Optimism & Pessimism

In the middle of the dancing the Rebbe’s face turned suddenly pale and his gestures lost their vigor. Something was clearly wrong, and the chassidim quickly cleared the synagogue.

For physical pain we run to the doctor, but so many of us allow other pain to stay in our lives, never pushing to treat the root of the issue...

It can be sobering to periodically take stock of my goals and see how much I have actually done. While such self-appraisal is a noble and effective aspect of any plan, unfortunately, it can also easily lead to regrets and recriminations, which in turn can...

I tapped into a part of myself that’s generally under wraps. Mummified, really. This part of me, in case you’re wondering, is my integrity. My authenticity. Not that I’ve been living a lie, but I haven’t been so honest with the world, not even with myself...

Rabbi, I appreciate your invitation to join your classes, but I just don’t have time in my life for spirituality right now . . .

The daffodils that were planted in the hard-packed dirt at the base of the palm tree, those that are trampled on year after year, continue to break through the hard soil and proudly sprout their yellow blooms . . .

When I became sick (diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia), I had a choice. I could cry and become depressed and spend a lot of time in bed, or I could live, really live . . .

In my relationships, particularly with my kids, whatever is painful or dysfunctional seems to eclipse the good, to obliterate it . . .

Optimism is contagious. We achieve the most when we pass on the tools of success to others. We must lead by example . . .

In light of recent worrisome events in the world, Rabbi Bryski offers a classic Jewish formula for optimism in the face of adversity.