The Philosophy of Giving - Rav Dessler Podcast

In this episode, we explore: Why did Hashem choose to give us the Torah because of the trait of chesed rather than humility? Is chesed truly the superior virtue?

In this episode, we explore why love endures even after passion fades. Join us as we delve into the deeper bonds that sustain relationships over time, seeking to understand what truly keeps love alive.

In this episode, we delve into why giving causes love, probing deeply into the essence of who we are. By examining our fundamental identity, we seek to understand how acts of generosity can cultivate deep emotional connections.

In this episode, we tackle a classic chicken-and-egg question: What comes first—does giving lead to love, or does love inspire giving?

In this episode, we continue to explore the difference between 'taking' and 'receiving'. Taking does not involve a relational exchange. Whereas to receive is building connection.

In this episode, we explore the nuanced difference between being a taker and being a receiver.

Join us as we explore the often misunderstood story of Rabbi Akiva's pupils. Discover why their tragic fate wasn’t simply a matter of disrespect and why specifically did they die during the omer?

In this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom that relationships are fundamentally based on give and take. Is this notion truly accurate?

In this episode, we explore the intriguing paradox where a person's actions may not always reflect their true nature. Discover how someone might perform an act of taking yet fundamentally be a giver, or conversely, engage in giving while being a taker at heart.

In this episode, we delve into the contrasting attitudes that define us: the 'taker,' who focuses on rights, and the 'giver,' who is driven by obligations. Join us as we explore how these distinct mindsets shape our interactions and influence our identity.

In this episode, we explore the distinction between being a giver and a taker, emphasising that these roles are defined not by our actions but by our motivations. Are we focused on ourselves, or do we let our energy flow towards others? Join us as we uncover the deeper motivations that determine whether we draw inward or reach outward.

In this opening episode, we skip the small talk and dive straight into exploring the dual nature of human existence: the body and the soul. We pose a fundamental question of life's choice: Do I associate myself with the body or the soul?

It's all well and good thanking Hashem for taking us OUT of Egypt, but did He not put us IN, in the first place?

On Purim we are meant to increase our joy. The Arizal called Purim even holier than Yom Kippur and the talmud records Purim as the time we accepted the Torah out of love. What is it about Purim that makes it stand out as the ultimate celebration of joy, holiness, and love?

How far was Esther willing to go to save her people? May one do WRONG to do RIGHT? Join us as we unravel the ethical nuances and timeless lessons embedded in this narrative.

There are peels to fruit and sometimes peels to our hearts. We know the reason why fruit needs peels, but is there also an ironic benefit to peels over our heart too?

In this episode we ask: Is it more effective to view ourselves through the lens of optimism or embrace a stark realism of ourselves in the journey of self-improvement? Drawing inspiration from Chanukah, we will unravel the hidden meaning behind Beis Hillel and Shami's argument as to how we light the Menorah.

Avrohom is told by God to sacrifice his son. Then an angel tells him not to. Could it have been right for Avrohom to complete the sacrifice, and what did the intervention truly signify?

Avrohom takes Lot with him on his travels against Hashem's request. On the one side he is blamed. On the other side, Avrohom is also blamed for letting Lot go. So which is right? Should Lot stay or should he go???

On the one hand we are told Noach was perfect. On the other hand, compared to Avrohom, Noach was not special. How can that be? Surely nothing can trump perfection -or can it?

How could the greatest man in history, make a mistake, especially when explicitly instructed by Hashem?!? In this podcast we will uncover the layers of wisdom behind this pivotal moment in human history, revealing the challenge that tested not only Adam but us today.

Thoughts on how we should respond to this tragedy

In this episode, we confront an apparent injustice. Is it fair that those who choose a path of wrongdoing receive all their limited reward in THIS world, only to lose out in the NEXT world. Why does God not pay their reward in the next world too?

At first glance, one might wonder, why do we need two days for Judgment Day? Shouldn't a single day suffice? In this podcast, we explore the significance behind Rosh Hashanah's dual-day structure. Two days for two forms of judgement.

We are used to imagining a scales with Mitzovs on one side and Averios on the other. However, under analyse, we discover that there is another element far greater that will determine our judement. Let's understand why the Chofetz Chaim says 'chesed' is the greatest factor.