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Orchot Tzaddikim
Orchot Tzaddikim
articles on Orchot Tzaddikim
Lessons on Orchot Tzaddikim
Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iv
The class deals with the greatness of man (including the present Artemis ii space mission) the mind & G-dly soul which yearns for a greater purpose and meaning in life. It includes the famous parables of the horse (body) and rider (soul), and the king whose outstanding greatness attests to his supremeness. Towards the end we allude also to the forthcoming Yom HaAtzma'ut, and discuss the Vilna Gaon's proven accurate formula for figuring out the pivotal years in the redemption process, where he correctly predicts in 5708=1948 Adam (Israel) will get (back) on our feet, and in 5750=1990, begins the transition from secular Zionism to religious Zionism, when the largest Teshuva return to Torah in history was the Aliya of the Jews from the former Soviet Union to return to the Jewish fold, nation & observance.
Orchot Tzaddikim class 84, "Awe" part iii
The class deals with the differing opinions among our sages whether it's good to suggest "Ta'amei HaMitzvot" (benefits) of the mitzvot or not. Also, what are the various levels of the soul, nefesh, ru'ach and nesham. And how the greatness of man helps us appreciate the awesomeness of the Creator.
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.
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.
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.
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
