What Are You Worth, Actually?

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What Are You Worth, Actually?

Extreme humility is sometimes confused with low self-esteem. For Moses, these were as different as day and night.

Topics:

Moses, Self Esteem; Self Confidence, Humility, Parshah, Behaalotecha

Michael Chighel (Kigel) received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Toronto for his dissertation on the Book of Job, after a specialization in 20th-century French and German thought. In Canada he taught in the departments of philosophy and of Jewish studies at the universities of York, Queen’s and Waterloo. He produced Passages and Messages for eleven seasons on Canadian television (CTS). Until this year he held the Rohr Chair of Jewish Studies at the Lauder Business School in Vienna, where he taught Torah, European ethics and political economy. He has translated a number of books and published various articles in Jewish thought. Michael and his family have made aliyah, and now live in Jerusalem.

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Bob The Builder in the middle of nowhere June 14, 2022

Hello, Dr. Chighel

Who am I to argue with G-d? HaShem said Moses was the humblest man on earth,
which could mean Moses was seen by G-d as He made him to be and not by his flaws in his character as we see him. He was a child of priviledge in the Pharaoh's household and accustomed to the best of everything as well as homage, honor, and favor which it gave up. Its a good thing! Yet, Moses had an anger problem on various occasions, was initially rebellious in following HaShem's directives (at the burning bush, and at the waters of Meribah-distraction), and he even murdered a man although it was in defense of his kindred. I love Moses! He is phenomenal! These characteristics aren't so meek! His value is priceless! Did Moses ever realize the magnitude of his value?

Thank you, Reply

Larry F. NY June 21, 2019

Pretty good Woody Allen imitation. Reply

Rita Forbes Clinton June 19, 2019

Michael Chighel Jerusalem June 20, 2019

in response to Rita Forbes:

As mentioned in the video, Moses had a perfectly lucid and sober appreciation of his extraordinary value. What made him so humble was the additional awareness of the fact that his extraordinary value was not of his own making but was entirely given to him by G-d. Reply

Rita Forbes Clinton June 15, 2022

in response to Michael Chighel:

Hello, Rabbi Chighel

Please forgive me for being a little late in showing my appreciation to your response to my comment. Thank you for enlightening me about Moses awareness of who was the source of his gifts, value, and humility [the L-ORD]. Moses models for us the character, behavior, and attitude that we all should emmulate when HaShem blesses us. Moses is phenomenal, and I love him even more!

Best wishes! Reply

Pedro Cuvi Santa Cruz June 18, 2019

Beautiful explanation of the difference. Reply

What Are You Worth, Actually?