Orchot Tzaddikim class 71, Teshuva part ii

The class deals with 7 reasons why not to delay one's Teshuva, and 7 additional aspects which make Teshuva challenging.

Orchot Tzaddikim- class 70, Teshuva part i

This class begins the new topic of Teshuva, discussing the greatness and need, the easiness and the difficulty involved. There is also an interesting aside relating to the greatness and importance of Yerushalayim, including a classic story told by Rav Soloveichik.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 68, "Speech" part iv

It's especially problematic to scare children, and "I was only joking" is not an excuse for Lashon HaRah. Similarly, the concept of "it takes one to know one" should encourage people not to talk bad about others, for you may be "projecting" your own faults. Today's class also (somewhat) reveals the identity of the author of Orchot Tzaddikim, for he (as previously!) holds like the maverick opinion of the Smag regarding giving others the benefit of the doubt, which he holds is a Torah prohibition! He also holds that revealing a secret, even after many years, is also a Torah prohibition.

Orchot Tzaddikim 67, Gossip- Lashon HaRah part iii

The class deals with many additional practical and common examples of Lashon HaRah. The best way to improve our speech is by learning as often and as many examples as possible.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 66, Gossip part ii

The class deals with how to work in journalism & read newspapers, as well dealing with politics according to the laws of gossip & slander. Also to the power of words and positive speech. The class also deals with why Lashon Harah is singled out in rabbinical literature as particularly severe.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 66, Gossip part i - Description & Source sheet

The Orchot Tzaddikim was written about 500 years before the Chafetz Chaim's classic work on Shmirat HaLashon and the laws of Lashon Hara (gossip and forbidden speech). This opening class explains why this prohibition is viewed with such severity in Jewish law.

Orchot Tzaddikim (class 65), "Flattery" part ii

Most people don't even realize that "flattering" is problematic. This especially important and practical class deals with the question: when it's allowed and sometimes even virtuous (e.g. within the family, with students), but also when it's surprisingly prohibited!

OrchotTzaddikim (class 64), "Flattery" part i

Orchot Tzaddikim (class 63)- Truth part ii

The class brings many practical examples of how important (and difficult!) it is to be totally truthful, and pragmatic tips how to improve.

Orchot Tzaddikim (class 62), "Truth" part i

The class deals with defining "truth" and how it's such a Godly ideal and essential part of life. We also delve into "hitbodidut"- the importance of sometimes separating ourselves from others, in order to get in touch with our Godly self.

Orchot Tzaddikim (class 61)- "Dishonesty" part iii

In addition to many practical examples where people lie, the Orchot Tzaddikim adds not to ask someone personal information which may cause them to lie. The chapter also deals with cases where one is allowed to lie or stretch the truth, including practical questions like embellishing stories, "Simulation Games", lying for educational reasons or for Shalom including many interesting examples where we see in the Tanach, chazal & in Jewish history, great people actually "lied" for the sake of certain higher ideals.

Orchot Tzaddikim- class 60, "Deceit" part ii

There are many examples where people may allow themselves to lie or exaggerate, but usually they are either prohibited or not proper. Sometimes people pledge or offer help but don't really mean it but rather do so to stress their power, "connections" or influence, where this can mislead others who really rely on that aid. Especially today where there is a major breakthrough in truth, when it's relatively easy to verify facts via Google or artificial intelligence, we should utilize this to advance the ideal and mitzvah of truth.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 59, "Dishonesty"- part 1

The class deals with oft-given excuses used to justify lying, such as cognitive dissonance- that people feel a need to falsely justify their stand or personality. Also dealing with geniuses who can prove or disprove any side they want, but we're just interested in real "truth", one of the 13 Godly attributes.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 58, "Stay Quiet" part iv

The class deals with the problems of sarcasm and being cynical, where it comes from, and what it can lead to.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 56, "Stay Quiet" part ii

Orchot Tzaddikim class 56, "Stay Quiet" i

Orchot Tzaddikim class 55, "Forgetfulness"

Among things we should always remember, is to focus on how how our essence is our knowledge and spirituality, for a person who looks fine but is a fool is a tragedy. Also, to focus on concentrating during prayer, and many more things.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 54, "Remembering" part iv

Orchot Tzaddikim class 55, "Forgetfulness" i

Orchot Tzaddikim class 53, "Remembering" part iii