By Sandy Eller
With ShabbaTTogether, a global Shabbos highlighting disability inclusion and mental health coming up on February 12, 2021, a groundbreaking video program about attaining happiness is being made available as a free resource to Chabad shluchim in preparation for the upcoming global event.
A project of Machne Israel and the Ruderman Chabad Inclusion Initiative, “Judaism and the Source of Happiness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Research” presents a conversation between two highly regarded lecturers and authors, Tal Ben-Shahar and Rabbi Shais Taub, offering fascinating insights and hands-on tips for rising above one’s circumstances.
Ben-Shahar, a bestselling author and lecturer who taught two of the largest classes in Harvard University’s history is known as an expert on topics including leadership, happiness and goal setting. His books have been translated into more than twenty-five languages, and have appeared on best-seller lists around the world.
Rabbi Taub is a bestselling author and world-renowned lecturer on topics of Jewish mysticism and its application to our lives. He lives on Long Island where he serves as a scholar-in-residence at Chabad of the Five Towns.
In their nearly hour-long discussion, Ben-Shahar and Rabbi Taub discuss concrete strategies that give every person the opportunity to live their best possible lives, with modern science often echoing Torah wisdom that stretches back centuries.
While approaching the subject matter from different vantage points, the common ground was evident as both men emphasized the importance of focusing on positive action even while accepting sometimes-difficult emotions, as well as the empowering effects of giving.
With Covid posing unprecedented and extended challenges, many have found happiness an elusive goal and the video was created for ShabbaTTogether so that shluchim around the world could share its uplifting messages with their communities. ShabbaTTogether will be taking place on the weekend of February 12th, with events taking place throughout North America, as well as in Israel, Germany, Russia, Australia, and in over 800 communities on 6 continents.
Held as always during JDAIM – Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion month, ShabbaTTogether is a golden opportunity to promote inclusion and reassure those with disabilities and mental health conditions that they are valued community members.
Many Shluchim are planning on showing the video during their Motzei Shabbos programming in order to demonstrate that, even during COVID, happiness is an attainable goal.
“We are honored to be working with the shluchim who are leaders of their own Chabad communities across the globe,” said Sharon Shapiro, trustee and community liaison for the Ruderman Family Foundation. “They are the real change-makers and deserve recognition for the important work they do.”
Despite having lectured on numerous topics in many locations, Rabbi Taub felt that this particular discussion is one that needs to be heard, its message of positivity potentially transformative.
“Without exaggeration, my recent conversation with Tal Ben-Shahar is probably one of the most important conversations I have had in my life,” said Rabbi Taub. “I hope the impact that it will, G-d willing, have on others will be profound.”
Shluchim will receive the promotional video and marketing materials for free with registration to get the video and all materials can be customized for a small fee or used as is.
VIDEO:
If you would like to bring this program to your community. “Judaism and the Source of Happiness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Research” presents a conversation between Tal Ben-Shahar and Rabbi Shais Taub, then register here https://forms.gle/3pGHLD9o2UQeVTXZA or email us at the Ruderman Chabad Inclusion Initiative at info@shabbattogether.com