Mary Hogan's Torah

Keep It Simple Stupid

2009-07-07T18:39:00.004-04:00

&*&*&*&*&*&&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Keeping it simple is a lot better than overindulging.

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Human Character II

2009-07-07T16:28:00.007-04:00

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.

HUMAN MORAL COURAGE

2009-07-07T11:44:00.022-04:00

Human Moral Courage

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.

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

2009-07-07T09:08:00.002-04:00

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)

People ask

2009-03-25T08:32:00.002-04:00

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.

How did I find Torah

2009-03-24T15:46:00.007-04:00

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Rabbi Kalatsky www.yadavraham.org .

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www.artscroll.com
www.feldheim.com
www.613.org

I'm not going to be here

2009-02-01T08:22:00.003-05:00

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I simply do not have the time to continue my blog.
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Amazing Bits From Shemos / Exodus

2009-01-22T08:14:00.004-05:00

Bobnightsky

Exodus 4:1

ArtScroll Shemos Interlinear Chumash. http://www.artscroll.com/

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.

Ramban: Moses therefore contended that it was more logical for the Israelites not to believe in him.

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.

MH: There is so much to learn from this.

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.

You can help. In your own ability:

1.) Know that your finances aren't completely yours, to dole out according to your own discretion.

2.) Know that your wisdom is often supplemented by Ruach Ha Kodesh, the Holy One Blessed is He, Himself.

3.) Know that even the smallest physical help can go a long way.

By 4:2 you learn quickly that God holds the power of life and death. The dead staff changed into a live snake.

Moses needed a revelation to ignite his deep understanding. The snake and the hand were for his benefit.

Ask God to show you a sign in direction. If Moses required such a sign, I think we all do as well.

Just don't tell God what the sign should be. The discerning of the messages of God is a great growth tool.

One other warning, and this is in regards to all sorts of gods that the American People believe and depend upon.

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.

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.

Thank you, Hashem!!!

2009-01-16T08:39:00.004-05:00

Captain Casey Sullenberger

1/15/09

The Hero of the Hudson River Plane Crash

Intricacies of Iyov, Job III

2009-01-12T20:35:00.009-05:00

Rabbi Eisemann

Iyov - 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.

http://www.yeshivakishiniev.org/audio-weekly.htm

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Classes from Koheles/ Ecclesiates

http://www.yeshivakishiniev.org/audio-koheles-1.htm

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Derech Hashem/The Way Of God IV

2009-01-11T10:14:00.004-05:00

Human Responsibility

Even 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.

For Am Yisroel, Hashem's Am Segulah

2009-01-08T08:16:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-01-07T21:03:00.003-05:00

Rashi, Ramban, Abarbanel and Malbim

Genesis 1:9

Ramban: Let the waters be gathered from beneath the heaven.

Ramban asks: Once God decreed that the waters be gathered into one area, why did He need to decree the dry land appear?

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.

Ibn Ezra disagrees and in his opinion the "earth" in 1:1 refers to the same dry land in 1:9,10.

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."

Is this a learning about realms or spheres? see Leviticus 26:4. See also Psalms 148:7.

Back to tahom which is a mixture of two elements.

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.

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

2009-01-07T08:25:00.003-05:00

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.

My 2009 Resolutions

2009-01-02T09:11:00.006-05:00

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:

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.

It Is Time For The Truth To Be Told

2008-12-31T08:58:00.002-05:00

The Jewish People have one little spot on the planet that to the Torah Jew is sacrosanct to the nth degree.
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The Bible that Islam and other religions depend on, is all about this land and this people. They are special in the eyes of the Master of the Universe and yet people have been trying to lure them away, kill them, and defame them.
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What people don't understand is that there is a spiritual realm and Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov were not just ordinary men. They were world changers from a perspective far and above the "world."
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There are teachings about this geographical area that are mystical and yet simple and easy to understand when people step away from their personal agenda and "self."There are lessons to be learned in the fact that Jacob went to Goshen, but his burial was in the land of Israel. This is not just ceremony. Korach collected money, Moses collect bones some Rabbis say more than just the ossuary of Joseph, but all the buried bones of Klal Yisroel.Why?
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There are even stories about earth in Genesis and how it disrespected the blood of Abel. The four elements have more life and existence than our simple minds can understand and which is far beyond the scope of my learning.So the actual "earth" of Israel, the pipelines and Techiyas Ha Masim, are all pieces of the puzzle.
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The challenge is for all to work on their characters, but the Jewish People carry a far more difficult burden. People are jealous, plain and simple of the Jewish People, but what they don't realize is how difficult it is to be a Jew and the cost to the individual who ditches Yiddishkite.The farther they are, the harder they fall.
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God Bless the Jewish People and give them the courage to finally shut up pride, ego and self. This is not a popularity contest, tell the world to take a hike and shut the Meraglim up and fight for Israel, which is a true fight for the world.
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Why I Love Torah

2008-12-31T08:35:00.003-05:00

Blue Snow - David Adler

There is nothing in the world that can bring us closer to Hashem than Torah. It is a realm, a beautiful realm that when you enter it you know you are there. It is similar to the feeling we get when we listen to the music of a particular era of our life. There are songs that remind me of my youth, my first love, my failures. It is mystical, but Torah is far and above, many millions of miles above even this glimpse called music.

When life gets hard, I have this sanctuary at my desk that feels like a nest. I am surrounded by Torah, from Chumash to RamChal.

I ask myself all the time, why did I deserve this glorious treasure? I have not been an admirable in my actions so many times that I'm ashamed. Looking back at my past makes me shudder. Why me an Irish German lady?

I can't explain it, but I remember clearly after a life of seeking Hashem, the moment I found Rabbi Kalatsky 1/2003 and heard the words of True Torah. I was down at the river and what I thought was an inadvertant scream of joy was the release of my neshamah from the chains of world.

That portion of my life that was like tohu and bohu, darkness and confusion, was amputated like a gangrenous limb. It has been a long hard road, very slow, bitty steps to get even to this level I'm on today. And I know clearly that his is like mile 47 in a zeccazillion mile path to know Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu.

All that I know for sure is that my thirst for world is quelled and my appetite is growing. How wonderful is that?

RamChal: These words have the unique property of causing one who reads them to incorporate in himself the highest excellence and the greatest perfection.

The condition: That they be read with hoiness and purity, with the proper intent of fulfilling God's Will.

MH: Even to the slightest degree.

Thank you Hashem.

2008-12-24T12:11:00.007-05:00

Poetry, my heart is singing.

Mary Hogan

The panic ignited by Nancy Pelosi

Of self-aggrandizement and weaving her legacy

A legacy so rife with ego pollution

Like a twisted embilical exphyxiating all children

A congress supported by animals like Soros

As corrupt an conniving as a night stalking junki

Who bark out their minds, as if they ever had minds

An sell their glass as diamonds on the playground

No heart, no soul, no brains only ego

Only ego and checkbooks and checkbooks and ego

No good, no bad, only ways of confusion

Only ego and checkbooks and ways of confusion

No right, no wrong, only depths of enslavement

Only ego and checkbooks and ways of confusion, only ways of confusion and depth of enslavement.

Intricacies of Job, Iyov II

2008-12-23T10:10:00.007-05:00

Rabbi Eisemann

What is unquestioning integrity?

Tam v'yashar, Rashi writes for tam, perfect in his actions.

R' Eisemann: "We believe this to imply a life lived in congruence with the ideals and principles which guide it. There are no aberratations, everyithing contributes to a totally integrated person."

MH: Can you imagine?

There are other connotations of tam, Genesis 25:27 Jacob is described as a tam. In this situation, tam implies a simplicity of sorts, a naivete. It is a person that speaks from the heart with no guile or alternative motivation. This person has a very difficult time lying, which when you study Jacob and get to know him you understand the situation of the blessing and the lamb's wool.

The Gra, the Vilna Gaon to Proverbs 2:7 discusses tam and Yashar. He states that the Torah is offering advice to the tam and the yashar.

Rabbi Eisemann: The yashar is a man whose intellect directs his steps and human qualities into the straight and virtuous paths laid down by God.

MH: So what's the difference, really? The yashar depends greatly on the precepts of the Torah to keep him from slipping into worldly processes. The Tam doesn't deviate right or left. His path is simplistic, so to speak (although definitely not easy, it is not the "easy path.") So, his path depends on the same precepts of Torah.

What's the difference then between a tam and a yashar?

The yashar depends on his intellect, while the tam follows the Torah he has learned. Please don't quote me, this is my own take. The tam does everything from a base of true faith.

Rabbi Eisemann: "He needs no advice since his understanding is not the determining factor. "

MH: He doesn't have to prepare himself against battles in his mind.

Rabbi Eisemann: "He may well stumble and thus he needs a shield to protect him from faltering."

Looking at Torah Through Hebrew II

2008-12-21T08:14:00.006-05:00

Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Malbim, Abarbanel

Rashi: 1:2 And the "ruach" of God was hovering over the water. Rashi interprets ruach spirit, and asks "The Scripture has not yet revealed at that point when the creation of the waters took place."

The "hey mayim" the water with the definite article according to Rashi "indicates that it refers to pre-existing water, not water created after the creation of the heavens and the earth."

Rashi goes on to suggest that this tells us that water preceded the earth and the heavens because Chagigah 12a explains that the heavens were created from fire and water. This also, according to Rashi proves no chronological order.

Ramban: Ramban translate ruach as wind. "The wind from God hovered upon the surface of the waters." Also notice "on" instead of Rashi's "over."

Ramban asks "Why is the the wind in our verse described as a wind from God? Weren't all four elements "from God?" Ramban explains his query according to his opinion: "wind is more intangible than the other elements and is above them all."

Rashi: "The breath of God was hovering. The Throne of Glory was standing in the air and hovering over the surface of the water, by the breath of the Holy One, Blessed is He, and by His statement, like a dove that hovers over a nest."

Chagigah 15a; Midrash Tehillim 93-5, breath does not hover.

MH; So what does this teach me? One thing I've learned about Great Sages and Rabbis compared to teachers of other religions and belief systems, is that Rabbis believe God. In this belief they realize that a lot that is going on is impossible to understand.

Unlike Hellenistic systems, where some guy reaches a high level of understanding and puppets follow him without study, deeming themselves inferior, this study takes every element of Torah and scrutinizes not only the tapestry, but the details of the writing down to letters and combinations of letters.

I believe that we are here to gather the Truth and we are then weighed on a scale according to how much we actually got correct. Personally, I think that Rashi's voluminous work will stand high in the crowd, but learning a Ramban can even elucidate further.

Torah is the greatest Treasure on the planet.

Trouble, Your Name Was Test

2008-12-11T10:11:00.007-05:00

All the scary things that occurred in the last week or so are all resolved. The health problems have been addressed and stamped clean. It was a test. And guess Who saw me through it all, Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu, the Holy One Blessed is He!!!!

There are no words for my gratitude, Hashem. No words can describe how much I love You!!!

(Please no more tests for a while) But I do remember the learning about Yaakov begging You for time of rest and You responded, "You want rest in this world and the world to come?"

It never hurts to ask!!!!

For Time Bomb

2008-12-11T08:27:00.003-05:00

Derech Hashem /Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto / RamChal http://www.feldheim.com/

As I study Derech Hashem 1:5:8 this morning I thought of you. I am very cautious of what goes in my mind and what stays out, but I thought of you as I studied this morning.

Light is not just a free concept, like a butterfly ready to be caught indeterminately. I've been working on understanding a Tanya teaching of bittul and bottol. It has been a long walk that is a golden ring for me, but it eludes me.

My study this morning lead me slightly closer and it is seemingly so simplistic that a first grader could comprehend. But there is a deeper learning from this simple knowledge.

I learned many, many years ago that the Light (all goodness) is God and that absence of this Light, to whatever degree is evil. It sits firmly in my mind, but my heart understands it only superficially. I'm not asking for explanation from anyone, I will find it on the pathway. A short constructive discussion could be interesting, but my veto pen would be in hand because far flung, half baked, teachers outside of Torah study are very dangerous. I do read Hebrew and have learned many intricacies according to my level.

RamChal: The True cause of everything good, whether among the Forces or their effects, is the Light of God's Presence. The cause of all evil, on the other hand is the absence of this light.

MH: So the God is the cause of actual good, "both general and in particular." So evil is the absence of this "good." Like a shade tree blocks the sun's light. A boxed in room with no windows is all dark. It is not dark in itself, but is merely the absence of the sun. This is where my mind seizes in regard to bittul and bottol.

There is deep learning in this that I want to extract in this lifetime.

So, in essence, God is an indirect cause of evil, because He is not present in darkness. Very explanatory of the situation of the world we live in now.

RamChal: The purpose of the source of evil was to give rise to particular concepts, to the extent that the Highest Wisdom determined necessary so that both man and the world be in its desired state. Isaiah 45:7. [God] forms light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates evil.

MH: It is about a deficiency.

RamChal: The activity of these evil forces, both individually and as a whole, depends on the extent to which God's LIght is absent and His Presence concealed. The greater this absence of LIght, the more authority and power these Forces have to act, both in general and in particular.

MH: The more weakened good, the more powerful evil. Today we have weakened good to the extent that bad is seen as totally acceptible.

RamChal: When these evil Forces are subjugated and deprived of their authority and power to act, on the other hand, then the good becomes strengthened. The Roots of all created things are then rectified and are set in a agood state so that both they and their brances are strengthened.

Looking at Torah Through Hebrew

2008-12-08T10:28:00.022-05:00

Abarbanel, Malbim, Chazon Ish, Ibn Ezra, Rashi, Ramban

Berashit bara Elokim et hashamayim v'et haaretz.

1:1

Rashi: In the beginning of [God's] creating. Rashi says that this verse screams "expound me!" It is the beginning of the Torah which is called rashit darcu, the beginning of His way. The verse is not teach the order of creation. Rashi says if it were chronological It should have been written "At first, He created the Heavens, etc." The word Rashit in Torah is always attached to the word that follows it.

The perplexing proof Rashi uses is "And the spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Ha Mayim "the water" with a definite article indicates a pre-existing water. So does the water precede the earth? We see also that the water was created before the Heavens.

Rashi maintains that water, wind, earth, and many other things were created on the first day.

Ibn Ezra: In full agreement with Rashi on the first three words of 1:1 "In the beginning of God's Creation, however there is disagreement understanding the verse as a whole.

He sees the Heavens, the earth, the deep and the water, were not created on the first day, rather on their respective days. Before them all, God created light.

Ramban: In the beginning God created. Ramban states that it is imperative to begin the Torah with in the beginning God Created, for the account of creation is the basis of all faith.

The Holy One created all creation from absolute nihility. There is no word to express this and that is why bara (create) was used.

Derech Hashem/The Way Of God III

2008-12-05T08:42:00.006-05:00

Derech Hashem/Ramchal

http://www.feldheim.com/

Ramchal: The purpose of all that was created was therefore to bring into existence a creature who could derive pleasure from God's own good, in a way that would be possible for it.

MH: Everyone is looking for True Good. This is a clue that everyone is really looking for God. Even though the physical pulls at us, there is a differing percentage of desire for good in every one of us. The extent of our merit (talk is cheap actions speak louder than words) is weighed by the distance we pull away from physical desire.

Some examples: Take a cantankerous person. This person may just seem like a miserable person happy to be unhappy. If he happens to run into a truly loving person with no guile, just the ability to love the people he meets, even the cantankerous can feel True Good.

Take a thief. There was a story I heard, I think it was Rabbi Tatz. He had been in a market when theives entered with guns and robbed everyone. This is the tsk, before he robbed Rabbi Tatz he said "forgive me father." There was a glimmer in the thief.

God gives us the opportunity to attach ourselves to Him. This is D'vakus and the spectrum is huge. The above thief had attached, but in a very limited way. I spend every waking moment thinking about Hashem, but I will also see how limited that attachment is, and how it as grown closer throughout my life.

RamChal: The purpose of all that was created was therefore to bring into existence a creature who could derive pleasure from God's own good, in a way that would be possible for it.

MH: The last week has been a bit scary. It worked out to a great degree, but the whole time I refused to allow myself deep fear. Why? I said over and over, that Hashem is the Conductor and Arranger of this life of mine. I knew deeply that out of it would come a courage so embedded with True Good, a refinement, that the result would be far better than the challenge.

I'll be back very soon

2008-12-03T22:06:00.002-05:00

Picture by R. Wangsa

I have been a little preoccupied this week. I will return ASAP.

Alone But Not Alone

2008-11-28T11:06:00.009-05:00

Alone But Not Alone

----------------------------

In the darkness of the early morning, fighting trouble and its fears, I know I am not alone. Although as frightening as life may be at times, I fight for D'vakus, clinging to the Rabboina Shel Olam. In times like these, when nothing makes sense at all, I know that Genius of all Geniuses has orchestrated the scenario.

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That feeling in the pit of my stomach is only a test of Truth and Action. I will find the strength to carry on.

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Life has gotten a little rocky for me in the last few days. There is a reason and a purpose and my only job is to cling to One I truly love, Hashem. I will make it through this storm also and I will do it with courage I have never experienced before.

Our Ultimate Destiny

2008-11-27T19:04:00.003-05:00

There are big shots and then there are the wee ones. This world is just a preparatory stage for the Olam Haba, the world to come.

For those of us with no stature in society, with a deep hunger for Torah, we see the True Treasure every day. I love the Modeh Ani. I look out the window at the pink sky, and thank God for another opportunity to work on my character. My desire to prove anything about myself is based solely on my knowledge of how the decision will impact Hashem. Without a glimmer of audacity and assumption, I know I know very little and deserve even less.

This world and all its enticements looks to me like a Styrofoam display cake in a bakery or a wax sample meal on at a restaurant. Underneath it all you know that meal you actually get is not so perfect and that you've somehow been had. With Torah, every taste is delectable and makes you want more and more.

One thing I have learned is that when I stand before the Beis Din Shamala, there are going to be things I thought I had in the bag, and then the details will show me how I was absolutely clueless.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T17:40:00.005-05:00

The sun has just set and it was a beautiful vision. Although every day for me is a beauty, today was exceptional.

I have been praying for a grandchild since my daughter was 2 1/2 when the doctor told me because of medication my daughter would never have a child. I never mentioned it to her, but it was there in my heart, this silent prayer to the One I love the most, Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu.

There were a few troubles and traumas along the way even after her marriage over five years ago. I fought the want for jealousy at the grandmothers all around. I prayed and I prayed.

This Thanksgiving, tears are in my eyes, I spent the day with my daughter, my son (in law, but my son) and my grandson.

There are no words to describe how much I love the Rabbona shel olam. There are no words to tell Him thank you, believe me I've tried.

I love you Hashem, I am so grateful for everything, especially the Torah that you have given me.

Thank you for my own baby girl, and her son...my grandson.

What is valuable?

2008-11-24T18:28:00.007-05:00

What is the value of something? It depends. There was a happy man of the country who knew the value of a good milk producing cow, but nothing of diamonds and sapphires.

One day the king was passing by his barn when a tree fell upon the king's carriage and the happy farmer saved the king with a rope and a cow.

As a reward for the effort the king took the farmer to his treasury and told him to take whatever he wanted. He immediately spied a few wooden stools, a pile of sacks, brooms and wooden boxes. The king said, but you don't understand, I'm offering you great riches.

The man said, what are riches? I think I'm rich already, but I can always use these supplies, thank you very much. He picked up his valuables and he walked out of the treasury.

What are riches? Hmmm.

Thoughts of A Simple Jew

2008-11-23T15:22:00.002-05:00

http://www.simplejew.blogspot.com/

Man's intellect can be likened to a heat-seeking missile. Once he has made up his mind, his brain locks on the target and nothing can divert its course.How many of us, however, stop mid-trajectory to ask Hashem to validate our choice of targets, and to show us whether there is a flaw in our logic? A Simple Jew

Derech Hashem/The Way Of God II

2008-11-21T11:45:00.007-05:00

I have spent the last two days in Derech Hashem I. Fundamentals / 3. Man. This is my second trip through the book although I have been studying R' Moshe Chaim Luzzatto via Rabbi Kalatsky, Rabbi Tatz and many other shuirim for five years, eleven months.

This particular portion I'm delving into because I want it in my heart much deeper than I have it now.

It starts out with "man is the creature created for the purpose of cleaving to Hashem. Only man is placed between perfection and deficiency, with the power to earn perfection."

I speaks about free will and how that is only a test of the level of compunction a person has attained. We live in a society where guilt is a "bad thing." Why? Because we live in a "let it rip" society. We have become desensitized to the fact that we are not just here on a joy ride, that this is a time of action.

RamChal: If man were compelled towards perfection, then he would not really be the master of it. Rather He who compelled him would be the one responsible, and God's purpose would not be fulfilled.

This speaks volumes to me these days, whereas the many years of previous learning weren't a pointed as these facts are at this time for me. And yes, I call what I learn from Talmud, Torah...facts -' a piece of information presented as having objective reality.' And yes, I know the difference between subjective reality and objective reality. You can eat an orange, but you can't truly describe the pleasure or perhaps displeasure of that particular orange as no two oranges are ever identical. Kinda like an expert of great pottery who knows not only the aesthetics of a piece, but the provenance of that object.

RamChal: It was necessary that man be given free will, and be balanced between good and evil, and not be compelled towards either. He has the power of choice, and able to choose either side, knowingly and willingly, and possess whichever one he wishes.

The Rabbi's teach that God will help a person no matter where he is headed. If he is headed for evil, he will also be helped along that pathway. This life is a tricky path. It is all about "talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words."

RamChal: In order that God's goal be best achieved, the Highest Wisdom decreed that man should consist of two opposites.

A person has a soul, which is pure an unadulterated. He also has a physical body which is unenlightened. The body is inclined towards the material and the soul toward the spiritual.

This is a battle.

RamChal: If the soul prevails, it not only elevates itself, but elevates the body as well, and the individual thereby attains his destined perfection. If he allows the physical to prevail, then besides lowering his body, he also debases his soul.

The beauty is that even though at some point he may go too far, he still retains the ability to subjugate the physical to his soul and turn it all around, back to the desired direction.

I love Tshuvah.

Derech Hashem/The Way Of God I

2008-11-18T10:27:00.002-05:00

Derech Hashem - RamChal - http://www.feldheim.com/

Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato

Translated by Aryeh Kaplan

Ramchal: Every Jew must believe and know that there exists a first Being, without beginning or end, Who brought all things into existence and continues to sustain them. This Being is God!

MH: This whole believe system that God is a kind of clock maker who made this clock called our world, wound it up and let it go on its own is blindness. God does not recreate the world once a year, a month or a day. He creates every nanosecond of every day new and fresh. That we see it as routine is depictive of the fact that we don't look deeply into any particular day.

Today I will have a combination of joys and frustrations that I have never experienced in the exact detail that they occur today.

Ramchal: It is further necessary to know that God's true nature cannot be understood at all by any being other than Himself.

MH: With each level I have achieved, it has been made clear to me that knowing God is a process and that I am on about mile forty-seven in a zezzazillion mile path. When I started on this path I thought I knew it all, and I still have to fight this trap of thinking.

Ramchal: The only thing we do know about Him is that He is perfect in every possible way and devoid of every conceivable deficiency.

MH: The most beautiful result of realizing this is when things get rough. I have to fight to embed this in my heart with each and every conflict, viccissitude that crops up. What I have noted though lately is that I am stronger and not so easily blow over by the yetzer hara.

Ramchal: It is also necessary to know that God's existence is imperative. It is abolutely impossible that He should cease to exist.

It is further necessary to know that God's existence does not depend on anything else at all. His existence is intrinsically imperative.

To be continued

One of my favorite sites

2008-11-13T22:22:00.005-05:00

http://www.asimplejew.blogspot.com/

I found this picture at A Simple Jew, today. R' Yosef Caro. It appears to be his Synagogue. I don't know if A Simple Jew took this or not. Its a beautiful picture and A Simple Jew is a beautiful site where I learn a lot.

Real Reality

2008-11-11T08:59:00.006-05:00

Chagigah 15b

Elisha ben Avuyah's (Acher, the Other)father was a very prominent man.

On the day of Acher's bris his father invited all the prominent men of Jerusalem and seated them in one room. He also invited Rabbi Eliezar and Rabbi Yehoshua and seated them in a different room.

After they ate and drank, the people in the first room began to sing, clap and dance. R' Eliezar said to R' Yehoshua, "While they are engaged in their activity let us engage in ours." They sat down and began to engage in the words of Torah.

A fire descended from Heaven and surrounded them. Acher's father came in and said, "Are you trying to burn my house down??"

They said "no, Heaven forbid! We were just sitting and reviewing the words of Torah from the Torah to the Prophets and frm the Prophets to the Writings and the words were so joyous that the fire was lapping them up.

Acher's father said, "If that is the power of Torah I will set this son aside for Torah."Unfortunately the father's desire was not for the sake of heaven, but for the power of Torah.

Acher abandoned the Torah.

Why?

I ask: When the parlor games are over, and the hotshots are wormfood, one wonders why no one can figure out that all this "ego" is for nothing.

Dixie Yid - Thoughts on life and Chassidus: Overcoming Challenges When You Have No Arms or Legs - Video#links

2008-11-10T22:21:00.001-05:00

Dixie Yid - Thoughts on life and Chassidus: Overcoming Challenges When You Have No Arms or Legs - Video#links

Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs, speaks about life's challenges and being "sameach b'chelko," happy with your portion. Definitely puts our challenges and setbacks into perspective. He throws in a little Xian sounding lingo at the end, but he only really speaks of having Bitachon in Hashem, trust in G-d. Thanks to my father for sending me this video!-

Dixie Yid

Rav Dessler Interesting Insights III

2008-11-10T18:55:00.006-05:00

Rav Dessler/ Strive For The Truth/Feldheim
http://www.feldheim.com/

ALL FOR THE BEST (Rav Desslers section title)

There are many attitudes one can accept in this lifetime. When troubles come, we can either collapse or know that these troubles are for our own benefit. How can this be? None of us like situations of pain and discomfort. Discomfort is the perfect word, not comfortable.

Rav Dessler: All for the best is the attitude to life which was irrevocably acquired by Abraham.

MH: I love this concept of irrevocable attitude. People who think life is random cannot understand such an ability.

Rav Dessler: Abraham withstood the trial of the famine and likewise many other trials and tribulations.

MH: One thing I've learn, especially when studying Mishlei/Proverbs is the word vicissitude. Just when you think that you are finally at peace a change occurs.

Rav Dessler: Abraham's heart did not fail him in spite of all his troubles because he was unshakeably convinced of the goodness of God and the infinitude of His mercies and bounties.

MH: What a beautiful legacy of potentiality. The Jewish People have an indescribable inner power passed down from this one of a kind greatness.

Rav Dessler: However numerous and grievous the hurts and persecutions that we suffer and have suffered for thousands of years, we do not give up. We know in our heart of hearts that all is for the best. .

MH: If you ever take the opportunity, look up Nachum Ish Gamzu.

The things that do occur are tests, nisoynos. According to the Sages, reality as we know it is not reality at all. Everything we go through in this foyer to the banquet hall called life, this testing ground, is for our own good. It is hard to understand in the moment, believe me I know full well. Psalm 126 speaks of this. When God returned the captivity of Zion we were as dreamers.

Jews who are lured by false promises of 'enlightenment' and enticing gentile culture will be awakened from their dream. There will be a time, due time.

Rav Dessler: The evil we experienced in the long night of exile, and which we thought at the time so real and so fearsome, will turn out to have been nothing but a bad dream. The reality, as we shall then see, is and always was nothing but goodness and love.

Micha 7:8
Do not triumph over me, O my enemy; If I have fallen, I rise up; If I sit in darkness, God is light unto me.

Rav Dessler: On this our Sages comment: "From the very falling is the rising; from the very darkness is the light. (Yalkut Shimoni, Michah, 558).

MH: If you find yourself slipping into despair, fight. Do not ever roll over and play dead. The test is how hard you are willing to fight to believe Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu.

Virtual Yeshiva

2008-11-06T18:26:00.009-05:00

http://www.virtualyeshiva.com/

The Sitra Achra has won the election

2008-11-05T08:01:00.001-05:00

My predictions:
1.) It will be a crime to believe the Torah, in that homosexuality is an abhorrence to God and completely immoral.
2.) Churches will be deemed the "wicked" and the tax free status will be revoked, and the churches will be told what they can and cannot teach.
3.) Statewide systems of school taxation will be modified to spread the money instead of working for your own community and the citizens thereof. There are no winners here, only destruction.
4.) Money will be distributed according to the plan of the "wisest One." Which will lead to a slave society, where no one has any hope.
5.) The welfare state will look like a "good" job and the workforce will figure out very quickly how to use the system. The end product is a lazy society just ripe for the picking. Slaves. This is what happened to the Russian people.
6.) The children will dabble in homosexuality which has it complications in the hormonal system of the human being. In other words, there is no turning back.
7.) A sense of entitlement only leads the population to the feeling that "everything" is theirs for the taking. The end product, theft the thing that caused the disasters in the only Book that will be banned by the government, the Torah.

This sounds impossible? Well it isn't, it has just begun. The Sitra Achra has won the election.

Free Will II

2008-11-03T10:43:00.004-05:00

Your original point of free will is not up to you. It is merely your starting point. Where the point of free will exists, you are accountable.

The free will point changes with every choice made. As you act, move or decide something it changes. Every time you make a correct decision, you elevate the point.

The effect of all this is that your free will point becomes more refined, and thus more difficult. The result is that you are a wee bit stronger than before the correct decision. These wee bits add up over time. (mtzvos goreros mitzvos).

If you take piano lessons from a teacher and then become better than that teacher, you need to find a new, more challenging instructor. It is like music itself. Once you master a piece, you must go on to attempt a more difficult piece otherwise you stagnate.

The more power, the more adversities. In the gym a five pound weight may be challenging for a week but then you must upgrade the weight. Each weight is more challenging.

We must be locked in battle with our own physical self, our guf. The whole purpose of life is to refine our character from the first original point of choice. It is not about remaining stagnate at any level across a large spectrum of different choices,be they psychological or physical, or societal.

A definition of good and bad is only how the power is channelled. Let's say you have a desire for cake, if you channel the desire for weight loss, you will consider the piece. If you have a desire only for pleasure, you will consume the whole cake.

Let's say you were born a greedy person. You could channel everything to you, or you could start giving to others.

There was a story of a Torah student who became very rich. He fled the community and isolated himself in the biggest house in town.

Many years later the Rabbi stopped by for charity. Many people had been turned away and so the Rabbi was concerned about the man. He knocked at the door and the man greeted him. The Rabbi needed $1,000 for the marriage of an orphan girl. The man said "Of course, here Rabbi." and he handed the Rabbi a penny.

The Rabbi went on and said "Oh, how generous sir. Thank you." and he left. The Talmidim that were with the Rabbi said "How could you say this, you know flattery is not halachically permitted?"

The Rabbi said: "Nothing changes immediately. This man doesn't know how to give. We'll just take it slowly."

At that the man called the Rabbi back into the house and gave him another penny, over and over again. Before the Rabbi actually left, the man gave him the entire amount, bit by bit.

R' Aryeh Kaplan

2008-11-03T10:15:00.005-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAB19Jyp1BA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9gflnY8NDM

For many years I have thought about Aryeh Kaplan's genius and early death at 49. To find this live interview was like finding a diamond in the yard.

Chagigah and Obama

2008-10-29T09:05:00.004-04:00

NBA Jordan Farmar at the Kotel.

In my study this morning, Chagigah 14b there was first a reference to Ov and Yidoni. Ov Ama, the people of the necromancers. These people are no longer alive on this planet. Obama's face looks to me like one of these people.

So, what does this have to do with my study? Just a few inches down the Talmud discusses Is 3.

I will go into this further when I have more time.

So why Jordan Farmar and Tefillin? If the Jewish People step away from self and start learning Torah, and honor Shabbos, the whole scenario can change.

2008-10-27T11:43:00.003-04:00

I have a very special turkey like this that frequents my backyard. The feathers are beautiful. There are down type feathers that have beautiful herringbone pattern and a copper colored belting.

How amazing.

Aside from that, my Shabbat was beautiful. I spend Fridays baking my Challah, and pies or cakes. I love to decorate cakes.

This week we had a leg of lamb that was succulent because it wad cooked on my beloved Ron Popeil rotisserie. We had asparagus and Nishiki rice. My mouth is watering right now.

Shabbat morning it is challah French toast like I used to enjoy at a placed called Kiev in Lower Manhattan.

Y'all probably get sick of hearing me say I love life, but I do. Simcha is a choice and I spent years commanding myself to be joyful and now it is natural.

Rav Dessler Interesting Insights II

2008-10-23T14:51:00.007-04:00

Rav Dessler/Strive for the Truth/Feldheim.

This is a great book for those with no Hebrew, and also those who need a translation. If everyone in the world studied just this, the world would be a far better place.

Rav Dessler on Free Choice: We know that every human being has free choice in whatever situation he may be. His free choice extends to the one point at which the forces of truth and falsehood are equally balanced in his mind.

MH: My first question is, what the heck are the forces of truth and falsehood? How can these forces be balanced? Are these forces corrupted by external influences?

Rav Dessler: It is here that free will comes into play. Areas above this point, and those below it, lie outside the range of his free will at that particular time.

MH: So I think again, is this a spiritual point where my neshamah knows something beyond the intellect? When I study it and think about it (sometimes for years)I know there is a superficial meaning and a very deep meaning. The clue "that particular time,"refines the thought from the general to the particular. This is telling me that this is indeed a path, a derech replete with tests and situations. It is like a trip with clues along the pathway to lead you to the final destination. Without these clues, a person is blind and only goes around in circles. The mightiest clue with "that particular time" convinces me that I am a work in progress, mere potential.

Rav Dessler: Areas above the free-will point" mean questions of right and wrong which a person's moral sense cannot yet grasp.

MH: I understand this slightly. Before this path, I was a self-justification expert. I could come up with a viable answer to any blatant mistake that I made. Why? I ask myself today. What was I proving and to whom?

Perhaps I'm right, perhaps I'm wrong, I love rebuke, but I think Rav Dessler is saying that Truth is truly immutable. It is not open for discussion, or changeable to suit our needs, or era.

Rav Dessler: Areas below the free-will point mean questions about matters which are already part of his established moral behavior-patterns, so that he would normally be relatively immune to temptation on these points.

MH: Now here I am lost, not mature enough to understand the gravity of this point. Are these moral behavior-patterns apparently incorrect, corrupted? No, I think this is more like a good person who would never think of mugging an old lady, and so the temptation to mug an old lady is simple not in that person. The yetzer ha-ra will never be able to tempt me to mug an old lady.

Before 2003 I loved baby back ribs, then all of a sudden they started smelling like a 4 day-old corpse. You talk about disgusting. My behiro point for pork was drastically altered and I haven't had pork since.

So here I think I learned that sometimes Hashem intervenes and makes the behiro point change easier. I quit smoking over 8 years ago immediately. I know that Hashem was giving me a gift in this and so I ased him to respond and help me with the carbs and fat grams. No deal. So my behiro point has been lowered for cigarettes and pork, but the battle is on with food.

Note: behiro = choice.

Rav Dessler: The situation is never static. It can change for the better, and then our free-will point will rise.

MH:

If I buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke them tonight, my behiro point could possibly rise and I would be addicted again.

Mitzvos goreros mitzvos, one good choice leads to the desire for more good choices. Aveiros goreros aveiros, one bad choice, not matter how insignificant leads to the desire for more bad choices.

Hmm, so much to learn. So little time.

My Picture

2008-10-22T11:38:00.005-04:00

This picture was taken January 24, 2007.

Free Will

2008-10-21T14:13:00.004-04:00

What is free will? To me it is the choice I'm confronted with at every step along the pathway.

When is a choice truly free?

To me a choice is free only when a person gets rid of all the backwash from input, be it Familial, Sociological, or Psychological. Basically, it is when a person is freed from need to prove anything to anyone besides Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu. Primarily it is the self that is trying to dig itself out of its own low self-concept. But.....

Example One: You are faced with a situation where a clerk gives you more change than you deserve. Do you walk away gleeful at the pittance, or do you wonder about the consequences to the clerk? It depends on how much you have worked on your character.

What a beautiful day

2008-10-20T14:30:00.011-04:00

I have so enjoyed every single second of this day. I have an extra dog, a Yorkie and usually that alone drives me nuts, but today, either he or I have mellowed out. Life is a beautiful thing.

I have swept up leaves from the carpet all day. This is a thing that I used to gripe and gripe about an now, its a pleasure.

Leaves are amazing, air is amazing, the sky, the wind and the hills are amazing.

What a beautiful life.

The Intricacies of Job / Iyov I

2008-10-20T11:43:00.003-04:00

R' Eisemann / ArtScroll Tanach Series

http://www.artscroll.com/

The Intricacies of Job

R' Eisemann states: The one, mauor and unforgiveable error that Job - and indeed his three friends had made, was to trivialize God, to create Him, as it were, in their own image.

We are challenged by our own limitations by the events in this book. There is a world that surrounds us that is not apparent through our senses. Job had nothing physical to work with in understanding the problems that occurred.

If we could really grasp the message of Job, nothing would ever truly bother us again. This is a quest.

Job 1:1 There was a man....

This is not very descriptive. At least when we first hear of Abraham, we get his geneology. So we begin not knowing anything about the man. Was he a Jew? Was he a gentile? Besides this, we have chronology to tell us exactly when Avraham was born, 1948 years after the creation of Adam HaRishon.

Perhaps this cryptic beginning keeps the focus on Job alone? Bava Basra 15a tries to place Job in an historical context, but it doesn't resolve any maklokis. Rambam Moreh Nevuchim 22 discusses particular time-frames from Avraham to the return from Babylon.

Is it factual, is it a parable?

Rabbi Eisemann: Even though there seems much to commend the opinion that the book is a parable, such an assumption is not without difficulties. Chief among these is the argument that if indeed it is a tale with no basis in actual events, we would have expected the author (whom Bava Basra 14b amd 15a identifies as Moses) to have chosen Jews as Protagonists, and the Torah as the thought-world within which the ideas of Job and his friends are formed.

The main idea that place it preTorah is that nowhere is halacha, or Torah Instruction noted in the possible trangression that could have created the effects Job was realizing.

I've run out of time.

This is my world

2008-10-19T15:22:00.001-04:00

This is my world. I have so little time and so much to learn.

Sukkot

2008-10-16T17:45:00.002-04:00

My esrog this year is more fragrant than any other esrog I have ever received (Esrog Headquarters). It to me is the smell of Gan Eden. The pitum is like a fragrant wick of citrus, but not just any citrus, that esrogim citrus beauty that I have only a few weeks a year.

I have spent hours in my Sukkah. Last night there was a torrential rain, but I have it all dried out and ready for this evening.

Sukkot to me is the most lovely time of the year. The days of Awe are behind, Marchesvan, the kind of darkish month is ahead, but its okay. It is like Sukkot will waft through my Cheshvan and I will drink the memories of my sukkah for months.

Thank you Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu for everything in my world.

Rav Dessler Interesting Insights I

2008-10-13T12:02:00.008-04:00

Rav Dessler

Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler
Strive For The Truth/Feldheim Publishers
Michtav M'Eliyahu.

Volume I part I

Rav Dessler:

Death brings no fundamental change to the human personality. The characteristics we either worked on or didn't work on survive the bodies death and are the basis of future experiences in the World to Come.
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MH:

Can you imagine the implications of this situation?
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I am so amazed when I think of the road I have traveled. I used to think that my character was immutable, as if I were stamped out of iron and that was that. Even iron can be melted and reshaped, but that wasn't the way I envisioned who and what I was.

Then after many years of Torah and learning like that of Rav Dessler, I found out that my purpose was to correct flawed character traits. Believe me, there are some dastardly traits that have been seemingly impossible for me to battle. Dastardly is a great descriptive, because the only reason it was a battle was because I was too cowardly to fight them.

I used to lie like a rug because I was embarrassed of my own self-conception. Then I learned that these images and faults have a purpose and that purpose is action to prove sincerity. I don't lie at all anymore. I even correct myself in public if I stretch the truth.

Now, learning the above, I realize the benefits of non-negotiable Truth. Great Rabbis have access to a great storehouse of knowledge which is applicable to every possible situation that comes down the pike. It is Torah.

This accumulation of wisdom shed great light on our own obscurity. R' Dessler "Everything falls into place with the utmost precision, as befits the absolute Truth." This is why in retrospect we with foresight are able to see why certain things occurred as they did in our lives. With this wisdom we can see difficulties melt away.

There will be times, there have been a few in my life, where no matter how hard I tried I couldn't understand the extent of the difficulty. Rav Dessler "The part can bear witness to the whole."

Clarity emerges from Torah, and with great difficulty (hard work) sometimes we can reveal the depth of many problems. Even though the whole understanding may elude us, there is a sense of confidence in Hashem, that knows it will work out for the best. Gamzu l'Tova (Nachum of Gamzu) was a man who believed even though his body was broken and his skin was raw flesh, he believed completely.

Until next time, Baruch Hashem.

Two of my three dogs

2008-10-12T17:18:00.004-04:00