Sha’ar 2:12: Context Drives Interpretation and Requirements
1) Who the person involved is defines the context of how we interpret something. 2) Beracha / opportunity and responsibility go hand in hand – opportunity brings with it responsibility, and we are not held responsible without being given the
Sha’ar 2:11: The Outcome of Despising Rebuke
Sha’ar 2:11: One who simply gives in to ta’ava may long for rebuke to set himself on the right path. However, when we make something non-negotiable, we will distort everything else to accommodate it. One who hates rebuke makes his
Sha’ar 2:11: Rejecting Rebuke
Essence of cheit is rebelliousness against HKBH. When one is not chozeri b’teshuva and is perpetuating it, he’s perpetuating / repeating the rebelliousness. When we resist divrei tochacha via being mak’she libeinu, we are pushing back against the natural response
Sha’ar 2:10: The Results of a Clear Grasp & Total Commitment
Sha’ar 2:10: Falling short in understanding or commitment both limit the results of one’s teshuva. A Clear grasp and total commitment, though, yield great results. Only HKB”H can guarantee what circumstances will allow to actually play out, but the one
Sha’ar 2:10: The Transformative Power of Internal Motivation to Teshuva
Sha’ar 2:10: The more one is internally driven to do teshuva, the more potential there is for a total transformation via teshuva, i.e. afeila l’ohr gadol. When the impetus is merely reacting to externally imposed, transformation is less likely.
Sha’ar 2:10: Complete Acceptance of Yoke of Heaven
Sha’ar 2:10: When one picks and chooses what guidance to accept and not accept from chachomim, one’s kabbolas ol malchus Shomayim is fundamentally lacking. Maximal results are achieved when rebuke is accepted and internalized immediately. Rebuke has to calibrated to
Avos 4:2-3: Reward, and Enablement, for Mitzvos. Not Being Disdainful.
4:2 – Although there is no reward per se for miztvos in this world, whether we merit circumstances that are conducive to fulfilling more mitzvos or not is affected by our past performance. 4:3 – not being disdainful is not
An Unwavering Commitment to Emes
Sha’ar 2:9: Efforts & Results in a Tzaddik’s Old Age
Sha’ar 2:9: Tzaddikim renew / intensify their efforts in avodas Hashem in their old age, and their chochmo, and other areas of their avodas Hashem, increases. Genuine, authentic chochmo expresses itself in all areas of avodas Hashem.
Sha’ar 2:9: Don’t Slack Off in Old Age. Enjoy and Value Each Day.
Have to be sure to not waste any time in this world, and not slack off in our avodas Hashem as we grow old. One might’ve thought that the elderly should not teach talmidim, but that is incorrect. We should