Posts by Asher Gottesman

Sometimes this world is quite overwhelming and it feels as though enacting any change is impossible, so why even try? How can we motivate ourselves to start, when the job or task seems impossible and failure is more likely than success?! The proverb says, “it’s not upon me to finish the job”, yet that doesn’t…

Byachad is the Hebrew word for together. The first time the Torah mentions togetherness was when Moses gave the ten commandments at Sinai. The quote is, “As one person with one heart”, as it was only when we were a cohesive unit that we merited the Torah, God’s greatest gift. To me, Byachad means we…

I spent the last 5 days with an incredible group of healers. I’m so fortunate to have met them, and for the many incredible stories I heard and lessons I learned. I learned two personal lessons that will have a lifelong impact on me if I stay accountable to them. The first lesson is that…

I’m extremely curious how each individual—regardless of belief—makes sense of the non sensical in this world. How do people process these things? Furthermore, what are we doing here on earth, and lastly, is this it? I was having a conversation with a friend last night and she was saying that her friends believe in the…

The Torah known as the Old Testament is full of incredible lessons and stories. Whether you believe the content is real or not, the metaphors and deeper understandings are lessons that are valuable and help guide us toward a fulfilled life. There is a story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac.…

In an era like today with daily tragedies, how do we mourn and move forward? What are the best ways to deal with such trauma? Therapy is certainly a huge component, yet how does it become most effective, and what other components are needed in life to ultimately lead to success? I say success, because…

“The test of faith is whether I can make space for difference. Can I recognize God’s image in someone who is not in my image, whose language, faith, and ideals are different from mine?” – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks I have always been willing to see different points of view, and I have always been interested…

Leadership–especially in these times–is crucial. As a society, we are so polarized and so fractured, and truly in need of a spiritual solution. For my brothers and sisters who are atheists, I really feel badly, as they must truly be feeling lost and a sense of doom, since on the face of it, we are…

Music is such an important part of my life. It makes me feel spiritually connected, helps me connect with myself and to God, and lifts my spirits. Music enhances my mood, and it’s the way I feel closest to my creator. In the Jewish religion, almost all prayer has some sort of tune, whether it…

In the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “the highest status is not to care about status, and that influence is more powerful than power!” How many times have we taught by telling others to do as I say, instead of what I do? True power and true education come from influence, which is doing as…