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LIVING WITH PURPOSE
Welcome to Living with Purpose, my very own passion project filled with unique and engaging content. Explore my site and all that I have to offer; perhaps Living with Purpose will ignite your own passions as well.
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Can we ever truly escape our own ego?
Why do we do good? Are our acts of kindness truly selfless, or are they just sophisticated forms of self-interest? Is it even possible to perform a deed that is entirely "pure"? The human "operating system" is a maze of conscious and subconscious forces. Most of us rarely have the clarity—or the courage—to peel back the layers and confront our true motivations. The Dual Soul The Chassidic tradition, as articulated by the Alter Rebbe, teaches that we are comprised of two disti
The Courage to Act: Changing the Trajectory of a Fractured World
We are living through an era of profound fragmentation. When the world feels increasingly hostile and the headlines are dominated by violence, it’s easy to feel powerless. But as the noise grows louder, a vital question remains: What can we—individually and collectively—do to change the course? Ironically, a powerful counter-current is moving beneath the surface. Driven by the breakneck pace of technological advancement, our world is becoming more interconnected and interdepe
The Story the Flame is Trying to Tell You
How do you feel when you sit and truly observe a candle’s flame? What do you see in that steady, piercing glow? More importantly, have you ever tried to listen to its story? In Jewish mysticism, light and darkness are more than physical states; they are the ultimate metaphors for the human experience. They capture the central tension at the core of our existence—providing both the map to navigate our internal struggles and the fire to overcome them. The Mystical Narrative Th
From Pit to Palace: The Power of Seeing Another's Pain
The story of Joseph and his brothers is often hailed as one of literature's greatest, its timeless grip on our imagination rooted in the raw, core dramas of life depicted with unflinching biblical intensity . I recall years ago, at the Wallace Collection in London, encountering a painting by the 17th-century Spanish master Bartolomé Esteban Murillo . His depiction of the scene was so vivid that, for the first time, I could truly envision the despair in Joseph’s expression a
Know Thyself, Know Thy Enemy: The Art of War in Jewish History
Relationships, Conflict, and Clarity Relationships are fundamental to the human experience. Whether with family, friends, or in the sphere of business and community, our interactions define much of our lives. A healthy relationship requires a deep and clear understanding of both oneself and the person we seek to engage with. Without this twin foundation, all other efforts will inevitably be compromised. This principle becomes even more critical in times of conflict. To naviga
Jacob’s Survival Strategy for a Chaotic World
How do we move forward with such limited visibility? How do we plan for the future in a world of extreme volatility? And as Jews, how do we sleep at night when trust itself feels uncertain?” As human beings, we adapt to many circumstances. But one force shakes us more deeply than hardship itself: uncertainty . It is not the mountain we fear most, but the fog around it. When visibility fades, fear rushes in to fill the map. If anyone knew this vulnerability, it was our forefat
When Chaos Meets Purpose: A Timeless Lesson From Rebecca’s Twins
It is the most influential book in human history—the greatest bestseller of all time. No work has been more widely translated, read, discussed, or interpreted. This book is the Bible—the story of all stories. It is the narrative of civilization, continuously unfolding across millennia. It offers a blueprint for an ideal world while chronicling the consequences—personal, national, and global—of choices that drift from its eternal principles. At the dawn of Jewish history, we e
Only One Language Moves the World: The Courage to Speak the Truth
The story of the Jewish people is arguably the greatest ever told—a testament to extraordinary resilience, unwavering faith, and the ability to endure challenges unmatched in human history. At the heart of this enduring saga lies our unbreakable connection to the Land of Israel—a bond that has shaped us since our earliest beginnings. A profound window into this bond appears in Abraham’s negotiations to purchase land in Hebron upon the passing of our matriarch Sarah. Seeking a
How Much Giving Is Enough?
The Talmud presents a profound moral dilemma: “If two people are traveling on a desolate path and one holds a jug of water—enough for only one—if both drink, both will die; if only one drinks, he will live.” Rabbi Akiva rules that the one who possesses the water should drink it himself, based on the verse, “And your brother shall live with you” —your own life takes precedence. The first Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a penetrating interpretation: this principle applies only when th
Go Forth: A Tribute to a Life of Purpose and Vision
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the passing of my father, Rabbi Faivish Vogel, of blessed memory. It is therefore most fitting to draw inspiration from this week’s Torah portion — especially as it was during this very week, back in 1960, that he began his lifelong journey as the Rebbe’s emissary. As one embarks on a journey, it is vital to know the destination. That is why the beginning of the Jewish story, as told in this week’s Torah portion, is so puzzling. G-d say
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