

Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Torah
Apr 5, 2021
Sarah Hurwitz, author of "Here All Along" and a former chief speechwriter for Michelle Obama, shares her enlightening journey from disconnection to appreciation of the Torah. She highlights the ethical teachings of Judaism, emphasizing kindness and solidarity, and how these principles align with modern happiness research. Topics include the transformative power of gratitude as a daily practice and the importance of presence in relationships. Hurwitz reveals how ancient wisdom can enhance our well-being by encouraging gratitude, mindfulness, and acts of compassion.
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Childhood Jewish Education
- Sarah Hurwitz resented Hebrew school as a child, finding services incomprehensible.
- She even crafted a false narrative to convince her mom to let her quit.
Finding Judaism
- At 36, after a breakup, Sarah Hurwitz found herself bored and lonely.
- She signed up for a Judaism class, expecting a heritage lesson but discovered transformative wisdom.
Torah's Purpose
- The Torah isn't a historical account but a moral document.
- It challenges ancient Near East values by focusing on the vulnerable.