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Lessons in Tanya #54 – Chapter 26 Part 3 Chapter 27 Part 1 [Overcoming Depression]

When one is distressed and one even feels depressed over matters relating to the spirit and certainly at times when we are serving God then we all should know that these are just the ploys of the evil inclination.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #44 Daf 16b Part 3 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Powerful Blessings-Beautiful Words]

The Gemara (Daf 16b part 3 in our series) begins with a teaching that there are only three who can be called the forefathers, and four who are called the foremothers. The reason is because of their importance and so they hold this position for always.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #26 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [A World of Illusions]

In this world, people have a hard time when they see the success of others in comparison to where they are at. We are not willing to settle for anything less than at least what others have too.

Lessons in Tanya #53 – Chapter 26 Part 2 [The Latent Good Within Suffering]

Making our way into Chapter 26 of the Tanya we continue the theme of serving God in happiness. More than this – simply being happy with everything as it is. Nobody is saying this is easy. The Alter Rebbe is, however, telling us that we need to reframe ourselves into seeing things in their correct perspective.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #43 Daf 16a Part 2 16b (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Death, Mourning & Consolation]

We continue the Mishnah regarding a labourer who must recite the Shema or prayer while atop a tree or on top of a wall (while working there.) Must he descend before praying or can he pray where he is. Perhaps, in fact, he must prayer where he is. What about the homeowner who owns the tree being worked upon or the wall being constructed? And why would he be different in any case?!

Lessons in Tanya #52 – Chapter 26 Part 1 [Be Happy!]

Becoming excited to serve God is one thing. Our previous chapters dealt with awakening the hidden love which is in our hearts so that we can serve God. We finally feel we can flee from those things that disconnect us with God. We finally want to connect with God and we know we can do it by observing the Mitzvot and by studying Torah.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #25 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [Jalopies and Concerts]

Perfectionists seek perfection in everything. They’re the one’s that have to see themselves as wanting the best for themselves even when they leave this world. If we’re going to develop ourselves correctly and regard ourselves as wanting the best of everything in the physical world, then surely we must think the same for the higher spiritual world which is for all eternity.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #42 Daf 15b Part 2 16a (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Praying With Care]

Praying With Care Thumbnail Berachot Lesson 42

The Gemara begins a discussion about the Mitzvah of writing Mezuzot. The word “U’Ketavtam” is used to describe the Mitzvah that the Mezuzot should be written. More than this, it includes that the actual text inside the Mezuzah should include the very command itself.

Lessons in Tanya #51 – Chapter 24 Part 3 / Chapter 25 – [Staying Connected To God]

Stay Connected to God Lessons in Tanya Thumbnail

We conclude Chapter 24 where the Alter Rebbe gives us a vivid description of what happens when we go against the will of God. He tells us that it is like taking the head of the king (King) and immersing it in a toilet bowel filled with filth. Of course, when all is done, the head is taken out the bowl and – so to speak – life returns to normal. But the mere thought of the analogy is enough to make us aware that while it is that when we sin, we disconnect from God from those moments – and even though we can reconnect back to God immediately afterwards, the whole process involved with the sin is a most insulting one towards to king (King.)

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #24 – Chapter 4 – Watchfulness [That Spiritual Sports Car]

There are different types of people seeking different levels of comfort for their souls. The Ramchal taught us about the perfectionist in our last lesson. This is a person who seeks only the very best of everything. And why not?! But if that person seeks perfection, they should seek it no less in spiritual matters. How sad that individual may feel when upon arriving in the spiritual world above — after their 120 years in this world — they find they had not reached the goal they could actually have attained. What a tragedy! For those who realise what perfection entails and who demand it of themselves in this world, let them not diminish in their demands for expecting the best of themselves in this world.