Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

Almost two years to the day since the October 7 attacks, Israel has achieved peace through strength, and South African Jews have stood firm against the ANC government. These past two years have taught us powerful lessons about moral courage, unity, and a formula for securing the future. The remaining hostages have been returned. The war in Gaza has ended. Israel stands victorious, a nation tested in fire, guided by faith, and strengthened by purpose. In this address, delivered before thousands at the South African Zionist Federation gathering, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein reflects on what this moment means, for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for the moral future of the world. This is not just a political milestone. It is a spiritual reckoning, a moment to give thanks to Hashem and to recognize the leadership that made it possible: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stood firm against pressure; President Donald Trump, whose mediation brought the hostages home; and the countless men and women whose courage and sacrifice secured this victory. Two years after condemning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC for standing on the wrong side of history, I return to the same stage to remind the world: Israel’s survival is not an accident of power. It is a testament to divine providence, faith, and moral conviction. Key insights: How Israel achieved peace through strength Why Israel’s victory is moral, not just military How South African Jews stood firm against the ANC The global moral test revealed by this war The formula for securing the Jewish future The spiritual meaning of victory and redemption in our time #Israel #October7 #MoralClarity #FaithAndCourage #JewishUnity #TorahWisdom #WesternValues #HumanDignity #Netanyahu #DonaldTrump #CyrilRamaphosa

What is the purpose of life? It’s the most important question of all. Why was the world created? Why do human beings exist? What does Hashem want from us? The Torah begins with Bereishit - the story of creation - to answer these questions.  In this talk, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores the Torah’s vision of purpose through the lens of Pirkei Avot and the great commentators. Their insights reveal that creation was not random, but intentional - shaped by moral and spiritual purpose. The Mishna teaches that God created the world with Ten Statements, when He could have done it with one — showing that every part of creation reflects deliberate design and meaning. Nothing was created by accident. That same care and intention extend to us. Through the choices we make, each of us becomes a partner in creation, building or destroying our own personal world. This stands in stark contrast to those that see the universe as a product of chance or indifference. The Torah teaches us the truth: our Creator who acts with care created us with purpose, which brings the potential for meaning into every moment of existence. When we understand this, life itself changes. Every action becomes an opportunity to fulfil the purpose for which the world was made. Key insights: • Why the Torah begins with creation, and what that reveals about purpose • How Pirkei Avot uncovers the moral design within creation • Why God created the world with Ten Statements, and what it teaches about divine intent • How human choice determines the meaning of our personal world • How understanding purpose transforms every moment into mission #PurposeOfLife #Bereishit #TorahWisdom #PirkeiAvot #JewishPhilosophy #Meaning #Creation #ChiefRabbiWarrenGoldstein #FaithAndPurpose #Hashem

Human vulnerability is profound and inescapable. And yet, one of our deepest psychological longings is for safety and security. We need to know everything will be okay. But the world offers no guarantees. How do we make peace with being fundamentally vulnerable? Sukkot provides the answer. We leave our secure homes for the sukkah, a temporary dwelling that must be fragile enough to let rain through. After Yom Kippur's vulnerability, we paradoxically make ourselves more vulnerable, and find joy in it. Drawing on Pirkei Avot and the story of the Jewish people's birth in the desert, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein reveals how the sukkah teaches us to transform vulnerability from threat into gift. When we understand that this world's purpose is growth rather than comfort, vulnerability becomes the key to humility, empathy, gratitude, and meaning. Key insights: Why the sukkah commemorates the Jewish people's most vulnerable moment What the desert journey teaches about human vulnerability Why this world's purpose differs from the world to come Why justice belongs to the next world, not this one How vulnerability cultivates humility, empathy, and gratitude How purpose and meaning create true happiness Why radical acceptance of vulnerability leads to joy #Sukkot #Vulnerability #JewishWisdom #PirkeiAvot #TorahWisdom

Yom Kippur is a celebration of the human capacity to change. Making mistakes is part of being human. But Yom Kippur tells us something radical: our mistakes don't overwhelm us. Failure is not the end of the story. You can rewrite your past. Growth is born in struggle.  It is not a day of humiliation, but of hope. It's not a day of fear, but of transformation. Yom Kippur commemorates Moshe bringing down the second set of tablets from Mount Sinai. Hashem forgave the sin of the golden calf and gave the Jewish people the chance to begin again. We all get a second chance. The deeper challenge is to take that second chance, and turn it into something uplifting, rather than something shameful. Drawing on Pirkei Avot, Kohelet, the Rambam, and Chazal, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein shows how teshuva (repentance) is not just a way to fix what went wrong, but it is the very purpose of life. We explore why Hashem built teshuva into the fabric of creation, and how Yom Kippur reveals the dignity of human struggle and the possibility of spiritual renewal. Key Insights: Yom Kippur commemorates the ultimate second chance: forgiveness after the golden calf Teshuva is not a concession, but the essence of life and the highest human calling The struggle of being human is not a flaw, but the context for greatness Hashem built teshuva into creation as a divine act of compassion One moment of teshuva in this world outweighs all the pleasures of the next Yom Kippur is one of the happiest days, because we are capable of change

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the thought of being judged by God can feel unsettling. It brings discomfort. Even fear. But Divine judgment is actually one of the greatest gifts that Hashem gives us. Understanding why, reveals a perspective on Rosh Hashanah that turns everything we thought we knew, on its head. Drawing from Pirkei Avot and the deeper meaning of this Day of Judgment, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein shows how being held accountable by God is the ultimate affirmation of human dignity and the purpose of life. The King of Kings created a day of judgement to help us, and gave us the idea of Divine accountability because every choice we make matters eternally. This Jewish New Year, as the season of the High Holidays begins, discover why Divine accountability transforms how we understand our worth and purpose. Key insights: Why being judged proves your infinite worth How Pirkei Avot reframes divine accountability What makes Rosh Hashanah different from human judgment Why mattering to God changes everything about how we live The connection between judgment, teshuva, and eternal significance? #RoshHashanah #HighHolidays #YomHadin #JewishNewYear #JewishWisdom

Self-awareness is the gateway to success. When we see ourselves clearly - strengths and weaknesses, victories and mistakes - we know where to double down, and where to improve.  But how do we be objective about ourselves? Drawing on Pirkei Avot, with an illuminating idea in this week’s parsha Ki Tavo, Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein reveals three pathways to transcending our inherent subjectivity and achieving objective self-assessment. First, through genuine dialogue with others: learning to listen, respond appropriately, and admit ignorance when necessary. Second, through Torah study with others, which forces us to seek wisdom external to ourselves and develop the humility to receive criticism. Third, through cultivating awe of God and living with awareness that we will one day stand before Hashem and account for our actions, cutting through all rationalizations and self-deception. Key Insights: • Vidui (confession) includes declaring both our mistakes AND our successes — complete self-awareness requires knowing what we're doing right so we can amplify it. • Avot teaches us to avoid rationalising and spinning our own narrative when assessing ourselves • True dialogue requires listening before speaking, addressing points in order, and having the humility to say “I don't know.” • Torah study with chavruta (study partners) naturally develops objectivity by forcing us to seek wisdom external to ourselves and receive input from others. • Living with yirat Hashem (awe of God) provides the ultimate objective perspective — imagining how our actions appear before the ultimate Judge who sees through all subjectivity. • The goal isn't perfection but rather developing— appropriate self-awareness in relation to others and to Hashem. #KiTavo #SelfAssessment #ObjectiveThinking #JewishWisdom #PirkeiAvot #TeshuvaTechniques #CharacterDevelopment #TorahLearning #SpiritualGrowth #YomKippurPreparation

Environment - physical and human - shapes our actions and worldview. What if you could design it to work for you instead of against you? The key is not to passively accept the environment as we find it, resigned to the status quo. The question we need to ask is this - how do we proactively shape our environment for success. This talk by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein on the Parsha of Ki Teitzei, from the perspective of Pirkei Avot, explores the Torah's wisdom on building protective boundaries around what matters most. From the mitzvah to build a fence around your roof to the deeper principles of creating environments that foster growth and protect against harm. The parsha reveals how Torah approaches environmental design: not just physical safety, but moral, spiritual, and emotional culture, values and context that enable flourishing. Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein examines how ancient wisdom aligns with modern understanding about context, habit formation, and the power of surroundings to shape character. Key insights:  - Why building boundaries is a Torah obligation  - How environment shapes character and choices  - The connection between physical and spiritual fences  - What the Rambam teaches about protective structures  - How to design contexts that promote growth #KiTeitzei #Torah #Boundaries #Environment #JewishWisdom

Decisions that lead to growth, success, and lasting happiness depend on clarity. Clarity in how we think. Clarity in how we see. Clarity in how we judge people and situations.  But that clarity is constantly undermined by human bias, which distorts how we see the world and how we see ourselves. How do we overcome it?  This week’s Torah portion Shoftim, together with Pirkei Avot, presents a practical Torah framework for recognising bias, restoring clarity, and making decisions that are grounded in truth and guided by values. Drawing from the laws of justice and the concept of prophecy, it reveals the hidden connection between character refinement and clear thinking. Why do even brilliant people fall for obvious lies? Why do we make the same mistakes repeatedly? Because bias isn’t just about external pressure—it lives inside us, invisible and inescapable. But Torah offers more than diagnosis. Through the framework of prophecy as clarity, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein shows how intellectual mastery and moral greatness can help us see reality more clearly.   Key insights: Why complete objectivity is impossible for humans How character flaws distort our perception of reality The difference between procedural and substantive justice What the Rambam teaches about prophecy and clarity How refining character leads to better decisions #Shoftim #Bias #DecisionMaking #Torah #JewishWisdom

Is the world a place of survival of the fittest, fighting for scarce resources, or Divine abundance where everyone can thrive? These opposing perspectives are at the heart of how we relate to others. Do we see people as competitors whose success comes at our expense, or as partners in creating something greater together? In this teaching on Parshat Re’eh, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores a Mishnah that reveals four character types, and how they shape the way we see others. Are people our competitors for limited resources, or partners in Divine abundance? The Torah’s approach to giving, competition, and relationships flows from a deeper question: do we live with a mindset of scarcity or of abundance? Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein unpacks why the highest character trait is wanting others to thrive — and how that reflects Hashem’s own way of giving.   Key insights:  - The four character types around “mine” and “yours”  - Why scarcity thinking drains the soul  - How abundance transforms relationships  - The deep link between giving and divine character  - Why wanting others to succeed lifts everyone #Reeh #Torah #Character #Giving #JewishWisdom

We live in a world of constant change - nothing stays the same. This can lead to fear, anxiety, or the opposite: denial of reality and damaging overconfidence. The Torah offers a different path.    In this uplifting talk, the Chief Rabbi explains how awareness of Hashem grounds us with the strength and humility to face the unknown. The key is not control - it is faith. In this discussion you will learn about how to hold confidence and caution together without tipping into either extreme. Drawing on wisdom from Pirkei Avot, the Rambam, and the Maharal, he reveals why overconfidence and anxiety share the same source. Key insights: Why hubris and fear share the same source What it means to truly remember what matters most How to live with uncertainty without anxiety The difference between confidence and arrogance #Eikev #Wisdom #Hubris #LifeLessons  

Information and knowledge stream everywhere. In a world overflowing with ideas and content, what makes Torah different? In this week's message on the Parsha of Va'etchanan, Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein explores what sets Torah apart in the knowledge economy. While the world now prizes information and insight, Judaism has always placed Torah learning at the top. Yet the real distinction isn't just in how much we value learning, but in the qualitatively  different kind of knowledge that Torah offers. Torah is not human wisdom. It's Divine. It doesn't just inform. It transforms. From the mitzvah of Talmud Torah, to the values of Pirkei Avot, to the transformative nature of Halacha, this teaching explores how Torah reshapes our actions, character, and worldview. Key themes: What makes Torah fundamentally different from all other knowledge Why Torah study transforms the learner The Midrash on wisdom vs. Torah among the nations Halacha as action-oriented transformation How Torah becomes the story of our lives #Torah #Knowledge #Transformation #Vaetchanan

Why doesn't Pirkei Avot mention the prohibition against Lashon Hara? The ultimate guide to Jewish ethics never brings up one of our most discussed interpersonal laws. In this transformative Tisha B'Av teaching, Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein reveals that this apparent oversight actually holds the key to understanding what Torah life is really about. In this shiur: The profound difference between avoiding sin and building spiritual greatness How the Chafetz Chaim's teachings connect to Pirkei Avot's deeper mission Why character development forms the invisible foundation of Torah observance The link between sinat chinam, the Temple's destruction, and our personal growth A practical approach to becoming someone who naturally lifts others up This goes far beyond improving our speech. Rabbi Goldstein shows how we can become fundamentally different people through the patient work of humility, inner refinement, and genuine concern for others. The lesson speaks directly to anyone wrestling with spiritual growth, students exploring mussar and Jewish ethics, those reflecting during the Three Weeks, or people curious about applying ancient wisdom to modern character challenges. The shiur offers something rare: a fresh perspective on familiar concepts that actually changes how you approach your own development. Instead of focusing on what not to do, it maps out who to become. Listen now and discover the inner work that transforms more than behavior. It transforms souls. Subscribe for Torah insights that challenge surface-level thinking and reveal the deeper currents of Jewish wisdom.

Anger is never isolated — it draws strength from across our inner world. By understanding its true nature, we begin to reclaim control, heal relationships, and grow in ways that truly matter. In this talk, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores the root of anger through the lens of this week’s parsha Matot-Masei, and the teachings of Pirkei Avot. He shows how it is never isolated. Anger is one of the most powerful — and most dangerous — forces in the human heart. Left unchecked, it can fracture relationships, destroy inner peace, and block us from becoming who we are meant to be. But where does anger come from? What are its roots? And how do we understand and overcome it, rather than suppress it? Topics covered:  The psychology and character roots of anger  How Judaism views anger as a spiritual challenge  Tools for overcoming destructive emotions  How to build inner peace, self-awareness, and personal greatness 📖 Based on Parshat Matot-Masei  🎙️ Part of the Parsha with the Chief series #JewishWisdom #EmotionalGrowth #ParshaWithTheChief #OvercomingAnger #TorahInsights #InnerPeace #PirkeiAvot #PersonalGrowth #JewishLeadership

When to be bold, and when to be gentle? When to challenge and when to pacify? When to speak up, and when to step back? These are some of the trickiest questions we face in leadership, parenting, business, and everyday life. In this shiur on Parshat Pinchas, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores the tension between moral courage and emotional sensitivity—between boldness and humility. Drawing from the story of Pinchas, the mishnas of Pirkei Avot, and the teachings of the Tur, Rambam, Sforno, Rabbeinu Bachya, and others, the Chief Rabbi shares a powerful roadmap for navigating complex human relationships. It’s not about being right.  It’s about doing what’s right - with conscience, compassion, and the courage to act from a higher place.

There is more to achieving success than intelligence, strategy, charisma, or hard work. Pirkei Avot and this week’s parsha, Balak, reveal a three-part formula for holistic success in family, career, happiness, and legacy. A powerful mishna offers a striking contrast between two individuals: Bilam, brilliant but broken, and Avraham, humble and lasting. Through Pirkei Avot, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores how character, not just competence, determines our ability to thrive. We unpack three core traits that shape who we become: generosity vs. jealousy, humility vs. arrogance, and restraint vs. desire. Success, the Torah teaches, isn’t about building status. It’s about building self. When our values align with timeless truth, we flourish — in this world, and the next.

One of the most defining aspects of being human is death. It happens to everyone. How do we relate to it? How do we understand it? How does it shape the way we think and live? Because how we approach death is, in truth, how we approach life itself. In this week’s parsha, Chukat, we read about Miriam and Aaron passing away. The Torah also introduces the laws of Parah Adumah — the purifying ritual for those who encounter death. These events confront us with the reality of mortality and invite us to think deeply about what our time in this world really means. Pirkei Avot teaches that death is not simply an end, but a transition — a return of the soul to its Creator. This perspective changes everything: it gives our days urgency, fills them with purpose, and reminds us that every choice echoes beyond this world. In this shiur, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores how facing death with wisdom can transform the way we live, love, and grow. Because understanding death helps us live a life that truly matters.

It’s not easy to confront the quiet pull of ego. But when our motivations reach beyond self, something changes in us — we are strengthened, not drained. We can access the love, respect and meaning we need to hold our family, community and society together. In Parshat Korach, we find a rebellion that sounds like a call for equality — but beneath the surface lies a deeper lesson. One about the motivation of those who seek power, and what happens when personal ambition disguises itself as higher principle. In this shiur, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores the tension between ambition and meaning, personal gain and higher purpose. Drawing from Pirkei Avot and the story of Korach, he reveals how our deepest motivations shape not only our own lives, but the strength and stability of the communities around us. Because motivation isn’t just a private force. It’s what holds — or breaks — families, friendships, leadership, and society itself.  

We all like to believe we think for ourselves. But Parshat Shelach tells a deeper story — a cautionary tale about the power of influence.  Twelve spies enter the Land of Israel. Ten return filled with fear, persuading the nation to turn back. Two remain strong — but lose the battle for public opinion. The people are blinded by influence.  Pirkei Avot teaches that influence shapes everything: who we listen to, who we trust, and who we allow to shape our thinking. But it also challenges us to lead with integrity — to stand firm even when the crowd pulls us elsewhere.  This shiur explores the balance between humility and leadership, independence and openness. How we guard ourselves from destructive influence — and how we become a source of strength for others.  Because influence isn’t only what we absorb. It’s who we become. #PowerOfInfluence #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipAndIntegrity #JewishWisdom #PirkeiAvot #ParshaInsights #IndependentThinking #TorahForLife

Israel’s war on Iran is an historic moment for the Jewish state and the free world. The stakes could not be higher. Iran was weeks away from building nuclear weapons. That’s not a theory. It’s a fact — confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. According to recent IAEA reports, Iran had accumulated enough 60% enriched uranium to build up to 10 nuclear bombs — and had already begun implosion tests used to detonate nuclear weapons. The Institute for Science and International Security called it a “1-minute-to-midnight” scenario. And so, Israel struck. To prevent genocide. To protect the Jewish people. To stop another Holocaust. In this urgent message, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explains: How close Iran was to building nuclear weapons What makes Israel’s strike not only justified, but necessary  Why world leaders failed to act — and how Israel acted alone  How South Africa’s government has given cover to Iran’s nuclear program  Why the world owes Israel a debt of gratitude  From biblical prophecy to current geopolitics — this is one of the most important moments in Jewish history. Listen now and share this message widely.

In a world that constantly reminds us of what we lack — where happiness is confused with consumption — how do we find a sense of abundance and contentment? In this week’s parsha, Beha’alotcha, we uncover one of the Torah’s most powerful insights into the psychology of discontent — and how to overcome it. Drawing from Pirkei Avot, this shiur explores the difference between gratitude and complaining, scarcity and abundance — and how that difference shapes our entire experience of life. The Jewish people complain about the manna in the desert. They say they miss the food in Egypt. It’s one of the most striking moments of ingratitude in the Torah. But this shiur goes deeper than moral judgment — it explores the root cause. Pirkei Avot teaches us that contentment and gratitude begin with ayin tovah — a good eye. A mindset that sees abundance. The result is a life shaped by generosity. We explore how prayer and kindness build this mindset. How ambition and discontent must be held in balance. And how faith in Hashem’s provision can transform how we see the world. This is the root of gratitude. And it changes everything. #TorahForLife #SpiritualStrength #InnerGrowth #ParshaWisdom #AyinTovah