Points to Ponder On

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:58:00 +0000

Dear friend and Subscriber, please be advised that as from today 28th Tishrei, 5771 - October 6th, 2010, I will no longer be posting/updating on this blog, as I have proceeded to move "Points to ponder On", at Blogger.com, to Wordpress.com

Please Click here to visit my new blog "Points to ponder On".

If this doesn't work please copy this address into your browser: http://pointstoponderon.wordpress.com/

Blessings,

Aryeh

Weekly Torah - Noah - Genesis 6:9-11:32

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Anthology of the Weekly Torah Reading - Noah - Genesis 6:9-11:32

Staff Favorites

5771

One from each genre

Anthology of the Weekly Torah Reading - Noah - Genesis 6:9-11:32

	The Zohar Teachings from the primary text of Kabbala, "The Book of Shining Light". From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation & commentary by Moshe Miller Keeping Out of the Limelight
	The Holy Ari Outstanding Kabbalist of the last 1800 years; Leader of the Safed circle of mystics. From the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria; translated and edited by Moshe Yakov Wisnefsky Mystical Inundations
	Mystical Classics From the teachings of Rabbi Bachya ben Asher Rainbow in the Clouds of Glory
	Chassidic Masters From the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov Through Thought & Preparation
	Contemporary Kabbalists Compiled by Yosef Marcus Backstage Pass
	Ascent Lights Contemporary illuminations from the director of Ascent-of-Safed. By Shaul Yosef Leiter. Noah Brought Us the Rainbow
	Mystic Stories From the writings and talks of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch; edited by Yerachmiel Tilles Jews and Animals

SOURCE:

Kabbalah Online's Magazine - Noah 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Kabbalah Online's Weekly Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 5 - the week of 25 Tishrei - 1 Cheshvan 5771 / October 3 - 10, 2010

A note from the staff of Kabbalah Online in Tzefat
"Noah" is the section of the Torah where the concept of the 70 nations of the world and their relationship to the Commandments is developed.
The first three articles offer Kabbalistic insights on this subject. The last three present deep meanings derived from other topics in this special Torah reading.
Finally, the middle article features the long-awaited resumption of our series of translation and original commentary of "Sha'ar HaGilgulim," the teachings of the holy Ari of Tzefat on reincarnation.

To receive the weekly magazine in your email, go to Subscribe.

To sponsor a future issue, go to Dedicate.

Please click Noah 5771, to read this Holiday and Shabbos Magazine.

SOURCE:

Shabbat Shalom Weekly - Noach 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)

Parshat Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) ... Please click the button to read of Noach 5771

By Rabbi Kalman Packouz

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah Portion - Noach - Advanced

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)

Parshat Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) This week's Torah portion -- which relates the story of the great flood and of the events that lead to the building of the Tower of Babel --...

Please click the button to read of "Paradise Lost"

Parshat Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) This week's Torah portion -- "Noah erected an altar and took from every clean animal and every clean bird and offered burnt offerings --...

Please click the button to read of "Noah's Dam"

By Rabbi Noson Weisz

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah Portion - Basic - Noach

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)

Parshat Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) When the Torah says, "Noah was righteous in his generation," it's sort of a backhanded compliment. Yes, he was righteous, but only in comparison to...

Please click the button to Read of "Sensitivity to Another's Needs"

By Rabbi Max Weiman

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Shabbat Shalom Weekly - Bereishit 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:46:00 +0000

Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)

Parshat Bereishit(Genesis 1:1-6:8) ... Please click the button to read of Bereishit 5771

By Rabbi Kalman Packouz

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah Portion - Bereishit - Advanced

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:44:00 +0000

Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)

Parshat Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8) ... Please click the button to read of The Determinism of Free Will

Parshat Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8) ... Please click the button to read of The Great Communicator

Parshat Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8) ... Please click the button to read of Her Ways Considered

By Rabbi Noson Weisz

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah Portion - Basic - Bereishit

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:41:00 +0000

Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)

Parshat Bereishit(Genesis 1:1-6:8) The beginning of Genesis is the deepest section of the entire Torah and is discussed at length by the kabbalists.

Please click the button to Read of "The Uniqueness of Mankind"

By Rabbi Max Weiman

SOURCE:

Weekly Kabbalah Newsletter #233

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:54:00 +0000

We Can Change Our Reality by Changing Our Desires

A collection of weekly quotes, highlights from events, book deals and new articles and videos.

Please click here in order to read Weekly Kabbalah Newsletter #233.

SOURCE:

Weekly Chasidic Story #670 (s5771-04 / 21 Tishrei 5771)

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:44:00 +0000

As told by Yerachmiel Tilles

Co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells them live in Tsfat (Safed) at Ascent and other places nearly every Saturday night.

CURRENT Story "A Rebbe's Shocking Fee"

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev suddenly turned to the teacher of small boys and said, "If you would like, I will give you three words of advice."

Connection: Seasonal - (201st yahrzeit)

Please click to read "A Rebbe's Shocking Fee"

To receive the Story by e-mail every Wednesday--sign up here!

By Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles of Ascent-of-Safed

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Baal Shem Tov Times - Bereshit

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:30:00 +0000

This week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times relates to parsha Bereshit. There is a Baal Shem Tov story and other teachings relating to Bereshit and other topics.

PLEASE help spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov by forwarding this edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times to a friend or relative, and making a copy for your home and synagogue.

Blessings that you and your family should have a joyful and holy Succot.

Tzvi Meir Cohn (Howard M. Cohn, Patent & Trademark Attorney)
Founder and Executive Director
Baal Shem Tov Foundation

Please click here for this week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times.

SOURCE:

Baal Shem Tov Times - Simchat Torah

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Chag Semach

May we all merit the immediate revelation of
Our Holy King Moshiach

This week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times relates to Simchat Torah. There is a continuation of our new section Orgins of the Baal Shem Tov, a Baal Shem Tov story and other teachings relating to Simchat Torah.

PLEASE help spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov by forwarding this edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times to a friend or relative, and making a copy for your home and synagogue.

Blessings that you and your family should have a joyful and holy Succot.

Tzvi Meir Cohn (Howard M. Cohn, Patent & Trademark Attorney)
Founder and Executive Director
Baal Shem Tov Foundation

Please click here for this week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times.

SOURCE:

Kabbalah Online's Magazine, Simchat Torah - Breishit 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Kabbalah Online's Weekly Magazine, Vol. 7 No. 04 - 21 Tishrei 5770 / Sept. 29, 2010

A note from the staff of Kabbalah Online in Tzefat

This week we celebrate the ending of the yearly Torah Reading cycle on Simchat Torah, and then right away on Shabbat we start again from the beginning.
This issues features three articles for the festivals, three for Creation, and one for yet another new weekly feature we are inaugurating for 5771.

To receive the weekly magazine in your email, go to Subscribe.

To sponsor a future issue, go to Dedicate.

Please click Simchat Torah - Breishit 5771, to read this Holiday and Shabbos Magazine.

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah - Bereishit - Genesis 1:1-6:8

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Anthology of the Weekly Torah Reading - Bereishit - Genesis 1:1-6:8

	The Zohar Teachings from the primary text of Kabbala, "The Book of Shining Light". From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation & commentary by Simcha-Shmuel Treister Lighten Up, Partner!
	The Holy Ari Outstanding Kabbalist of the last 1800 years; Leader of the Safed circle of mystics. From the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria; translated and edited by Moshe Yakov Wisnefsky. Manifest from Non-Manifest
	Mystical Classics From Torat Moshe by Rabbi Moshe Alshich. In the Garden of Eden
	Chassidic Masters Inspirational insights from the Baal Shem Tov and Hasidic leaders of succeeding generations. By Binyomin Adilman. Desires from Eden
	Contemporary Kabbalists from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; translated and annotated by Moshe-Yaakov Wisnefsky. Cobbler of the Cosmos
	Ascent Lights Contemporary illuminations from the director of Ascent-of-Safed. By Shaul Yosef Leiter. Everything for the Sake of Heaven
	Mystic Stories Wonders and Inspiration from Kabbalists, Chasidic Rebbes, remarkable Jews. By Yerachmiel Tilles A Surgical Procedure

SOURCE:

Weekly Kabbalah Newsletter #232

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Acting in Accordance to the Laws of Nature

A collection of weekly quotes, highlights from events, book deals and new articles and videos.

Please click here in order to read Weekly Kabbalah Newsletter #232.

SOURCE:

What’s Bothering Rashi? - Succos (71)

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:26:00 +0000

Introduction

Rashi’s commentary sparkles with brevity, clarity and fine tuned precision. Not only what he says, but how he says it, conveys a maximum of meaning in a minimum of words. I would point to the following three characteristics of Rashi's commentary style which we must constantly bear in mind if we are to attempt to understand what he says. His commentary is:

1. Based almost exclusively on the Torah-text. Although this is not always obvious, it is nearly always true. This requires the student to closely search the words of the Torah to uncover what Rashi is relating to. Rashi never "just" comments. Something about the words of the Torah impels him to comment.

2. A simple, straightforward approach without convoluted reasoning. The comment is rarely complex, though the student may have to engage in complex thinking in order to arrive at Rashi's straightforward meaning. It is profoundly simple and simply profound. We must divest our thinking of gratuitous complexity and train our minds to think simply and clearly in order to plumb his meaning. Once we do, seemingly mind-stumping questions evaporate effortlessly.

3. Brief and precise in its choice of words. The student's respect for Rashi begins only when he internalizes this point. We can only arrive at the full meaning of his comments if we take his every word and its particular grammatical construction with the utmost seriousness. Confusion and misunderstanding arise when we casually gloss over his choice of words and the particular way he puts them together.

While much can be said about how Rashi approaches the task of commentary, I will limit myself to one basic point here. (More can be found in “What’s Bothering Rashi?” Feldheim Pub.)

First and foremost, Rashi's commentary is built on a "question and answer" principle. His commentary is meant to answer questions that arise from the text. While this may be true for all commentary, Rashi's presents us with a particular problem. He never - or hardly ever - tells us what his question is! To paraphrase a literary critic from another context we would say: "Every Rashi comment is an answer to a question. What is his question? That is the question!"

Discovering the implicit question behind Rashi's comment is what the study of Rashi is all about. Finding out "What is bothering Rashi" is the stuff of Rashi-interpretation.

In the Rashi analyses that follow each week on this site, the student should first learn to question Rashi. By that I mean that, after you read the comment, ask yourself questions about it. Why does Rashi use drash when p’shat could explain matters simply enough? Why does he need to comment at all? Why does he offer two comments when one would do, etc? After you have questioned him, so to speak, you are to see if his comment deals with your question. A common question is: What’s Bothering Rashi? Then you should try to see how the Rashi comment deals with “What was bothering him.”

Occasionally we will add a Deeper Look to delve deeper into the meaning of this comment; occasionally we will add a Closer Look to look more closely at Rashi’s precise wording.

Good luck in the exciting and challenging study of Rashi on Chumash.

Dr. Dr. Avigdor Bonchek can be contacted at msbonch@mscc.huji.ac.il.

Please click here to go to Parashios Succos (71).

SOURCE:

Baal Shem Tov Times - Succot

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:38:00 +0000

Chag Semach
May we all merit the immediate revelation of
Our Holy King Moshiach

This week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times relates to Succot. There is a continuation of our new section Orgins of the Baal Shem Tov, a Baal Shem Tov story and other teachings relating to Succot.

PLEASE help spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov by forwarding this edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times to a friend or relative, and making a copy for your home and synagogue.

Blessings that you and your family should have a joyful and holy Succot.

Tzvi Meir Cohn (Howard M. Cohn, Patent & Trademark Attorney)
Founder and Executive Director
Baal Shem Tov Foundation

Please click here for this week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times.

SOURCE:

Weekly Chasidic Story #669 (s5771-03 / 14 Tishrei 5771)

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:37:00 +0000

As told by Yerachmiel Tilles

CURRENT Story A Comatose "Hallucination"

Two followers of the Lubavitcher Rebbe knocked on the door of an apartment and were immediately let in by a young man with long hair and blue jeans.

Connection: Seasonal - Sukkot

Please click to read A Comatose "Hallucination"

To receive the Story by e-mail every Wednesday--sign up here!

By Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles

SOURCE:

Kabbalah Online's Magazine Sukkot 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Kabbalah Online's Weekly Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 3 - the week of 11 -- 17 Tishrei 5771 / September 19 - 25, 2010

A note from the staff of Kabbalah Online in Tzefat

Welcome to our special Sukkot issue. Except for one article about an exciting new Zohar feature to be launched after the holidays, all the articles are about the holiday. Enjoy!
This festival provides the definition for how to have a Jewish good time.
(Next week will be a special Simchat Torah - Shabbat Bereishit issue)

To receive the weekly magazine in your email, go to Subscribe.

To sponsor a future issue, go to Dedicate.

Please click Shabbat Yom Kippur 5771, to read this Holiday and Shabbos Magazine.

SOURCE:

Shabbat Shalom Weekly - Sukkot 5771

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Sukkot (Leviticus 22:26-23:44)

Parshat Sukkot (Leviticus 22:26-23:44) ... Please click the button to read of Sukkot 5771

By Rabbi Kalman Packouz

SOURCE:

Weekly Torah Portion - Sukkot - Advanced

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Sukkot (Leviticus 22:26-23:44)

Parshat Sukkot (Leviticus 22:26-23:44) ... Please click the button to read of The Joy of Victory

By Rabbi Noson Weisz

SOURCE:

Sukkot 5771 Anthology

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Anthology of the Torah Reading, Sukkot 5771

	The Zohar Teachings from the primary text of Kabbala, "The Book of Shining Light". From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation & commentary by Shmuel Simcha Treister. Nesting Time "If a bird's nest chances to be before you in any tree or on the ground as you travel, whether there are chicks or eggs" Those Neshamot which emanate from the aspect of the higher Shechina are called "chicks". Those whose Nefesh emanates from the lower Shechina are called "eggs". This is the secret of the verse we read on Friday night as we are about to receive the extra Neshama: "Who spreads his tabernacle [in Hebrew, "sukkat"] of peace over us." This is the Higher Mother [Imma Ilaah, related to bina, associated with the Shechina], which is the sukka of peace, a protective covering above us. It is also possible to interpret the verse "If a bird's nest chances to be before you" as referring to the sukka, which is Higher Mother [Imma Ilaah]. This is the surrounding light represented by the branches of the sukka's roof. "In any tree" relates to the 4 species as is written, "And you shall take on the first day, the fruit of a citrus tree, branches of palm trees, etc."
	The Holy Ari Outstanding Kabbalist of the last 1800 years; Leader of the Safed circle of mystics. Translated and edited from the Writings of the Ari as recorded by Rabbi Chaim Vital by Baruch Emanuel Erdstein. Ceilings of Consciousness Perhaps the most conspicuous of the many mitzvot connected to the holiday of Sukkot is the sukkah (booth) in which we dwell for the entire holiday and for which the festival itself is named. While the explicit reason for constructing the sukkah is to recall the miraculous exodus from Egypt and G-d's shelter as we traveled through the Sinai Desert, the Ari explains that the sukkah serves as a model of the spiritual worlds and conduit for expanded consciousness, channeling divine benevolence into the Lower Realms. One of the elements necessary for a valid sukkah is the "schach", the roof of the sukkah, made of organic natural materials resting upon the walls. Chassidic literature teaches that the words "sukkah", as well as "schach", hint at the phrase "perceiving with divine inspiration", used to describe our matriarch Sarah, also known as "Isca" (from the same root letters). The Ari teaches that the schach of a kosher sukkah serves as the medium through which we absorb supernal wisdom and understanding.
	Mystical Classics From the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Alshich; adapted from Torat Moshe by Eliyahu Munk. A Holiday for G-d There is a basic difference between Sukkot and Passover and Shavuot. The latter two denote historic events which had already taken place and had been experienced by the people whom Moses addressed. At the time of the first Sukkot festival, the events being celebrated had not taken place yet. Both Passover and Shavuot represent a reward to Israel, who had displayed dedication at the Exodus, and who had accepted the yoke of the Torah. These festivals are "for G-d", in that they represent justification for G-d who had argued that man was worth creating because Israel would display such a lofty moral level. The Sukkot festival is a celebration for G-d, then also of G-d's greatest victory, the fact that Israel had recovered from the stain on its soul due to the Golden Calf episode. We rejoice that G-d is happy and has seen His judgment proven right.
	Chasidic Masters By Binyomin Adilman. The High Humble Willow What is the nature of the aravot (willow branches) that are taken together with the other species during the first 6 days of Sukkot and on the last day taken by itself, meriting a holiday of its own - Hoshana Rabba? The sages explained that the four species represent four different types of Jews: The etrog (citron) which has both a good taste and fragrance, represents one who possesses both Torah learning and mitzvot. The lulav (palm branch) which has a good taste (i.e. dates) but no fragrance, represents one who possesses Torah learning but has no mitzvot to his credit. The hadassim (myrtle twigs), which have fragrance but not a good taste, represent one who has mitzvot but no Torah learning. The aravot, which have neither taste nor fragrance, represent the one who lacks both Torah and mitzvot. At the beginning of the festival, the arava is taken each day, bound together with the other species. This way, the person "without taste or smell" might be influenced by those who are already on a higher spiritual level and thereby become elevated through contact with them. On the other hand, one who has "taste and smell", when he comes into contact with the willow (i.e. the one without "taste and smell") will be reminded of the inherent lowliness of man, and will be seized by waves of humility. He will take a good look at himself, be humbled, and deepen the teshuva he began in Elul. As a person perfects his personal humility, G-d at the same time raises him up. This is Hoshana Rabba.
	Contemporary Kabbalists Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Yehoshua Metzinger. A Crown of Supernal Joy The main concept of Simchat Torah is simcha, or joy, as is indicated by the name of the holiday. It is from this special day that we derive all our happiness for the entire year as it is on this day that the Jewish People brings down a higher aspect of Torah within the Torah itself, a joy which crowns the Torah from the aspect of keter. Keter is an encompassing power which surrounds the Torah, and is on a higher level than learning, which penetrates the Torah and is associated with the concept of inwardness. Keter is associated with closeness to G-d and closeness with higher levels, since, as it descends, each level settles closely, like a crown, on the "head" of the lower level. However, keter is higher relative to the lower levels only; within keter itself, there are no levels at all, since it is beyond levels and is associated with Ein Sof. It is from keter, beyond levels of nourishment, distance and connection, that we draw simcha on Simchat Torah, adding a new dimension to the Torah and providing supernal joy for the entire year.
	Ascent Lights By Rabbi Shaul Yosef Leiter. An All-Encompassing Mitzva The Lubavitcher Rebbe writes that from the commandment of sukka we learn that even our everyday, mundane affairs must be connected to G-d. Sukkot is soon after Yom Kippur. The word for the service of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur is "avoda", the same word used to describe daily work. We should regard our every day activities as potentially holy as the actions of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies. The mitzvah of sukka embodies this concept. Whether sitting, eating, sleeping, etc., in a sukka, a Jew is entirely enveloped by the mitzva. Another aspect of being surrounded by the mitzvah of sukka is that it is compared to being hugged by G-d. When hugging someone, you accept even the person's back. the front of the body is usually the focus of attention, not the back. The back is the part of themselves they do not usually share with others. But it is hugging, which also involves the back, that expresses a level of total and unconditional love. Through G-d accepting even all our seemingly insignificant and physical actions in the sukka, as most holy, He is a spiritually "hugging" us.
	Mystic Story Wonders and Inspiration from Kabbalists, Chasidic Rebbes, remarkable Jews. By Yerachmiel Tilles The Unpopular Rebbe He trudged home alone, saddened and a bit shaken up at the realization that he might never have another guest, not even for the special festive meal of the First Night of Sukkot.
	Laws and Customs By By the Lubavitcher Rebbe; translated by Eliyahu Touger. The Infinite and Unlimited Soul The fulfillment of the mitzvah of the Four Species involves moving the bundle of four species to the six directions - left, right, front, above, below, and back - three times each. In addition, the lulav, the palm branch, is also shaken. Souls in the spiritual realms are described as "standing", for they are rooted to a single level. By descending to the plane of the physical and devoting itself to the observance of the Torah and its mitzvot, a soul attains the potential for progress, and indeed, in an unlimited manner. This potential is demonstrated in a Jew's shaking back and forth during prayer and Torah study. In fact, the Zohar states that a Jew shakes during prayer because "the soul of man is the candle of G-d". Just as a candle flickers back and forth because it is drawn to its source, so too the soul shakes during Torah study, for Torah study inspires a soul and connects it to its spiritual source. Since the ultimate connection with G-d is achieved through Torah study, it is Torah study that generates the potential for unbounded progress. For this reason, the lulav, which is identified with the study of the Torah, is shaken.

SOURCE:

Beginner Level Kabbalah

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Beginner Level Kabbalah: Text, Audio, and Video Resources

Click here for Intermediate Level Kabbalah

NEW Lessons from the Patriarchs - A Kabbalah Primer

A primer on Kabbalah and Kabbalistic thinking. This article can be used as a first class on Kabbalah if you have an audience, and can easily be understood by even the most absolute beginner. Still, it contains deep insights into life, free will, parenting, and creation. Click here to read the full article.

An Introduction to Kabbalah and the Jewish Mystical Tradition

The fundamental concepts of the inner dimension of the Torah are explained. It is important to note that there are a number of synonyms for this inner dimension: Kabbalah, the concealed part of the Torah, secrets of the Torah, sitrei Torah, nistar or the soul of the Torah. Although each synonym has its own subtleties, they are all basically interchangeable. Chassidut, also included in the concealed part of the Torah, is the inner dimension of Kabbalah, or the soul of the soul of the Torah. Click here to read the full article.

The Development of Kabbalah

The Development of Kabbalah in Three Stages. There are three distinct stages in the historical revelation of Kabbalah. Each represents a conceptual approach to understanding Kabbalistic tradition. Each is identified with a particular historical figure Rabbi Moses Cordevero, also known as the Ramak; Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, popularly referred to as the holy Ari; and Rabbi Yisrael, the Ba'al Shem Tov. Each system of thought served to advance the evolution of Kabbalistic theory by providing new and more illuminating frameworks within which to organize the totality of Kabbalistic doctrine existing up to their time.

The Development of Kabbalah in Light of Its Main Texts. In this lecture the fundamental character of Kabbalah is explained as the union between wisdom and prophecy. The five major texts of Kabbalah (Sefer Yetzirah, Zohar, Pardes, Eitz Chayim, and Tanya) are the focus of a summary of its development over the ages. The dangers of studying Kabbalah from a non authentic source are explained. (Audio Available)

The Kabbalistic Tradition

At the moment when Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, the heavens parted and the spirit of G-d descended from on high amidst thunder and lightning fire. In revealing Himself to the entire community of Israel, God in essence laid bare the hidden core of Kabbalistic truth which up to that point had been the privilege of a select few. Click here to read the full article.

The Ten Sefirot

A sefirah (pl. sefirot) is a channel of Divine energy or life-force. This most fundamental concept of Kabbalah is that in the process of creation an intermediate stage was emanated from God's infinite light to create what we experience as finite reality. These channels are called the Ten Sefirot, Ten Divine Emanations, Ten Divine Radiances, Ten Divine Eluminices, or Ten Divine Powers which are the basic terms and concepts of the inner wisdom of the Torah which is called Kabbalah. Click here to read the full article.

The Inner Dimension of the Sefirot

Kabbalah teaches us that at every level of created being--from the perfected realm of Atzilut (Divine "Emanation") to the deficient plane of our own earthly existence--there exist ten sefirot (Divine "radiances" or "powers") around which that reality is constructed. Each of these sefirot is given a name describing its unique role in the fashioning of reality. Each of the sefirot possesses both an external as well as an internal dimension. The external dimension of each sefirah is identified with the "functional" role that it plays in the process of Creation; its internal dimension is identified with the hidden motivational force which inspires its activity. Click here to read the full article.

The Worlds:
The Stages of the Creative Process from God's Infinite Light to Our Physical World

Before creation only God existed. Upon desiring to create independent reality and consciousness, He first revealed, to Himself, as it were, His Infinite Light. From this stage on, Kabbalah's understanding of creation is enormously complex and is not something that can be covered in detail in an introductory text. The various stages of creation are often called "worlds"--a term which is used to denote various developments in the creative process, as well as levels of consciousness and spiritual phases. Click here to read the full article.

The Names of God

This section of our website has been expanded and moved to Innerpedia, our online encyclopedia. Click here to go there.

For the older version, click here.

SOURCE:

Baal Shem Tov Times - Yom Kippur

noreply@blogger.com (Aryeh ben Avraham) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:29:00 +0000

May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year and may we merit the immediate revelation of our holy King Moshiach.

This week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times relates to Yom Kippur . There is a Baal Shem Tov story and other teachings relating to Yom Kippur.

Please click here for this week's edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times.

PLEASE help spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov by forwarding this edition of the Baal Shem Tov Times to a friend or relative, and making a copy for your home and synagogue.

Blessings that you should have a restful and holy Shabbos.

Tzvi Meir Cohn (Howard M. Cohn, Patent & Trademark Attorney)
Founder and Executive Director
Baal Shem Tov Foundation

SOURCE:

Points to Ponder On

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The Worlds:
The Stages of the Creative Process from God's Infinite Light to Our Physical World