&*&*&*&*&*&&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Keeping it simple is a lot better than overindulging.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Human Character II
Is there an element of our personality that compels us to make incorrect choices, or do we shape our own decision making destiny?
Let's say, hypothetically, that we concretely know there is such a thing as Actual Truth. Suppose also that this Actual Truth is not made up of any emotionalism, delusion or hype.
With this concept in mind, the goal of the "shaping" would be a final product based on the aforementioned Actual Truth. So, any choice made on the fly, without learning, or self-introspection would be purely reckless in the case of the hypothesis.
True or False
Falsehood can only be sold as true according to the level of understanding of the receiver of the information. Seduction, enticement, lure and influence all depend on some level of blindness. If we never bother to work on our inclination, the input is based on the moment instead of a solid foundation of truth.
Translating the Negative Urge as an outside force is typical in our society. "The devil made me do it," seems so much easier than the refinement of character. Usually we end up digging ourselves a bigger hole.
In my opinion, we don't make decisions on the fly. Our intellect calculates through connection or combination. Man has a thought which is relinquished to the intellect. Depending on the work one has done on his character, ie morals and ideals, justification and sentiments, the thought is interpreted by the intellect either correctly, incorrectly or somewhere in between. The presently formed intellect determines meaning, that is why it is imperative to understand the truth.
The process
Gong back to the hypothesis of Actual Truth as the destination, clarity is the actual proximity to to that destination. So hypothetically we can be either near, far, or very close to Actual Truth. The spectrum is large. The component parts for every situation are vast and depend on incredible discipline refined by learning and correct choice.
Perhaps, if a man forms a truly good idea, it may inspire him to pursue good. But, if he starts watering down a point of understanding, it weakens progressively and he may end up back where he started. If, instead of making excuses, he debilitates empty ego and progresses, the points become clearer and clearer.
There is a Medrash, (Rava) which is a discussion/learning about this situation. When one starts justifying even the most minimal error of choice he becomes bound by a gossamer thread, like a web. As he proceeds to justify more and more, bit by bit, the thread compounds until it is thick like a rope that controls an ox. It is a cumulative, but not inescapable situation. The return is slow and requires great diligence, like weakening the ox tether, string by string, thread by thread.
The end product
Clarity is the point with which a person has the foresight to see the end at the beginning of the process. The intellect compiles pictures from past experiences supposing that all events have the same pattern, path and destiny. Even though man is clearly not a machine, the thought process when not corrected, recycles past failures and mistakes and deflates motivation, and the person gives up on himself. What a waste.
Let's say, hypothetically, that we concretely know there is such a thing as Actual Truth. Suppose also that this Actual Truth is not made up of any emotionalism, delusion or hype.
With this concept in mind, the goal of the "shaping" would be a final product based on the aforementioned Actual Truth. So, any choice made on the fly, without learning, or self-introspection would be purely reckless in the case of the hypothesis.
True or False
Falsehood can only be sold as true according to the level of understanding of the receiver of the information. Seduction, enticement, lure and influence all depend on some level of blindness. If we never bother to work on our inclination, the input is based on the moment instead of a solid foundation of truth.
Translating the Negative Urge as an outside force is typical in our society. "The devil made me do it," seems so much easier than the refinement of character. Usually we end up digging ourselves a bigger hole.
In my opinion, we don't make decisions on the fly. Our intellect calculates through connection or combination. Man has a thought which is relinquished to the intellect. Depending on the work one has done on his character, ie morals and ideals, justification and sentiments, the thought is interpreted by the intellect either correctly, incorrectly or somewhere in between. The presently formed intellect determines meaning, that is why it is imperative to understand the truth.
The process
Gong back to the hypothesis of Actual Truth as the destination, clarity is the actual proximity to to that destination. So hypothetically we can be either near, far, or very close to Actual Truth. The spectrum is large. The component parts for every situation are vast and depend on incredible discipline refined by learning and correct choice.
Perhaps, if a man forms a truly good idea, it may inspire him to pursue good. But, if he starts watering down a point of understanding, it weakens progressively and he may end up back where he started. If, instead of making excuses, he debilitates empty ego and progresses, the points become clearer and clearer.
There is a Medrash, (Rava) which is a discussion/learning about this situation. When one starts justifying even the most minimal error of choice he becomes bound by a gossamer thread, like a web. As he proceeds to justify more and more, bit by bit, the thread compounds until it is thick like a rope that controls an ox. It is a cumulative, but not inescapable situation. The return is slow and requires great diligence, like weakening the ox tether, string by string, thread by thread.
The end product
Clarity is the point with which a person has the foresight to see the end at the beginning of the process. The intellect compiles pictures from past experiences supposing that all events have the same pattern, path and destiny. Even though man is clearly not a machine, the thought process when not corrected, recycles past failures and mistakes and deflates motivation, and the person gives up on himself. What a waste.
HUMAN MORAL COURAGE
Human Moral Courage
1.)Translating the Hebrew root yud tzaddi resh, yetzer, as “forcing," is incorrect. A better translation would be “shaping.” Note definition #7 on definition page. Let's say, hypothetically, that we concretely know there is such a thing as Actual Truth. Suppose also that this Actual Truth is not made up of any emotionalism, delusion or hype.
With this concept in mind, the goal of the "shaping" would be a final product based on the aforementioned Actual Truth. So, any choice we make on the fly, without learning, or self-introspection is an exercise in shaping inclination.
Falsehood can only be sold as true according to the level of understanding of the receiver of the information. Seduction, enticement, lure, influence all depend on some level of blindness.
Example: The lure on the fishing line only works because the fish has been offered superficial truth that the fly or the worm is edible.
2.)Translating the term yud tzaddi resh hey resh ayin, yetzer hara -Evil Inclination as an outside force then is problematic.
Masoretic vowelization 6th-10th Century: The Masoretes added the vowel signs which were created after deep study of usage, meaning, and definition.
With the Masoretic vowelization, the root becomes passive. The Yetzer (Yayt zer) as in the Evil Inclination connotes something that has already been shaped. The man himself has shaped his own inclination by designs or formation of his thoughts.
Our intellect calculates through connection or combination. Man has a thought which is relinquished to the intellect. Depending on the work one has done on his character, ie morals and ideals, justification and sentiments, the thought is interpreted by the intellect either correctly, incorrectly or somewhere in between. The presently formed intellect determines meaning.
Gong back to the hypothesis of Actual Truth as the destination to achieve, then clarity is our actual proximity to to that destination. So hypothetically we can be either near, far, or very close to Actual Truth. The spectrum is large. The component parts for every situation are vast and depend on incredible discipline refined by learning.
So, perhaps, if a man forms a truly good idea, it may inspire him to pursue good. Once he starts watering down a point of understanding, it weakens progressively and he may end up back where he started. If, instead of making excuses, he debilitates empty ego and progresses, the next point perhaps will be easier to attain.
There is a Medrash, (Rava) which is a discussion/learning about this situation. When one starts justifying even the most minimal error of choice he becomes bound by a gossamer thread, like a web. As he proceeds to justify more and more, bit by bit, the thread compounds until it is thick like a rope that controls an ox. It is cumulative, but not escapable. The return is slow and requires great diligence, like weakening the ox tether, string by string, thread by thread.
There is another Medrash (R’ Asi) where you invite the comfort over integrity as a house guest. You find it to be easier than choosing integrity and in the end it becomes the master of the house.
Clarity is the point with which a person has the foresight to see the end at the beginning of the process. The intellect compiles pictures from past experiences supposing that all events have the same pattern, path and destiny. Even though man is clearly not a machine, the thought process, when not corrected, recycles past failures and mistakes and deflates motivation.
In my opinion the embarrassment and cycle of failures and mistakes is steeped in ego.
Until the next time.
So what about the urges that push you to do something decent, giving and wonderful?
So what about the urges to do something you know is not correct?
In Hebrew the term is Yetzer Hara, the Evil Urge.
This suggests an element compelling. mankind to do something wrong.
So what about the urges to do something you know is not correct?
In Hebrew the term is Yetzer Hara, the Evil Urge.
This suggests an element compelling. mankind to do something wrong.
1.)Translating the Hebrew root yud tzaddi resh, yetzer, as “forcing," is incorrect. A better translation would be “shaping.” Note definition #7 on definition page. Let's say, hypothetically, that we concretely know there is such a thing as Actual Truth. Suppose also that this Actual Truth is not made up of any emotionalism, delusion or hype.
With this concept in mind, the goal of the "shaping" would be a final product based on the aforementioned Actual Truth. So, any choice we make on the fly, without learning, or self-introspection is an exercise in shaping inclination.
Falsehood can only be sold as true according to the level of understanding of the receiver of the information. Seduction, enticement, lure, influence all depend on some level of blindness.
Example: The lure on the fishing line only works because the fish has been offered superficial truth that the fly or the worm is edible.
2.)Translating the term yud tzaddi resh hey resh ayin, yetzer hara -Evil Inclination as an outside force then is problematic.
Masoretic vowelization 6th-10th Century: The Masoretes added the vowel signs which were created after deep study of usage, meaning, and definition.
With the Masoretic vowelization, the root becomes passive. The Yetzer (Yayt zer) as in the Evil Inclination connotes something that has already been shaped. The man himself has shaped his own inclination by designs or formation of his thoughts.
Our intellect calculates through connection or combination. Man has a thought which is relinquished to the intellect. Depending on the work one has done on his character, ie morals and ideals, justification and sentiments, the thought is interpreted by the intellect either correctly, incorrectly or somewhere in between. The presently formed intellect determines meaning.
Gong back to the hypothesis of Actual Truth as the destination to achieve, then clarity is our actual proximity to to that destination. So hypothetically we can be either near, far, or very close to Actual Truth. The spectrum is large. The component parts for every situation are vast and depend on incredible discipline refined by learning.
So, perhaps, if a man forms a truly good idea, it may inspire him to pursue good. Once he starts watering down a point of understanding, it weakens progressively and he may end up back where he started. If, instead of making excuses, he debilitates empty ego and progresses, the next point perhaps will be easier to attain.
There is a Medrash, (Rava) which is a discussion/learning about this situation. When one starts justifying even the most minimal error of choice he becomes bound by a gossamer thread, like a web. As he proceeds to justify more and more, bit by bit, the thread compounds until it is thick like a rope that controls an ox. It is cumulative, but not escapable. The return is slow and requires great diligence, like weakening the ox tether, string by string, thread by thread.
There is another Medrash (R’ Asi) where you invite the comfort over integrity as a house guest. You find it to be easier than choosing integrity and in the end it becomes the master of the house.
Clarity is the point with which a person has the foresight to see the end at the beginning of the process. The intellect compiles pictures from past experiences supposing that all events have the same pattern, path and destiny. Even though man is clearly not a machine, the thought process, when not corrected, recycles past failures and mistakes and deflates motivation.
In my opinion the embarrassment and cycle of failures and mistakes is steeped in ego.
Until the next time.
The Human Character
1.) Why did I use the word Metaphysics in the title of the lecture?
My selected definition - That which is beyond physical. A comprehensive study of the character, an entity with no material form.
2.) What is the character?
My selected definition - the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions.
a.) Inherent - Natural part or consequence of something. Existing as an essential constituent (part of a whole, component) or characteristic.
b.)Complex-a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts. 1.) i.e. emotions and impulses though not apparent, which influence behavior. 2.)Group of mental factors that are unconsciously associated with particular subjects.
3.) Attributes - construct to distinguish particular, unique qualities., properties.
4.)Moral - concerned with the principles of right and wrong, or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles.
5.) Virtuous - moral excellance. Any admirable quality?
6.) The theory of formation of character:
a.)Higher nature with knowledge of right and wrong.
b.)Lower nature - desires and needs.
NOTE: Always tested 1.)To lie to avoid punishment 2.)To cheat to look good 3.)To misbehave for acceptance.
7.) Formation -
a.) The act or process of forming something
b.)The act of fabricating something in a particular shape.
8.)What is innocence?
a.)Free from guilt
b.)Lacking capacity or intent to injure.
c.)Impeccant - Free from sin
d.)Person who lacks knowledge of evil
e.)Not dangerous or harmful
f.) Uncorrupted by evil
g.) No guile - guile -treacherous, skillful deceit.
9.)What is Evil?
a.)Having the nature of vice. 1.)An evil, degrading, or immoral practice or habit. 2.) a serious moral failing. 3.)corruption 4.)An undesirable habit
b.)Something that is the cause or source of suffering, injury or destruction.
c.)Morally bad, wrong or wicked.
d.)Maleific 1.) having or exerting a malignant influence. 2.)Malicious 3.)Having the nature of or resulting from malice.
e.) Maliciousness 1.)having the nature of or resulting from malice. Deliberately harmful, spiteful.
f.) Spiteful - Malicious ill will prompting an urge to hurt or humiliate.
10.) What is worthiness?
a.) Having worth or merit, or value.
b.)Being honorable or admirable.
c.)desirable - worthy of being chosen.
11.) What is worth?
a.) An indefinite quantity of something having a specific value.
b.)The quality that renders something desirable, valuable or useful.
c.)Deserving, worthy of being treated in a particular way. (quality that demands intense respect)
My selected definition - That which is beyond physical. A comprehensive study of the character, an entity with no material form.
2.) What is the character?
My selected definition - the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions.
a.) Inherent - Natural part or consequence of something. Existing as an essential constituent (part of a whole, component) or characteristic.
b.)Complex-a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts. 1.) i.e. emotions and impulses though not apparent, which influence behavior. 2.)Group of mental factors that are unconsciously associated with particular subjects.
3.) Attributes - construct to distinguish particular, unique qualities., properties.
4.)Moral - concerned with the principles of right and wrong, or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles.
5.) Virtuous - moral excellance. Any admirable quality?
6.) The theory of formation of character:
a.)Higher nature with knowledge of right and wrong.
b.)Lower nature - desires and needs.
NOTE: Always tested 1.)To lie to avoid punishment 2.)To cheat to look good 3.)To misbehave for acceptance.
7.) Formation -
a.) The act or process of forming something
b.)The act of fabricating something in a particular shape.
8.)What is innocence?
a.)Free from guilt
b.)Lacking capacity or intent to injure.
c.)Impeccant - Free from sin
d.)Person who lacks knowledge of evil
e.)Not dangerous or harmful
f.) Uncorrupted by evil
g.) No guile - guile -treacherous, skillful deceit.
9.)What is Evil?
a.)Having the nature of vice. 1.)An evil, degrading, or immoral practice or habit. 2.) a serious moral failing. 3.)corruption 4.)An undesirable habit
b.)Something that is the cause or source of suffering, injury or destruction.
c.)Morally bad, wrong or wicked.
d.)Maleific 1.) having or exerting a malignant influence. 2.)Malicious 3.)Having the nature of or resulting from malice.
e.) Maliciousness 1.)having the nature of or resulting from malice. Deliberately harmful, spiteful.
f.) Spiteful - Malicious ill will prompting an urge to hurt or humiliate.
10.) What is worthiness?
a.) Having worth or merit, or value.
b.)Being honorable or admirable.
c.)desirable - worthy of being chosen.
11.) What is worth?
a.) An indefinite quantity of something having a specific value.
b.)The quality that renders something desirable, valuable or useful.
c.)Deserving, worthy of being treated in a particular way. (quality that demands intense respect)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
People ask
How can Torah Surpass the joy of art?
The answer for me is very easy. When I painted, there was a speck of time I actually became one with the canvass. This time was fleeting and empty on both ends. Mostly I had inner, superficial and patently false dilemmas and hopes rambling around in my thoughts. It was not comfortable at all, and even though I reached what I wanted, near reality, it was empty.
The joy of art was an empty vessel, and even if fame had become a part of the course, it would still have been an empty vessel.
There is a warning about not using talents, and so I don't suggest this. There was a great singer in Torah whose name was Naboth. This is the man Jezebel framed for his vineyard. There is always a reason why things happen, even though we can't see it.
Naboth would sing every Shabbat, and people came from miles around to hear his singing voice. One day, he decided it was futile. He did not use his talent, as if it were his own to chose. So I and not advocating not using talents, this could be dangerous.
For me though, art was not as much a talent, but a desire to get to know the Rabboina Shel Olam. When I found Torah, I found my particular path, destiny and talent. Art was just a stepping stone.
The joy of art was an empty vessel, and even if fame had become a part of the course, it would still have been an empty vessel.
There is a warning about not using talents, and so I don't suggest this. There was a great singer in Torah whose name was Naboth. This is the man Jezebel framed for his vineyard. There is always a reason why things happen, even though we can't see it.
Naboth would sing every Shabbat, and people came from miles around to hear his singing voice. One day, he decided it was futile. He did not use his talent, as if it were his own to chose. So I and not advocating not using talents, this could be dangerous.
For me though, art was not as much a talent, but a desire to get to know the Rabboina Shel Olam. When I found Torah, I found my particular path, destiny and talent. Art was just a stepping stone.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
How did I find Torah
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Rabbi Kalatsky www.yadavraham.org .
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www.artscroll.com
www.feldheim.com
www.613.org
Rabbi Kalatsky www.yadavraham.org .
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www.artscroll.com
www.feldheim.com
www.613.org
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Amazing Bits From Shemos / Exodus
BobnightskyExodus 4:1
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After God had told Moses of Pharaoh's soon to be revealed indifference to his warnings, Moses argued that his seemingly apparent lack of power would weaken the Israelites resolve to follow and listen to him.
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Ramban: Moses therefore contended that it was more logical for the Israelites not to believe in him.
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Or HaChaim: Moses felt that he lacked the prerequisites of prophecy such as wisdom, wealth, and physical perfection (awkward of speech). Consequently he supposed that the people would surely doubt him. He didn't raise this question as soon as God approached him at the burning bush, because he expected that when God revealed to him the Name with which miracles are performed, he would be transformed miraculously into someone worthy of prophecy. That did not happen.
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MH: There is so much to learn from this.
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Just a regular person expected to do mundane things can apply this learned to defeat excuses addressed by the yetzer haRa. For example, you need to help your neighbor. It is a lot easier to convince yourself that you haven't got the finances, aren't smart enough to figure out the best method, or don't have the physical ability to help.
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You can help. In your own ability:
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1.) Know that your finances aren't completely yours, to dole out according to your own discretion.
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2.) Know that your wisdom is often supplemented by Ruach Ha Kodesh, the Holy One Blessed is He, Himself.
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3.) Know that even the smallest physical help can go a long way.
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By 4:2 you learn quickly that God holds the power of life and death. The dead staff changed into a live snake.
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Moses needed a revelation to ignite his deep understanding. The snake and the hand were for his benefit.
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Ask God to show you a sign in direction. If Moses required such a sign, I think we all do as well.
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Just don't tell God what the sign should be. The discerning of the messages of God is a great growth tool.
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One other warning, and this is in regards to all sorts of gods that the American People believe and depend upon.
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Rashi: The Nile was an Egyptian god. The transformation into blood shows that when God punishes a nation, He first proves that its gods are powerless.
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Annuities have been proved to be not as protective as we have been taught. Medical insurance, Real Estate Markets, News Broadcasters, and governments are being exposed for the false protective blankets that they really are. There is only One! One Protector to depend upon, period.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Intricacies of Iyov, Job III
Rabbi EisemannIyov - http://www.artscroll.com/
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I've decided to erase this post because it is one of those learnings that address a concept very difficult at best to comprehend.
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You can always listen to Rabbi Eisemann's classes here:
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Weekly themes/ Parshayot.
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Classes from Koheles/ Ecclesiates
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Sunday, January 11, 2009
Derech Hashem/The Way Of God IV
Human ResponsibilityEven though we are tied to the physical, ie: eating, relationships, societal mores, Hashem made it absolutely possible to transcend these potentially negative aspects of life.
RamChal: Man is able to rise to perfection through his worldly activities and the physical world itself. It is precisely through these that he attains a pure and lofty state.
In my opinion what this means is that in order to prove our deepest intentions, actions are required. Talk is cheap. Because of the lowliness of the world we have the opportunity to make correct choices. Truth is Truth and will never be changed to fit the generation in which we find ourselves immersed..
RamChal: For wen man transforms darkness into light and deathly shadow into sparkling brilliance, he personally earns for himself unparalleled excellence and glory. ( Zohar 1:4a)
In my opinion this states that there many ways to use many situations, but only one correct way will promise the desire to perfect the next step along the pathway. The Sages refer to this a mitzvah goreros mitzvah, one good choice leads to the desire to do the next thing to the best of your ability.
RamChal: When a man abides by the limits, arrangements and intentions ordained by the Creator, then the mundane activities themselves become acts of perfection.
So man is constantly in flux. He should find himself elevated to a certain degree, no matter how seemingly insignificant. It accumulates very, very indistinguishably for a very long time, but in the end, in retrospect, the person will realize clearly just how far he has actually come.
RamChal: The HIghest Wisdom took into account all the categories of man's natural faults as well as all the concepts of true excellence and value required by man to come "close" to God (Dvakus, Zelem Elokim). Taking everything into account, He set up patterns and restraints through which everything excellent should be incorporated in man and everything separationg him from God is removed.
This world, this life is not a free for all to make up on the fly. It is a testing ground, whereas we have been given time to perfect the character that we were given. We don't just spend time trying to prove we are all that, we realize that we are all nothing in comparison to the Master of Universe. This nothingness is only discouraging to the people who believe that this life is an "end" in itself and we need to get everything we can get out of it, physically speaking.
There is only an allotted time to do an allotted purpose. That purpose is to work on ourselves to the degree that our Audience is Hashem alone. Once we realize true Emunah, faith in Hashem, then all we want to do is perfect our weaknesses and do the best job for the One we love.
As you go along, you see yourself and all your idiotic processes in which you were convinced that you were perfect and the world was wrong. I look back at my life and I am ashamed. I cannot believe I have been given the opportunity to love Torah the way I love Torah. I was not exceedingly bad according to what a "church lady" may consider, but I was bad for society as an arrogant person. I was a liar, and no one knew it. I was a yeller, and I didn't know the long range impact on the world by this arrogance. I'm ashamed. This is not the easy path, but it is a way to rectify so when you are face with the Beis Din Shamala, these arguments are not something new, they are something attended to and addressed in this lifetime.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
For Am Yisroel, Hashem's Am Segulah
Oh Please Hashem, they hold the only power that can teach the world of absolute futility and warn of impending disaster.
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They have the most powerful weapon in the world, Prayer.
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Please open their eyes and bring them back to You.
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In the zchuss of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, in the memory of Dovid Ha Melech and Yossef HaZaddik, l'had lik ner shel Am Yisroel to be the true Light unto the nations.
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A Ness Nigla as you performed in 1967 (5727), Hashem.You did it then, 42 years ago which is 6 X 7, very significant warning, Sir.
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Let the Chanina ben Dosa's of our generation realize their strength and call this a time of change in the Jewish heart and mind, period.
As great Tzaddiks are the one's with the words to change the generation, dor v dor, let the great Torah Sages of today call this Rashit and not ketz.
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Please, Hashem, please. Todah.
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They have the most powerful weapon in the world, Prayer.
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Please open their eyes and bring them back to You.
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In the zchuss of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, in the memory of Dovid Ha Melech and Yossef HaZaddik, l'had lik ner shel Am Yisroel to be the true Light unto the nations.
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A Ness Nigla as you performed in 1967 (5727), Hashem.You did it then, 42 years ago which is 6 X 7, very significant warning, Sir.
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Let the Chanina ben Dosa's of our generation realize their strength and call this a time of change in the Jewish heart and mind, period.
As great Tzaddiks are the one's with the words to change the generation, dor v dor, let the great Torah Sages of today call this Rashit and not ketz.
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Please, Hashem, please. Todah.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Genesis 1:9
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Ramban: Let the waters be gathered from beneath the heaven.
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Ramban asks: Once God decreed that the waters be gathered into one area, why did He need to decree the dry land appear?
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Tehom is water mixed with earth (Ramban to 1:1). Tehom is usually translated as "the deep." The water of the sea contains earth. This is an intermingling of two elements, water and earth. According to Rishonim, everything is a combination of the four basic elements. Ramban expounds from this that "earth" in 1:1 is a generic term for everything on the planet.
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Ibn Ezra disagrees and in his opinion the "earth" in 1:1 refers to the same dry land in 1:9,10.
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Ramban argues that 2:1 The heavens and the earth were finished and all their hosts suggests completion. Since the generic earth is taken to mean more than just dry land, (Ibn Ezra), this "earth" which includes the seas and all that is in the seas is being considered "finished." cannot mean earth in its simplest form, ie "ground."
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Is this a learning about realms or spheres? see Leviticus 26:4. See also Psalms 148:7.
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Back to tahom which is a mixture of two elements.
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This is interesting. The ArtScroll translators Rabbi Blinder and Kamenetsky" The earth was originally made up of nothing but mud. Then God decreed that the soil and water that comprised the mud should separate from each other, and the soild should rise to the surface and coagulate there. Psalm 136:6.
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MH: I'm not sure I'm going to keep this post going in this direction. I think I'll spend some time digesting what I'm learning. We will see.
World
I don't know the photographer, but I would appreciate knowing his/her name.World
RamChal- Derch Hashem
I ran across this during my morning study and it opened my eyes a bit.
RamChal: "The term "world" is defined as a collection of many diverse entities and assorted principles, divided and interrelated in various wasy in a single conceptual space. This definition of "world" applies to any such collection, whether the individual constituents are physical or spiritual."
MH: This is the reason we all remain blind to some extent. This is also a reason why even though we spend our lives with other people, we don't ever fully understand the mechanisms that urge those people. We never really know them because they too are diverse entities composed of assorted principles. It is what makes each individual unique.
I need to think about this for a good long while.
Friday, January 2, 2009
My 2009 Resolutions
Picture by
Jeff Smith
My 2009 Resolutions
We all need to see ourselves as a tiny screw in a carburetor. Picture that car in Death Valley in the heat of the summer. Without that seeminging insignificant screw in the carburetor we could end up at the end of the line.
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The only way to truly defeat what we see as rampant immorality (deliberately violating the principles of right and wrong) and its corollaries, hedonism, greed, and theft is for each of us to work on our own characters.
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We are all to blame for shortcuts. We are a body of people, not just little islands of self.For example, we have a heart problem right now. Getting the arteries reamed out every other year does nothing, but if we stop eating the deadly material called, "its the other guys fault," we will perish collectively.
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Here are things that I am personally working on:
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1.) impatience
2.) giving
3.) absolute integrity
4.) fearless optimism
5.) no gossip at all, zero (gossip is like an arrow that you shoot from the tongue and you cannot go back and repair the damge once it has left the string).
6.) forgiveness despite the fact that you may be justified according to the moment, but it is a tapestry that you cannot understand when you have your nose up to it.
7.) finally, real love for one another. Not the fake fellowship garbage that you only proffer if it isn't to difficult. But the kind that is painful to give because the "self" voice is louder than the good inclination.
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