The World of Izhbitz/Radzyn: Easier Not to be Born- Easier but not Better

S5:E2

Rabbi Joey continues his new series by examining the question of being human in the writings of Izhbitz/Radzyn. It is axiomatic that this world is difficult, and that to live in this world is to expose oneself to struggle. For Izhbitz/Radzyn, however, the difficulty and struggle of being human is specifically why this world is worthwhile. Interpreting the Rabbinic sentiment that “it would have been easier not to be born”, the world of Izhbitz/Radzyn uncovers what is missing in this statement, namely that it does not say it would have been better. Working off the assumption that it is still better to be human in spite of its difficulty; we discuss the deepening of experience that takes place- not in spite of difficulty- but precisely because of it.

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This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.

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Audio is by David Kwan.