Is Judaism meant to feel good — or to build strength?

In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Kalish for a candid conversation about modern chinuch culture and whether the pendulum has swung too far toward emotional comfort.

They explore:

• The rise of “gishmak” Judaism
• Emotional validation vs emotional discipline
• Whether struggle is being avoided rather than embraced
• The responsibility of mechanchim in a comfort-driven era
• Authentic warmth vs performative positivity
• What builds real resilience in avodas Hashem

Rabbi Kalish shares his perspective as a veteran Rosh Yeshiva and educator, offering a thoughtful defense of warmth and authenticity, without surrendering strength or standards.

This episode challenges assumptions on both sides of the debate.

This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.