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Learn Talmud – Berachot #60 Daf 23b / 24a part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [The Holiness of Tefillin]

We start our lesson in Brachot today revising briefly from the previous lesson. The issue surrounds the topic of taking Tefillin into a bathroom. Beit Hillel said one may do so into a permanent bathroom for “Number 2” whereas Beit Shammai said that even for “Number 1” is prohibited.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #43 – Chapter 9 – Zeal! [Detractions of Enthusiasm]

Chapter 9 of the Mesilat Yesharim discusses various matters that detract from enthusiasm (zeal!) The Ramchal tells us that such things as seeking the comforts of the body, hating effort and loving physical delights will detract from one’s being able to become enthusiastic in one’s holy activities in life. These all bring a person to great laziness!

Lessons in Tanya #70 – Chapter 33 Part 3 [The Tzaddik Lives With His Faith]

We conclude Chapter 33 in our lessons in Tanya. We are discussing the theme of the importance of happiness in our lives and how to go about achieving happiness.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #42 – Chapter 8 – Zeal! [Consider God’s Kindnesses]

We conclude Chapter 8 of the Mesilat Yesharim in today’s lesson. The Ramchal tells us that one of the best ways to get ourselves enthusiastic about fulfilling the Mitzvot is simply to consider God’s kindnesses to us.

Lessons in Tanya #69 – Chapter 33 Part 2 [A Dwelling Place for God in the Lower Worlds]

Having finished Chapter 32 – a chapter dedicated to loving another as one loves oneself, the Alter Rebbe takes us back to the theme he had begun in Chapter 31 – namely the theme of becoming happy and getting oneself out of a state of depression.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #59 Daf 23a (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Tefillin in the Bathroom?]

In our lesson in Tractate Brachot today, we continue after just a few lines at the top of page 23a dealing with the topic of praying when in need of relieving oneself.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #41 – Chapter 7 / 8 – Zeal! [Physical Activity Leads to Zeal]

We conclude Chapter 7 of the Mesilat Yesharim. Our chapter has dealt with the attribute of zeal / enthusiasm. The Ramchal concludes the chapter by telling us that what is most important is getting our hearts in order. Everything stems from the heart – and once we can get our hears involved in the excitement of Mitzvot – we will be on track to fulfilling the Mitzvot — the purpose of this attribute.

Lessons in Tanya #68 – Chapter 32 Part 2 [Chapter Love: Love Peace and Pursue Peace]

We conclude Chapter 32 – the chapter of Leiv (Love). The Alter Rebbe leads us through everything we need to know to internalise the beauty of the Mitzvah of loving another as we love ourselves – a central theme to all of the Torah. In fact, Hillel teaches us, the entire Torah is based upon this Mitzvah – with everything being a commentary on it.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #58 Daf 22b Part 2 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Praying When Needing The Bathroom]

In our lesson in Gemara – Tractate Brachot today, we continue our lesson discussing the topic of the Baal Keri – a man who has had a seminal emission and who is now prohibited from studying Torah until he immerses in a Mikvah.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #40 – Chapter 7 – Zeal! [How and Why To Be Enthusiastic]

The Ramchal teaches us in the Mesilat Yesharim that those who behave in enthusiastic ways will ultimately meet up with kings! Even if not literally – we can still well understand what he means. Those who engage in their activities with vigour are bound to move ahead meeting those who think similarly and who become – so to speak – the “movers and shakers” of the world. In fact, everyone has the power to reach these levels.