Category: Torah

Learn Talmud – Berachot #64 Daf 25a/Daf 25b Part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Praying Near Filth Part 2 ]

Continuing our theme of praying in a place of filth as we learn in Masechet Brachot Daf 25a, the Gemara says that that even praying in a place of feces which is as hard as earthenware is also prohibited. This is something new – as the feces (by this stage) would probably not give off a bad smell and also (perhaps) it has lost its definition of prohibited feces.

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Learn Talmud – Berachot #63 Daf 24b / Daf 25a (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Praying in a Place of Filth]

We conclude our discussion in Masechet Brachot today Daf 24b on the subject of reciting the Keriat Shema in a place of filth. Rav Huna and Rav Chisda argue their points and Rav Meyasha son of the son of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi and Rav Asi give their take by quoting verses that relate to this recitation in a place of filth. Rabbi Abahu quotes a verse sharing the beauty of valuing not reciting Shema in a place of filth.

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Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #46 – Chapter 10 – Cleanliness! [A Level Above Watchfulness]

We begin Chapter 10 in the Mesilat Yesharim today! This is exciting! We’ve learned about the trait of Watchfulness and then moved onto Zeal (enthusiasm / alacrity). We’ve learnt about the importance of guarding oneself from anything that stands in the way of us accomplishing our goals and Goal (capital G) in life. We’ve also learnt about getting excited about doing what we must.

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Lessons in Tanya #73 – Chapter 34 Part 2 / Chap 35 Part 2 [Oil To Keep the Flame Alight]

We do a summary from our previous lesson in Tanya #72. We begin with Chapter 35. Though there is a slight shift in our journey through this wonderful work, it is really just a continuation from our previous themes.

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Learn Talmud – Berachot #62 Daf 24b part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Bodily Occurrences During Prayer]

Our page today – Daf 24b in Masechet Brachot is filled with a variety of different topics related to what could be considered quite ordinary behaviour — during prayer.

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Mesillat Yesharim – Path of the Just #45 – Chapter 9 – Zeal! [The Fool Who is Afraid of the “Lion”]

Continuing the theme of fear, the Mesilat Yesharim tells us – in concluding Chapter 9, that when fear is based upon something real, it is reasonable to assume one will do everything to stay away from it. That is fine! It when we fined all sorts of excuses not to do something based upon an improbable fear that causes as to stumble. This is not acceptable. We will not get on with life if we live this way. We will certainly not be able to get on with studying Torah and observing Mitzvot!

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Lessons in Tanya #72 – Chapter 34 Part 2 / Chap 35 Part 1 [Happiness Can Coexist With Sadness]

We conclude Chapter 34 and begin Chapter 35 in today’s lesson in Tanya. Our theme has discussed the elements of being happy and ultimately not falling into the trap of dullness of heart and being able to get oneself excited about serving God.

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