Torah – Page 23 – Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear

Shaarei Kedushah – Gates of Holiness – Lesson 2 – Body and Soul

Rabbi Chaim Vital teaches us that the body is simply a garment for the soul. The soul is essential. The body is secondary. It is there to allow the soul to express itself. The Torah is composed of 613 Mitzvot – 248 positive commandments and 365 negative commandments. The soul’s spiritual makeup is made in this way, and the body is made as a perfect fit for the purpose of the soul.

Tu Bi’Shvat With Rabbi Yitzchak Schwartz (Video) – Man is a Tree of the Field

The first Mishnah of Rosh HaShanah teaches us that the 15th of Shevat – Tu Bi’Shvat is the head of the year for trees. The Torah in Deuteronomy 20:19 teaches us that, “Man is a tree of the field.” What does this mean and what are some of the mysteries behind the tree, the fruits and the seeds, and how they all relate to man?

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan – Yahrtzeit 14 Shevat – Video Interview

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1935-1983) was a prolific writer on Judaism and was an outstanding educator in the United States. He is most known for his outstanding works and translations in Jewish mysticism. He brought Torah to the beginner, showing us all how we can tap into the mystical side of Judaism.

Yud Shevat – Yahrtzeit of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe – Special Presentation

The tenth of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe – Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson. This beautiful video “Yud Shevat – Special Presentation” is worth watching and includes clips related to the previous Rebbe as well as his successor – the seventh Rebbe of Chabad.

The Rashash – Rabbi Shalom Sharabi – Yahrtzeit 10 Shevat

The Rashash – Rabbi Shalom Sharabi (1720-1777) was one of the most influential kabbalists in the past few hundred years. Said to be a reincarnation of the Ari HaKadosh, Rabbi Shalom Sharabi would enlighten the eyes of Jewry with his commentary on the Eitz Chayim as well as show the kavanot (intentions) as they are to be practised through daily prayer. His Yahrtzeit is the 10th of Shevat. Rabbi Shalom Gadaev does an outstanding job of sharing a short biography of this great Tzaddik. For further information check out the link to the Wikipedia (underlined and in blue above.) Enjoy the video!

The Little Leaf (Video) – A Lesson in Divine Providence

Divine Providence – Hashgachah Pratis – is defined as the concept that God is active in all of creation all the time. He monitors every single thing at every single moment. He is aware of every single thing at every single moment. He knows what everything is doing at every single moment and sustains that thing (or person etc.) at every single moment. Nothing happens by chance. Everything is orchestrated from Above – save for man’s free choice which he is given as a gift by the Creator to use however he wishes to use it.

The Tree and The Leaf – Attachment to The Source

Kingfisher sitting on branch next to tree

The story about the leaf that so wished it could be like a bird, flying freely in the sky. Now, this was real freedom! It didn’t take long for the leaf to realise that true freedom was not in being able to fly about wherever one wants to. True freedom is being connected to the Source which grants nourishment and everything one needs to live…

The Greatness of the Alter Rebbe (Video)

Illusions

Perspective — Illusion. It’s what this world is all about. Everything is actually hidden. The “revealed” is just a perspective but it may not even be there at all. The “hidden” is often revealed even when nobody else can see it! That that does not exist, may well exist. That that does exist may well not.

The Large Spoons of Heaven and Hell (Includes Video)

There’s a famous story told about a man who wanted to know what the difference between Heaven and Hell was. He was fortunate to have asked his question to a true mystic who had inside-access to the upper worlds. The mystic told him that he would take him on a tour of both places so that he could see for himself what actually happened in each of the worlds.