On East Of Eden, Dinner With God, And Ambition

Is ambition a virtue that allows us to reach our full potential? Or is it a trap that leaves us dissatisfied and burnt out? With Florence Pugh starring in a new Netflix adaptation of Noam's favorite book (East Of Eden), it seems like a great time to wonder about the ambitions of Steinbeck's most notorious character, and why that matters for the rest of us. Along the way, Mijal has her own thoughts on a viral "would you rather" question, Jewish leadership, and Simchat Torah.

Jon Polin's SAPIR article on reluctant leadership can be read here: sapirjournal.org/influence/2026/on-reluctant-l…

This episode is generously sponsored in memory of Leo M. Bernstein

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