David Cygielman on Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:7 – “Who You’re With, Not Where You Are” - S1E72

David Cygielman, founder and CEO of Moishe House, is Mark’s guest on the podcast today. David has been a non-profit innovator since high school when he started ‘Feed the Need’, a nationally recognized homeless feeding organization, and, in 2006, he helped establish Moishe House to be part of building something that would have a real impact on the global Jewish community and beyond. The passage he has chosen to discuss is one which Mark would never have known existed otherwise, Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:7. They begin with David describing the origins of Moishe House and the work it continues to do today, and then moving on to summarizing the passage and the reasons why he chose it. He and Mark then explore the lessons the passage teaches, how it is manifest in the world today, and how its wisdom is applicable to Moishe House residents and other young people. As with all guests, David draws the episode to a close by offering the lessons he has learned about mankind. This is a passage whose very theme of continuing to learn and gain wisdom by surrounding yourself with others who will share their ideas and knowledge with you, constitutes a brilliant example of the importance and value of not just this episode, but of the entire Rabbi’s Husband podcast series as a whole. Episode Highlights: Moishe House What happens in the passage and why David chose it The lessons the passage teaches How this passage is manifest in today’s world The wisdom of this passage for Moishe House residents and other young people The lessons the David has learned about mankind Quotes: “In addition to being roommates and having full-time jobs or being in graduate school, they’re turning their homes into community centers.” “They should be coming to him, because he was the best student.” “He had forgotten even the simple stuff.” “It’s that humility to be humble and to be with the people that you surround yourself with, is what matters much more than where you physically are.” “If you stay on vacation, the life as you know it will disintegrat