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Home > Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Joseph Smith’s story doesn’t look like the Hebrew Bible at all.

Joseph Smith’s story doesn’t look like the Hebrew Bible at all.

In the Hebrew Bible… Revelation was public — Sinai was heard by an entire nation. Prophets spoke words tested by the community, not hidden away. God’s covenant was with the nation of Israel, rooted in their land and history. Joseph Smith’s story? Private visions. A hidden book no one else could examine. No national covenant, […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

3 different survival strategies — all about feeling safe:

3 different survival strategies — all about feeling safe:

1. Narcissism = a praise addiction. “If you admire me, I’m safe.” Control over your opinion. 2. Abusiveness = a power/control addiction. “If I control you, I’m safe.” Control over your behavior. 3. People-pleasing = an acceptance addiction. “If you approve of me, I’m safe.” Control over my own voice (by restraining it). And here’s […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

The #1 lie abusers tell themselves.

The #1 lie abusers tell themselves.

“You want me to control you.” That’s how they live with what they do. And it shows up in small ways: “I’m just protecting you.” “You’d be lost without me.” “I do so much kindness.” But the truth? You have to keep reminding them, over and over, “My boundary stands.” Boundaries aren’t control. They’re self […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Imagine being 5 years old.

Imagine being 5 years old.

The world feels HUGE. So many choices. So many “what ifs.” And then you learn: There are 7 Noahide Laws — G-d’s guidebook for all people. They’re simple. They’re clear. They tell you what to do in any situation. Like what oneness means and what respect is for different relationships. Suddenly, life isn’t so confusing. […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

People-pleasing isn’t kindness.

People-pleasing isn’t kindness.

It’s fear dressed up as kindness. At its root, it’s fear of rejection: “If I show you the real me… maybe you’ll walk away.” But here’s another part, people-pleasing is also a form of depression. It’s the sadness of not feeling safe to be yourself. It’s being downcast about expressing your true voice. It’s the […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Sometimes the deepest truths… have no words at all.

Sometimes the deepest truths… have no words at all.

Nigunim (wordless melodies): Chassidus teaches: a nigun without words can lift the soul higher than words. Why? Because music goes deeper than language. It stirs awe without explanation. That’s exactly what trup (Torah’s melody) does. The melody isn’t just a soundtrack. It’s part of the Torah’s (Hebrew bible’s) text itself. It reveals the oneness beneath […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

The hidden trap out of control narcissists fall into

The hidden trap out of control narcissists fall into

Most people think narcissists are always the ones pulling the strings. But here’s the danger no one tells them: A narcissist can be easily manipulated by another narcissist, through praise. Because when your self-worth depends on compliments, flattery becomes a weapon. One narcissist knows exactly how to feed the other’s ego… and before long, the […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Why some apologies feel impossible

Why some apologies feel impossible

It’s not just pride. It’s values. If your value is “dishonesty is okay if it helps me,” then when you lie, there’s nothing inside that says “I did wrong.” And to apologize? That would mean admitting the value itself might be broken. That’s scary. The Paradox. To change a value, you usually need to apologize. […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Narcissism isn’t confidence, it’s fear of being vulnerable.

Narcissism isn’t confidence, it’s fear of being vulnerable.

Behind the mask of pride is something much more fragile: 1. The fear that if you let someone close, they’ll reject you. 2. The fear that if you show your true self, the shame will be unbearable. 3. The fear that opening up will mean losing control. This fear isn’t random. In Kabbalah, it comes […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

Here’s the truth:

Here’s the truth:

You can’t buy what your soul really wants. Your soul doesn’t crave cars, clothes, or comfort. It desires connection. In the spiritual worlds, the soul feels awe, yearning, and love for G-d 24/7. But here in this world, your soul gets something rarer: The chance to act out its love. How? Through kindness (toward yourself […]

Author: Binyamin Rutstein

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