True Pleasure Last week, we saw that Rebbe Yaakov describes our world as the “corridor” that leads to the “palace” of the next world, where we will experience the ultimate pleasure of closeness with Hashem. [1] We also noted that the Mesillat Yesharim [2] builds off this idea, teaching us that we only find true […]
Important Intent The past two pieces presented Avot’s definition of the world’s goal as glorifying Hashem. This goal should impact not only what we do, but also why we do it. Chazal emphasized the importance of kavanah (intention) in many places. The Ramban [1] saw this as the intention of the command (found in kriyas […]
We have seen that Rebbi Chanina taught that man does not bruise a finger in this world without it being decreed from above. The same Rebbi Chanina sees us responsible for our physical and spiritual health. Though Hashem decides our makeup and experiences, we determine aspects of our physical health and personal development. [1] Rebbi […]
This Sabbath is Shabbat Shuvah, when our spiritual efforts are focused on returning to Hashem. The Rambam’s Hilchot Teshuvah is one of the most celebrated works on teshuvah. Therein, he notes …