Smart Jewish Studies

Category: Mussar

  • Seder Meditation on Shevuot 12

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    APPLICATION OF THE MIDDAH OF SEDER TO SHEVUOT 12 Torah Context Recap:   Mussar Middah: Seder – Deep Structure Over Superficial Uniformity Stable Anchors:   Dynamic Assessment: Seder as Alignment of Systemic Layers The Torah uses multiple words that appear similar (Torah, Chok, Mitzvah, etc.), but the sages insist each word points to a different…

  • Seder meditation Shevuot 11

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    Contextual Recap (Shevuot 11) The gemara debates whether the Ketores possesses only kedushat damim (monetary sanctity) or also kedushat haguf (inherent sanctity). A Tevul Yom, someone not fully tahor (pure), disqualifies the Ketores if it has been placed in a makhteshes (grinder). The halakhic implication: when sacred purpose is near, even latent ritual impurity matters.…

  • Rachamim and “power” asymmetries

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    Does Rachamim Imply Hierarchy? In brief: → Yes, rachamim implies asymmetry in resources or positionality; spiritual, emotional, or material. → But it need not imply domination or structural hierarchy in the oppressive sense. → The underlying power construct is situational, relational, and contextually reversible.   Sociological Power Constructs at Play 1. Weberian Authority (Power to…

  • Apply Circle of Motives in Mussar with elaboration including actionable schemata to hakarat hatov

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    (See https://smartjewstudy.com/mussar/integrating-ifs-with-decision-making-frameworks-in-the-circle-of-motives-with-elaboration) Let’s apply the fully integrated model to the Mussar middah of hakarat hatov (recognizing the good), treating it as a test case to validate the entire system—including polyvagal awareness, IFS mapping, elemental movement, Jungian alchemy, Bayesian updating, and ethical ritualization.   Layer 1: Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Awareness) Issue: Hakarat hatov requires a ventral…

  • What is the Torah/Rabbinic function of the “Hierarchy of Tumah”?

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in ,

    Tumah isn’t random; it’s a graded system of “distance” from direct confrontation with primal chaos: death, bodily loss, life disruption. The further away something is from death-chaos-core, the less intense and more easily repairable the impurity. It mirrors psychological and archetypal energy levels: Deep grief ≠ minor irritation. Death confrontation ≠ exposure to minor physical…

  • Ritual purity – what does it mean in today’s world

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in ,

    1. First Frame: Stable Anchors Subroutine Application Here Discern Ritual impurity is about contact with death, decay, or boundary violations of life force, according to Torah law. Acknowledge These states are not moral failings but ontological states affecting ritual eligibility, communal participation, and psychological states of separation. W.A.I.(T) Why am I talking? → To explore…

  • Jungian archetypes light/shadow and s.m.a.rt goals for #anavah

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    Jungian Archetypes and Anavah (Humility) Archetype Light/shadow Light Aspects of Anavah: Shadow Aspects of Anavah: Cultivate Teshuva The Sage/(Arrogant Intellectual): Embodies wisdom, groundedness, and self-awareness. The Sage knows their place in the cosmic order (makir et mekomo), balancing self-worth with deference to the greater whole. Expresses humility by seeking truth and fostering harmony without ego-driven…

  • Hilgard’s Neodissociation, Plutchik, Pratyhara, and #anavah

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    Hilgard’s neodissociation theory is a psychological model that seeks to explain hypnosis and divided consciousness. It builds upon earlier dissociation theories (especially those from Pierre Janet) but formalizes the idea into a hierarchical cognitive control system that allows for different streams of consciousness to operate independently. Core Components of Hilgard’s Neodissociation Theory Central Control Structure…

  • James Hillman’s Psyche and Polycentrism in the Practice of Anavah (Humility)

    —

    by

    Kevin
    in , ,

    James Hillman’s concept of psyche as polycentric challenges traditional, monolithic views of the self by emphasizing a dynamic interplay of multiple centers of meaning, archetypes, and influences. This perspective enriches the practice of anavah (humility) by fostering self-awareness, decentralizing ego dominance, and emphasizing the relational nature of identity. However, it also introduces complexities, such as…