I am in England right now on tour with my book, The Shabbat Effect. By the time you read this, I will have finished a series of talks in London before I move on to Leeds and then Oxford and on to the continent.
Alan, thank you for your article. If you are asking whether young people can turn away from materialistic influences and pursue integrity, my answer is yes. I also wonder whether the question leaves enough room to recognize the soul work many young people are already doing.
I am surrounded by young people every day who are doing just that. Many are also taking up the very call you describe: to honor who they are and be themselves. Sometimes, they are discouraged or challenged in that pursuit by older generations in religious institutions, in their homes, and in other spaces where they are seeking support.
I’m in my 50s, and my generation grew up influenced by television, radio, and commercials. The platforms have changed, but I remain curious about why we so often question the next generation’s ability to think critically about the messages they receive. I also have to consider how I am influenced by what I engage with today.
For me, supporting young people begins with honoring who they are, seeking to understand their experiences, and staying curious. I want to recognize the integrity they are already practicing and be a supportive presence alongside the many others in their lives.
Your discussion of humility makes me wonder: how might we approach young people with a willingness to learn from the soul work they are already doing, even as we consider what we hope to offer them?
Alan, thank you so much for taking the broad world and reducing it to one simple truth. We are so blessed to have the Torah to guide us and teachers to lead us. I laughed when I read this piece because when people come to me and ask “how are you?” My answer is always “I’m myself” whatever that means.
Best. Title. Ever.
Alan, thank you for your article. If you are asking whether young people can turn away from materialistic influences and pursue integrity, my answer is yes. I also wonder whether the question leaves enough room to recognize the soul work many young people are already doing.
I am surrounded by young people every day who are doing just that. Many are also taking up the very call you describe: to honor who they are and be themselves. Sometimes, they are discouraged or challenged in that pursuit by older generations in religious institutions, in their homes, and in other spaces where they are seeking support.
I’m in my 50s, and my generation grew up influenced by television, radio, and commercials. The platforms have changed, but I remain curious about why we so often question the next generation’s ability to think critically about the messages they receive. I also have to consider how I am influenced by what I engage with today.
For me, supporting young people begins with honoring who they are, seeking to understand their experiences, and staying curious. I want to recognize the integrity they are already practicing and be a supportive presence alongside the many others in their lives.
Your discussion of humility makes me wonder: how might we approach young people with a willingness to learn from the soul work they are already doing, even as we consider what we hope to offer them?
Alan, thank you so much for taking the broad world and reducing it to one simple truth. We are so blessed to have the Torah to guide us and teachers to lead us. I laughed when I read this piece because when people come to me and ask “how are you?” My answer is always “I’m myself” whatever that means.
B. Kaplan