Podcasts by Daily Kabbalah Lesson with Ari Goldwag
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517. Heart and Eyes II from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.348505
We see things on the surface - we see the 'Eyes of God.' We can not see the 'Heart of God,' which is the underlying thought of Hashem, without that which He has revealed in His Torah.
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513. Paradoxical Visions from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.344658
The visions can sometimes take on a paradoxical form, analogous to the type of experience one has in a dream.
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512. Representative Pictures from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.343660
The prophet experiences a vision in which he sees something from our world. Each of the things in our world represent a spiritual concept in the upper worlds, and thus his vision tells him in an an...
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511. Prophetic Vision from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.342526
We continue to discuss the concept of the 'picture' of God that Moshe and the prophets were able to envision.
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510. Prophecy IV from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.341655
We discuss the concept of the 'picture' of God that Moshe and the prophets were able to envision.
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503. Mazel and Mishpat II from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.284836
Hashem engages both types of interaction - mishpat, which is reward and punishment, as well as yichud, which can also be called mazel.
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498. Roots and levels from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.198599
The Jewish people are referred to as Knesses Yisroel, which is the gathering of the souls of the Jewish people at their root. The main job of free will is dependent on their actions.
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497. Connecting to Hashem from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.197599
When the righteous fulfill their job and act as a vehicle for Hashem's honor, His influx comes down and their is an interaction of love with His creations.
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496. Revealing His honor from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.196355
All of reality, including the physical and spiritual, serve as a vehicle to reveal His honor.
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495. Vehicle for Hashem's light from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.195049
The sins of a person serve to disconnect him from Hashem, cutting off his life source. When a person finds merits, he becomes a vehicle for Hashem's manifestation in the world.
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493. Power to Choose from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.192015
By commanding the Jewish people to keep His commandments, Hashem gave the potential for each Israelite to choose to become a partner with Him in the rectification of reality.
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492. Facing Hashem from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.158697
Just as in a human relationship, there are times when Hashem faces us with love, and times where He seems to turn His back.
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491. Israel's unique relationship from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.157784
We explore the unique relationship of the Jewish people with God.
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490. Two levels of influx II from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.156780
We continue with the previous idea, and also look at man as the one creation who has the greatest potential for evil and good, depending on his choice.
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489. Two levels of influx from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.155875
There are two levels of influx, one of which gives reality to the creations, and one of which interacts and creates the circumstances surrounding those creations.
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487. Levels of interaction from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.153672
We speak of Hashem's attributes, but they in no way describe His essence. They are built to serve as a conduit of interaction between the Infinite and the finite in ascending levels.
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486. Orders of Justice from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.152815
Justice has a broad root which plays out in a separate way in its details.
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485. Love is the source from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.151716
Love is the root of all Hashem's interactions, even those that seem like punishment, much as a caring and loving parent punishes his child out of love.
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484. Three levels of influx from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.150541
There are three types of influx, one completely spiritual, one completely physical, and one which is a combination of the two.
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470. Eternal spiritual connection from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.136442
The spiritual aspect remains forever. Even when the physical aspect dies, a spiritual spark remains to retain the physical so it can be restored.
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469. Descending to the dust from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.134997
All that is related to Evil and destruction has only a temporary existence.
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468. Unique relationship of Israel from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.098376
We begin a discussion about the unique relationship of Hashem with the people of Israel.
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467. Unity of purpose from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.092500
Evil only exists as long as the perfecting aspect of the lack has not yet been revealed.
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466. Interdependency of all aspects of reality from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.091616
Although all of the aspects of reality seem to have their own role that is completely independent of all other aspects, in truth, they all join in the unity of 'speaking of His Glory,' as we will c...
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465. Fruits of the Garden from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.090265
The fruits in the Garden of Eden had certain characteristics of the fruit we know today, but they were on a very fine spiritual level.
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450. Good and lack of Good from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.072932
Good is defined as an influx of Good from Hashem, Who is completely and perfectly Good. Evil is not a positive influx, but rather, it is a lack of Good.
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449. Divine Channels from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.072050
Hashem created numerous channels through which He brings His influx into the world, to His many creations.
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448. Creation of Evil from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.070874
We begin a discussion of the concept of Evil, which is a completely novel idea, the absolute opposite of God.
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447. Three time periods from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.069994
There are three time periods which correspond to the three states of man. In one state, the physical body has control, in one state the soul is mostly in control, and in the third, the soul is comp...
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446. Fifth level from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.069127
The fifth stage of man is when the physical body is in charge and its needs must be met.
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445. Levels of spiritual-physical balance from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.068290
We discuss the four stages (of five) where the physical body is beholden to the spiritual aspect of man.
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444. Joining of physical and spiritual II from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.067424
The ultimate stage of perfection is where the body and soul are joined and the body is completely nullified to the soul.
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443. Joining of physical and spiritual from 2022-02-22T09:11:49.066211
We discuss the characteristics of the joining of the physical and spiritual, both in regards to the joining of body and soul, as well as the joining of the aspects of Hashem's revelation and hiding.
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412. Understanding God's Unity IV from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.989652
We continue to explore the true nature of God's Unity, which is represented by the way He interacts with reality, as the source of both Good and Evil.
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411. Understanding God's Unity III from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.988722
We finish discussing the different mistaken understandings of reality, and begin to explore the true nature of God's Unity, which is represented by the way He interacts with reality, as the source ...
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410. Understanding God's Unity II from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.987276
We continue to explore the aspect of God's perfection which we can understand, which is His Unity.
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409. Understanding God's Unity from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.984160
We begin to explore the aspect of God's perfection which we can understand, which is His Unity.
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408. Understanding God's perfection from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.982901
Being that we are finite, we can not fully understand God's perfection. Nevertheless, there is an aspect of His perfection that we can understand, which is His absolute Unity.
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401. Sefiros throughout the day from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.976397
We begin the final chapter of Tomer Devorah, which speaks about bringing the sefiros into every moment of one's day.
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400. Maintaining Shechina II from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.975147
We learn about the three aspects of marriage that pertain to maintaining the Divine Presence in one's life.
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378. Keser Times from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.952286
There are certain times when the aspect of Keser comes into play in full force. At these times, in order to access it, we need to behave in ways that are in consonance with it.
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342. Torah is pure holiness from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.874336
The Torah retains its absolute holiness, despite it being brought into a world which is thick and profane.
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341. Torah gives life II from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.871939
Those who learn Torah keep the world in existence.
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340. Torah gives life from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.870797
Those who learn Torah keep the world in existence.
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339. Lack of Torah, lack of light V from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.869931
A person who could learn, but instead rejects the Torah, loses his place in the Eternal world.
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338. Lack of Torah, lack of light IV from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.868981
When the Jewish people are not learning Torah, the result is a weakening of reality.
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337. Lack of Torah, lack of light III from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.868127
When the Jewish people are not learning Torah, the result is a weakening of reality.
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336. Lack of Torah, lack of light II from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.867270
When the Jewish people are not learning Torah, the result is a weakening of reality.
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322. Return to Sinai from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.853905
When we learn Torah properly, it is as if we have returned to that moment in history when we received the Torah at Sinai.
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321. Joy of the Universe from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.852922
Torah learning brings great joy to all levels of the universe.
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320. Partners in creation II from 2022-02-22T09:11:48.851874
When one learns Torah and brings a new Torah concept into the world, the Zohar describes how one creates new worlds with that accomplishment, and becomes a partner in creation with Hashem, as it were.
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524. Humans and Angels from 2013-07-28T13:14
We discuss the difference between human beings, who have free will, as opposed to angels, who are drawn after and affected by the free will of man, with none of their own.
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523. Connecting to the Source from 2013-07-23T13:23
When the lowest aspect makes itself ready to receive, all of the sefiros connect to each other, up to their transcendent root. This is accomplished through the mitzvos.
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522. Connecting the Sefiros from 2013-01-30T10:38
When the lowest aspect makes itself ready to receive, all of the sefiros connect to each other, up to their transcendent root. This is accomplished through the mitzvos.
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521. Completion through Mitzvos from 2013-01-24T11:13
Performing the mitzvos - commandments - complete the human being in such a way that one can connect to one's spiritual root.
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520. Secret of the Name from 2013-01-23T10:42
Understanding the secret of God's Name is the key that unlocks the secrets of Creation.
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519. Understanding Free Will II from 2013-01-21T13:40
God ordered the world such that He only gives when His creations ask for their needs. This is the foundation of the concept of Free Will, which works on the basis of measure for measure.
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518. Understanding Free Will from 2013-01-20T10:40
God ordered the world such that He only gives when His creations ask for their needs. This is the foundation of the concept of Free Will, which works on the basis of measure for measure.
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516. Heart and Eyes from 2013-01-15T10:17
We see things on the surface - we see the 'Eyes of God.' We can not see the 'Heart of God,' which is the underlying thought of Hashem, without that which He has revealed in His Torah.
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515. Truth of the Torah from 2013-01-14T14:50
In order to ask the right questions, we need to have the Truth of the Torah to guide us, as well.
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514. Creation Ex Nihilo from 2013-01-13T14:56
We explore how Hashem created the world ex nihilo - something from 'nothing.'
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509. Prophecy III from 2012-12-31T10:08
We discuss the seeming contradiction between seeing a vision of God and how He has no form, explaining that there is a simultaneous understanding that the vision is only a representation, and the p...
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508. Prophecy II from 2012-12-30T10:34
The vision the prophet receives is a picture which contains an analogy either to one of Hashem's attributes, or one of His deeds.
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507. Prophecy from 2012-12-25T12:21
The prophet receives his vision and is absolutely aware that it comes for God.
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506. Cycles of time from 2012-12-24T11:17
We discuss how there are certain aspects of reality that are directly affected by a higher influx, and how those same influxes have a time where they come into play in a more general way, as well.
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505. Mazel and Mishpat IV from 2012-12-19T11:35
The judgment of Hashem is precise and takes all factors into account, assuring the fairest result - the ultimate reward of the person for all their deeds.
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504. Mazel and Mishpat III from 2012-12-17T10:30
Even as Hashem uses yichud, which involves interactions which are 'undeserved,' it can be initiated through mishpat, which is according to one's actions.
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Important Message from 2012-12-05T16:41
This is an important message for anyone who listens to the podcast.
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502. Mazel and Mishpat from 2012-11-29T10:55
Hashem engages both types of interaction - mishpat, which is reward and punishment, as well as yichud, which can also be called mazel.
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501. Moon and Israel's cycles from 2012-11-28T17:41
The world, and specifically the people of Israel, goes through cyclic diminishment and strengthening, leading to its ultimate rectification. This is represented by the cycling of the Moon.
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500. Righteous suffering from 2012-11-27T10:02
The righteous suffer as Hashem allows the evil to be ascendent. This ultimately serves to allow for the complete transformation of evil into good.
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499. Hanhagas Hayichud from 2012-11-26T11:02
We begin to discuss the second type of interaction Hashem has with His creation, which is called Hanhagas Hayichud, the interactions of Unity. In this type of interaction we begin to get the ground...
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494. Partners with Hashem from 2012-11-19T11:53
The righteous individual, and the Jewish people collectively, are partners with Hashem, as they create the vessels for the light, and Hashem brings it down to perfect His world.
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488. Levels of interaction II from 2012-11-12T12:22
We speak of Hashem's attributes, but they in no way describe His essence. They are built to serve as a conduit of interaction between the Infinite and the finite in ascending levels.
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483. Justice and Love from 2012-10-31T15:00
The mode of Justice is used in the time when Hashem wants there to be a concept of reward and punishment, which is connected to free will. Hashem also uses His mode of Love, which is transcendent, ...
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482. Types of Justice from 2012-10-30T11:35
The mode of Justice has three different sub-types, which are used by Hashem in different amounts at different times.
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481. Stages of human growth from 2012-10-29T10:17
Corresponding to the five stages of Hashem's revelation are five stages of human growth and maturity.
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480. Five time periods from 2012-10-28T10:25
The five time periods within reality, as we go from lesser to greater levels of revelation of the reality of God.
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479. Time of Justice IV from 2012-10-24T11:31
As long as we exist in the time of judgment, it is necessary for evil to exist, in order to maintain the possibility of free will.
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478. Time of Justice III from 2012-10-23T11:16
As long as we exist in the time of judgment, it is necessary for evil to exist, in order to maintain the possibility of free will.
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477. Time of Justice II from 2012-10-22T11:05
As long as we exist in the time of judgment, it is necessary for evil to exist, in order to maintain the possibility of free will.
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476. Time of Justice from 2012-09-25T06:40
As long as we exist in the time of judgment, it is necessary for evil to exist, in order to maintain the possibility of free will.
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475. Cause and effect from 2012-09-20T01:13
Everything we see in existence has an antecedent which brings it into its imperfect state and serves to perfect it.
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474. Interactions of Justice II from 2012-09-13T16:37
While we exist within the time period that Evil has power, the way that Hashem interacts with us corresponds to how we behave, which is referred to as 'hanhagas hamishpat' - interactions of Justice.
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473. Interactions of Justice from 2012-09-12T19:39
While we exist within the time period that Evil has power, the way that Hashem interacts with us corresponds to how we behave, which is referred to as 'hanhagas hamishpat' - interactions of Justice.
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472. Seesaw effect of Good and Evil from 2012-09-11T19:10
As Good is strengthened, Evil is lowered, in a seesaw effect.
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471. Influx and its opposite from 2012-09-10T11:31
The initial influx of good that Hashem brought into reality had the polar opposite quality of the evil He would later bring into existence.
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464. Exalted level of Adam from 2012-08-30T16:49
The physical aspect of Adam before the sin was on the level of our spiritual aspect now.
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463. Outer corresponds to essence from 2012-08-29T11:21
The outer aspect of all levels of creations corresponds to each level's inner aspect.
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462. Three states of Man from 2012-08-28T11:40
Continuing with the previous discussion, we can now better understand the three states of Man - before the sin, after the sin, and free of sin.
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461. Levels of effect from 2012-08-27T10:46
The consequences of man's actions are far reaching and all-encompassing. Within mankind, there are different levels of effect that are defined by a number of factors.
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460. Two divisions of Evil from 2012-08-26T10:39
There are two subdivisions of Evil. The first is the aspect of relative lowliness, which does not per se denote intrinsic lack. The second is the aspect of imperfection that requires rectification.
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459. Two aspects of Evil from 2012-08-23T11:04
Evil, at its essence, is bad. In the larger scheme, it serves the purpose of a much greater Good.
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458. Evil's good role from 2012-08-22T11:17
At the beginning, evil is bad in and of itself. In the broader scheme, however, there are numerous ways that it is revealed as being good.
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457. Humankind's pivotal role from 2012-08-21T10:29
We discuss the pivotal role of humankind as the moving force in all of reality.
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456. Summation of the concept of Evil from 2012-08-19T10:38
We complete the idea of the concept of Evil, and give a summation.
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455. Relative perfection from 2012-08-17T14:50
If something is lacking, it can still be referred to as good if it has relative perfection. It is only when the imperfections multiply that the realm of Evil comes into being.
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454. Limits of Evil from 2012-08-16T10:30
Evil, which is represented by imperfections in reality, is ultimately destined to get stronger until it is destroyed.
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453. Revealing the hidden Influx from 2012-08-15T10:38
The hidden influx is ultimately meant to be revealed, and all of history is cycling toward that direction.
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452. Hidden Influx from 2012-08-14T16:16
Even the concept of potential and actual were new ideas that did not exist prior to creation. The influx of Good, which is pure Holiness, had to be hidden within the physical reality we see.
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451. Good and lack of Good II from 2012-08-12T15:58
We explore how it is that evil seems to have a positive existence if it is nothing more than a lack of Good.
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442. Stages of body and soul from 2012-07-31T10:34
In order to understand the different stages the world goes through, we need to understand the body and soul respectively, as well as how they come together.
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441. Beyond Description from 2012-07-30T10:54
The different names that we use to refer to God are not a representation of His essence, but rather a reflection of the way He interacts with us. At His essence, no name applies. We can speak about...
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440. Names and perfection from 2012-07-27T13:31
The different names that we use to refer to God are not a representation of His essence, but rather a reflection of the way He interacts with us. At His essence, no name applies. We can speak about...
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439. Reflecting the Divine II from 2012-07-26T11:24
Both the physical and spiritual aspects of the human being reflect a higher spiritual truth.
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438. Reflecting the Divine from 2012-07-25T11:15
Both the physical and spiritual aspects of the human being reflect a higher spiritual truth.
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437. Choosing Spirituality II from 2012-07-24T11:34
Man is given an opportunity to choose between giving strength to his physical desires, or stregthening his spiritual aspects, bringing more light of Hashem into his life.
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436. Choosing Spirituality from 2012-07-23T11:13
Man is given an opportunity to choose between giving strength to his physical desires, or stregthening his spiritual aspects, bringing more light of Hashem into his life.
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435. Body and Soul IV from 2012-07-22T11:03
Man is given an opportunity to choose between giving strength to his physical desires, or stregthening his spiritual aspects, bringing more light of Hashem into his life.
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434. Body and Soul III from 2012-06-18T14:13
We continue exploring the concept of body and soul.
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433. Benefit of the soul from 2012-05-23T10:58
In the previous podcasts we discussed the benefit of the body through the arrangement of the body and soul being joined. Now we try to understand the benefit the soul receives.
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432. Body and Soul II from 2012-05-23T10:44
We continue with our discussion of the concept of the revival of the dead. In order to understand its underpinnings, we start off with the question of why Hashem created us with both a physical bod...
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431. Body and Soul from 2012-05-22T18:34
We begin a discussion of the concept of the revival of the dead. In order to understand its underpinnings, we start off with the question of why Hashem created us with both a physical body and spir...
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430. Hashem's Joy and Honor from 2012-05-22T18:19
In order for Hashem to create the world, He created the conceptual space within which reality could exist.
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429. Space for reality from 2012-05-14T14:05
In order for Hashem to create the world, He created the conceptual space within which reality could exist.
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428. Hidden Love II from 2012-04-22T14:05
Embedded within every interaction Hashem has with His world, whether it seems good or bad on the surface, is an inner aspect of Hidden Love.
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427. Hidden Love from 2012-04-17T13:31
Embedded within every interaction Hashem has with His world, whether it seems good or bad on the surface, is an inner aspect of Hidden Love.
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426. Two paths of interaction II from 2012-04-16T13:34
The two ways Hashem interacts with us are with Mishpat and Yichud. Mishpat is where there is reward and punishment and we are treated according to our ways. Yichud is the higher aspect of Hashem's ...
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425. Two paths of interaction from 2012-02-28T10:57
The two ways Hashem interacts with us are with Mishpat and Yichud. Mishpat is where there is reward and punishment and we are treated according to our ways. Yichud is the higher aspect of Hashem's ...
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424. Limited time of hiddenness from 2012-02-14T15:24
We discuss the limitation on this period of time when Hashem hides His unity, which is the time period we now are experiencing.
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423. Time of hiddenness from 2012-01-31T21:37
We discuss the period of time when Hashem hides His unity, which is the time period we now are experiencing.
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422. Limits of understanding II from 2012-01-23T16:06
All the references we make to God are just that - references. They do not describe His ineffable Essence, nor is it something we can grasp.
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421. Limits of understanding from 2012-01-22T17:41
All the references we make to God are just that - references. They do not describe His ineffable Essence, nor is it something we can grasp.
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420. Two aspects of reality from 2012-01-20T13:31
One aspect of reality is the possibility of Free Will which was created by God hiding His face. The other is that reality has two phases that must occur, whether we make use of our free will, or no...
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419. Mankind's rectification from 2012-01-19T17:23
Mankind's rectification will ultimately be accomplished with the coming of Moshiach.
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418. Adam's mistake from 2012-01-18T11:28
Adam's job was to remove the aspect of evil on the level of thought, by remaining true to his faith in God's word.
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417. Revealing Unity from 2012-01-17T11:28
Whenever we remove the illusion of otherness from God, we reveal His absolute Unity.
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416. 'Hidden Face' from 2012-01-16T12:44
The concept of Hashem 'hiding His Face' is that anyplace where we see a lack, it is a lack of God's spiritual shine. Ultimately, this lack is to be removed at every level, revealing His Yichud-Unity.
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415. Unity vs. other attributes from 2012-01-15T21:36
We explore the significance of the fact that the concept of Unity is different from all other aspects of God's greatness.
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414. Infinite God, finite world from 2012-01-12T17:05
Although Hashem could have created the world in an Infinite way, corresponding to His Greatness, He nevertheless wanted His finite creations to relate to His workings, and thus made those workings ...
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413. Understanding God's Unity V from 2012-01-11T14:18
We continue to explore the true nature of God's Unity, which is represented by the way He interacts with reality, as the source of both Good and Evil.
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407. World of limitation from 2011-12-14T11:32
Hashem created the world in a finite manner, although His nature, as it were, is Infinite.
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406. Striving for perfection II from 2011-12-13T11:17
The concept of perfection, which is the goal of life, is expressed as enjoying the Presence of God. We can thus extrapolate what is considered a lack that must be filled, and what we are seeking to...
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405. Striving for perfection from 2011-12-12T11:26
We explore the concept of why man was created, and why he must earn his own reward.
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404. New Book - Da'as Tevunos from 2011-12-11T11:18
We begin a new book by Ramchal, entitled Da'as Tevunos. We begin to explore the concept of Hashem's Hashgacha, Divine guidance.
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403. Torah study from 2011-11-21T11:07
We complete the book Tomer Devorah with the concept of Torah study and the sefiros that come into play in the afternoon and evening.
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402. Entering the synagogue from 2011-11-20T10:49
Focusing on the sefiros that come into play as one enters the synagogue has incredible power to energize one's prayers.
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399. Maintaining Shechina from 2011-10-04T19:47
A person does not have the Divine Presence with him as long as he is not married.
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398. Proper fear of Hashem from 2011-10-03T00:49
Another aspect of Malchus is fear of Hashem. But this fear can not be a fear of punishment or Hell, rather the appropriate fear of Hashem's greatness.
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397. Two aspects of Malchus from 2011-09-25T12:00
One emulates the aspect of Malchus by makings oneself as a pauper. Also, by choosing to go into exile, one becomes a vehicle for the Divine Presence which is in exile.
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396. Rectifying Yesod from 2011-09-22T16:59
The rectification of Yesod comes with Shmiras Habris, using the male organ in the appropriate fashion.
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395. Supporting Torah from 2011-09-21T13:46
Netsach and Hod are the 'students' of Tiferes. To properly rectify this aspect, one is enjoined to support those who learn Torah.
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394. Humble Torah II from 2011-09-20T18:58
Tiferes is the aspect of Torah, which needs to be learned humbly, so the sefirah of Tiferes will not separate from the sefiros below it, but rather give over its influx properly.
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393. Tiferes - Humble Torah from 2011-09-19T15:26
Tiferes is the aspect of Torah, which needs to be learned humbly, so the sefirah of Tiferes will not separate from the sefiros below it, but rather give over its influx properly.
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392. Gevurah II from 2011-09-18T13:55
Gevurah is Hashem's attribute of withholding kindness. We emulate this aspect by generally employing our good inclination and 'sweetening' the evil inclination when we use it exclusively for positi...
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391. Gevurah from 2011-09-15T16:41
Gevurah is Hashem's attribute of withholding kindness. We emulate this aspect by generally employing our good inclination and 'sweetening' the evil inclination when we use it exclusively for positi...
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390. Charity for God from 2011-09-14T16:38
We continue speaking of ways we 'give to God,' with the concept of tzedakah, charity.
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389. Curing the Shechina's lovesickness from 2011-09-13T14:24
When we perform the commandments and learn Torah, it serves to cure the Shechina of its lovesickness.
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388. Removing the blocks from 2011-09-12T13:50
In doing chesed for others, we find a paradigm for 'doing kindness to our Creator.' This deep concept is explained at length.
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387. Kindness with Hashem from 2011-09-11T14:09
In doing chesed for others, we find a paradigm for 'doing kindness to our Creator.' This deep concept is explained at length.
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386. Chesed and Love from 2011-09-08T14:09
The next sefirah is Chesed, kindness. It is expressed in two aspects. One is a realization that all that happens is rooted in the Ultimate Good. The other is a desire to do good to God's creations.
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385. Bina and Teshuva II from 2011-09-07T10:34
We continue to discuss how Bina is the aspect of Teshuva, repentance, where one sweetens judgments, rectifying evil and bringing it back to its higher root.
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384. Bina and Teshuva from 2011-09-06T10:34
We discuss how Bina is the aspect of Teshuva, repentance, where one sweetens judgments, rectifying evil and bringing it back to its higher root.
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383. Chochma and compassion from 2011-09-05T10:34
An aspect of Chochma is that it acts like a father, having compassion on his son - the creations that are below it. Similarly, we are to have compassion on all of Hashem's creations.
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382. Chochma II from 2011-07-24T19:45
An aspect of Chochma is that it acts like a father, having compassion on his son - the creations that are below it. Similarly, we are to have compassion on all of Hashem's creations.
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381. Chochma from 2011-06-27T13:32
Chochma is the next sefirah after Keser. Its attribute has two aspects, one facing toward Keser, receiving, and one facing downward, giving.
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380. Developing humility II from 2011-06-26T12:12
Two methods of developing humility are by recognizing Hashem's great wisdom in all of His works, and by loving everyone, even the most evil person.
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379. Developing humility from 2011-06-12T12:58
The highest aspect of Keser is Anava - humility. It is this attribute which contributes to every good character trait within a person.
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377. Seeing good from 2011-05-29T12:47
We discuss the aspect of unconditional love in the eyes, nose and face.
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376. Appeasing anger from 2011-05-18T13:05
In Keser, no evil can enter, and all negative attributes are seen in a positive light. We can emulate this trait by having compassion on the angry, and by preventing ourselves from hearing a negati...
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375. Nothing is unimportant from 2011-05-17T11:14
Hashem views us through the lens of Keser, which treats every creation equally, from the greatest to least.
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374. Keser - humility from 2011-05-16T21:47
We now begin to enumerate the Sefiros, one by one, and explore the way Hashem interacts with us through them, so we can learn how to emulate His attributes.
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373. Recalling purity from 2011-05-15T11:41
We explore the twelfth and thirteenth attributes of Hashem's unconditional love, which are employed when a person has no personal merit, and Hashem has mercy on him, nonetheless.
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372. Responding fairly from 2011-05-11T13:37
We explore the tenth and eleventh of thirteen, which are two different ways Hashem responds to actions - one with strict fairness, and one with greater compassion.
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371. Cleansing power of difficulties II from 2011-05-10T12:45
In His infinite kindness, Hashem helps us clean off our sins through the difficulties we endure, and exacts judgment from those who act as the agents for that pain.
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370. Cleansing power of difficulties from 2011-05-09T16:13
In His infinite kindness, Hashem helps us clean off our sins through the difficulties we endure.
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369. Focusing on the positive from 2011-05-08T12:34
Hashem focuses on the efforts we put into our relationship, and separates that from the sins we commit, so that they do not detract from the relationship. Each aspect is taken care of separately.
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368. Relationship renewal II from 2011-05-04T13:03
Hashem renews His relationship with us, and after we have sinned and repented, we are closer to Him than we were before.
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367. Relationship renewal from 2011-05-03T13:12
Hashem renews His relationship with us, and after we have sinned and repented, we are closer to Him than we were before.
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366. Focusing on kindness from 2011-05-02T12:48
We are enjoined to emulate this attribute of Hashem, loving others unconditionally, and focusing on their positive aspects, instead of their negative aspects. This, in turn, gives them a chance to ...
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365. Collecting kindness from 2011-05-01T11:46
Hashem has angels collect the kindness we do, so that if there is a judgment against the people of Israel, heaven forbid, He will look at their kindness and forgive them.
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364. Letting go from 2011-04-27T11:46
The fifth attribute of Hashem's unconditional love is the fact that He does not hold onto His anger, even if the person does not repent, but rather, patiently waits for him to repent anyway.
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363. Relatives of Hashem from 2011-04-21T12:26
The fourth attribute of Hashem's unconditional love is the fact that He sees each and every Jew as an extension of Himself, a relative, and has love for each of us, as such. We also have a chance t...
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362. Cleaning sin from 2011-04-17T11:43
The third attribute of Hashem's unconditional love is the fact that He Personally cleans off the filth of our sin.
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361. Bearing sin from 2011-04-13T17:33
We continue with the second of thirteen attributes of Hashem's transcendental kindness, which is the fact that Hashem gives sustenance to the evil spiritual being that is created through sin, in or...
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360. Embarrassed King from 2011-04-12T09:10
We explore the first of thirteen attributes of Hashem's transcendental kindness, starting with the idea that He is an 'embarrassed king.' This denotes the fact that He is giving a person the very p...
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359. New book - Tomer Devorah from 2011-04-11T21:35
We begin the book Tomer Devorah, by R' Moshe Cordovero. In it, we will learn the concept of our obligation to emulate Hashem's attributes of kindness.
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358. Torah is the place of Hashem II from 2011-04-10T12:19
Those who learn Torah create a place for Hashem's presence to dwell in the lower realms, as it were.
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357. Torah is the place of Hashem from 2011-04-06T13:05
Where Torah is found, Hashem is found. The one who learns Torah gives sustenance to Divine inspiration.
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355. Torah is life from 2011-04-03T16:15
One who holds onto the Torah holds onto life itself.
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354. Torah is the antidote from 2011-03-30T14:00
The antidote for the evil inclination is the Torah.
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353. Torah rectifies from 2011-03-29T12:00
The soul of every Jew is rooted in a letter in the Torah, thus the study of Torah rectifies one's soul at the root.
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352. Torah atones III from 2011-03-28T14:33
Torah has a greater power to atone than sacrifices.
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351. Torah atones II from 2011-03-27T11:47
Torah has a greater power to atone than sacrifices.
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349. Mitzvah candle, Torah light II from 2011-03-23T12:15
The fulfillment of a mitzvah is compared to a candle, the light it shines is none other than the transcendent light of the Torah itself.
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348. Mitzvah candle, Torah light from 2011-03-22T12:32
The fulfillment of a mitzvah is compared to a candle, the light it shines is none other than the transcendent light of the Torah itself.
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347. Torah cures the body from 2011-03-17T16:35
Torah affects the entire body. Mitzvos affect singular limbs.
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346. Torah and mitzvos give life from 2011-03-16T12:34
Torah has a greater power to protect than mitzvos. Each one gives life force to the human being.
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345. Secret of secrets from 2011-03-15T13:30
Only one man ever had access the soul of the soul of the Torah, which is its highest, most secret aspect - Adam.
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344. Torah enclothed from 2011-03-14T14:49
As the Torah descends into our reality, it is enclothed in the language and concepts and stories of this reality, yet it still contains hints to the upper and inner realms in which it is rooted.
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343. Torah is pure holiness II from 2011-03-13T11:58
The Torah retains its absolute holiness, despite it being brought into a world which is thick and profane.
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335. Lack of Torah, lack of light from 2011-02-28T13:00
When the Jewish people are not learning Torah, the result is a weakening of reality.
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334. Hidden light from 2011-02-27T12:24
The one who learns Torah merits the hidden light that was stored away for the righteous at the time of Creation.
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333. Torah's shine from 2011-02-24T09:02
The one who learns Torah merits an otherworldly shine of spirituality.
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332. Prophets and scholars from 2011-02-23T12:49
One who learns the Torah actually has the ability to access a higher level than even a prophet can access, and merits Divine Inspiration.
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331. Torah is the Name from 2011-02-22T12:46
The Torah itself is the Name of Hashem that includes all names. Thus, when one learns the Torah, one attaches oneself to Hashem's Name.
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330. Torah raises you II from 2011-02-21T18:36
When Torah is learned lishma, for its own sake, it has the power to raise a person above nature.
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329. Torah raises you from 2011-02-20T13:29
When Torah is learned lishma, for its own sake, it has the power to raise a person above nature.
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328. Torah protects IV from 2011-02-17T14:29
The Torah protects a person so he does not have to suffer the fire of Hell.
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327. Torah protects III from 2011-02-16T12:44
The Torah protects a person so he does not have to suffer the fire of Hell.
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326. Honor follows Torah from 2011-02-15T08:48
The one who learns Torah for its sake receives honor, even though he runs away from it.
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325. Torah protects II from 2011-02-14T11:29
Torah also protects from the necessity to be overly involved in matters of livelihood, corresponding to how seriously one accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah.
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324. Torah protects from Evil from 2011-02-13T10:54
The learning of Torah has the ability to serve to protect us from all evil decrees and bodily harm. It also serves to raise us above the normative limitations of reality, into a place of transcende...
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323. Transcending with Torah from 2011-02-10T12:56
The learning of Torah has the ability to serve to protect us from all evil decrees and bodily harm. It also serves to raise us above the normative limitations of reality, into a place of transcende...
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319. Partners in creation from 2011-02-06T12:02
When one learns Torah and brings a new Torah concept into the world, the Zohar describes how one creates new worlds with that accomplishment, and becomes a partner in creation with Hashem, as it were.
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318. Holding up reality II from 2011-02-03T11:50
The learning of the Torah is what gives reality its continued existence.
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317. Holding up reality from 2011-02-02T12:54
The learning of the Torah is what gives reality its continued existence.
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316. Hashem, Torah and Yisrael from 2011-02-01T12:43
The Zohar states that Hakadosh Baruch Hu, the Torah and the people of Israel are one. Both the Torah and the people of Israel are bound into the original will of Hashem that preceded creation, and ...
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315. Torah, root of reality II from 2011-01-31T14:01
When one learns the Torah, he is cleaving directly to Hashem, as the Torah and Hashem are One. The Torah also represents the root of all of reality, as it was the first creation of Hashem, precedin...
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314. Torah, root of reality from 2011-01-30T10:42
When one learns the Torah, he is cleaving directly to Hashem, as the Torah and Hashem are One. The Torah also represents the root of all of reality, as it was the first creation of Hashem, precedin...
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313. Torah and Fear from 2011-01-26T13:04
The more a person learns Torah for the right reasons, the more one naturally imbibes the concept of fear of Hashem.
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312. Vessel for Torah from 2011-01-25T12:55
The fear of Hashem is the vessel in which one can store vast amounts of Torah.
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311. Cleaving to the Torah from 2011-01-24T13:58
Cleaving to the Torah has the net effect of cleaving to Hashem, as the Torah itself and Hashem are One.
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310. Fear of Hashem from 2011-01-23T16:50
A prerequisite for successful Torah study is fear of Hashem, and fear of sin. This means that, just like in any relationship, there must be a precondition of respect for the desires of the other pa...
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309. Torah's container from 2011-01-19T15:03
A prerequisite for successful Torah study is fear of Hashem, and fear of sin. This means that, just like in any relationship, there must be a precondition of respect for the desires of the other pa...
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308. Torah for its sake II from 2011-01-18T11:08
Learning Torah for its sake means learning for no other reason than one's deep love for Hashem and His Torah.
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307. Torah for its sake from 2011-01-17T12:24
We begin to try to understand the concept of Torah lishma - learning Torah for its own sake.
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306. Torah and mussar from 2011-01-16T12:28
The Nefesh Hachaim points out the mistake of those who only involve themselves in working on their character without focusing on the main thing, which is Torah.
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305. Fourth gate - Torah from 2011-01-12T17:54
We begin the fourth section of Nefesh Hachaim, which speaks about the greatness of learning Torah.
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304. Still more wiles II from 2011-01-11T18:31
We explore the next trick of the evil inclination, as he tries to take a person away from meticulous Mitzvah observance.
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303. Still more wiles from 2011-01-10T17:07
We explore the next trick of the evil inclination, as he tries to take a person away from meticulous Mitzvah observance.
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302. More wiles from 2011-01-09T17:01
We explore the next trick of the evil inclination, as he tries to take a person away from meticulous Mitzvah observance.
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301. Prayer's efficacy II from 2011-01-05T18:35
While proper intent is important for the highest levels of prayer, one fulfills his obligation even without it.
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300. Prayer's efficacy from 2011-01-04T18:13
While proper intent is important for the highest levels of prayer, one fulfills his obligation even without it.
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299. Raw act of mitzvah from 2011-01-03T20:45
The raw act of the mitzvah itself is the main part of the fulfillment. The thoughts one attaches to it are only secondary.
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298. Yetzer Hara's wiles from 2011-01-02T17:57
Another trick is that the evil inclination has a person believe that the focus should only be on purity of heart, and tricks him to miss the proper time of the mitzvah or prayer.
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297. Yetzer Hara's masquerade from 2010-12-29T18:28
One of the tricks of the evil inclination is that he passes himself off as the good inclination.
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296. The greater they are... from 2010-12-28T17:09
The more one has worked on his level of purity and holiness, the greater is his need to be careful not to be ensnared in the trap of the evil inclination of putting others down.
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295. Embarrassing Torah scholars from 2010-12-27T18:25
Embarrassing Torah scholars is a horrible sin, and it incurs great spiritual destruction. Even if the person is learning Torah with the wrong intents, by putting him down, great spiritual destructi...
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294. Torah Lishma from 2010-12-26T22:56
While learning Torah lishma, for the right reasons, is a great level, even learning for the wrong reasons is considered a great thing, as it can eventually bring one to learn for the right reasons.
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293. Be careful of pride II from 2010-12-23T18:28
One must be careful not to look down upon others who may not be on the same level of service of Hashem. Doing so constitutes an incredible sin.
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292. Be careful of pride from 2010-12-22T17:09
Even when one is climbing to the greatest spiritual heights with the tools the Nefesh Hachaim has provided, once must be keenly aware of his capacity for pride, and be careful not to fall into its ...
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291. Intent for Torah and prayer from 2010-12-21T08:59
We end the third gate with an understanding of the proper intent one should have in prayer and Torah learning - completely nullifying oneself and all of reality to Hashem's overarching Oneness.
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290. Emulating the forefathers from 2010-12-21T00:34
There was a fundamental difference between the quality of Moshe's prophecy as opposed to the prophecy of the forefathers, and it involved a perception of the higher essence (Yud-kei-vav-kei) as opp...
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289. Moshe's prophecy from 2010-12-19T17:42
There was a fundamental difference between the quality of Moshe's prophecy as opposed to the prophecy of the forefathers, and it involved a perception of the higher essence (Yud-kei-vav-kei) as opp...
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288. Afar, Efer, and Parah from 2010-12-16T17:42
There was a fundamental difference between the quality of Moshe's prophecy as opposed to the prophecy of the forefathers, and it involved a perception of the higher essence (Yud-kei-vav-kei) as opp...
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287. The forefathers and Moshe from 2010-12-15T17:10
There was a fundamental difference between the quality of Moshe's prophecy as opposed to the prophecy of the forefathers, and it involved a perception of the higher essence (Yud-kei-vav-kei) as opp...
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286. Performing miracles from 2010-12-14T17:11
The meditation on Ain od milvado also has the ability to aid one in doing miracles, because, from Hashem's perspective, there is no difference between nature and the supernatural.
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285. Ain Od Milvado meditation from 2010-12-13T17:12
When one meditates on the concept of Ain od milvado - that Hashem is all there is - this has the intense power to subvert any evil plans and to act as a strong protection from evil.
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284. Powers of holiness from 2010-12-12T20:31
Black magic has the power to subvert the powers of the stars and the zodiac, but the powers of holiness are higher, and can not be subverted. The very power of Black magic is ultimately rooted in t...
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283. Black magic from 2010-12-09T17:34
We explore the concept of black magic, and how it works to subvert the laws of nature.
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282. Hashem's Kingship from 2010-12-08T15:47
Shema represents the Unity of the two aspects we are discussing. We also discuss the statement that follows - Baruch Shem.
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281. Baruch Shem from 2010-12-07T16:51
Shema represents the Unity of the two aspects we are discussing. We also discuss the statement that follows - Baruch Shem.
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280. Now and later from 2010-12-06T18:20
At the current time, we do not perceive Hashem as the root of everything. In the future world, however, we will.
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279. Words of Hashem from 2010-12-05T19:00
The roots of everything are the original ten statements of Hashem when He created the world. These are not perceptible now, in our current state, but will be perceived in the future.
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278. Roots of reality II from 2010-12-01T15:56
Everything in this world is rooted in the upper realms. They, in turn, are rooted in the realms above them, reaching back to the highest worlds which are composed of the four-letter name of Hashem.
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277. Roots of reality from 2010-11-30T17:25
Everything in this world is rooted in the upper realms. They, in turn, are rooted in the realms above them, reaching back to the highest worlds which are composed of the four-letter name of Hashem.
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276. Hashem and Elokim II from 2010-11-29T20:41
We discuss further the difference between these two names.
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275. Worship of man as idolatry from 2010-11-28T16:24
We continue our discussion of the concept of idolatry and the roots of the mistake, including the worship of a man as an idol.
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274. Mistake of idolatry from 2010-11-25T18:08
We continue our discussion of the concept of idolatry and the roots of the mistake.
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273. Hashem and Elokim from 2010-11-24T17:30
We explore the two aspects as they are expressed in the two different names that are mainly used in the Torah to refer to God. We also begin a discussion of the concept of idolatry and the roots of...
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272. Utilizing Tzimtzum from 2010-11-21T17:37
We can and should utilize the concept of Hashem's absolute unity in our prayers and in the recitation of Shema.
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271. Thinking beyond from 2010-11-18T18:16
We are forbidden to think about the reality of Hashem's Oneness from His perspective, but we are permitted and obligated to understand that the concept exists.
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270. Tzimtzum and the kav IV from 2010-11-17T22:33
Although the tzimtzum is the concealment of Hashem's essential Unity that fills all of creation, we perceive the hiddenness differently in different places.
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269. Tzimtzum and the kav III from 2010-11-15T22:49
Although the tzimtzum is the concealment of Hashem's essential Unity that fills all of creation, we perceive the hiddenness differently in different places.
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268. Tzimtzum and the kav II from 2010-11-14T17:06
The Nefesh Hachaim explains that the tzimtzum represents the concealment of Hashem's essence, the aspect of which is His absolute imminence. The kav is the perception we have of higher and lower as...
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267. Tzimtzum and the kav from 2010-11-11T21:20
The two aspects we have been discussing correspond to the concept of the constriction (tzimtzum) and the ray of light (kav) that are discussed at length in the works of the Ari z'l.
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266. From our perspective II from 2010-11-10T20:49
All of the service of Hashem that we do is predicated on the fact that we have separate existence and that there are differences between places. The higher reality of Hashem's absolute Unity is one...
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265. From our perspective from 2010-11-09T15:52
All of the service of Hashem that we do is predicated on the fact that we have separate existence and that there are differences between places. The higher reality of Hashem's absolute Unity is one...
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264. Hakadosh Baruch Hu from 2010-11-08T16:48
We see how the name Hakadosh Baruch Hu reflects the two aspects of the paradox of Hashem's interaction with reality.
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263. Paradoxical perspectives from 2010-11-07T18:33
From Hashem's perspective there is nothing but Him. At the same time, from our perspective there is separate existence.
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262. Hashem is unchanging from 2010-11-04T19:41
Just as the soul fills every part of the body, both the pure and impure parts, and is unaffected by them, so too, Hashem fills every aspect of His creation, and yet He is not affected or changed by...
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261. A matter of perspective from 2010-11-03T22:08
We continue to explore the paradox of the fact that although Hashem fills all the worlds equally, nevertheless there are different aspects within His interaction with them.
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260. Differences between worlds from 2010-11-02T16:42
We explore the paradox of the fact that although Hashem fills all the worlds equally, nevertheless there are different aspects within His interaction with them.
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259. Hashem is All II from 2010-11-01T21:30
When speaking of Hashem's Oneness with all of creation, we must understand this in concept, but not lose sight of the paradoxical reality of our separateness.
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258. Hashem is All from 2010-10-31T17:30
Our discussion of Hashem as the Place leads us to the concept that Hashem is All - all is included in his absolute oneness.
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257. Hashem and soul from 2010-10-28T20:34
Our chazal compare the way the soul interacts with the body to how Hashem interacts with the world. We study the analogy and the differences.
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256. Understanding Hamakom III from 2010-10-27T20:53
We continue to explore the concept of Hashem as The Place.
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255. Understanding Hamakom II from 2010-10-26T16:29
The Nefesh Hachaim quotes from Sefer Yetzirah where the term Makom (Place) is used.
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254. Understanding Hamakom from 2010-10-25T17:31
We explore two understandings of the name of Hashem 'Hamakom.' The first is the simple understanding, and the second is the deeper understanding.
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253. Hamakom - The Place from 2010-10-24T17:12
We begin the third section of the book Nefesh Hachaim, where R' Volozhin begins to explain the concept of Hashem as the Place of the world.
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252. Final word on prayer II from 2010-10-21T16:58
Based on all we have explained, the Nefesh Hachaim gives us the final word on the intent of the prayers.
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251. Final word on prayer from 2010-10-21T16:57
Based on all we have explained, the Nefesh Hachaim gives us the final word on the intent of the prayers.
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250. Knesses Yisrael from 2010-10-20T21:46
The concept of Knesses Yisrael is that exalted point in the higher reality where all the souls of the Jewish people join as one.
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249. Higher aspects of soul II from 2010-10-19T17:29
We continue our discussion of the higher aspects of the soul which we will have access to in the times of the revival of the dead, when we have returned to the state of Adam Harishon before the sin.
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248. Higher aspects of soul from 2010-10-18T17:51
There is a higher aspect of soul that we have not yet discussed, which is called the 'soul of the soul,' or 'chaya.' Still higher is the aspect called yechida. These were levels that we do not have...
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247. Reconnecting the soul II from 2010-10-17T17:19
By using the prayer properly, one has the ability to reconnect the three aspects of the soul that correspond to the three aspects of the words of the prayer, as well as the aspects of thought, spee...
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246. Reconnecting the soul from 2010-10-14T18:41
By using the prayer properly, one has the ability to reconnect the three aspects of the soul that correspond to the three aspects of the words of the prayer, as well as the aspects of thought, spee...
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245. 'Tanta' III from 2010-10-13T17:11
We continue to discuss the concept of 'tanta.' This is reference to the spiritual levels associated with different aspects of the letters, their 'crowns,' their vowels, and their musical notes.
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244. 'Tanta' II from 2010-10-12T15:59
We continue to discuss the concept of 'tanta.' This is reference to the spiritual levels associated with different aspects of the letters, their 'crowns,' their vowels, and their musical notes.
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243. 'Tanta' from 2010-10-11T16:26
We discuss the concept of 'tanta.' This is reference to the spiritual levels associated with different aspects of the letters, their 'crowns,' their vowels, and their musical notes.
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242. Soul splinters from 2010-10-07T11:27
We explore the concept that the soul can be seen from two perspectives - the greater whole, as well as its composite parts. One needs to make use of both aspects in order to come into a full relati...
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241. Drawing down light from 2010-10-06T12:47
We study the two aspects of the soul - the more general, encompassing aspect; as opposed to the specific aspects that make up the greater whole. Both of these can be a conduit to attach one's desir...
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240. All of your soul from 2010-10-05T22:44
We see that there are two possible explanations of the concept of 'all of your soul.'
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239. Pouring out the soul II from 2010-10-04T20:22
When a person completely removes himself from the world, focusing on the prayer and his connection to God, he can remove himself from his body, experiencing the ultimate connection to Hashem.
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238. Pouring out the soul from 2010-10-03T11:13
When a person completely removes himself from the world, focusing on the prayer and his connection to God, he can remove himself from his body, experiencing the ultimate connection to Hashem.
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237. Unifying prayer II from 2010-09-26T14:25
Prayer has the power to unify the upper and lower levels of reality, and does so starting from the lower worlds to the upper worlds.
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236. Unifying prayer from 2010-09-22T16:26
Prayer has the power to unify the upper and lower levels of reality, and does so starting from the lower worlds to the upper worlds.
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235. Prayer is soul from 2010-09-21T15:58
We explore the idea that prayer and soul are synonymous.
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234. Visualize the words from 2010-09-20T20:31
The Nefesh Hachaim shares a powerful meditation on the Amidah prayer, where one visualizes the word being said, activating its spiritual power.
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233. Clear the mind for prayer from 2010-09-16T18:28
The Nefesh Hachaim teaches us the proper approach to prayer.
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232. Chana, Moshe, Eliyahu from 2010-09-15T20:28
We see three examples of prayer that were completely for the sake of Hashem's pain - Chana, Moshe, and Eliyahu.
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231. Hashem is our Father from 2010-09-14T17:53
There are two levels of pain that Hashem has in the process of our sin and subsequent punishment, which are analogous to a father's pain in seeing the dangerous accident of his son.
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230. Transforming sin to merit from 2010-09-13T18:25
The pain we undergo as we have difficulties has the power to transform our sin into merit.
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228. Sweetening the bitter from 2010-09-06T17:29
When one feels the pain that Hashem feels along with oneself, it has the power to sweeten the bitterness of ones situation.
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227. Hashem's Tefillin V from 2010-09-05T17:29
We continue to explore the depths of the idea of Hashem's tefillin.
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226. Hashem's Tefillin IV from 2010-08-27T18:35
We continue to explore the depths of the idea of Hashem's tefillin.
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225. Hashem's Tefillin III from 2010-08-24T18:35
We continue to explore the depths of the idea of Hashem's tefillin.
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224. Hashem's Tefillin II from 2010-08-15T17:02
We explore the depths of the idea of Hashem's tefillin.
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223. Secrets of Tefillin II from 2010-08-11T17:17
We continue to examine the secret depths of the concept of Tefilin.
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222. Secrets of Tefillin from 2010-08-09T16:21
We examine the secret depths of the concept of Tefilin.
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221. Hashem's Tefillin from 2010-08-08T17:34
The Nefesh Hachaim explains how the pain that Hashem experiences, as it were, in His 'head' and 'arm' are reference to the Tefillin He wears on His head and arm. These represent His relationship wi...
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220. Two types of proper prayer from 2010-08-06T17:26
The two types of prayer are illustrated in a mishna in Rosh Hashana, one which involves a desecration of Hashem's name, and one which only involves pain.
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219. Praying during difficulties from 2010-08-05T12:28
How does one pray to remove the difficulties he undergoes if they are actually the bitter pill he needs to swallow to have a spiritual recovery?
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218. God feels our pain from 2010-08-04T16:06
We continue to explore the proper intent that one should have in his prayers, not just for his own needs, but also for Hashem's needs, as it were.
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217. Rosh Hashana prayers from 2010-08-03T21:36
The entire prayer of Rosh Hashana explicitly focuses on our desire for Hashem's revelation in the world to be complete, not on our own personal needs.
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216. Praying for God's sake from 2010-08-02T21:21
Even a personal prayer can be directed so that it is prayed for Hashem's sake.
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215. Selfless love from 2010-08-01T11:48
When one shows his absolute selfless devotion, Hashem responds by forgiving all of his sins.
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214. Soldiers of Hashem from 2010-07-28T13:02
The ideal intent when praying is to bring down the blessings and holiness from above, to focus on the honor of Hashem, and to put one's own needs on hoThe ideal intent when praying is to bring down...
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213. Reflective voices II from 2010-07-27T12:01
The sound of our voice in prayer produces a reflective spiritual voice that connects above to below.
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212. Reflective voices from 2010-07-26T12:10
The sound of our voice in prayer produces a reflective spiritual voice that connects above to below.
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211. Personal prayer from 2010-07-25T15:00
The power of each word of the prayer is inestimable, but what about the personal petitions of each individual?
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210. Prayers of the righteous from 2010-07-23T11:19
Our sages tell us that Hashem desires the prayers of the righteous. This is because they help Hashem, as it were, to fulfill His purpose and desire to bring goodness to the world.
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209. Elders and prophets from 2010-07-22T13:16
The prayers were composed by one hundred and twenty great sages who were blessed with Divine Inspiration and prophecy, so the words were carefully chosen to have the most profound spiritual impact ...
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208. Effective prayer from 2010-07-21T12:16
The prayers were composed by one hundred and twenty great sages who were blessed with Divine Inspiration and prophecy, so the words were carefully chosen to have the most profound spiritual impact ...
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207. Building worlds from 2010-07-19T11:53
Through prayer and Torah study, one becomes a partner with God in creating spiritual and physical worlds.
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206. Man's table from 2010-07-18T22:05
A man's table atones for him like the sacrifices did in the Temple.
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205. Two types of sacrifice from 2010-07-16T16:53
We explore the two purposes of the sacrifices.
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204. Sacrifice and soul from 2010-07-15T12:46
There are four levels within sacrifice that correspond to four levels in the soul of man.
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203. Mechanics of sacrifice from 2010-07-14T12:20
The sacrifices involve a rectification at every level of existence - inanimate, plant life, animal, and human.
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202. Connecting to the Source from 2010-07-13T13:58
The sacrifices connect our physical world to the spiritual worlds above.
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201. Hashem's bread from 2010-07-12T12:33
How does the Torah refer to the sacrifices as Hashem's Bread?
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200. Sustaining the universe from 2010-07-11T22:17
The Zohar explains the secret behind the law that one should pray first and eat later.
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199. Jacob's prayer from 2010-07-09T14:55
We see the idea of prayer being connected to sustenance in the story of Jacob and the blessings, as explained in the Zohar.
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198. Prayer and sacrifice from 2010-07-09T13:10
We see a parallel between prayer and the sacrifices of the temple, that both serve to bring spiritual sustenance to the world.
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197. Vehicle for blessings from 2010-07-09T13:08
When one intends to bring down spiritual sustenance through his Torah and fulfillment of the commandments, he acts as a vehicle for blessings, and thereby receives them as well.
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196. Expelling evil from 2010-02-23T14:08
The evil is ultimately expelled either through the difficulties the Jewish people undergo, or by their teshuva (repentance).
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195. Bearing evil forces from 2010-02-23T14:04
Hashem bears the evil, as it were, slowly allowing for it to be expelled from the spiritual realms through the difficulties of the Jewish people. These very difficulties are spread throughout time ...
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194. Evil's sustenance from 2010-02-22T22:04
The spiritual worlds are affected by our deeds, whether positive or negative. Just as waste needs to be removed from the body, so too the negative deeds of the Jewish people create a product call '...
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193. Esav's food, Yakov's food from 2010-02-02T20:46
Yitzchak saw something in Esav that was mesmerizing. What was it? What did Yakov have that surpassed it?
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192. Bad spiritual nutrition from 2009-12-25T13:34
The negative deeds that a person does, Heaven forbid, act just like food that is damaging to the body, only on a much more global scale, as they affect the entire universe.
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191. Bread of Hashem from 2009-12-23T18:46
We explore in depth why the world was created in a state that requires nutrition, both physical and spiritual.
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190. Ancient spiritual wine from 2009-12-21T11:53
Adam ate purified food in the Garden of Eden, which was completely spiritual. One of the delicacies was a special wine that is also reserved for the righteous in the World to Come.
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189. Purifying food from 2009-12-18T12:45
It is our obligation to purify and uplift the food we eat by having the proper intentions as we say the blessings over the food. This in turn purifies ourselves and the whole world.
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188. Grain and chaff from 2009-12-17T12:29
We explore the concept that food has a nutritious aspect and a waste aspect, which is a result of the sin of Adam Harishon.
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187. Soul food II from 2009-12-16T22:09
We learn that food has two aspects to it, the physical and the spiritual aspect. The physical aspect sustains the physical part of a person, whereas the spiritual aspect sustains the person's spiri...
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186. Soul food from 2009-12-16T21:13
We explore numerous places where the food discussed in the verses is actually reference to Torah and mitzvos, which are the 'food' of the world.
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185. Nourishing connection from 2009-12-14T15:35
We discuss further the comparison between the soul-body connection and the God-world connection, in relation to the concept of food as it nourishes the body, but does not directly benefit the soul.
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184. Shiur Komah from 2009-12-13T13:28
We explore the concept of Shiur Komah, the 'measure of the structure' of the spiritual realm, and the structure of Man that parallels it.
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183. Hakadosh baruch hu and Neshama from 2009-12-11T11:28
Our sages speak of a parallel between the soul's relationship to the body and Hashem's relationship to the world.
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182. Bring down the Divine influx from 2009-12-10T11:23
The blessings bring down influx, but when one disregards the blessings, he prevents Hashem from giving His goodness to the world.
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181. Connect and purify from 2009-12-09T13:45
The power of the blessings, of prayer and of fulfilling the commandments is that it purifies all the worlds and connects them to the one performing the acts.
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180. Havaya and Elokim from 2009-12-08T12:18
Even a name like Elokim must be used with care, since it can refer to other forces that Hashem has given power to.
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179. Take care when praying from 2009-12-07T18:00
Since we are praying to His essence, and not to His names, we must be extremely careful to have the right intentions during prayer.
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178. To Whom are we praying? from 2009-12-06T12:15
To whom exactly are we praying? To Hashem's essence, or to His names?
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177. Hashem as King from 2009-11-23T17:42
We discuss the concept that Hashem wanted to interact with His creations, and bestow His goodness upon them.
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176. Talking to Hashem from 2009-11-16T12:34
We discuss the fact that the blessings contain an element of speaking directly to Hashem, but at the same time contain an element of reference to Him in the third person.
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175. Seeing Hashem II from 2009-10-27T12:34
We discuss what it means that Hashem, at His unknowable essence, does not interact - due to the all inclusive unified nature of that essence. We also explore the idea that the Jewish people is plac...
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174. Seeing Hashem from 2009-10-26T16:00
Each of the names of Hashem corresponds to a different element of His conceptual spiritual 'body,' which we can understand by looking at our own.
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173. Names of Hashem II from 2009-10-25T22:23
Each of the names of Hashem denotes a different interaction with the world.
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172. Names of Hashem from 2009-10-19T22:23
When we speak of the blessing we give Hashem, we can only speak of Hashem's names, but not His essence.
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171. Blessing Hashem from 2009-10-18T22:23
How is it possible to bless Hashem if Hashem has everything?
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170. Levels of devotion from 2009-10-16T15:51
We see that there are different levels of focus in prayer, and each has a different affect on one's soul and on the levels of reality.
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169. Service of the heart from 2009-10-15T23:13
We begin a new section of the sefer Nefesh Hachaim, and begin our discussion of prayer. We learn that prayer is to be done with all of one's heart and all of one's soul.
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168. Understanding the depths from 2009-10-14T16:45
We see that the action of a commandment has the power to rectify, irrespective of its accompanying intentions. We therefore need to understand what advantage is gained in understanding what rectifi...
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167. Talmud and tradition from 2009-10-13T17:30
We explore how a sage, using the tools given over by tradition itself, can expound and expand upon the tradition.
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166. Moshe's vision II from 2009-10-07T18:07
A later prophet could not introduce new laws unless there was a root in the Torah itself, nor could he suspend a law, unless it was on a temporary basis.
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165. Moshe's vision from 2009-10-06T13:42
Moshe's vision was on such an exalted plane that it would be impossible to ever contravert.
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164. Before and after Sinai from 2009-10-05T16:54
We discuss the difference between the Torah before it was given and after.
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163. Torah Pre-Sinai from 2009-10-01T20:26
We discuss the mysterious concept of the keeping of the Torah before it was given.
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162. Torah purifies from 2009-09-30T20:43
Just as a mikvah has the power to purify, so too the torah completely purifies when approached with the correct intentions.
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161. Torah's light from 2009-09-29T10:01
King David spoke of the Torah in a way that clearly echoes the concept of Teshuva as bringing down the supernal light.
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160. Adam's atonement from 2009-09-27T16:36
We see that the special sacrifice Adam Harishon brought to atone for his sin brings out the very concept we have been discussing.
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159. Filling God's Name from 2009-09-25T18:00
We discuss the different ways of 'filling' God's name, and what each represents in the revelation of His Light.
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158. Yehey Shmei Rabbah from 2009-09-24T16:47
The prayer 'yehey shmei rabbah' has tremendous power to take away the darkness of sin, in much the same way we have understood the concept of Teshuva.
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157. Light of repentance from 2009-09-23T16:20
We explore the details of repentance, and how it brings the light down to shine upon the darkness created by sin.
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156. Key to the palace from 2009-09-22T18:40
There is an intriguing parable that speaks of a king who is concerned with losing his key to the palace. Find out more in this episode!
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155. Universal connections from 2009-09-21T15:12
Corresponding to our discussion of soul connections, we have similar connections and disconnections on the universal scale as well.
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154. Soul connections from 2009-09-18T17:00
Just as one reattaches his nefesh to his ruach, he can rectify the blemish in his ruach by accessing the level above, which is neshama.
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153. Teshuva - repentance II from 2009-09-17T17:32
Through teshuva, one reattaches the lower levels of his soul (nefesh) to the higher levels (ruach).
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152. Teshuva - repentance from 2009-09-16T13:02
The structure we have built to understand the levels of the soul will also give us a depth in understanding the concept of Teshuva.
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151. From Hashem's mouth from 2009-09-15T18:25
When the Jewish people stood at Sinai, they received the Torah from Hashem's mouth. This meant that they accessed a sublime level of Spiritual revelation.
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150. Torah gives existence from 2009-09-15T09:39
The Torah binds the Jewish people to God and thereby gives continued existence to the world.
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149. Kedusha - holiness vs. wholeness from 2009-09-14T12:28
In order to access spirituality through the Torah, it must be done through kedusha - holiness. The concept of holiness in Judaism, however, is quite different from the way we are used to hearing it.
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148. The World's Neshama II from 2009-09-10T21:40
Just as the Neshama of a human being sends down its sparks but does not actually enter the body, similarly the Neshama of the world does not enter into the world, but rather sends down its sparks. ...
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147. The World's Neshama from 2009-08-05T11:12
Just as the Neshama of a human being sends down its sparks but does not actually enter the body, similarly the Neshama of the world does not enter into the world, but rather sends down its sparks. ...
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146. Neshama and Ruach from 2009-08-05T10:32
The Neshama's lowest levels actually correspond to the highest levels of the Ruach, which enter and leave the body.
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145. Neshama's effects from 2009-08-04T13:12
Here we see the effects of the third level of the soul, called Neshama. Although it is not completely in the body, its effects are felt, specifically in our understanding of the deeper secrets of t...
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144. Moshe, man of Elokim from 2009-08-02T12:42
Moshe was called the man of Elokim because he merited to have his Neshama completely in his body.
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143. Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama from 2009-07-31T00:12
We begin to understand the concepts of the different levels of the soul and how they relate to man - Nefesh, ruach and neshama.
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142. Action, speech, thought from 2009-07-29T19:08
Here we understand the connection between these three aspects of human interaction and their corresponding levels in the soul.
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141. Sight and thought from 2009-07-28T14:42
There is a profound connection between sight and thought that is here explored.
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140. Thought and action from 2009-07-27T17:54
The effect of an action on the spiritual worlds is dependent on the accompanying thought.
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139. Higher souls, Higher effects from 2009-07-26T15:07
Depending on a person's spiritual stature, the effects of his actions, words and thoughts will be different.
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130. Light of repentance from 2009-04-17T15:41
The spiritual level one experiences for all time is a direct result of the actions he has done, and the effects he has had on the spiritual realms.
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129. Measure for measure from 2009-04-05T17:12
The spiritual level one experiences for all time is a direct result of the actions he has done, and the effects he has had on the spiritual realms.
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128. Experiencing the Divine II from 2009-04-02T14:19
The spiritual level one experiences for all time is a direct result of the actions he has done, and the effects he has had on the spiritual realms.
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127. Experiencing the Divine from 2009-03-31T17:17
The spiritual level one experiences for all time is a direct result of the actions he has done, and the effects he has had on the spiritual realms.
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79. The prayer service from 2008-11-26T19:40
Ramchal teaches us the concepts of the prayer service.
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77. Order of the day from 2008-11-13T17:40
We begin to understand the depth of the first routines of the morning, starting with washing of the hands and putting on tzitzis.
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76. Day and Light from 2008-11-12T17:40
The Jew's day consists of many actions that may be taken for granted. The Ramchal begins to explain their depth.
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75. Power of Prayer II from 2008-10-15T22:45
More on the power of prayer, its function and purpose.
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73. Daily Renewal from 2008-10-08T05:21
The blessings before and after the Shema give us pause to contemplate the daily renewal of creation.
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72. Exodus from 2008-10-07T06:35
We continue with the explanation of the three paragraphs of Shema and their focus and meditation.
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71. Revealing His Honor from 2008-10-03T01:57
Here the Ramchal explains the second line of Shema and why we say it quietly.
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70. Understanding sacrifice from 2008-09-22T17:38
The concept of readiness to sanctify God's name is here explained.
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69. Ultimate sacrifice from 2008-09-18T14:51
One of the conditions of the mitzvah of Shema is readiness to die in sanctification of God's name.
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68. Malchus from 2008-09-17T18:21
The Kabbalistic concept of Malchus is described as it relates to the Shema.
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67. God's Kingship II from 2008-09-16T21:52
With Shema we crown God our King. Herein we begin to understand the nature of God's Kingship.
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66. God's Kingship from 2008-09-16T21:51
With Shema we crown God our King. Herein we begin to understand the nature of God's Kingship.
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65. Israel's testimony from 2008-09-12T14:22
Shema is our testimony to God's Oneness, which we are privileged to sense even now in the depths of darkness.
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62. Love and fear from 2008-09-09T13:01
Love and fear are the preconditions for proper attachment to God.
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61. Torah's prerequisites from 2008-09-08T20:20
In order for the Divine light to shine on a person's soul via the Torah, he must fulfill two prerequisites.
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60. Torah is Light II from 2008-09-04T22:55
Torah is the means to bring upon one's soul the highest possible emanation of God's spiritual Light.
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59. Torah is Light from 2008-09-03T17:50
Torah is the means to bring upon one's soul the highest possible emanation of God's spiritual Light.
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44. Dreams from 2008-07-28T13:37
One can receive information about the future in a dream, transmitted to him by his soul.
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30. Reincarnation from 2008-07-03T20:48
Reincarnation is another factor that can affect a person's challenges in this world.
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19. Spiritual Symphony from 2008-06-19T12:57
Man plays two important roles, one individual and one as part of a symphonic spiritual whole.
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18. Providence from 2008-06-18T22:44
Hashem's providence is general for all of creation and specific for man.
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15. Ripple Effect from 2008-06-12T22:20
God sends down 'ripples' that directly affect all that occurs in this world.
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14. Levels of Reality from 2008-06-11T22:35
We discuss the levels of the spiritual and physical, as well as the five levels of soul which correspond to the five levels of reality.
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13. Highest Light from 2008-06-05T12:23
The good deeds we do cause a spiritual light to shine on our soul.
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12. Raising the world from 2008-06-04T17:24
Every move in this world is a chance to raise the world.
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11. World of Darkness from 2008-06-03T22:00
Your soul can shine a light through this world of darkness.
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8. Humankind, then and now from 2008-05-29T22:59
The perfect balance represented the state of Adam and Eve, but things have changed.
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7. Ultimate Balance from 2008-05-28T14:14
This world and the next were each created with the ultimate balance, each for its respective purpose.
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2. Fundamentals - God from 2008-05-21T08:55
Our first obligation is to believe and know God exists.
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