The Journey Begins - Rabbi Yehoshua Gerzi

Harnessing Discomfort, Awareness & Joy: Rewiring the Inner World📄 Description:True joy begins with inner awareness. In this talk, we explore how cultivating physical health and intentionally embracing healthy discomfort allows us to step into alignment with higher order and inner control.We discuss how tension in the body can help mitigate divine tension, and how conscious engagement with our senses—through daat (awareness)—shapes our perception and emotional state.Our assumptions, formed by past experiences, color how we interpret the world. But emunah (faith) gives us the power to choose a new perception of the future.By understanding how our inner system—the nefesh and beyond—operates, we unlock the power to shift habits, expand gratitude, and ultimately, live with deeper joy and clarity.✨ Topics covered:The spiritual value of physical discomfortHow assumptions shape perceptionUsing awareness to reprogram emotional experienceGratitude as a pathway to happinessThe difference between the nefesh and your deeper, authentic selfRecorded in Beis Dovid, Thursday, July 17th (21st of Tammuz).

In this powerful reflection, we explore how true change and healing come from aligning our inner world with the external world. Through the lens of da’at tachton — both chitzoni (outer awareness) and penimi (inner awareness) — we learn how to step out of our thoughts and into presence.We all have the same inner tools — the question is: How do we use them?And more importantly: What’s the context?Because nothing happens in a vacuum. We are a nation of nuance, context and depth.During the Three Weeks, when unity is a central focus, we look at the tikkun (repair) of Hod, Netzach, and Yesod — and how that plays into four foundational principles for real inner and outer healing:🧠 Physical and Mental Wellbeing — the core foundation (1).🌟 Resilience through Gratitude — Yesod and Netzach and Hod, when we cultivate hope, optimism, and thankfulness, these characteristics help us and create a cycle within (2) .🤝 Collaboration and Contribution — healing division through achdut (unity), because external fractures reflect internal ones (3).💎 Cleansing Our Relationship with Materialism — not rejecting abundance (shefa), but interacting with the physical world in a kosher, elevated way (4).✨ We can choose how to live.✨ We can train our minds and hearts to see the good.✨ We can become the heroes of our own stories.This is the path toward unity — both within and beyond. Step by step. One principle at a time.Recorded in Beis Dovid, Thursday, July 10th, 14th of Tammuz.

What does it mean to live from within — to truly become aware, aligned, and open to the flow of divine presence through us?In this deep and honest reflection, we explore the movement between inner and outer, silence and speech, selfhood and oneness. Life offers us constant transitions — moments of change and reflection — and our spiritual work begins with noticing them: Shabbat, birth, death, even the changing of the day. These are invitations to pause, to become present, and to explore.We reflect on:The power of hunger — not just for food, but for purpose, for HaShem, for truthRepetition as real spiritual work — avodat HaShem is showing up again and againHabbatah — checking in with body, emotion, thought, without judgmentThe inner practice: “Ignore or explore?”Silence as a higher form than even prayer, as taught by the RamchalThe paradox of closeness to HaShem — where “I” disappears, and yet we still long to be ourselvesInsights from The Lonely Man of Faith by Rav SoloveitchikEmbracing existential loneliness, and how separation can be a gateway to true connectionWe are not our thoughts. If we can observe something, we are not that thing. We are the part that is conscious and aware — the divine spark within. The journey to know ourselves is also the journey to know who we are not.Ultimately, we are vessels, created in the image of HaShem, here to bring awareness, healing, and wholeness into the world.Take time. Be patient. The work is worth it.Recorded, Thursday, June 26th (30th Sivan).

What does it mean to truly relate to our inner world — to our nefesh, our soul?In this video, we explore the deep work of tikkun — inner healing and self-awareness — as the foundation of a meaningful life. When we become a baal daat, an "owner of awareness," we’re able to love more deeply, help more meaningfully, and build healthier relationships with others — because we’ve cultivated a healthier relationship with ourselves.We look at:The power and unreliability of thoughts (hirhurim)The role of emotional maturity and the inner childWhy peace (shalom) is a prerequisite for real truth (emet)And how daat acts as a negotiator between our desires and our higher wisdomHashem gave us everything we need — not from the outside, but from within. This journey is about recognizing that the struggle for alignment, wholeness, and peace begins inside.Let’s ask real questions. Let’s become present. Let’s return to ourselves.Recorded, Thursday, June 19th (23rd of Sivan).

🌀 Inner Alignment & the Practice of Habbatah | Conscious Living Through Jewish MysticismIn this deep and subtle reflection, we explore the sacred work of inner alignment—how focused presence and conscious prioritizing can help us accomplish what really matters. But when things don’t get done, it's not always a failure—sometimes the inner world simply needs to catch up with the outer one. Allowing that space can dissolve anxiety and lead to reconnection.We dive into powerful themes like:The paradox of inner stillness and outer motionThe mystical practice of Habbatah — a method of Jewish self-inquiry from Kabbalistic traditionThe difference between feeling something and realizing you're feeling itCultivating the state of a Baalei Daat—one who lives with inner awareness and acceptanceThrough asking questions like What am I thinking? What am I feeling?—and then stepping back to observe—we begin to sway between awareness and experience, growing our inner consciousness.The real excitement? It's in the process, the labor of becoming more whole and more present.Let’s learn to tolerate more, accept more, and ultimately, live better.Recorded, Thursday, June 12th (16th of Sivan).

Living From the Inside Out: Spiritual Awareness & the Power of Daat📖 What if your life isn’t just a physical journey—but a spiritual one having a physical experience?This video explores how embracing your inner spiritual identity can shift your entire perspective. When we recognize that our true essence is spiritual, the physical world becomes a platform for connection, growth, and deeper awareness.Rabbi Gerzi discusses the importance of daat—conscious awareness—as the key to aligning with your soul’s purpose. With this awareness, we can begin to observe our emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations with greater clarity. This practice opens the door to free will (bechira)—not just reacting, but choosing how we engage with the world.We also look at how understanding this spiritual lens transforms how we learn and relate to others. When we meet people where they are, with the right reference points, true education and connection become possible.This is not about escaping the physical—it’s about elevating it. Aligning our different soul levels, learning to live from inner awareness (daat tachton penimi), and choosing with presence.🌀 Topics in this video:What it means to live as a spiritual being in a physical worldThe role of daat (consciousness) in spiritual developmentFree will through awarenessEmotional and mental observationInner alignment and soulful livingIf you’re on a journey of consciousness and spiritual growth, this is a powerful step toward living in greater alignment.Recorded in Beis Dovid on Thursday, June 5th (9th of Sivan).

Create the Feelings You Want — Before You BeginWhat if you could shape your emotional experience before you even act?In this video, we explore the power of intention and preparation. Hug your Torah. Practice davening. Ask yourself: What do I want to feel when I do this? Whether it's learning, praying, parenting, or just showing up in life—consciously engaging beforehand can change everything.We also talk about navigating intense emotions. When you’re in the middle of a tough experience, it can feel overwhelming. But learning how to step back—even briefly—can lessen the intensity and help you reject toxic patterns. It’s not about avoiding, but about practicing presence and using powerful tools like awareness, intention, and even healthy distraction.Plus, we touch on a crucial distinction: the vessel of our thoughts vs. the content of our thoughts. Understanding this difference can help you respond more wisely and compassionately—to yourself and the world around you.Enjoy, Bracha v'hatzlacha!Recorded Thursday, May 29th (2nd of Sivan), 2025

Our mission in this world is to bring our body and neshama—our soul—into harmony. While full alignment will come in Olam HaBa (the World to Come), our journey begins now, in the physical world.We interact with life on three levels:⿡ Through our physical senses⿢ Through relationships with others⿣ Through inner reflection and Divine connectionBut what do we do with all the data we collect from these interactions? True awareness—Da’at—comes when we pause and ask:🌱 Are my thoughts leading me in a good direction?🌱 What do I want to do with what I’ve learned?🌱 How can I live with purpose, care, and uplift those around me?This video explores how intention and self-awareness can upgrade your life. When you consciously program yourself to grow, share, and empower others, life becomes richer—not just for you, but for everyone in your orbit.The real question is: What are we going to do with all this potential?Self-work isn't just for the self. It's how we make this world a more beautiful, connected place.Recorded Thursday, May 22nd, 24th of Iyar in Pilzno Beis Dovid.

Are we just recording devices, repeating experiences without reflection? Or are we meant to contemplate, to grow, to awaken?In this introspective video, we dive deep into the human experience—its joy, its sorrow, its complexity, and its simplicity. Why do similar events evoke different emotions in each of us? What makes our internal reactions so diverse?We explore powerful concepts:🧠 Perception shapes emotion – Change how you see, and your entire emotional landscape can shift.🧘‍♂️ "Who am I?" – Asking this question repeatedly opens a door to deeper self-awareness.👁️ You are not your thoughts, feelings, or senses – If you can observe it, it is not the true 'you.'🔄 The path to inner clarity – The more you go inward, the more you realize how misaligned we've become... and the potential to realign.We all share the same internal mechanisms, the same tools for self-discovery. And one powerful method to unravel the inner self? Discovering what you are not.This video is a reminder: true awareness begins when you stop identifying with your programming and start observing it.Recorded Thursday, May 15th (17th Iyar), in Pilzno Beis Dovid.

Rabbi Gerzi explores the power of transitions—shifts in our thinking, our physical state, and our capacity for gratitude and collaboration. Each of these elements builds on the others, creating real growth.Question your thinking—not to prove anything, but to take the journey. It’s about care, support, and encouragement. Together, we’ll get there.Recorded in Pilzno Beis Dovid May 8th, 10th of Iyar.

Rabbi Gerzi speaks about understanding our sense of self and learning how to integrate ourselves in the life we live. Giving space, upgrading our life for ourselves and others. Exploring the tradition of inner development in Judaism, the journey begins with a change of reality, a shift that started within and becomes more apartment with the mapping out of the consciousness. Speaking to the priming for the next steps.Recorded April 3rd, 2025, 5th of Nissan 5785 in Beis Dovid Pilzno.

Rabbi Gerzi continues to explain how being present (in the moment) creates a greater appreciation, upgrading our lives.With a particular focus on bridging the gap between understanding the subjective notion of self and the objective reality while maintaining a balance, hint do not isolate find community, friends.Please join this series as we encounter and develop our inner self.This class was given in Beis Dovid (Pilzno Shul) on the 20th of Adar (Mar. 20th).

Rabbi Gerzi continues to explain how being present (in the moment) creates a greater appreciation. Through understanding the relation between change and transition within ourselves and how it relates to different levels of our soul and inner sense of self we are more equipped to live fuller joyful lives! Please join this series as we encounter and develop our inner self.This class was given in Beis Dovid (Pilzno Shul) on the 6th of Adar (Mar. 6th).

Rabbi Gerzi continues to explain how being present (in the moment) creates a greater appreciation. Through journaling finding out how we work to begin healing which is so natural we just may have been taught not to over time.Please join this series as we encounter and develop our inner self.This class was given in Beis Dovid (Pilzno Shul) on the 29th of Shevat (Feb. 27th).

Rabbi Gerzi explains how being present (in the moment) creates the sense of health one needs to foster a greater appreciation and happiness. Please join this series as we encounter and develop our inner self.This class was given in Beis Dovid (Pilzno Shul) on the 22nd of Shevat (Feb. 20th).