Monthly Archives: ‍‍ Elul 5771 / Tishrei 5772 - September 2011

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 3: Self-Interest – part 2

Posted on ‍‍29 Elul 5771 - September 28, 2011 by micha

For His Holiness is greater than ours. His Holiness is only for the created and not for Himself because nothing was ever added to or could ever be added to the Creator through the actions He did or does. Therefore … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 4 Comments

Thoughts about Teshuvah

Posted on ‍‍29 Elul 5771 - September 28, 2011 by micha

“Aspaqlaria: Aseres Yemei Teshuvah” (47 pages) is a collection of essays adapted from those that appeared here on the subjects of teshuvah, shofar, vidui, and the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. It is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, ready for printing. Table … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Teshuvah, Yom Tov | 3 Comments

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 3: Self-Interest – part 1

Posted on ‍‍28 Elul 5771 - September 26, 2011 by micha

HOWEVER, what of a person who decides to submerge his nature, to reach a high level so that he has no thought or inclination in his soul for his own good, only a desire for the good of others? In … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 1 Comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 2: Qedushah – Conclusion

Posted on ‍‍25 Elul 5771 - September 23, 2011 by micha

In this way, the concept of separation is a consequence of the underlying basis of the mitzvah of holiness, which is recognizable in practice in the ways a person acts. But with insight and the calling of spirituality this mitzvah … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | Leave a comment

From Qeren to Shofar

Posted on ‍‍23 Elul 5771 - September 22, 2011 by micha

The Ramban, in his Derashah leRosh haShanah, writes that a shofar is a keli, a formal utensil in the halachic sense. For this reason, while most rishonim hold that a hole in a shofar invalidates the shofar only if the … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Teshuvah | Leave a comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 2: Qedushah – part 5

Posted on ‍‍23 Elul 5771 - September 21, 2011 by micha

And so, it appears to my limited thought that this mitzvah includes the entire foundation and root of the purpose of our lives. All of our work and effort should constantly be sanctified to doing good for the community. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 1 Comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 2: Qedushah – part 4

Posted on ‍‍19 Elul 5771 - September 17, 2011 by micha

2- It is more difficult to understand “My sanctity is higher than yours.” This explanation is incumbent upon us to understand – in truth there is some similarity in the holiness He expects of us to His [Holiness], except that … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 1 Comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 2: Qedushah – part 3

Posted on ‍‍16 Elul 5771 - September 14, 2011 by micha

According to this, it would seem the Midrash is incomprehensible.1- What relevance does the concept of separation have to being similar to the Holy? The verse tells us with regard to this that His Will is not like this. As … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 5 Comments

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 2: Qedushah – part 2

Posted on ‍‍15 Elul 5771 - September 14, 2011 by micha

And about the foundation of this mitzvah of sanctity the Toras Kohanim has “‘be holy’ – be separate”. Nachmanides, in his commentary on the Torah, explains at length this notion of separation as it is stated in this mitzvah, that … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | Leave a comment

Just One Small Cry

Posted on ‍‍15 Elul 5771 - September 13, 2011 by micha

I had the severely painful experience this past Sunday of attending the levayah for a six year old boy r”l. Reuven Dovida”h went for a walk with his father R’ Yehuda Herbst and R’ Dovid Reichenberga”h shortly after Hurricane Irene. … Continue reading →

Posted in Teshuvah | 2 Comments