Vows to Hashem for Salvation and Gratitude (Seneca - Letters #73, 31)

The Stoic Jew

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Length: 23 minutes 35 seconds
Synopsis: In this episode we examine the practice of making a vow to Hashem at a time of distress - one of the major themes in Tehilim 116, which we recite in Hallel. We compare and contrast this to Seneca's views on gratitude (which align with Judaism) and his attitude towards vows (which does not). We focus on the real-world example of R' Sinai Adler, who made such a vow to Hashem at the gates of the crematoria of the Mauthausen, which he devoted his life to fulfilling after being saved.
Related Content:
- 4/5/23: Pesach During the Holocaust
- Tzav: Korban Todah - Thanking Hashem with a Chametz and Matzah Party
- shiurim on Tehilim 116 (Part 1 and Part 2)

Sources:
- Seneca, Letters #73 and 31
- Radak, Tehilim 116:12-19
- Devarim 8:10-18
- Rabbi Sinai Adler, Your Rod and Your Staff: A Young Man’s Chronicle of Survival, p.89,117
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