Blog – Page 6 – Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #30 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Do Not Rely Upon Mercy]

We conclude Chapter 4 in our lesson today. The Ramchal takes us to our final destination in the trait of Watchfulness.

Lessons in Tanya #57 – Chapter 28 Part 2 & Chapter 29 Part 1 [Turn Your Thoughts to God For Help]

We conclude chapter 28 discussing the theme of negative thoughts that enter our minds when we pray.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #47 Daf 17a (End) 17b (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Obligations To The Deceased]

We conclude 17a with a verse from the book of Tehillim (Psalms), “Our leaders are laden, there is no breach and no going forth and no outcry in our open places.” (Psalms 144:14) where the Gemara goes into detail describing the different parts of the verse and what each part means.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #29 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Good & Bad Are Weighed Exactly]

The Ramchal is teaching us about the importance of being careful about what we do. We are responsible for everything we do in life. We’re here for a task – to better this world and to better ourselves. To the degree we detract from that, to that detract we will also be liable.

Lessons in Tanya #56 – Chapter 27 Part 3 Chapter 28 Part 1 [Combat!]

We conclude chapter 27 – the middle chapter of a series of three chapters dealing with concepts of overcoming depression and dealing with unwanted sinful thoughts. These thoughts can come to one when involved in mundane work affairs, and they can also come to one when one is involved in one’s service to God (praying for example.)

Learn Talmud – Berachot #46 Daf 17a Part 2 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Whether a Lot or a Little]

We continue from our previous lesson where certain rabbis have been teaching us some beautiful sayings they would say. “Margela BePumeihu” – “So and so were/was accustomed to say”. In Aramaic, the word “Margela” also means a jewel, and indeed, all these sayings that we are learning are jewels!

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #28 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Errors in Judgment]

As we move to the core of the fourth chapter, the Ramchal takes us into a journey of some of the great people in the Tanach who themselves stumbled in various decisions they made.

Lessons in Tanya #55 – Chapter 27 Part 2 [Sweet and Sour Delicacies]

When the Beinoni is faced with thoughts that come from the Sitra Achra (negative thoughts, thoughts of sin etc.) he should push these thoughts aside. This is known as Itkafiya (Aramaic – meaning subjugation). He should not allow the thought to dwell inside himself.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #45 Daf 17a Part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Meaningful Prayers From the Heart]

Continuing from our previous lesson, various Rabbis are quoted concerning the ending they would add upon completing their Amidah prayers.

Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #27 – Chap 4 – Watchfulness [Everything is Taken Into Account]

Those who choose to follow the “lazy” path in life – believing that life is about the physical pleasures of this world and that there isn’t really much to consider for their future when they leave this world, will find themselves at a loss when they pass on.