Rabbi Steve Leder, bestselling author and Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, joins Hoda Kotb to discuss life, loss, and the power of love. They explore finding healing from things that cannot be cured, the beauty in loss, and the insignificance of material possessions. They also share insights on cherishing moments with loved ones, making sacrifices in relationships, and understanding the true meaning of love.
Slowing down and checking in with ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally is crucial amidst the busyness of life, as death teaches us to live and love more deeply.
Healing is possible even when there are things in life that cannot be cured, and it involves acknowledging past strengths, normalizing trauma, and leaning into relationships for support.
Deep dives
Rabbi Leader discusses the importance of facing life's challenges and checking in with ourselves.
Rabbi Leader emphasizes the significance of slowing down and taking the time to check in with ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally amidst the busyness of life. He highlights the profound connection between life and loss, and how death teaches us to live and love more deeply. Through sermons and books, he encourages introspection and reflection on the lives we're leading, reminding us that love is ultimately what matters most.
Rabbi Leader delves into the power of healing and the distinction between curing and healing.
The conversation explores the concept of healing and the difference between curing and healing. Rabbi Leader explains that while there are things in life that cannot be cured, healing is possible. He emphasizes the importance of structuring chaos and providing support, faith, and hope to those experiencing pain and difficulties. He shares that healing involves acknowledging past experiences of strength and resilience, normalizing trauma and fear, and leaning into relationships for support.
Rabbi Leader reflects on death, regret, and the importance of living a life aligned with our values.
The discussion delves into the topic of death and its impact on our lives. Rabbi Leader shares personal experiences and lessons learned during his father's passing and burial. He emphasizes the significance of realizing our mortality and the value of cherishing life. He discusses the importance of living a life aligned with our values and the consequences of diverging from our professed values. Recognizing that regrets often arise from missed opportunities and neglecting important relationships, Rabbi Leader urges individuals to prioritize living close to their truth and making choices that align with their values.
Rabbi Leader presents essential questions to reflect on and shape our life stories and legacies.
Rabbi Leader introduces 12 essential questions to consider when reflecting on our life stories and legacies. These questions include exploring regrets, moments of leading with the heart, the meaning of being a good person, and what we want to be remembered for. By pondering these questions, we can gain insight into our lives, reverse engineer our actions, and align ourselves with our aspirations. Additionally, he discusses the power of a gratitude visit, wherein individuals express gratitude to someone who positively impacted their lives but may not have been properly thanked.
Rabbi Steve Leder, bestselling author and Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, has learned and witnessed the many ways death teaches us how to live, and love, more deeply by showing us not only what is gone, but also the beauty of what remains. Rabbi Leder joins Hoda Kotb for an inspiring conversation about life, loss and the profound way in which the two intertwine. Rabbi Leder shares his belief that in the end, there is nothing that matters but love, and the simple message that will change the way you live - it’s never too late.
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