Fixing Middos. Gaava.
– 2:1 We need a comparative frame of reference to recognize the sickness, since the choleh can experience it as normal. Similarly, can’t weigh our Deos just based on what feels wrong to us.
Anger. Speech.
– 2:3 while there are things that do warrant anger theoretically, one should only put on a show of anger but inwardly not be angry due to the volatility of kaas. As opposed to gaava, which is never warranted.
Elul’s Independent Opportunity
End of any unit of time lends itself to teshuva – end of day, week, month, year. HKB”H created time in units, and the optimal time for teshuva is when one is still in that unit of time. Elul is
Mikabeil Es Kol Ha’adam
Deos 2:7 – a) why quote mekabeil kol haadam b’sever panim yafos, as opposed to havei mekabeil es kol haadam b’simcha – doesn’t simcha fit in better with this halacha? b) Why did Rambam switch from “onen” to “misabel”? Answer:
Extremes. Lshem Shomayim & Middah Beinonis.
– 3:1 – not supposed to go to the extreme of distancing from taava and kavod, but should distance onself in such a way from kin’ah. Nedarim – Chazal are critical of someone creating his own ideal, but not of
Hilchos teshuva 3
Marriage. “Bilvad”. Ahavas Re’im.
3:2 aside from being a mitzvah, marriage is needed for a normal, balanced life. “Bilvad” doesn’t always mean exclusively for Rambam, also means “direct/ultimate”. Two tiers in v’ahavta l’reiacha – all Jews, and a’chicha b’mitzvos
Hilchos teshuva 4
Kavana l’shem Shomayim
3:3 – living balanced isn’t enough without the kavana l’shem Shomayim. If one calibrates his level of involvement and orients his actions l’shem Shomayim, then one can serve 24×7. That ALL activities CAN be avoda laMakom is a big chiddush.
Hilchos teshuva 5