Lesson 002 · posted Tue Sep 1 2026

Can't Stop Worrying?

What Judaism says about anxiety: five ideas, each with its source.

5 things Judaism can teach us about anxiety. The worry was never the whole story. Most of what you fear is a bridge you'll never have to cross.

1. 1

   Worry shrinks when you speak it.

   ישיחנה

   “Worry in a person's heart weighs it down.”Proverbs 12:25

   “Worry in a person's heart weighs it down.” — Proverbs 12:25. The Talmud's advice: tell it to someone. Out loud, it gets smaller.

2. 2

   You only have to carry today.

   דבר יום ביומו

   “each day's portion in its day.”

   The manna fell one day at a time — “each day's portion in its day.” The Talmud adds: sufficient is the trouble in its hour.

3. 3

   Fear doesn't help you cross.

   גשר צר

   “The whole world is a very narrow bridge — and the essential thing is not to be afraid at all.”Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

   “The whole world is a very narrow bridge — and the essential thing is not to be afraid at all.” — Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

4. 4

   You weren't meant to carry it alone.

   יהבך

   “Cast your burden on the Eternal — and He will sustain you.”Psalm 55

   “Cast your burden on the Eternal — and He will sustain you.” — Psalm 55. Set it down. That's what the altar was for.

5. 5

   Do your part. Release the rest.

   המלאכה

   “It is not your duty to finish the work — but neither are you free to abandon it.”Pirkei Avot 2:16

   “It is not your duty to finish the work — but neither are you free to abandon it.” — Pirkei Avot 2:16.