services.

Understanding Goodness and Badness in Actions

• A question arises about interpreting good and bad actions within oneself. The speaker addresses feelings of guilt associated with wrongdoing.

Navigating Guilt and Redemption

• Discussion on how making mistakes does not define one's identity as 'bad.' Instead, it emphasizes growth from errors rather than being trapped by them.

Opportunities for Positive Change

• Encouragement to recognize opportunities for doing good even after making mistakes. It highlights the importance of correcting wrongdoings rather than succumbing to guilt.

Jewish Perspectives on Morality

• Clarification that guilt should not lead one to feel permanently flawed; instead, Judaism promotes moving forward from mistakes towards rectifying them.

Existential Reflections

Discussion on Faith and Suffering

Encounter Between Belief and Experience

• The discussion begins with a notable encounter between a religious survivor of Auschwitz and an interviewer who is anti-religion, highlighting the contrast in their beliefs.

• The interviewer questions how someone who experienced the horrors of Auschwitz can still believe in God, suggesting that such suffering contradicts faith.

• The survivor challenges this notion by stating that Auschwitz was not inherently evil for her; instead, it was a place where she found opportunities to do good amidst suffering.

Perspective on Goodness Amidst Evil

• The survivor recounts daily experiences in Auschwitz where individuals were in need—whether for food, encouragement, or companionship—emphasizing the constant opportunity to perform acts of kindness.

• She argues that viewing life as a series of opportunities to help others transforms one's perspective on suffering and evil, suggesting that personal growth can occur even in dire circumstances.

Responsibility and Wealth Distribution

• A theological discussion arises regarding poverty; the survivor explains that poor people exist not merely due to their condition but because wealthy individuals must learn to give.

• In Judaism, giving is seen as a moral obligation rather than charity. The existence of poverty reflects the failure of those with means to share adequately.

Service and Connection

• Emphasizing service, the speaker notes that everyone has a role in helping others. This connection fosters personal development and spiritual elevation through acts of kindness.

• There’s an assertion that recognizing one’s potential to do good instills confidence; God trusts individuals to manifest goodness in their interactions with others.

Reflection on Existence

• A quote from Julio Cortázar highlights resilience: "Nothing is lost if one has the courage to proclaim everything is lost." This reflects the theme of renewal despite despair.

Existence and Self-Discovery

The Desire to Exist

• The speaker expresses a profound desire to exist, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and the act of proclaiming one's existence.

• There is a strong assertion of individuality, highlighting that one should not underestimate or misjudge another's identity.

Change and Transcendence

• The world presents constant opportunities for growth and surprise; it is essential to embrace change rather than remain stagnant.

• A reference to Abraham's journey at 75 years old illustrates the courage required to leave behind familiar surroundings in pursuit of the unknown.

Embracing the Unknown

• The speaker compares personal growth to Michael Jordan’s journey, suggesting that individuals often cannot foresee their potential achievements.

• It is crucial for individuals to be willing to disconnect from their current identities and experiences in order to discover new paths.

Disconnecting from Familiarity

• Individuals are encouraged not to wait for divine intervention but instead actively seek out experiences that challenge their understanding of themselves.

• To truly grow, one must disconnect from all known aspects of life, including technology and social distractions.

Exploring New Identities

• The speaker advocates for playful exploration of identity, allowing oneself the freedom to act outside established norms or expectations.

• Curiosity about oneself should mirror curiosity about others; asking "Who am I?" opens pathways for deeper self-exploration.

Acceptance of Uncertainty

• Acknowledging uncertainty about one's identity can lead to a more authentic self-discovery process; it's okay not to have all answers.

• Expressing desires without defined boundaries allows individuals greater freedom in exploring who they might become.

Letting Go of Definitions

• Defining oneself too rigidly can stifle creativity; embracing ambiguity fosters new possibilities and experiences.

• True self-awareness involves recognizing that many perceived traits do not define one's essence; they are merely actions or reactions.

Understanding Personal Identity

• Despite years of living with oneself, true understanding may still elude us; what we think we know does not encompass our entire being.

Understanding the Divine Self

The Complexity of Human Emotions and Identity

• Discussion on the disparity between one's true self and the emotions expressed; individuals often feel a disconnect between their desires and their outward expressions.

• Acknowledgment that external accusations or perceptions do not define an individual; there is a deeper essence within each person that remains largely unexplored.

• Introduction of the concept of "ruach codes," which refers to divine inspiration or the spirit of God communicating with individuals, emphasizing the importance of wanting to exist authentically.

• The emergence of personal desires as a conversation starter for self-discovery; this process is likened to receiving enlightenment akin to Moses coming down from Mount Sinai.