You Are Harder on Yourself Than G-d Is | Karen Hochhauser

You Are Harder on Yourself Than G-d Is | Karen Hochhauser

From Human & Holy by Tonia Chazanow

May 31, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Jewish perspective on failure and self-forgiveness with guest Karen Hochhauser.

The Torah opens up with failure after failure, we have laws of repair (teshuvah) baked into our Judaism, and yet many who live a value-driven life live in enormous fear of failing. Why are we harder on ourselves than G-d is? Today, we talk about the Jewish perspective on failure, along with Karen's own experiences. How do you hold your mistakes seriously without becoming them? Does forgiving yourself mean letting yourself off the hook? We get into the Rambam's laws of teshuva, Rav Soloveitchik's framework of fate versus destiny, and a seminary interview answer that always made Karen uncomfortable. * * * * * * * With more than 25 years of dedicated experience in Jewish education, Karen Hochhauser brings a deep passion for learning and leadership to her role as Co-Director of the Miriam Glaubach Center. In this senior leadership position she helps guide the Center’s mission of supporting, educating and certifying Yoatzot Halacha—women trained as halachic advisors—and of strengthening communities across North America and beyond. Prior to this appointment, Karen spent 17 years at Tiferet, a thriving seminary in Ramat Beit Shemesh, both as a teacher and an administrator. During that…

People in this episode

Host: Tonia Chazanow

Guest: Karen Hochhauser

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Miriam Glaubach Center, Tiferet, Yeshiva University

More episodes of Human & Holy

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Human & Holy podcast page.