Nov. 5, 2025

The Rotten but Smiling Sweet Potato | The Importance of a Happy Face

A friend sent me a photo of a sweet potato — but not just any sweet potato. When it was cut open, the inside was completely rotten… except for one thing: the moldy core formed a perfect smiling face.

In this shiur/class/episode, we explore what this means — scientifically, psychologically, and spiritually. From the phenomenon of facial pareidolia (seeing faces in random objects) to the Torah’s deep insight into Panim (face) and Pnim (inner self), we uncover a powerful lesson about joy, perception, and the soul.

Drawing from Avraham Avinu’s sever panim yafos, we discuss the true power of a smile — how it can spread like fire, light up another person’s world, and even ignite happiness within ourselves. Because our face isn’t just ours — it’s reshus harabim, a public space that can change someone’s day… or their life.

🔥 A smile, like a flame, can go on forever.
Even if you feel “rotten” inside, keep smiling — you never know who’s being uplifted by your light.

This shiur has been generously sponsored by Chesky Lewin as a zechus refua sheleima for all those in need and by Dovi Censor as a zechus refua hleima for Nava bas Chaya Rivka. In addition, the shiur has been sponsored as a zechus for Mishpachas Alyeshmerni as well as a zechus for a yeleida kallah for Shurel Tzipora bas Chaya Bluma

To sponsor a future video/class, feel free to reach out!

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