The Meaning of "Life" | Manis Friedman | TEDxBeaconStreet

Chassidic scholar, social philosopher and inspirational Maggid (preacher), Rabbi Manis Friedman turns ancient biblical and talmudic wisdom into tangible modern lessons. By clarifying the simple definitions of the words Live and Exist, Rabbi Friedman presents the keys to satisfaction, fulfillment and peace of mind. World-renowned author, counselor, lecturer and philosopher, Rabbi Manis Friedman combines ancient Torah wisdom with modern wit to captivate audiences around the world. He hosts his own critically acclaimed cable television series, Torah Forum with Manis Friedman, syndicated throughout North America and is known as “KZbin’s Most Popular Rabbi”.
Rabbi Friedman’s first book, Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore? published by Harper San Francisco in 1990, was widely praised by the media. Following the publication of the book, he was featured internationally in over 200 print articles, and interviewed on more than 50 television and radio talk shows. He has appeared on CNN, A&E Reviews, PBS, and BBC Worldwide, and has been the subject of articles in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Guideposts, Insight, Publisher’s Weekly and others. Blush is currently in its fourth printing distributed exclusively through The Bookmen, Inc. His latest book, The Joy of Intimacy is empowering thousands of couples to replace their loneliness and unfulfilled expectations with a deeply soulful and satisfying relationship.
In his private practice Rabbi Friedman has helped thousands of couples and individuals achieve fulfilling, balanced relationships, through in-person meetings or remote video consultations.
Rabbi Friedman is a noted Biblical scholar, recognized for his sagacious grasp of Jewish mysticism. In 1971, he founded Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota, the world’s first yeshiva exclusively for women, where he continues to serve as dean. From 1984-1990 he served as simultaneous translator for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s televised talks.
Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1946, Rabbi Friedman immigrated with his family to the United States in 1950. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical College of Canada in 1969 and is a professionally ranked member of the National Speakers Association. His speaking tours take him to every part of this country as well as Israel, England, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, and Hong Kong.
With the launch of itsgoodtoknow.org, Rabbi Friedman is now using the latest technology to spread morality to a wider audience throughout the world through his books, videos and personal meetings. He has made it his mission to reach every one of the billion people on youtube in order to help them improve their relationships and deepen their connection with G-d. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lloydzama4406]

I am a Christian, but I listen to Rabbi. Wisdom is wisdom!

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you everyone for watching! What did you think?

[@deborahswartz9321]

A very humane approach.

[@deborahswartz9321]

(Sometine I will have to join your evening discussions. In the 1950s, you might have seen my grandfather and his brother in their walks on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.)

[@bassboostbeats9392]

@@deborahswartz9321 He is not humane he is a heretic!

[@YehoshuaM]

קידוש השם

[@jonerlandson1956]

i haven't watched yet... because... I believe... the answer is apparent... expansion and contraction... beget... division.... addition... multiplication... and... subtraction...

[@yw9299]

Nothing better then some Jewish wisdom!

[@craigjohns7665]

he has a wonderful way of speaking, almost soothing!

[@zawzawaung8197]

I am a Muslim and I am grateful for the lecture.

[@user-eb3bz6rc1u]

All Jewish matters are reserved from generation to generation through Torah, Family and Rabbis. The Redemption is so near!

[@gh5030]

Your wise words like a cure for my soul. Thank you so much

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you

[@manisfriedman]

thank you

[@monicaramirez51015]

Yes 👍 mine too ❤️

[@russbianchi8120]

Brilliant, l'chaim!

[@jokezofwisdom5163]

I am beyond grateful to God I found your talks Rabbi Manis Friedman. I have Bipolar I, looking after two kids with ASD. Be needed than be needy has radically transformed my life for the better. It’s not perfect but I’m learning everyday 🙏🙏🙏.

[@irmagutierrez4541]

R

[@manisfriedman]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@NazirBrohi-ht3fr]

Judaism teaches us about humanity, a way of life, and wisdom. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thanks Rabbi Manis Friedman.

[@Noahide9]

Wow! Im Speechless

[@aryebell3466]

"What do you want me to do, how can I be of help?" This sentence defines the whole lecture and has deeply burned in my soul, let's try not to need but to be needed. God bless all!

[@umairayub4440]

Yes .God bless you Rabii .😍

[@taylorconroy8001]

Thank you Rabbi. I am grateful you are sharing this wisdom with us. I hope a lot of people hear this message.

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you

[@joannaramos9098]

I have a teen exactly like you described, got a few tears in my eyes ... thank you 🙏

[@chaimschnitzer9342]

Rabbi manis Friedman was my mother's mentor

[@MarciaB12]

Perfectly said. So clear.

[@unfluster]

This guy would be a great DJ. I love the sound of his voice!

[@alicassidy8913]

Thank you Rabbi.

[@monicaramirez51015]

Best teaching ever!!!!!! Namaste 🙏

[@adnan.10]

Nice topic. I’m feeling more peaceful than before because i knew after watching this video that there is difference between living and existing. Thank you brother

[@manisfriedman]

That’s great

[@hassanalba4802]

Todah akhi Rabbi manis Friedman.

[@manisfriedman]

Bevakasha! Thank you for watching!

[@beverleyreid8258]

After listening to this twice to really get the full meaning and significance of the message, you have left me in a state of introspection and soul searching. At 59 years old am I living or existing? This is a good question to ask oneself at any age. I will be listening to this again and again as a gentle reminder to live and be appreciative of this beautiful gift that I have been given. Thanks a lot .

[@donaldeaston441]

Yes true, at 41 and recently faced with health issues I think this often now.

[@ianrendle]

It took me a while to watch this Bev, bless you for sending, he speaks truth and in a wonderful soft guiding way.

[@patrickbly4170]

I ask it though I feel I know the road map at 58

[@patrickbly4170]

Great expression wonderful dedication

[@sauloaraujo5030]

🤔2Tell me by what POWER Yeshua(Jesus) raised LAZARUS from the DEAD, The Widow only Son, and the Daughter of Ruler of the pharisees. both back to LIFE. Elijah pray to the LORD to revive the child. 1st Kings 17:22,23. Elisha pray to the LORD to revive the child. 2nd Kings 4:6. Jesus(Yeshua)Christ(Hamashiach said to dead LAZARUS in the tomb: " Lazarus come out". John 11:39-44. Jesus said to the Widow dead Son, "Young man, I say unto you, Arise". Luke 7:12-15. Jesus said to the Ruler dead Daughter. "Maid, Arise". Luke 8:49-55. ELIJAH(John Baptist) came preaching "REPENT: kingdom of Heaven is at hand". Matthew 3:2 YESHUA came preaching "REPENT: the kingdom of Heaven is at hand," Matthew 4:17. REPENT of your sin, and call upon the LORD GOD and believe Yeshua his Messiah that he sent and believe the gospels. May the LORD GOD(YHWH) bless you and save your Soul. 🤔 Yeshua Hamashiach, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 1st Chronicles 17:14 Genesis 18:18

[@arfathossain8109]

i am muslim but i listen a lot of rabbi..i make me spiritual..

[@diggerreese]

Occupying space, is that the human experience. So many demands needing space. Thank you for these wonderful insights.

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@urloved4806]

Greatful my brother Adam found you and suggested I take a listen☺️I appreciate your calm nature.

[@patrickbly4170]

Touched my heart like a rollercoaster...

[@itouchtheskyslowlifeitaly]

Thank you so much for talking about this topic deeply. As a woman with higher faith, every morning I always pray some verses of Psalms, and it helps me to go on with my life day per day. Cheers from the mountain of Italy.

[@manisfriedman]

grazie

[@itouchtheskyslowlifeitaly]

Prego.

[@susannebass1883]

I look forward to hearing your powerful words. Thank you so very much, Rabbi.

[@eulawinfrey5948]

I wrote down every word. I'm being nourished by your teachings. And will bring Your gift of teachings to others. I am enrolled and enthralled by the School of You, Rabbi Friedman. Thank You

[@mymom9466]

So wonderful to see Rabbi Friedman here too spreading his clear, kind wisdom in helping the world understand our better selves and our Creator. This particular wisdom Rabbi Friedman is sharing here brings clarity and relief from all of life’s difficulties enabling us to transform ourselves enough so that we have every chance of true happiness and success in every way as partners with G-d in creating an amazing world. Thank you Rabbi Friedman! With gratitude from one of your students😊

[@manisfriedman]

You’re welcome. Will have to guess which student though.

[@mymom9466]

Rabbi Manis Friedman ( it’s Elisheva😊)

[@tatetslasota2955]

Great words of Wisdom thank you so much Sir Rabbi Manis Friedman for sharing. God bless you! Watching from Philippines.

[@b.questor]

✡ Thanks again, for a poignant message across time and space that leads the way, here and now.

[@holyishe7903]

love this guy, honor his wisdom

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@remyaml8960]

Some of the most meaningful words I ever heard❤

[@debrabonavisa1366]

Wow. Rabbi, so well said! The true meaning of life!

[@NJColombiano777]

Very beautiful words of definition!

[@debrahartmann2840]

I’m Christian but my Lord, Jesus was Jewish. I love your wisdom. Enjoy your talks. Keep us informed about life.

[@geenaremsby]

What a beautiful tedtalk. I had never thought about the human's fulfillment from being needed but it makes so much sense. This has definitely inspired me!

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@sylhomeo6351]

The greatest philosopher of our time!

[@unitedstatesdale]

Thank you Mr.Friedman

[@ruslanzinovyev9594]

This is awesome! Thank you

[@jonathanfriedman234]

Your "talks" have meaning regardless of which sect of Judaism you practice. That is quite a feet. The first vcast of yours that I listened to was about souls. It answered questions I have has for many years. Thanks for your talks! Please keep them coming. :)

[@Y1836Y]

Very cool to see you here on a Ted Talk Rabbi Friedman.

[@Paulaatmdbqdotnet]

So inspirational! I’m sharing this with everyone I know! This is the very BEST explanation of Life vs. Existence I’ve ever heard! Thank you! 💗

[@sylhomeo6351]

Thank God for you!

[@MrGray6610]

Thank you for bringing me back down to earth Rabbi, God bless 🇿🇦🙏

[@MalikaIC]

The first time i heard you say this years ago it entered into my core and grounded me deeper...connecting deeper with the reallity of my eternal soul and thus to our and my creator and sustainer all in all ....Today i am listening again and i hear myself saying what is it about Rabbi Friedman that touches me so strongly in comparison to so many " new age" speakers? .And i heard within me: Rabbi is connected to knowing where most new age speakers are "connected" to convincing ..a technic they use( d) to survive existance instead of living as they are infact LIFE .Most people Lack an innner indistructibel knowing that they are infinite and eternal worthy SOUL..as G-d is worthiness in and of himself .Something Rabbi KNOWS like no other..Thank you Rabbi for reminding us all of this truth..🙌🙏🌟

[@elizabethbooth5446]

Thank you

[@francescos7361]

i questa persona davvero quella che molte persone dovrebbero avere nel mondo per cercare di rendere miglioe e saggio il mondo

[@karl1949]

WOW! Glory to God, praise God and bless Him ten thousand times ten thousand and then ten thousand more to the ten thousands power. It's an honor to have the opportunity to listen and hear, thank you Lord for Rabbi Friedman. Amen

[@imolanemes694]

Thank you for sharing this wisdom! I believe you have opened my eyes with explaining existing vs. living.. , many of us we get on with our daily life not paying attention if we truly exist or we are living!

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@chitownstaydown8856]

WoooooooooW! Straight Wisdom at it's finest.....

[@sergeharrison5804]

Great as always

[@jacobdesser6046]

Thank You Rabbi Manis. 11.14 Minutes of True Enlightenment!, Now that we already understand Life - [The Distinction between Life and Existence] We are eligible to starting searching for Meaning in Life:)

[@manisfriedman]

That’s great.

[@johnkoltes5277]

Well said

[@JRock1900]

Powerful message

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you

[@luiguyTV]

Wisdom at it’s best, thank you for the enlightenment.

[@patrickbly4170]

You are like a wise and loving uncle

[@simonaandrea4355]

Thank you for sharing my mind . Love to you and all of us ❤️✨️💎

[@emuna3967]

Super love it! Thank you Rabbi Manis Friedman! I will apply it.

[@user-ue2ud6vf1u]

זה גם אמיתי וגם מאוד הגיוני. thank you!

[@elidevento1172]

I am so grateful for the incredible occasion I have to learn such important lessons! Thank you 🧡🙏

[@albertwisniewski9398]

Making distinctions between existing and living. A must listen, just relax and take it in.

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@Karma0777]

Amazing wisdom!

[@user-lx5ru8vv7m]

thank you very much！your teaching is in my heart！

[@stephenwillis5699]

Thanks Rabbi you're right when you let EGO take a walk from yourself and forget me and I clarity prevails and the Lord Hashem Elohim bless the name forever and ever is closer than you know omnipresent. Lift the veil it's not easy a lot of challenges there within. Love peace shalom HALLELUJAH to you Rabbi God bless

[@abish4172]

Metzuyan 🙏....Todah rabba sir

[@andreabravodelavega2075]

Lovely message, thank you very much!

[@two3kings]

Thank you for putting things in perspective, I did give up my needs so I can live, it took me a tour around the world for 3 months to see the world and my kids after 11 years,

[@karentangel889]

Wow! This is amazing.

[@Benjaplay94]

I have always enjoyed hearing your ideas glad to see you in this platform at this time so hopefully those who are stressed over COVID, politics or just affording to pay for food and shelter can hear some wisdom on how to look at life take some or leave some it’s good to know

[@marcusboudreaux]

Awesome!

[@jeffreyrwilliams9345]

thank you

[@nimagirengineers2854]

Thanks for the wisdom. I need to focus more on living.

[@manisfriedman]

we all do :)

[@russbianchi8120]

The late great UK Head Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks provides very interesting commentary on Moshe online.

[@antoinetteblair4]

That was beautiful ❤️

[@riyazkhan9338]

HONOUR THE HONOURABLE; LIFE

[@williamvallespir5509]

Such an amazing speech

[@manisfriedman]

Thank you!

[@williamvallespir5509]

@@manisfriedman God bless you I love your videos.

[@rayyansyed6107]

Knowledge

[@DoreenBellDotan]

There is no abstract "life". There is only the living. Abstracts keep you floating.

[@Y1836Y]

Oh? What does living mean?

[@fahimaislam3549]

Excellent ♥️

[@quishastewart498]

Amen!

[@priscillastannells6740]

The thing is to take what God give you in life his word that’s the best thing you can have

[@luizantoniomachado]

we are definitely here to serve one another. i dare say though, regardless of the fact we can live without it - i do hope it is love that drives us in the end.

[@suebakernottly]

How true Luiz!

[@florenciaconde3817]

nice...

[@Y1836Y]

Phoney. We're not here to serve each other. We're here to assist each other in order to perfect the world as G-d needs it to be done, serving Him, only Him. Love is not necessary either. Let's start either simple respect and tolerance. A lot of crimes have been committed in the name of love, to people who someone supposedly once loved. Phooey on phony love.

[@mikev4621]

Very good

[@samyounes8729]

Oh wow , that was a powerful philosophy, I wish I discovered u a long time ago !!

[@richarddevoe9990]

Great video 👍

[@mikekapnerarcangeluriel8006]

YOUR MY BROTHER I CAN FEEL U I AM SENT TO U

[@priscillastannells6740]

Air is Gods breath

[@unitedstatesdale]

God gives existence

[@jazz19101]

It seems like we are both needed by God and we need him.

[@Y1836Y]

He created our needs, which are His needs for us. Would you create you needing food, water, sleep, etc? Why do we have needs then? So that G-d is needed.

[@ksolong]

Existing = occupying space Living = occupying time

[@Y1836Y]

No living is contributing.

[@rockhard2654]

VERY ENLIGHTENING you have contributed to my life ill try to find a way to contribute to yours and everyone's

[@rayyansyed6107]

Alpha and Omega

[@bejdavies]

The Meaning Of and Reason For existence represent two complementary ways of understanding our world-the why and the how. Meaning expresses a condition of wholeness-of permanence and continuity-while Reason expresses a condition of fragmentation-of temporality and discreteness. This conflict of quality can only find harmony with the intellect, which works by putting things in categories, if we should be able to define meaning as a consequence of reason, or reason as a consequence of meaning. That is, we are simply unable to conceive of the Meaning-Reason construct as the unified entity that it actually is-we divide it into two. Only by looking beyond both science and spirituality can we perceive the world as one.

[@Y1836Y]

Oh? Where did science come from?

[@hash770]

❤️

[@patrickbly4170]

Dis and Ease are best kept in their own place 😌 ( At -Ease ) " Avda D ' Kdsha "

[@rayyansyed6107]

Question enough Only

[@ramontrif]

I'd rather be better needed or needy. To be needed is a burden either way. It makes someone else needy of you.

[@Y1836Y]

That's a negative way of looking at it. You help someone who is needy and they can then help someone who is needy. And on and on. Uplifting others while humbling yourself, meaning you are not the center of your focus, which would be boring.

[@sihartobing9570]

Don't Need Relagion Same Mean No Life, ... Thanks All, .... Cherrio.🌠👍👍👍🌠🌠🌟🌠🌠.

[@rayyansyed6107]

Torah