This class (after a brief introduction) explores the basic character traits of the G-dly and animal natures. The animal nature is: Self-centered (selfish) not visionary; interested only in the here and now, Lives in fear and only survives; she has no trust. The G-dly nature is: G-d centered (selfless) Has a great vision, and is very interested in where it is from and what is its purpose and where is it going, Has trust in it’s Creator and therefore “lives” and…
This class was the introduction of the five levels of צדיק וטוב לו צדיק ורע לו רשע וטוב לו רשע ורע לו ובינוני. (In English, the complete and incomplete tzaddik, the average one, the incomplete and complete rasha.) From the perspective of Chassidus and Kabbalah, which is based on the Gemara in Brochos; but is sourced in the Raya Mehemna. We actually read it inside. (RayaMehemnaParshasMishpotim117) (Arguably, only the complete tzaddik is fully under the control of his good inclination,…
The Gemaros themselves, that means Niglah alone accounts for the idea that there are two levels in the definitions of the tzaddik, the beinoni and the rasha (the righteous, the average, and the wicked. As it relates to being judged, where as a practical matter one is a tzaddik if most of our deeds are good etc. The definition of the tzaddik, beinoni, and rasha: There is an completely new set of definitions for these terms, as will be discussed in the subsequent classes. Text-based…
The journey from the traditionally revealed parts of Torah to the esoteric (Chassidus and Kabbalah) that demonstrates the unity in the Torah. Various Gemaros and the Zohar (Raia Meheimna Parshas Mishpatim p.117b). The classic definitions for tzaddik, beinoni, and rasha address their judgment and reward or punishment. The more involved terms of the complete and incomplete tzaddik, the beinoni, and the complete and incomplete rasha. We address the apparent unfairness in Hashem’s world and why some tzaddikim suffer while some reshaim seem…
The journey from nigla, the revealed parts of Torah, to nistar, the esoteric parts of Torah, that demonstrates the unity in the Torah. Various Gemara passages and the Zohar (Raia Mehemna Parshas Mishpatim (117b)). The classic definitions for the tzadik ve’ra lo צדיק בינוני רשע address their judgment and reward or punishment. The more involved terms of tzadik ve’ra lo and tzadik ve’tov lo, (צדיק וטוב לו, צדיק ורע לו) address the apparent inequity in Hashem’s world and why some tzadikim suffer while some wicked…
We begin with an explanation verse by verse from Parshas Nitzavim ending with, “It is accessible to you…” “פסוקים בפרשת נצבים על הסדר שמסיימים בפסוק כי קרוב וגו” The sequence of verses leading up to, “It is accessible to you,” are describing higher levels of avoda– that of various levels of tzadikim. Thus all the expressions of accessibility mentioned in the verses apply to some people but not to all. In this context Hashem says to the Beinoni, “It is very accessible…
In this class: The design of the front page of each Kehos book. The middle of the page is the Alter Rebbe’s own words. The two parts of the original Tanya אחדות הוי’ ואהבת [נשמות] ישראל (the unity of G-d and the love for every Jew). The order in which they appear. “The long short way” and the two ways. Text-based Tanya classes from Rabbi Yossi Paltiel are available on his site, http://www.insidechassidus.org/ Posted on thelongshortway.org with permission.
Love, Not War Whether or not you have kids, it may have crossed your mind what kind of Judaism you want to give them. There are as many varieties of Judaism as there are Jews — probably more! We all know the perils of parents who force religion “down their kids’ throat.” No one likes them. Their children resent them — and if their kids turn out frum, it’s despite the forceful parenting. On the other hand, children need to be…
How rich must we be to be satisfied? How confident must we be to feel successful? How great must we be to become leaders? You probably think you know the answer… This edition of The Long Short Way covers the second part of the seventh chapter of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s ma’amer, Basi Legani from 5710 (1950). Basi LeGani is a series of four ma’amorim, the second, HaYosheves BeGanim, includes the chapter we learn this year. This ma’amer was distributed on 13…
How does being small make me big? How can being a receiver make me a giver? What makes a leader? This edition of The Long Short Way covers part of the seventh chapter of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s ma’amer, Basi LeGani from 5710 (1950). Basi LeGani is a series of four ma’amorim, the second, HaYosheves BeGanim, includes this year’s chapter. This ma’amer was distributed on 13 Shvat, the yohrtzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s mother. Download the PDF here. In the previous…