Episode 513 - 28 Nissan (Regular Year) - About That Time I "Met" Jackie Mason
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In this episode of the It Is Taught podcast, host Sarit Switzer reflects on a personal experience of encountering comedian Jackie Mason in a Crown Heights restaurant, using the moment as a powerful metaphor for spiritual awareness. She describes how the mere presence of a famous figure like Mason instantly shifted the energy in the room—people straightened up, became self-conscious, and reacted with reverence—not because of his clothes or appearance, but because of the inner vitality and essence he embodied. Drawing from Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Tanya, Switzer connects this phenomenon to the concept of fearing and relating to God. Just as we recognize a king or celebrity through their external traits, we can perceive God’s presence in the world through the 'garments' of creation—sun, stars, earth, and all of nature. The heavenly bodies' westward motion, symbolizing their bowing to God's presence in the West, serves as a tangible sign of divine sovereignty. The episode emphasizes that faith (emunah) is not merely intellectual belief but a practiced discipline, akin to a craftsman honing their trade. The core message is that by habitually recognizing God’s essence in all things, we cultivate awe and humility, and by accepting the 'yoke of heaven' in daily life, we align ourselves with divine will. The episode concludes with a call to deepen this practice through consistent mindfulness and devotion.
Recognize God's presence not through abstract belief, but through observing the 'garments' of creation—nature, celestial bodies, and everyday life.
Faith (emunah) is not passive belief but an active, practiced discipline, like a craftsman refining their trade.
The reverence we feel toward famous people stems from their inner vitality, not their clothing or appearance—similarly, we should perceive God’s vitality in all things.
The westward motion of heavenly bodies symbolizes their constant bowing to God’s presence, offering a tangible sign of divine sovereignty.
Accepting the 'yoke of heaven' is not just intellectual—it's a daily, embodied act of submission and devotion, especially in prayer.
Introduction to Tanya and the Podcast's Mission
Sarit Switzer introduces the It Is Taught podcast, explaining its purpose: to make the teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s Tanya accessible and practical for everyday life, fostering self-growth and a deeper connection with the divine.
The Moment I 'Met' Jackie Mason
“There was a palatable sense in the room, the way people were poising themselves, the way people were holding themselves, the direction of their focus shifted in the very instance that he walked into that room.”
The Illusion of External Recognition
“It's not the suit that we are revering... it's the inner aspect of the person, it's their vitality.”
From Human Kings to Divine Sovereignty
“We're only scared of a king when he's awake, when his vitality is very much there and present.”
God’s 'Signature Look' in Creation
“The sun... sets in the west. And the ultra-arbor will talk about how actually by nature, their nature is actually to move eastward. But the fact that they move westward is proof to us that what are they doing in the west? They're bowing to God.”
“It's not the suit that we are revering... it's the inner aspect of the person, it's their vitality.”
“The word emunah... comes from the root uman, which is the lasjon of habituating yourself like somebody who has a practice like a tradesman.”
“There was a palatable sense in the room, the way people were poising themselves, the way people were holding themselves, the direction of their focus shifted in the very instance that he walked into that room.”
Host
Sarit Switzer
person
Jackie Mason
person
Tanya
book
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
person
Shekhinah
other
Steve Jobs
person
Basil Restaurant
place
Tzva HaShamayim
other
Shemonesra
other
President of the United States
person
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