Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear
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In our third lesson, we continue to discuss the categories of souls of the Tzaddik, the Rasha and the Beinoni. We discuss more outside the text on the theme of the nature of souls. What does it take to be a Tzaddik? What do we mean when we say someone is a Rasha (and evil person)? And what do we make of the Beinoni – the middle average man?
In our second lesson, we get involved in understanding more about the nature of souls. What does it take to be a Tzaddik? What do we mean when we say someone is a Rasha (and evil person)? And what do we make of the Beinoni – the middle average man?
Are we Tzaddikim just because we do good? And if not, does that make us Reshaim (evil)? What is the discussion about the Beinoni being someone who studies Torah all day long? This doesn’t seem to be most of us – and if so, does that make us all Reshaim? Is that a bad thing? Are we stuck with this status for life? Can we do anything to get us out of the rut?
We recently started a new weekly Shiur. You’re welcome to join. We’re studying the Tanya written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. It is the most basic text of Chabad Chassidut. It shares with us the challenges of the soul, the make up of the soul, it’s journey through life and much more. It’s a book for those interested in Jewish mysticism and for those looking for direction in life.
In our first lesson, we’ll be getting to understand a little about the nature of a mysterious oath that is administered to each of us at the time just before we are born. This leads us into understand just what a Tzaddik is, a Rasha is and thereafter what a Beinoni is.
The text “Lessons in Tanya” is available for you to read on the video courtesy of Kehot Publication Society – so you can follow along with us or even read the notes at your own pace!
Please join us for these stimulating Shiurim and feel free to contact us if you’d like to join us live!
After our introduction to the Shaarei Kedushah in the first lesson, we jumped to Chapter 3 in Rabbi Chaim Vital’s masterful work on the path to Ruach HaKodesh – Divine Inspiration.
Continue reading “Shaarei Kedushah Lesson 5 – Ascent of the Soul – Divine Inspiration”
In our fourth lesson in the holy work entitled Shaarei Kedushah written by Rabbi Chaim Vital (student of the Arizal) – we continue the theme of acquiring Ruach HaKodesh – Divine Inspiration.
Continue reading “Shaarei Kedushah Lesson 4 – Preparing for Divine Inspiration”
The Torah teaches us to look after our brother. We find out the importance behind this commandment and how fast we must react to help another! Our initial teaching comes from a verse in Parshat Behar.
We continue on with a powerful teaching from the Midrash that this world is like a water-wheel with buckets on either side. As the one bucket fills with water, the other is being emptied and when the empty bucket is again lowered and fills up with water from the well underneath, it is the other bucket that then becomes empty.
Weath and poverty are in the hands of G-d. We would do well to internalise this message and assist others in need when we can help, because the world is a wheel that goes around. Sometimes those on top can be on the bottom, and sometimes – then – those on the bottom end up on the top.
We must help each other whenever we can. That is our obligation and our duty. This fascinating lesson and textual teaching from the original sources shows us just how serious the Torah takes the commandment of charity – Tzedakah.
(Apologies for the strange black flash at the beginning of the video.)
In Lesson 3 of this remarkable work of Rabbi Chaim Vital – the Shaarei Kedushah – we take a leap (perhaps a hint to the process of moving from the physical world to the spiritual – that sometimes we need to make a quantum jump!) and branch off from Chapter 1 to Chapter 3. We’ll be returning shortly to Chapter 1 – but the purpose of this jump is to show the viewer (the reader) what lies in store for those who wish to pursue the roads to holiness.
Continue reading “Shaarei Kedushah – The Gates of Holiness – Lesson 3 Chapter 3 – The Path to Divine Inspiration”
Divine Providence – Hashgachah Pratis – is defined as the concept that God is active in all of creation all the time. He monitors every single thing at every single moment. He is aware of every single thing at every single moment. He knows what everything is doing at every single moment and sustains that thing (or person etc.) at every single moment. Nothing happens by chance. Everything is orchestrated from Above – save for man’s free choice which he is given as a gift by the Creator to use however he wishes to use it.
Continue reading “The Little Leaf (Video) – A Lesson in Divine Providence”
The story about the leaf that so wished it could be like a bird, flying freely in the sky. Now, this was real freedom! It didn’t take long for the leaf to realise that true freedom was not in being able to fly about wherever one wants to. True freedom is being connected to the Source which grants nourishment and everything one needs to live…
Continue reading “The Tree and The Leaf – Attachment to The Source”
Sadly, there are a lot of non-believers not interested in knowing what the Torah is. Many Jews – while Jewish by birth, lack the desire to want to know more about their Torah – their soul. As a result, many take offence in the presence of a Torah scholar. They feel that although they may not have studied Torah themselves, they are more qualified to speak about what the Torah is and their understanding of what God wants from us…
Continue reading “The Torah Crane – How to Teach Torah to a Non-Believer”
