Rabbi Nir Menussi’s teachings illuminate hope for anyone searching for peace in their personal lives and communities. Through his engaging podcasts and stories, he guides us on a journey toward individual and collective harmony, drawing from the rich well of Jewish tradition. Rabbi Menussi invites us to explore Teshuvah—returning to our most authentic selves—and inspires us to reflect, improve, and pursue lasting peace with renewed hope and direction.
Hanukkah, the festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, resonates deeply with our ongoing quest for global harmony. Rabbi Menussi’s wisdom provides valuable perspectives on how we can actively work toward this noble goal.
In one enlightening podcast episode titled “Awakening Teshuvah,” Rabbi Menussi reflects on whether his Torah talks inspire listeners to make positive changes in their lives, such as deepening their commitment to their faith. He shares:
“People awaken to Teshuvah – self-improvement and spiritual growth – not when censured or rebuked, but when they are helped to recognize their sins on their own.
There is something inherently paradoxical about the awakening of Teshuvah. On the one hand, it must start from within. On the other hand, only the chick knows when to break out of its egg. If someone tries to hatch the egg prematurely, its growth can be ruined. This is what criticism and rebuke often do: they make a person shrink back, thereby hindering their development. Because Teshuvah entails the unpleasant realization that we’re not living optimally, we react with defense mechanisms. These can manifest as either self-justification or self-flagellation. In either case, the result is the same: we further entrench ourselves in our everyday lifestyle and don’t change.”
This paradox reveals a crucial lesson: motivating someone toward Teshuvah is a delicate art. The story of Tamar and Judah in this week’s Torah portion from Genesis 38 illustrates this well. Tamar, having been widowed twice, disguises herself to seduce Judah, who later unknowingly leaves his belongings behind. When Tamar becomes pregnant, Judah initially condemns her but later confesses his wrongdoings when confronted with his belongings. Tamar’s wisdom leads to Judah’s repentance and the birth of twins who become ancestors of King David and the Messiah.
The Path of Self-Improvement
Our journey toward Teshuvah—a path of self-improvement and spiritual growth—begins not with criticism but with understanding. Those who guide us must also work on improving themselves. Adverse treatment hinders progress, but sincere and empathetic guidance can inspire genuine change.
In another podcast, “The Secrets of Jewish Progress,” Rabbi Menussi explores social change through the example of Jacob and Esau. After two decades of rivalry, their reunion offers insights into Western culture intertwined with Jewish tradition. He reflects:
“The king is dead; long live the king!”
This familiar phrase, often heard at the coronation of a new ruler, might seem paradoxical at first. It highlights a significant change in leadership, shifting focus from the old to the new. This tradition mirrors a profound aspect of Western culture—the tendency to erase the past and start anew, which contrasts with Judaic principles.
The Torah describes a series of Edomite kings who ruled before Israel had its king. This repetition symbolizes a recurring pattern in Western civilization, where each revolution attempts to dismantle previous systems and establish a new order.
From Revolutions to Reckonings
History shows a pattern of revolutions replacing old regimes with new ones, each seemingly representing the peak of progress. From ancient Greece and Rome to the French Revolution and beyond, each upheaval has sought to redefine society, only to be replaced by the next wave of change.
Today, we face the consequences of recent revolutions:
- The rapid adoption of smartphones has led to increased screen time for children and remedies like YouTube Kids.
- The impact of the sexual revolution on traditional values has resulted in challenges such as early exposure to pornography and discussions about gender identity.
These examples highlight the evolving landscape of our society and the challenges we face as we navigate the aftermath of past revolutions.
My Own Slow Pace
Esau’s story illustrates a recurring pattern of impulsiveness and regret. He once dismissed his birthright for a bowl of stew and later felt deceived. His unpredictable behaviour contrasts with Jacob’s cautious approach. Jacob is dedicated to making slow and careful progress, highlighting the importance of taking a measured approach to change.
“I will move at my own slow pace.” Jacob’s commitment to eschew impulsivity is unwavering, despite sharing similar aspirations with his brother Esau, who has an inclination towards the allure of immediate gratification. Fear of neglecting critical considerations drives Jacob’s cautious approach as he navigates the pursuit of his ambitions. Two distinct factors contribute to Jacob’s deliberate strategy: “According to the pace of the work that is before me” and “According to the pace of the children.”
This cautious approach to progress is a hallmark of Jewish thought. We accept the past but carry its lessons into the future, balancing tradition with innovation. We move step by step, integrating new insights while responding to contemporary needs.
As the Sages say, “The innovator has the lower hand.” This suggests that those challenging the status quo must first embrace and elevate the existing structure. By integrating past wisdom with new ideas, innovators connect with history and carry its richness into the future.
Footnotes
- Caschetta, A.J. “Lessons from London: You Can’t Fix Jihad.” The Hill, 26 Feb. 2020, www.thehill.com/opinion/international/484020-lessons-from-london-you-cant-fix-jihad.
- Menussi, Nir. Awakening Teshuvah. Podcast, www.examplepodcasturl.com/awakening-teshuvah.
- Menussi, Nir. The Secrets of Jewish Progress. Podcast, www.examplepodcasturl.com/secrets-of-jewish-progress.