Shavuot: How do we know the Torah is true? In conversation with Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen

Life is short. The average human lifespan of 4000 weeks is, as Oliver Burkeman says, "absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short". No increased productivity or efficiency can escape the limits of our mortality.  How do we live with this? How do we confront the fact that our time is finite, and that nothing we do can change that? To explore this question, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein contrasts Oliver Burkeman's book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, with the Torah's much deeper framework for understanding time itself. In this talk on Parshat Toldot, we examine the encounter between Yaakov and Esav as a case study in how human beings respond to mortality. Esav declares, "I am going to die. Of what use is the birthright to me?" His philosophy is simple: if everything ends, then only the present matters. But the Torah offers a radically different view. Pirkei Avot teaches that "this world is a prozdor - a corridor - before the next," we discover that the way out of the 4,000 weeks is not by stretching them, but by using them to reach something beyond: eternity. Time is the most precious resource we possess. It is life itself. There is much to be done. And the task is impossible to finish. Yet our lives do not need to be tragic. They can be heroic. This is a lesson about time, purpose, mortality - and the heroic dignity of the human condition. Key Insights: Life is about 4,000 weeks - and we cannot escape that limit. Esav's mistake: "I am going to die. What use is the birthright to me?" This world is a prozdor leading to Olam Haba - Pirkei Avot 4:21. The way out of the 4,000 weeks is through them and toward eternity. "If not now, when?" Rashi teaches: if I don't do it here, I cannot do it there. Time becomes meaningful when it becomes eternal. Priority is the essence of Torah time management. We are born in the middle of things, we die in the middle of things. We are mortal, but also heroic - limited beings with access to infinity.

I was invited by The Common Sense - South Africa's newest and most exciting online publication, led by Dr Frans Cronje - for a long-form interview about my journey since October 7th. In this conversation with Gabriel Makin, I reflect on leading the South African Jewish community through crisis, and standing up to the anti-Israel campaign advanced on behalf of Iran and Hamas. In this wide-ranging interview, the Chief Rabbi speaks about what it meant to guide the community through two years of uncertainty, pressure, and historic responsibility. The discussion explores the events after the October 7th massacre, the war that followed, the battle of ideas in South Africa, the challenge of rising antisemitism worldwide, and the moral and strategic lessons that have emerged. This is a conversation about leadership in a time of crisis — the decisions, the dilemmas, the inner work, and the profound sense of mission that shaped these last two years. Key Themes: Leadership under pressure - what crisis reveals about values and character South Africa's political crossroads and the ANC's stance on Israel Why public mobilisation of ordinary citizens matters The global struggle against jihadist extremism The moral foundations of Western civilisation Faith, meaning, and the erosion of spiritual confidence in the modern world Lessons from Israel's resilience and miracle-filled survival Why true leadership demands responsibility, courage, and clarity

There is a deep psychological need that every human being has to impress other people. To be recognised, to be seen, respected, and to be valued. This need is real and demands to be fulfilled. But when we pursue it in the wrong way, it can be harmful to our happiness, our integrity, and our relationships. In this talk on the Parsha of Chayei Sarah, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores a foundational teaching from Pirkei Avot: "Say little and do much." The Gemara contrasts two figures - Abraham and Ephron - as archetypes of righteousness and wickedness. Abraham promises little and delivers abundantly. Ephron promises generously and delivers nothing. What lies beneath this contrast? The answer lies in a deep longing that we all have: the search for recognition. Ephron's grand promises came from a desperate need to impress others. Abraham, by contrast, wasn't living for human applause. He lived for the recognition of Hashem. The Mishnah teaches that those who chase fame lose it, but "the crown of a good name" is bestowed by God Himself. The Rambam explains that true honor flows from integrity, humility, and doing good for its own sake. Hashem sees the effort, the sacrifice, and the hidden goodness even when no one else does. And when recognition comes from Him, it becomes steady, lasting, and real. This talk reveals a Torah model for navigating our deepest need for recognition in a way that frees us from the fragility of public opinion and anchors our self-worth in eternal values.   Key Insights Recognition is a core human need, but where we seek it determines everything. "Say little and do much" - the Gemara's blueprint for integrity. Abraham vs. Ephron: two models of greatness and emptiness. Ephron lived for applause - Abraham lived for God's recognition. "Those who seek to spread their name lose it," - the Mishnah's warning about human validation. "The crown of a good name" is bestowed not by people, but by Hashem (Rambam). Hashem sees the effort, the sacrifice and the hidden goodness, even when no one else does. True recognition comes from living for a higher purpose, not for approval.

Life is filled with obstacles and problems. Some are small. Others shake us to the core. Setbacks and struggle punctuate the human condition. How do we deal with this reality? We need a mental model that's honest and realistic, and also positive and productive. In this talk on the Parsha of Vayera, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores a profound Mishna from Pirkei Avot: Avraham Avinu was tested with ten tests, and he withstood them all. From persecution and exile to famine, war, family tension, and the ultimate trial of the Akeidah, Avraham's life was defined not by ease, but by purpose. Each challenge revealed another layer of his faith and moral courage. The Rambam, Ramban, and Maharal reveal that these tests serve a dual purpose. They reveal greatness to others - turning struggle into inspiration - and they actualise hidden potential, transforming faith into action and possibility into reality. In the world of the soul, there is peace and clarity; in this world, there is struggle. And that struggle is the purpose. Every challenge, every obstacle, every test is an invitation to reveal who we truly are and to fulfil our soul's mission on earth. Key Insights: Life itself is a test. Every moment offers spiritual opportunity. Avraham's ten tests form the blueprint for resilience and greatness. Tests don't punish. They refine and reveal. Struggle is the purpose, not the interruption. Our souls came into this world not for comfort, but for greatness. True leadership comes through example - Avraham as Avinu, not simply a teacher.

We often think leadership is only for those in official positions. But actually, we're all leaders. Because leadership is about how we impact the lives of others. We're leaders in family and community, at work, in society and wherever our actions touch others.  I want to share a model of leadership that can change your life. In this talk on Parshat Lech Lecha, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein explores a Torah model of leadership that transcends titles and hierarchy. Drawing on Pirkei Avot, he contrasts two figures, Noach and Avraham. Both faced ten generations of moral decline, yet their approaches to leadership were worlds apart. Rashi teaches that Noach "walked with God" while Avraham "walked ahead of God." What does that difference mean? And what does it teach us about how each of us can lead, influence, and build a better world? The Midrash and Sforno reveal a revolutionary idea about the difference between following instructions and taking responsibility. Through Avraham's example, the Torah shows that true leadership begins not with power, but with partnership. It begins with the courage to step forward, to serve, and to illuminate the path for others. Key Insights: Leadership is for everyone. It's about how we influence others in every sphere of life. Noach and Avraham: two models, one transforms history. What made the difference? "Walked with God" vs. "Walked ahead of God." Rashi's contrast reveals the essence of leadership. From servant to partner, and the Torah's radical vision of taking responsibility. Leadership begins with courage and responsibility, choosing to step forward and serve.

How do you reverse a negative trend in your life before it's too late? And how do you catalyze positive change to transform your life for the good? The key is to understand the dynamics of change itself.  The story of Noach teaches that just as decline unfolds step by step, so too can redemption. Each action, each decision, creates the world we live in, for good or for bad. Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein explores how societies rise and fall, and how individuals can transform their lives. Not through revolution, but through accumulation. The generation of the Flood becomes the ultimate case study: collapse and redemption share the same mechanism. Both happen gradually, then suddenly. The same process that destroys can also rebuild.  Drawing from Pirkei Avot and the Rambam's account of the origins of idolatry, the Chief reveals that catastrophic change is cumulative, not instant. Small shifts, repeated over time, shape destiny. Wrongdoing doesn't just invite punishment; it destroys the world inherently. On the other hand, when we do what's right, we become God's partner in building the world. Since Hashem looked into the Torah and created the world, mitzvot are not just commands, they are the architecture of existence itself. Our choices create the moral fabric of the world. Every mitzvah, every act of chesed, every moment of Torah study accumulates to build integrity, compassion, and holiness. Key Insights: Change is incremental, not revolutionary - it happens gradually, then suddenly. The trend matters more than the moment - small shifts define destiny. Actions create reality, not just consequences - hashchatah shows that wrongdoing destroys the world inherently. Hashem created the world through Torah - mitzvot sustain creation itself. Collapse and redemption share the same mechanism - the process of destruction can become renewal. We shape our moral universe one choice, one act, at a time.

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