Parnasa, Part 1: Two-Fold Obligation
What should the attitude of a ben Torah be towards earning a livelihood? The two-fold obligation to make hishtadlus for parnasa. The spiritual challenges one faces when making hishtadlus to earn a living.
Case Studies: Chessed, Kibud Av V’eim
Chessed: how to move past self-centeredness via a proper understanding of our dependence on HKB”H. Kibud Av V’eim: seeing HKB”H’s chessed reflected in all that our parents do for us. The value of the gift of life.
Case Studies: Ga’ava, Sadness
Why ga’ava is heretical and why it must be given priority among traits to correct. How accurately calibrated trust in Hashem eliminates sadness.
Case Studies: Ka’as, Laziness
1) Applying the 3 step process to anger and laziness. 2) middos can be compartmentalized to only affect one part of our lives 3) using religion to escape problems
Internalizing Torah, Lo Sachmod, Methodology for Tikkun Hamiddos
To act, think, and feel as a ben Torah at all times, the basic emunos v’dei’os of Torah have to be internalized. This schmooze illustrates this point using lo sachmod, and outlines a 3 step methodology for internalization.
How Beliefs Dictate Our Reactions
A World view is embedded within halacha; basic ideas & concepts are embedded within mitzvos. The distinction between creed and deed is artificial – dos and don’ts already embody basic ideas. Examples from Lo tachmod, Shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid &
Philosophy of Halacha, Continued
More examples from: the wording of berachos in general, the beracha of asher yotzar, the obligation to say 100 berachos each day, the berachos of Krias Shema
Philosophy of Halacha
A World view is embedded within halacha; basic ideas & concepts are embedded within mitzvos. The distinction between creed and deed is artificial – dos and don’ts already embody basic ideas. Examples from Lo tachmod, Shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid &
Be Centered on Hashem, not Self-Centered
Reacting to Events Around Us