A Passover Reflection: Hidden Wisdom of Liberation

A Passover Reflection: Hidden Wisdom to Set The Spirit Free

In anticipation of the holiday of Passover—a time that celebrates personal and collective liberation—I’m reminded of one of the most soul-freeing pieces of advice I’ve ever received. It came from a living legend of our generation, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, of blessed memory.

It was a profound honor to sit down with Rabbi Twerski in the Spring of 2020, less than a year before his passing. He was a world-renowned psychiatrist, author, and Chassidic rabbi who transformed countless lives through his integration of Torah wisdom and modern mental health principles. With deep humility and brilliance, he devoted his life to helping others break free from addiction, self-doubt, and spiritual disconnection.

I came to his Jerusalem home that morning, I knew this would be a special interview after having read several of his ninety books over the years. What I didn’t anticipate was leaving with a message so powerful, so clarifying, that it felt like I had been handed wings.

In just one hour, Rabbi Twerski gave me a spiritual anchor I’ve held onto ever since. His words cut through layers of doubt and confusion. They are a source of strength—reminding me, over and over again, to keep going.

Following his passing on January 31st, I felt called to revisit that interview and, for the first time, publish the video version, in full. My hope is that as many people as possible can glean from his timeless wisdom, and be uplifted by the truth and hope he so graciously offered.

During our conversation, Rabbi Twerski reflected on the major sources of inspiration in his life. One of them was his father, a rabbi whose impact he sought to emulate. “His office was always buzzing with people looking for advice,” Rabbi Twerski recalled. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps… I became a rabbi in 1961.”

Another guiding light, he shared, was our forefather Abraham. “Abraham was a maverick,” Rabbi Twerski said. “But his contribution wasn’t necessarily introducing monotheism. At that time, people would try to appease the gods to get what they wanted—rain, crops, children. Abraham came and said: ‘You have it backwards. G-d isn’t here to serve us. We are here to serve G-d.’”

Seeking a path of service, Rabbi Twerski considered a career in medicine—an unconventional choice in his Chassidic circles. He sought guidance from the Steipler Gaon, who responded with a lengthy letter and a blessing. With that, Rabbi Twerski began integrating ancient Chassidic wisdom with the modern tools of psychiatry.

This integration became his life’s work. Through his books, talks, and clinical practice, Rabbi Twerski helped countless individuals find healing—especially those facing addiction and the complex terrain of mind, body, and spirit.

The Liberating Idea – Understanding the Yetzer Ha’ra

At the heart of his message was the concept of self-esteem. When I asked him why low self-esteem was so dangerous, his answer surprised me.

“There is no logical explanation for why people have low self esteem,” he said. “According to psychology, self esteem comes from parenting or circumstances. I used to believe that. But then I encountered a deeper teaching from the Baalei Mussar.”

He explained further: “We believe that HaShem created both a good and evil inclination. People think the evil inclination just wants you to sin. But its main tactic is this—it disables you from fulfilling HaShem’s will by making you feel worthless.”

He continued, “If the evil inclination can get you to feel you’re not good enough, not worthy, it’s already won.”

Even more humbling was his personal share: “When I get a feeling—just like everybody else does—that I’m severely lacking and I’m not doing enough, I have to stop myself.”

Here was a man of towering intellect and achievement, over ninety years old, revealing that he still experienced self-doubt. But rather than hiding it, he named it, reframed it, and used it as a spiritual call to action.

(courtesy)

That conversation changed something in me. For the first time in nearly 40 years, I understood self-doubt not as a sign of failure, but as an invitation—to become more courageous, more actualized, and more aligned with the soul’s mission.

That day, I made a commitment to myself: When doubt arises, as it does for all of us, I will notice it, name it, and remember what Rabbi Twerski taught me. That voice of doubt isn’t the truth of who we are—it’s a signpost pointing toward the next possible breakthrough.

As we prepare for Passover, may we all embrace our own journeys of liberation. May we recognize that the true spiritual battle isn’t external—it’s internal. It’s the choice to see ourselves not as lacking, but as infinitely capable of light, strength, and purpose.

We, the people of Israel, need our strength and energy now more than ever. We need every ounce of confidence to fulfill our missions in this world collectively; to care for one another, uplift our homes and our nation, and to usher in a peaceful era.

May we each find the clarity to rise, and the courage to walk toward our greatest spiritual potential.

May this be a Chag Sameach; one of liberation for our hostages, and victory for our nation.