articles on Orchot Tzaddikim
Lessons on Orchot Tzaddikim
Orchot Tzaddikim class 83, "Awe" part ii
The class deals with how today in the democratic world, the "quaking" approach to G-d is counterproductive, and "awe" must be taught accordingly. The class also deals with 6 answers to the question why heaven and hell are not mentioned more in the Torah. And why it's important to educate children with prizes & positive reinforcements, and pleasurable association with Torah and mitzvot, and not to pretend that a child is more mature or idealistic than he really is.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim, class 82, "Awe" part i
The class begins the final chapter of Orchot Tzaddikim, and deals with 3 levels of awe, and how central it is to Judaism.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 81, "Torah" part ii
The class deals with how G-d grants each generation to innovate and add to the eternal Torah. Even though today, we may not be as religious and spiritual as previous generations, G-d has granted us many "game-changers" to make Torah today that much more NEW, exciting and intellectually and emotionally appealing.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 80, "Torah" part i
This is the first part of the chapter regarding the supreme importance of learning Torah, and why it is so central to Judaism. Anyone who feels a lack of motivation to learn should hear this class!
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 79, Teshuva part x
G-d doesn't hold a grudge, and even King Menashe, who served every pagan deity, and turned to G-d only as a last resort, was accepted! These inspiring examples stress that we can always do Teshuva, even when we have slipped back many times. The class also includes practical examples of how to improve, to finish off this extensive topic.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim- class 78, Teshuva part ix
The class deals with especially interesting aspects of Teshuva (we're skipping and just doing the most interesting parts of the remainder of this chapter), including how G-d really helps us in this effort, and as opposed to man, He will accept us even if we have ulterior motives!
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
Orchot Tzaddikim class 77, Teshuva part viii
The class describes the various mitzvot involved in kiruv, including an innovative explanation based upon the Rambam that this is actually part of belief in G-d, and loving Him, for the mitzvah is not just to believe but to get others to believe, as well, as inferred from the Shema and the word "liha'amin". The class also deals with the importance of not being cynical towards the rabbis or sages, even if one doesn't feel like observing, it's not beneficial nor intelligent to degrade the Torah and the greatest geniuses of Jewish history.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 5786
