# Are We Raising a Fragile Generation? | Rabbi Daniel Kalish

From **Behind the Bima: R Efrem Goldberg** by R Efrem Goldberg.

- **Published:** Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000
- **Duration:** 00:58:36
- **Audio:** https://cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/41825360-b85f-423f-89c2-98f4bf70ab3a/6bb88e3f-be82-49db-8030-4df7b1e067f4/episodes/audio/group/84a97dd7-4457-432e-a8bc-56c9793b6ca5/group-item/7cb1e171-f5b7-4ee3-8d8d-6c736abc497d/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=dEQ6NxQT
- **Page:** https://behind-the-bima.simplecast.com/episodes/are-we-raising-a-fragile-generation-rabbi-daniel-kalish-p_ue2Kr2
- **TorahApp:** https://torahapp.org/share/p/3P_r_efrem_goldberg_behind_the_bima/e/fbc2b928-9221-483b-8e4d-e4a25199a73c

<p>Is Judaism meant to feel good — or to build strength?</p>
<p>In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Kalish for a candid conversation about modern chinuch culture and whether the pendulum has swung too far toward emotional comfort.</p>
<p>They explore:</p>
<ul>
 <li>The rise of “gishmak” Judaism</li>
 <li>Emotional validation vs emotional discipline</li>
 <li>Whether struggle is being avoided rather than embraced</li>
 <li>The responsibility of mechanchim in a comfort-driven era</li>
 <li>Authentic warmth vs performative positivity</li>
 <li>What builds real resilience in avodas Hashem</li>
</ul>
<p>Rabbi Kalish shares his perspective as a veteran Rosh Yeshiva and educator, offering a thoughtful defense of warmth and authenticity, without surrendering strength or standards.</p>
<p>This episode challenges assumptions on both sides of the debate.</p>
<p><strong>This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.</strong></p>