Self-Control Through Torah New Books Network

Modya and David begin this week a focus on the trait of frugality, the careful shepherding of one's resources, monetary and otherwise. The Torah portion under consideration is Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30). Modya and David explore how the careful allocation and conservation of resources can help to create a balance between the divine and animal energies which comprise the human being and human societies. The rite of the scapegoat is also discussed as a way to recognize, honor, and maintain the balance between these energies. Thanks for listening!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Modya and David are joined by the artist, writer, coach, and fellow podcaster Avrum Rosensweig to discuss parshat Metzora in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 14:1-15:32), and what can be learned about the trait of tzedek, or righteousness. The wide-ranging discussion centers on the importance of being careful in one's speech, as one message of this parsha is how gossip and slander can throw an individual, and indeed an entire community out of balance. Modya, David, and Avrum also discuss how sacrificing for the greater good can help create and preserve healthy relationships and a righteous community. We hope you enjoy!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Modya know that beauty is more than skin deep. In this episode, they look at the parsha of tazria (Leviticus 12:1–13:59) through the lens of righteousness to see what we can learn about skin outbreaks, life and death and communal responsibility to the individual and the community.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modya and David take a deep dive this week into Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47) to explore the content for lessons in tzedek, or righteousness. How might detailed instructions on the way to conduct different ritual sacrifices help build a society that cultivates righteousness and justice? What other middot (character traits) are related to righteousness? This Torah portion also contains the profoundly troubling episode of the deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offer a "strange fire" before God (Lev. 10:1-2). David and Modya discuss different commentaries on this episode, and how they illuminate the relationship between character traits, especially righteousness and humility. Thanks for listening!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Modya and David discuss what can be learned about tzedek, or righteousness, from Tzav in the book of Leviticus (Lev. 6:1-8:36). What do priestly guidelines for conducting sacrifices tell us about righteousness and how to enact it in the world? What other character traits help us develop into people who advance righteousness, for ourselves and for others? And just what is righteousness, anyway? Listen and enjoy!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Modya and David are joined by Rabbi Marc Margolius, Vice President of Faculty and Program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, to discuss lessons for the character trait of humility that can be gleaned from Vayikra, the first Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 1:1-5:26). Beginning from the small letter aleph at the end of the first word of the Torah portion, Modya, David, and Marc explore the mystical, sociological, and ethical lessons to be gained by Israel through the order and methods of sacrifice outlined in the Torah portion. We hope you enjoy!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices