Elul 3, 5779
September 3, 2019
Hitlamdut
means to adopt a stance of being a learner and having what we learn impact us. It is the reflexive form of the Hebrew root “to learn.” When we take on the quality of
hitlamdut
we are curious about all aspects of our behavior, without judgment. We are not set in our ways. This kind of stance makes us more open to change
From our Sources
Ben Zoma says, “Who is wise? One who learns from every person, as it says, ‘From all my students I gained wisdom.’”
-Pirkei Avot 4:1
The Place Where We Are Right
From the place where we are right
Flowers will never grow
In the spring.
The place where we are right
Is hard and trampled
Like a yard.
But doubts and loves
Dig up the world
Like a mole, a plow.
And a whisper will be heard in the place
Where the ruined
House once stood.
-Yehuda Amichai
Reflections
When do you feel most open to learning about yourself?
When do you feel closed off?
Is it important for you to be right?
Does that sometimes prove to be a stumbling block in your relationships?
Does it get in the way of learning new things about yourself?
How might adopting a stance of curiosity about your own patterns of behavior help you be more open to change?
