Ten Minutes of Meaning (Part 209): The Power of Wow - Mesillas Yesharim

Description

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg delves into the profound subject of "Yira" or "Awe." Far from simply inducing fear, Rabbi Goldberg argues that true Yira is about feeling awe and wonder at the intricacies of Hashem's world. Drawing upon the teachings of Mesillas Yesharim, he discusses the two levels of Yira—fear and awe. Fear is the basic level, where one avoids wrongdoing due to fear of punishment. The higher level is awe, where one is filled with wonder and admiration for the universe, Torah, and Hashem's creations. In this engaging talk, Rabbi Goldberg also reflects on the importance of living a life filled with "Wow" moments, be it in Torah study, in contemplating the natural world, or in experiencing everyday miracles. He cautions against the cynical attitude of not being impressed by anything and urges us to find awe in the everyday. This higher level of Yira, he says, can only be achieved by stopping, contemplating, and truly experiencing the world around us.