Video Lessons – Page 10 – Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear

Mesilat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #15 – Chapter 2 – The Trait of Watchfulness

We begin Chapter 2 moving ahead to discussing the first level of growth we encounter. This is the trait of watchfulness.

Mesilat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #14 – Chapter 1 – Man’s Obligation in the World

We conclude Chapter 1 of the Mesilat Yesharim. The Ramchal has brought us to understand the obligation of a person in this world. It is ultimately to serve God, refine oneself, and do everything one can here, while one is alive, to prepare for life in the next world.

Lessons in Tanya #41 – Chapter 19 Part 2 – [The Hidden – Sleeping Love]

While the Tzaddik may rule over his heart and even the Beinoni can tap into the love of God through the Tevunah (“understanding”) that exists within his mind, the Rasha (evil person) must have another way to come to love God.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #36 Daf 13a Part 2 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Intention When Performing Mitzvot]

We begin the first Mishnah of Chapter 2 of Tractate Berachot. The Mishnah tells us that if the time arrives for reciting the Shema, and one has intention, then one fulfills one’s obligation to recite the Shema. One must have intention to fulfill this Mitzvah.

Lessons in Tanya #40 – Chapter 19 Part 1 – [The Hidden Love and The Flaming Soul]

Within every Jew there is a spark of love for God which is given over to him through the forefathers. It is a hidden love – to be sure. Though the Tzaddik may have a revealed love as he rules over his heart, and the Beinoni has an intellectual love which he can “tap into” to bring into a revealed love, for the remainder of Jews, it is not as easy to generate this revealed love. However, through the hidden love given to them through the forefathers, they are indeed able to connect with their love for God.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just #13 – Chapter 1 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The Ramchal teaches us that we must be very precise in the way which we observe the Mitzvot. Even the smallest change can make such a big difference to our lives (in whichever direction we go.) We should learn from those who weigh out gold and pearls at how exacting they are and that the smallest change (or error) can make a huge difference in their lives.

Learn Talmud – Berachot #35 Daf 12b Part 3 (Koren Talmud Bavli) [Remembering Our Previous Exiles]

We revise briefly the last Mishnah that appears in the first Perek (chapter) of Gemara Berachot. Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryia laments that he was not successful in implementing the recital of the third paragraph of the Keriat Shema in the evening Shema, until Ben Zoma came around with an explanation of proof as to why we must recite it.

Lessons in Tanya #38 – Chapter 18 Part 2 – [The Love Hidden Inside Each of Us]

We conclude Chapter 18 discussing how the Torah is close to all. In fact, it is very close. The love that we can feel towards God is something that each of us has within ourselves. It is a gift that is given to us from our forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov.

Mesillat Yesharim – The Path of the Just – Chapter 1 – Lesson 12 – Man’s Obligation in the World

The study of Mussar is by no means quick learning. Even though we are twelve lessons into our learning – we are still on Chapter 1! We are talking about Man’s obligation in the world – his duty in the world.

Learn Talmud – Berachot – Lesson 34 – Daf 12b Part 2 (Koren Talmud Bavli) – Paragraph 3 of Keriat Shema

After concluding our discussion about the importance of praying for someone who is not well (or really to pray for anyone in need of anything), the Gemara turns to a discussion of how King Saul brought up the soul of Samuel the Prophet in order to find out what would happen to him the next day when he would engage in war with the Philistines.