Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 2 – Lesson 2

Path

The Ramchal takes his introduction further by telling us some golden nuggets about the study of Mussar.

While it seems that only those of low intelligence will end up studying it – because its not exactly the type of study that deals with intricate laws and debates etc. this will be a loss for all of us. If those who cannot learn, study this study, they will not gain what they need to. Likewise those who have the ability who don’t study it will also cause a loss to everyone, including themselves.

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Learn Talmud – Berachot – Lesson 24 Daf 9a / 9b Part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) – Leaving Egypt

Egyptian Pyramids

After a brief recap of the end of our previous lesson dealing with the argument between Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria and Rabbi Akiva concerning the time until one may eat the Pesach offering, we continue.

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Lessons in Tanya – Lesson 28 – Chapter 12 Part 2 – The Beinoni

Fire

We continue from our previous lesson, learning more about the type of person known as the “Beinoni” – the “middleman” or the “average man”. We find it in more detail how he is so similar to a Tzadik, but he lacks the “full power” of the Tzadik in everything that he does.

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Lessons in Tanya – Lesson 27 – Chapter 11 Part 2 – Chapter 12 Part 1 – The Beinoni

Scale

Chapter 11 concludes with the the category of evil person who for the most part is involved in activities, speech and action of a bad nature. Notwithstanding this, the person returns to Hashem throughout their life. Life represents this movement of being involved in negative and bad behaviour of one kind or another – and then shortly afterwards the return and repentance to God for having strayed off the path. Then it’s back onto that road yet again…

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Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Introduction Part 1 – Lesson 1

Path

The Mesillat Yesharim was written by the outstanding sage Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746). This is his masterpiece work which teaches us not just Mussar (ethical morals) but also ways in which to sanctify ourselves so that we can become closer to the Creator. In fact, if we follow his steps carefully enough, we can even reach the level of acquiring Ruach HaKodesh (Divine Inspiration)!

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Learn Talmud – Berachot – Lesson 23 Daf 8b / 9a Part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) – Mitzvot Until Midnight

Moon

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi teaches his children some valuable lessons in life. He teaches them about the importance of learning the Parshah each week, cutting the jugular vein of a bird when performing the Shechita, and respecting scholars who forget their learning

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Learn Talmud – Berachot – Lesson 22 Daf 8a Part 2 (Koren Talmud Bavli) – The Greatness of Halachah

Hammer and Scales of Justice

Our Gemara speaks about the love that God has towards the area of Torah known as Halachah – Jewish law. Halachah – from the root “Walking” refers to the way in which we walk with God – the way in which we “go” with God. Of course we mean to say the love He has towards those who are going to be studying it and putting it into practise. The Torah is God’s manifestation of His essence brought down using ink onto paper. God certainly loves all of Torah. But there is something special about the Halachah – the law itself.

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Derech Hashem – The Way of God – How Moshe’s Prophecy Differed Part 2 – Lesson 25 Section 3

Architecture

The Ramchal continues teaching us the difference in the way that Moshe experienced his prophecy to the way the other prophets would experience their prophecies.

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Learn Talmud – Berachot – Lesson 21 Daf 8a Part 1 (Koren Talmud Bavli) – Pray at a “Time of Finding”

Mobile Toilet

Our page of Talmud discusses the importance of praying with a Minyan and if one cannot for any reason – there is another solution to be a part of the Minyan when not actually with the Minyan…

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