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

Tanya – Lesson 5 – The Godly Soul

We begin Chapter 2 of the Likutei Amarim – also known as Tanya and the Sefer Shel Beinonim because for the most part it deals with the duties of the average person (neither overly righteous nor overly evil.) We begin by learning more about the Godly soul itself – which is a portion of God in reality (as invested in a human body.) We continue to learn more about how it is that we can even speak about God in a physical manner – after all, God is by no means physical in any way whatsoever. How can we then relate anything of our physical world back to a God who exists outside of physicality (and really even outside spirituality!)? Yet the souls that enter bodies are an actual part of God manifesting themselves in the physical world.

Tanya – Lesson 4 – The Animal Soul, The Godly Soul – and The Kelipah

We conclude Chapter 4 of the book of Tanya written by the Alter Rebbe – Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. After having examined the different categories of souls – the Tzaddik, the Beinoni and the Rasha, we begin to delve further into understanding two different types of souls that reside within the body – the animal soul and the Godly soul. We discuss the animal soul in more detail speaking about the elements that affect it causing it to bring out the worst of traits found in each of us. We learn about the kelipot (the “shells” or “peels”) which surround the “fruit” (i.e. the good within) and how these affect us on a daily basis – and really every moment of the day and night! There are different types of kelipot that exist. One type is translucent in nature and can be used for good. The other three are pure evil and can never be converted into good!

Derech Hashem – The Way of God – Lesson 3 – The Five Levels of the Soul

Our third lesson in this exciting work written by the Ramchal adds to our previous lessons discussing the animal and Godly souls in each of us. Now we delve deeper into understanding that in fact there are five levels to the soul known as the Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah and Yechidah. Through these different levels, the soul is able to interact in various ways in higher and lower ways with both the physical and spiritual worlds.

Derech Hashem – Ramchal – The Godly Soul – Lesson 2

In our second lesson of the Ramchal’s classic work – Derech Hashem, we explore another part of the soul – the Godly soul. While an animal has only one soul. A person is granted two. An animal soul and a Godly soul. The purpose of this additional soul is to elevate a man to a higher level so that he will be able to get to know his Creator and to live life in the capacity of an angelic spiritual being, even though he lives his life in a material world.

Derech Hashem – Ramchal – The Animal Soul

Welcome to a new series of Shiurim! We’ll be learning Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto’s famous Derech Hashem – Way of G-d. We’re going to take a leap into the third section – because it’s simply so exciting!

In our first Shiur, we’ll be learning about the basics of souls. The Ramchal had an amazing way of organising things. As anyone can see, he takes us from the most basic levels to the most advanced.

When it comes to souls, the most basic is the animal soul. Our first Shiur shares with us the lesson about a soul that is common to both animals and humans. Thereafter, the Ramchal will open our eyes further in future Shiurim as he will share with us the secrets behind the G-dly soul and just what it is capable of!

Please join me!

Tanya – Lesson 3 – The Tzaddik, Rasha and Beinoni Continued

In our third lesson, we continue to discuss the categories of souls of the Tzaddik, the Rasha and the Beinoni. We discuss more outside the text on the theme of the nature of souls. What does it take to be a Tzaddik? What do we mean when we say someone is a Rasha (and evil person)? And what do we make of the Beinoni – the middle average man?

Tanya – Lesson 2 – The Tzaddik, Rasha and Beinoni

In our second lesson, we get involved in understanding more about the nature of souls. What does it take to be a Tzaddik? What do we mean when we say someone is a Rasha (and evil person)? And what do we make of the Beinoni – the middle average man?

Are we Tzaddikim just because we do good? And if not, does that make us Reshaim (evil)? What is the discussion about the Beinoni being someone who studies Torah all day long? This doesn’t seem to be most of us – and if so, does that make us all Reshaim? Is that a bad thing? Are we stuck with this status for life? Can we do anything to get us out of the rut?

Tanya – Lesson 1 – Three Types of Souls – Chapter 1 Part 1

We recently started a new weekly Shiur. You’re welcome to join. We’re studying the Tanya written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. It is the most basic text of Chabad Chassidut. It shares with us the challenges of the soul, the make up of the soul, it’s journey through life and much more. It’s a book for those interested in Jewish mysticism and for those looking for direction in life.

In our first lesson, we’ll be getting to understand a little about the nature of a mysterious oath that is administered to each of us at the time just before we are born. This leads us into understand just what a Tzaddik is, a Rasha is and thereafter what a Beinoni is.

The text “Lessons in Tanya” is available for you to read on the video courtesy of Kehot Publication Society – so you can follow along with us or even read the notes at your own pace!

Please join us for these stimulating Shiurim and feel free to contact us if you’d like to join us live!

Shaarei Kedushah Lesson 5 – Ascent of the Soul – Divine Inspiration

After our introduction to the Shaarei Kedushah in the first lesson, we jumped to Chapter 3 in Rabbi Chaim Vital’s masterful work on the path to Ruach HaKodesh – Divine Inspiration.

Shaarei Kedushah Lesson 4 – Preparing for Divine Inspiration

In our fourth lesson in the holy work entitled Shaarei Kedushah written by Rabbi Chaim Vital (student of the Arizal) – we continue the theme of acquiring Ruach HaKodesh – Divine Inspiration.