By Ari Goldwag
Path of the Righteous
We complete the final chapter which speaks of the concept of Kedusha, a level of holiness where even the mundane is transformed into spirituality. We also speak briefly of the levels that follow, which are Divine Inspiration, and bringing the...
We continue the final chapter which speaks of the concept of Kedusha, a level of holiness where even the mundane is transformed into spirituality.
We begin the final chapter which speaks of the concept of Kedusha, a level of holiness where even the mundane is transformed into spirituality.
This fear is acquired by constantly contemplating and focusing on the fact that Hashem's Divine Presence is everywhere.
We continue to discuss the true fear of Hashem, which stems from a deep connection and love, the result of surrender of ego. This is the fear of the angels who serve Hashem.
There are three types of fear that are positive motivations in one's service of Hashem. The first is fear of punishment, which is the most basic and lowest of them. The higher level is fear of Hashem's greatness, followed by...
A person acquires humility by developing certain habits and contemplating certain thoughts.
True humility is not an outer show, but rather begins in an internal recognition that all of one's positive attributes are from Hashem.
To acquire righteousness, one needs to focus on and contemplate our lowliness contrasted with Hashem's unconditional love for us. One also needs to avoid overinvolvement in the physical.
The chosid makes sure to weigh the results of his actions, and is careful not to only do actions that are good on the surface, but also have good long term results.
The true chosid focuses on benefiting his generation through his actions, atoning for the sins of his people and praying on their behalf.
We discuss the third of the three branches of love of God, which standing up for God's honor.
We discuss two out of the three branches of love of God, which are attaching oneself to God, and having joy in the performance of His commandments.
A person who wishes to reach an exalted level of righteousness needs to strive for a deeper love of God, similar to an intense love between a man and woman, or a man and his only son, where there is...
The righteous one seeks ways to show Hashem honor by honoring the Torah and those who learn it.
The righteous one seeks ways to show Hashem honor by honoring and beautifying the items that are involved in the commandments of Hashem.
We speak of the fear of Hashem, which is necessary to attain this high level of righteousnes.
We discuss the things one must do to attain this level of righteousness, including doing kindess, chessed, which is the root of the word Chasidus.
We begin with the subdivisions of Chasidus - between man and God, and between man and his fellow.
Chasidus, an exalted level of righteousness, is not acquired through superficial acts, but rather through a true desire to fulfill even the tiniest hint of a desire of Hashem.
One acquires purity of thought by focusing on the insignificance of physical pursuits.
Tahara is the concept of purity of thought in one's service of Hashem, removing any other motivations.
We explore the tools one needs to acquire spiritual separation.
We explore the subdivisions of spiritual separation.
We continue with the idea of perishus, separation from the physical. We explore when it is appropriate, and where it is a sin.
We begin the idea of perishus, separation from the physical. We explore when it is appropriate, and where it is a sin.
We discuss the means through which one acquires spiritual cleanliness.
We continue our discussion of the desire for honor.
We speak about jealousy and the desire for honor and money.
We continue to discuss different types of prideful individuals, and move on to the character trait of anger.
We discuss different types of prideful individuals.
We continue speaking about spiritual cleanliness as it applies to the areas of desecrating Hashem's name, Shabbos and festivals.
We continue speaking about spiritual cleanliness as it applies to the areas of hatred, revenge, oaths and falsehood.
We continue with cleanliness in regards to speech.
The third on the list of items that a person is inclined toward is prohibited food consumption.
After the concept of stealing is the idea of being spiritually cleansed of any connection to illicit sexual issues. This involves every aspect that is connected, from physical contact to speech.
Spiritual cleanliness means being meticulous in avoiding prohibitions. This is especially important in areas a person is naturally drawn toward, such as stealing and illicit relations. We discuss how a lack of trustworthiness in business is no different than stealing.
The next level on the ladder to greatness is the concept of spiritual cleanliness. At this rung, a person must remove any desire that may give him a bias that will be the root of a rationalization to sin.
A person needs to get out of the habit of laziness and get into action.
When one focuses on all the good that Hashem does for him, he will feel a greater obligation to dispense with his laziness and serve Hashem properly.
The concept of quickness divides into two parts. The first is before the action, and the second after the beginning of the action.
Quickness is the trait that is a prerequisite for proper mitzvah observance. One who is lazy will find every excuse to prevent himself from fulfilling the will of his Creator.
There are three things that detract from carefulness. Being overly involved in worldly pursuits, jokes and mockery, and associating with people who will exert a negative influence.
