What does a high school teacher do after retirement? Teach about Ethics, of course. At least that’s the journey of Rabbi Yonason Goldson, from a “repentant hitchhiker” to an ordained Orthodox rabbi to a jolly grandfather who converts ancient wisdom into modern-day lessons on operating by a set of ethical imperatives.
On the latest episode of the Make Meaning Podcast, Yonason talks with host Lynne Golodner about how purpose is the key to happiness and how biblical Hebrew has 8 words for joy or happiness – and all come from a root word meaning “growth.” Yonason draws from classic philosophers and ancient Jewish text to create curricula through his company, Ethical Imperatives, LLC – inspiring entrepreneurs to build a profession from a place of ethical decision-making.
In this episode, Lynne and Yonason discuss:
- Jewish philosophy
- Values that are worth committing to
- Building a life of meaning
- Reaching beyond the bubble we inhabit
- Politically charged cultures & overreactions
- Corporate values
- How to choose good over evil
- The necessity for trust in relationships
Links and Resources
- Zichron Yaakov, Israel
- The Tikvah Podcast
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
- Strive for Truth, Michtav m’Eliyahu, Rabbi Eliyahu Dressler
- Immanuel Kant
- Navy Seals
- Grappling with the Gray: an ethical handbook for personal success and business prosperity
Coming up next on the Make Meaning Podcast: Lynne interviews Jennifer Johnson, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Michigan PTA.
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