Moses’ Rebuke & the Art of Receiving Criticism: A Parsha Perspective on Self-Esteem

This class explores one of the Torah’s most striking rebukes, Moses’ fiery confrontation with the tribes of Reuben and Gad and uncovers why they chose silence over self-defense. Through this encounter and a powerful Chassidic story about the Sefas Emes, Rabbi Bernath examines why we often recoil at criticism and how to reframe it as a holy opportunity for growth. From Moses to modern marriage, from a misunderstood heretic to the Maggid of Mezritch, we dive into the soul’s secret defense system and how to disarm it with self-worth, humility, and Chassidic wisdom. Takeaways: The power of silence: Sometimes, it’s more spiritually transformative to listen to criticism than to justify ourselves, especially when it comes from someone wise. Criticism doesn’t define you: When you know your core worth, you can absorb criticism without collapsing. Not all rebuke is rejection: Moses’ rebuke was intense, but it came from leadership and love. Marriage tip: Your spouse’s critique might not be a judgment, it might be a chance to expand your perspective. The Maggid’s wisdom: True self-esteem is found when neither praise nor criticism defines your value. Criticism is holy rain: It should nourish, not erode. But to receive it, we need rooted self-worth. #Bible #Torah #criticism #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #BibleStudy #Moses #selfesteem #God #self-esteem #sefasemes #maggid #solomonmaimon #humility #personalgrowth #Spiritual #spiritualleadership #emotionalresilience #torahwisdom Support the show Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.com Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone. Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi