Derech Hashem (The Way of G-d)
This is a series exploring the fundamentals of Jewish philosophy from the book Derech Hashem written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto (Ramchal). Below are recordings of the class which is given by conference call for women around the world whose life involves bringing Torah values and education to others (mikarvot). Most classes on my site are aimed a a broad audience of varied levels of background and practice. This particular series is taught based on the assumption of full Jewish observance and broad Jewish knowledge in the majority of the listeners.
The classes are 45 min long with time for questions at the end. The first questions pertain to the material learned, after that questions can be about any topic.
To join the class live, click here to send me your name, role in kiruv and email address.
The classes are 45 min long with time for questions at the end. The first questions pertain to the material learned, after that questions can be about any topic.
To join the class live, click here to send me your name, role in kiruv and email address.
This is the first class, including and introduction to the Ramchal, his works, the book Derech Hashem and the first paragraph of the book. Future classes will be labeled according to the section of the book they cover. This class could be labled 1-1-1, which stands for section 1, chapter 1, paragraph 1.
| Derech Hashem Introduction and g-d.mp3 |
| Derech Hashem (2) G-d and Purpose 1-1-2-6 and 1-2-1.mp3 |
| Derech Hashem (3) Purpose 1.2.2-5.mp3 |
| Derech Hashem (4) 1.3.1-6.mp3 |
Class five includes a discussion of creation of woman, feminism, hair covering, a bit about challah, and cheit Chava
Also, there is a little glitch in the beginning of the recording: I got cut off and had to dial back in so the first five min gets repeated and it picks back up after a pause. I'm trying to cut that first part off, but so far the recording includes it...
Also, there is a little glitch in the beginning of the recording: I got cut off and had to dial back in so the first five min gets repeated and it picks back up after a pause. I'm trying to cut that first part off, but so far the recording includes it...
| Derech Hashem (5) 1.3.7-8.mp3 |
In class 6 we talked about the creation of water and how that preceded the Torah
narrative of creation (there is no pasuk of v'ye'hi mayim). Here is a
link to an interesting article on water in space: http://www.fastcompany.com/1769468/scientist-discover-the-oldest-largest-body-of-water-in-existence-in-space that may give new understanding to the "waters above".
We also talked about the concept of Tikkun Olam and how the phrase is used in Reform or Conservative speech. Finally we talked about Tumah and Tahara and why a body gets a taharah before burial. We also began talking about resurrection.
We then had a long question and discussion about a neighbor who desires to believe in ma'amad Har Sinai, but is having a lot of trouble with her emunah in that.
We also talked about the concept of Tikkun Olam and how the phrase is used in Reform or Conservative speech. Finally we talked about Tumah and Tahara and why a body gets a taharah before burial. We also began talking about resurrection.
We then had a long question and discussion about a neighbor who desires to believe in ma'amad Har Sinai, but is having a lot of trouble with her emunah in that.
| Derech Hashem (6) 1.3.9-10.mp3 |
In class 7 we discussed the Olam HaNishamot/s, the soul world and what goes on there. The thought at the end, after the Derech Hashem text, was about Peah, leket and shichicha and how they help us grow our souls. For more on that, listen to my Sefer haChinuch class of Dec. 12, 5772. click here
| Derech Hashem (7) 1.3.11-13_.mp3 |
In class 8 we began the chapter on Human Responsibility. In discussing
the darkness of physicality, we segued in to Chanukah for a few moments
to discuss the light of Chanukah and the nature of the Greek exile. I
added in a short Chanukah vort to share during the coming days. We then
continued with our text, deepening our understanding of how bodies and
souls interrelate and how the soul will ultimately rarefy the body
through engagement in the physical rather than through eschewing
(rejecting) the physical. We reached a new definition of mitzvah as "a
physical pathway to a spiritual goal". Finally we touched upon how the
access to devaikut is equalized for men and women, Cohen, Levy and
Yisroel by giving them different mitzvot.
| Derech Hashem (8) 1.4.1-5.mp3 |
In class 9 we looked at how one uses this world and channels one's behavior to connect to Hashem. We briefly discussed love and fear of Hashem, focusing on the love, and we looked at the beginning of the Rambam's Hilchot Teshuva chapter 10 to hear a little more about loving Hashem and how to build that love. Finally we spoke about Torah study and how it inculcates a specific excellence into the one who learns it.
| Derech Hashem (9) 1.4.6-9.mp3 |
In class 10 (January 9, 15 Tevet 5772) we finished chapter 4 and began chapter 5 of section one. In finishing chapter 4, we continued the discussion of the function of mitzvot and the light that Hashem shines as a result of the participation in that mitzvah and how it affects the person who engaged in it. We then deepened the understanding by reading page 31-32 in Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's book Immortality, Resurrection, and the Age of the Universe, published by Ktav/AOJS.
Chapter 5 begins the discussion of the spiritual realm. We talked about the construct of the physical and the spiritual and their divisions, and began the conversation about souls and their structure. We will, iy"H, elaborate on that in another class.
Chapter 5 begins the discussion of the spiritual realm. We talked about the construct of the physical and the spiritual and their divisions, and began the conversation about souls and their structure. We will, iy"H, elaborate on that in another class.
| Derech Hashem(10) 1.4.10-11 and 1.5.1.mp3 |
Class 11 was given from the hotel at the AJOP conference. We began a discussion of the links between the physical and the spiritual and went into a little detail of angels and forces. We cited the Sefer HaChinuch, Tomer Devorah and R' Aryeh Kaplan in his posthumous book "Immortality, Resurrection and The Age of The Universe" in discussing a bit about how angels work and how we too can create them with our behavior and in discussing the function of the physical. We had a question about olam habah so after the shiur part we began a discussion of the nature of olam habah, similar to some earlier discussions, and we got cut off right in the middle of a joke which is where we open in the following class.
| Derech Hashem (11) 1.5.2.mp3 |
In Class 12 we had lengthy, lively discussion before we began the recording, so we made the class a little shorter than usual. We began the recording with reviewing the Hadassah Lady joke and a few more ideas about olam habah, reiterating the machloket between the Ramban and the Rambam as to when olam habah begins and the role of a soul world. We also discussed the nature of questions in hashkafah and that it is okay to not know (for now), this thought being symbolized by the cos Eliyahu on the seder table. Finally, we talked about the image of a marionette (see one here: https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGtDhgsbQlyN8_MbTOBVwqlRTQursvWZVgLM8mV5tnGsBhnabZnA ) and how that is a mashal for the links between this world, the upper world and malachim. This image will help us understand next week's class, b'ezrat Hashem.
| Derech Hashem (12) 1.5.3.mp3 |
Class 13 had a recording glitch through the conference call company, so I had to use my digital recorder at the last minute. I apologize for the lower quality recording.
In this class, we laid a framework for the place of the kochot and melachim by discussing the basic construct of the 10 Sephirot (Chochmah, Bina, Daat, Chesed, Gevurah, Tiferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod and Malchut) and the 4 olamot (Atzilut, Briah, Yitzirah, and Asiyah). We then reviewed the mashal of the marionette and delved a bit into the concept of masculine and feminine energies and how they work with the four letter name of Hashem. We added a thought about Tu B'Shvat and ended with some questions about gezairot and how to avoid receiving negative ones.
In this class, we laid a framework for the place of the kochot and melachim by discussing the basic construct of the 10 Sephirot (Chochmah, Bina, Daat, Chesed, Gevurah, Tiferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod and Malchut) and the 4 olamot (Atzilut, Briah, Yitzirah, and Asiyah). We then reviewed the mashal of the marionette and delved a bit into the concept of masculine and feminine energies and how they work with the four letter name of Hashem. We added a thought about Tu B'Shvat and ended with some questions about gezairot and how to avoid receiving negative ones.
| Derech Hashem (13) 1-5-4.mp3 |
In class 14 we were able to complete chapter five of section one. We discussed the interplay of deterministic and indeterministic influences, the nature of good and it's opposite and the fact that the energy for the two is a zero sum game: when good is strengthened evil looses strength and the converse happens as well. In addition, we talked about how human deeds, speech and thoughts affect the system for good and for bad and that the power to choose its flavor rests in our hands, although ultimately Hashem is in charge of the final destination. We also touched upon concepts of tumah and the effects of nighttime and sleep in creating space for the possibility of negative influence and why that adds up to negel vasser in the morning.
| Derech Hashem (14) 1-5-5-9.mp3 |
In class 15, recorded in Jerusalem, we began section 2 of Derech Hashem. We did an extremely quick review of section one and then read and discussed the first chapter of section 2 and the first paragraph of the second chapter. We discussed the meaning of the word Hashgacha and began laying the foundation to see the difference between hashgacha clalis and hashgacha pratis. The class was interrupted by someone who needed the room, part of the logistics of teaching in a different environment... so we ended early. It is about 30 min long.
| Derech Hashem (15) 2.11-3.mp3 |
In class 16, recorded in Jerusalem, I began by answering two questions that were emailed to me. We looked at souls and their equality in potential and briefly discussed the differences of male and female souls, and we relooked at the four stages of making things manifest that parallel the four letters of the sheim Hashem. There were no students on the call, so I did not have the interaction of questions or acknowledgements of understanding to keep me on track. I hope that it is relatively clear, but I am sure that I left some holes. Please feel free to ask for further clarification and I'll try to add it in next week, b'ezrat Hashem. We then looked at the second paragraph of chapter 2 and began the third. For homework, I recommended considering where free will operates in our lives and paying attention to opportunities that we have to exercise it.
| Derech Hashem (16) 2-2-2.mp3 |
In class 17 (phone reference number 22) we began with two questions that were emailed in. "1. If potential increases with achievement how does that fit with the concept of a person dying early - because they completed their potential? 2. Is there a teshuva process for lost opportunities/lost potential?" Please continue to send in questions. I enjoy answering them and I appreciate getting to know what you are wondering about. We discussed free will and some of it's ramifications as well as the three periods of judgement (in this world, after death, after this world is finished) and three methods of removing negativity from oneself (teshuva, suffering, gehenom). We then touched upon Purim and it's avodah. For a longer shiur on Purim see below.
| Derech Hashem (17) 2-2-3.mp3 |
Purim 5772 including a section (mem dalet) of Daas Tevunos about giluy yichudo.
| Purim_5772.wma |
In Class 18 (phone reference number 23) we developed the concept of judgment and clarified the periods of judgement as well as the methods of removing negativity from one's self. We supplemented with a reading in the Tomer Devorah, middah number 8, Yachvosh Avononseinu, and talked about the chesed Hashem practices by not allowing the ripple effects of our negative choices to go too far. And we applied it to ourselves as we may emulate Hashem in all His middos. We also reiterated how welcome questions of any type are. Please feel free to call or email them in and let me know if I should just answer them at the next opportunity or wait until you are on the line to hear the answers live.
| Derech Hashem (18) 2.2.4-6.mp3 |
I opened class 19 (phone reference number 24) with the mistake of calling it class number 20, so please don't be confused when you start listening. This week, we completed the second chapter of part two. We discussed a little more about reward and punishment, and the concept that one may be rewarded in this world for mitzvot depending on certain conditions. The first is if one is a rasha and Hashem wants to exclude that soul from eternal life entirely. The second is if one is judged to deserve a certain level in the perfected community and the reward for a mitzvah or group of mitzvot might change the status within the community. In both cases, we can see why there might be good for "undeserving" people and difficulty for the righteous.
We then began a discussion of Pesach. We talked about the spiritual energy available at this time of year and on the yontiff in particular, the nature of the two new years at Tishrei and in Nisan, based on an essay by Rav Hirsch on Shemot 12:2. We also talked about 2 different ways to accomplish personal spiritual preparations for the yontif: preparing our mouths to be a beautiful kli for the seder, and softening and removing the chametz from our hearts in a short breathing meditation.
We then began a discussion of Pesach. We talked about the spiritual energy available at this time of year and on the yontiff in particular, the nature of the two new years at Tishrei and in Nisan, based on an essay by Rav Hirsch on Shemot 12:2. We also talked about 2 different ways to accomplish personal spiritual preparations for the yontif: preparing our mouths to be a beautiful kli for the seder, and softening and removing the chametz from our hearts in a short breathing meditation.
| Derech Hashem (19) 2.2.7-9 and Pesach.mp3 |
In class 20 we began chapter 3 of section 2: individual providence. We looked at the first 3 paragraphs which are an opening section discussing a person's individuality and unique make up, and we will, b'ezrat Hashem, continue building on the concepts in the next class after Pesach. We also looked at the section on Pesach (4.1.1). We discussed a bit about chametz and matzah, and then went more deeply into the mechanism whereby Jews became a nation separate from all the other nations and actually "morphed" into a different [spiritual] species.
| Derech Hashem (20) 2.3.1-3.mp3 |
Class 21 was the first class after Pesach 5772. We discussed the concept of segulahs with particular reference to Shlissel Challah, the key challah made after Pesach. We also reviewed just a bit to get back into the swing of Derech Hashem after our break.
| Derech Hashem (21) Shlissel Challahand and Review.mp3 |
In class 22 we continued the discussion of Hashgacha Ishis/t (pratis/t), touching upon suffering and it's purpose, the reasons one might receive help or hindrance from Hashem, as well as the concepts of "Habah litaher, misi'in oto" "habah litameh, potchim lo".
| Derech Hashem (22) 2.3.4-7.mp3 |
In class 23 we continued the conversation on suffering and deepened it by adding the concept of areivut to the mixture. Areivut plus suffering can equal the suffering of tzadikim in atonement for the sins of the people in a certain location or even of a generation. In answer to the question of why, if so many tzadikim have suffered over the generations, moshiach still has not arrived, we talked about the difference between repair (atonement) and building and we related it to the tikkunim and building that occur during the omer period.
| Derech Hashem (23) 2.3.8-9.mp3 |
In class 24 we discussed reincarnation. The Ramchal presents it in the context of explaining why certain circumstances may exist in one's life. We went further to explain a bit about the concept of reincarnation in general as well as how it might work. In addition, I offered a theory of soul "chips" or "slivers" and how they may be shared based on numerous other more widely known ideas, including areivus/t.
| Derech Hashem (24) 2.3.10.mp3 |
In class 25 we reviewed reincarnation and reviewed the reasons that factor into hashgacha ishis/t. We then finished the chapter on hashgacha ishis/t and began the chapter on Israel and the Nations. Here we began the discussion of how the descendants of Avraham differentiated from all of humanity to become a separate spiritual entity. We ended with the erev-Shavuot thought that the Torah was given for the sake of all mankind and that any individual member of the world's nations may choose to include him or herself among the Jewish people by committing to behave in accordance with the Torah's dictates and to become a bearer of the message of the Torah.
| Derech Hashem (25) 2.3.11-12 and 2.4.1-3 .mp3 |
In class 26 we discussed the era of "roots", how the world's population divided into nations, and the transition into the era of "branches", the era in which we are currently living. The concept of "spiritual genetics" was discussed in relationship to the root and branch concept. We touched upon the difference between a Jewish and a non-Jewish soul. In response to a question I got by email, we talked about how and why I came up with the soul "chips" theory and what it means. We talked about the numbers of 600,000 primary branch souls and how that number fits into the bigger picture. We also touched on the nature of animal souls, which all living things have. We will go into the subject further when we arrive at that place in the text, b'ezrat Hashem, here we just looked at it, also in response to an email question.
| Derech Hashem (26) 2.4.3-6.mp3 |
In class 27 we finished the chapter on Israel and the Nations, raised a few questions about how non-Jews exist in the next world, answered some and left others unanswered. The subject is difficult and I hope to share a bit more about it next time.
| Derech Hashem (27) 2.4.7-9.mp3 |
In class 28 we shared some perspective on the role of the Jews vis a vis the nations and we drew a parallel with the role of the Leviim vis a vis the rest of klal Yisroel. I shared some thoughts of Rabbi Uziel Milevsky a''h from his writings on Parshas Korach to point out this parallel. In addition, during the past week I merited to meet with Rabbi Yaakov Feldman who writes a commentary on Derech Hashem as well as other writings of the Ramchal. He discussed many topics with me and gave me some insight and encouragement. I shared some of the ideas he shared with me. (You can see his blog on the Klach Pischei Chochmah, The 148 Openings of Wisdom, at http://ramchal.wordpress.com/ )
| Derech Hashem (28) Review and Perspective on Israel and the Nations.mp3 |
In class 29 we covered all of chapter 5 in section 2 "How Providence Works". The eight chapters of section two are all about Providence. This chapter serves as a transition from "that it exists and why it is there" to "how it works". It opens with the distinction between the two ways the word hashgacha is used: hashkafa, Hashem's perception, and hashpa'ah, Hashem's influence. The rest of the chapter then describes the hashpa'ah aspect, giving an introduction to the system through which Hashem makes His will manifest. I told the story of Shelomo HaMelech and the malaach hamavet and we used the Colorado fires as a living example of paragraph number 4. B'ezrat Hashem we will delve more deeply into the systems of hashgacha in the weeks to come (and b'ezrat Hashem the fires will quickly be contained with no more loss of life or property).
| Derech Hashem (29) 2.5.1-6.mp3 |
In class 30 we covered all 5 paragraphs of chapter 6 in section 2, "The System of Providence". We discussed the various constructs that allow for separation between Hashem and us: the sifirot, the 4 olamot, time, and the court-like system of judgement designed by Hashem described in this chapter. We also talked about the satan and the difference between the Jewish and the American-Christian concepts of Satan.
| Derech Hashem (30) 2.6.1-5.mp3 |
In class 31 we covered all of section 2, chapter 7, the Influence of the Stars. There are only 4 paragraphs in this chapter, but it covers very esoteric ideas. We supplemented the Ramchal with the Rambam in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah chapter 10 halacha 3 where the Rambam discusses the possibility of divining the future through reading the stars and where he differentiates between prophesy and star gazing. We also looked at the Rashi on Breishis 15:5 where we learn that names and mazel are intertwined and that "ain mazal l'Yisroel". Finally, we read from Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's Immortality, Resurrection, and the Age of the Universe, chapter 4 about Astrology and Angels. We ended the class with several pressing questions (Why does Hashem need stars and angels? Why does He have to resort to angels to carry out His commands? How can stars have souls?) that will be contemplated, b'ezrat Hashem, at the beginning of the next class.
| Derech Hashem (31) 2.7.1-4.mp3 |
Class 32 was an extensive discussion of the influence of the stars and the differentiation of melachim and the principles of how stars and angels are related to each other in mission and influence. We finished the essay of Rabbi Kaplan that we began last week and we looked at the Rambam's Hilchot Yisodei HaTorah perek 2, halachot 5 and 6, as well as at a gemara in shabbos 156a. We reviewed a concept that we discussed before about the purpose of the physical world and how within the physical two separate and distant entities can be united by pushing them together in space, whereas in the spiritual world things can only be called "close" if they are similar. The physical is a place where the dissimilar spiritual can be brought together. Class 11 is where I introduced this concept.
| Derech Hashem (32) Influence of Stars Continued.mp3 |
Class 33 resumes after a summer break. We began chapter 8 of section 2, the final chapter on Providence and how it works. The chapter opens with the discussion of how Hashem is fair and just, always, and that everything is rooted in His love for us, as a father loves his children. We discussed how that is so, even when it doesn't appear so and I mentioned a story I heard from Rabbi Bentzion Klatzko which you can hear here: http://www.torahanytime.com/scripts/media.php?file=media/Rabbi/Benzion_Klatzko/2012-04-23/Why_Do_Bad_Things_Happen_to_Good_People/Rabbi__Benzion_Klatzko__Why_Do_Bad_Things_Happen_to_Good_People__2012-04-23.wmv
| Derech Hashem (33) 2.8.1.mp3 |
For class 34, Section 2, chapter 8, paragraph 2, we began a new format, teaching at a morning hour so that Israel, Europe and Africa can join live and including some live students in the room. I used my cell phone, but, sadly there was a glitch in the recording below and my words are only recorded from about minute 22 to the end. I may try to rerecord, but this is what we have for now.
| Derech Hashem(34) 2.8.2 begins @ 22 min.mp3 |
In class 35 we completed section 2 of Derech Hashem, thus wrapping up the lengthy section on Hashem's Providence and the many ways it works. Next week we will begin section 3, b'ezrat Hashem, on the soul, inspiration and prophesy.
| Derech Hashem (35) 2.8.3-5.mp3 |
Class 36 (phone reference number 45) begins a new section in Derech Hashem, section III, The Soul, Inspiration and Prophecy". We went through the first 4 paragraphs. First we discussed the nefesh, or the animal soul, what I like to call the animating life force, that all creatures have. Then we talked about the neshamah, the Divine soul, that is addition to the nefesh and is unique to humans. We then talked a bit about how the body and soul interact and we ended with the 5 levels of the soul: nefesh (not to be confused with the animal soul which is also called "nefesh"), ruach, neshamah (the whole soul, all 5 levels together is referred to as neshamah, but also the third distinct level is called neshamah), chaya and yichida.
| Derech Hashem (36) 3.1.1-4.mp3 |
Below is an intermediate class. It is an example of how I teach this material to a broader audience. It was given in London in 2011, sponsored by the Kesher Organization. It is a good review (of the last class) and preview (of the next class) of this unit on souls.
| Souls I Lnondon.wma |
Class number 37 (phone reference number 46) has a lot of background noise in the beginning but it gets quieter as we go on. We continued the chapter on souls, discussing the night time journeys of the soul, the daytime return and the effects of its temporary absence. We talked about negel vasser and why this is important based on these concepts. We also touched on dreams and how they are and are not influences by the souls journeys.
| Derech Hashem (37) 3.1.5-6.mp3 |
In class 38 (phone reference number 47), given during Chanukah 5773, we reviewed and expanded a bit on soul concepts, referred to an article in Michtav M'Eliayhu that touched on the soul connections that made the holy day of Chanukah possible and a deep multi-generational event, and we peeked into the following chapter about Theurgy.
| Derech Hashem (38) 3.1 Souls Review Intro to Theurgy..mp3 |
In class number 39 (phone reference number 48), we began the chapter on Theurgy, or on using the names of Hashem to influence the spiritual roots of reality. There were very few questions so we covered a lot of text. The subject is deep and the Ramchal does not go into practical application, he just discusses that it is, what it is and what its opposite is (kishuf).
| Derech Hashem (39) 3.2.1-5.mp3 |
In class 40 (phone reference number 49), we reviewed and expanded upon the introduction to Theurgy above (class number 39). We did not read text at all, as we did in the last class, but rather discussed the concepts "outside" and applied them more practically to our teaching as mikarvot as well as to our own personal lives. B'ezrat Hashem, we will pick up with the text in the next class.
| Derech Hashem (40) Intro to Theurgy Review.mp3 |
In class 41 (phone reference number 50) we continued the theme of Theurgy and how Hashem both empowers and limits our ability to transcend natural limits. Specifically we talked about the two methods relevant to this chapter: that of uttering one of Hashem's names to cause an influence (hashpa'ah) to manifest, and that of uttering a Divine name that coerces an angel to behave in a certain way thereby causing a certain effect. We also talked a little bit about the power of names in general.
| Derech Hashem (41) 3.2.6-7.mp3 |
In class 42 (phone reference number 52), we concluded the chapter on Theurgy. We discussed the creation of evil and it's necessity in a) creating balance in the world, and b) creating "resistance training" by providing a force to work against as we strengthen ourselves. we talked about Kishuf, magic and necromancy etc, as pathways to transcend the physical to influence the world and why it is the exact opposite of Theurgy: one is achieved by emptying oneself of ego and putting Hashem and His will front and center and the other is accomplished by making one's own ego and desires the center of one's efforts, even of one's transcendental efforts. One brings one deeply into relationship with Hashem, one pushes one very far away. May we all be zoche to draw ourselves and others closer to Hashem.
| Derech Hashem (42) 3.2.8-9.mp3 |
Class number 43 (phone reference number 53) was given Rosh Chodesh Adar 5773. In this class we began the section on prophecy and gave an introduction based on the time of year. Megilat Ester, the scroll of Esther, was written with prophecy and yet does not primarily deal with revelations of the future, rather it chronicles the past with details and enigmatic messages that could only be prophetically obtained. Take a look at the site below:
http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/general/info/48prophets.pdf
You'll see a list of prophets and the times in which they prophesied. You'll notice that not all of those listed left us with prophesies of the future. The main role of the navi is to create an extremely strong connection with Hashem while still alive. That devaykus, cleaving, to Hashem serves to channel in a Divine energy that nourishes the Jewish people at their root. Sometimes, but not always, along with that energy, a revelation is also shared. Only the revealed information that is relevant to those living in the future was recorded for posterity.
http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/general/info/48prophets.pdf
You'll see a list of prophets and the times in which they prophesied. You'll notice that not all of those listed left us with prophesies of the future. The main role of the navi is to create an extremely strong connection with Hashem while still alive. That devaykus, cleaving, to Hashem serves to channel in a Divine energy that nourishes the Jewish people at their root. Sometimes, but not always, along with that energy, a revelation is also shared. Only the revealed information that is relevant to those living in the future was recorded for posterity.
| Derech Hashem (43) 3.3.1-4_.mp3 |
In class number 44 (phone reference 54), we completed the third chapter of section three.
| Derech Hashem (44) 3.3.5-6.mp3 |
Class number 45 (phone reference number 55) is a collection of Pesach ideas: why we have a cos Eliyahu, how we became Jewish (from being the gentile descendents of Adam and Chava), how law makes us free (zeman cheiruteinu), why we make a chaburah for the seder (the difference between the meal that began our journey into Mitzrayim (that of the brothers after they threw Yosef into the pit) and the meal that we must eat as we leave (the seder), that our mouths are the principle vessel for the mitzvot of the seder and how to make them ready for the job, why matzah is called lechem oni and why we eat an egg at the seder, and finally, why the yontiff is called Pesach and how we might access the energy of Passing-over our prerequisites to accomplish spiritual heights on Seder night. Chag Kasher v'Samayach!!!
| Pesach Ideas 5773.mp3 |