Inhibiting Chochmas Hashem
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the factors that inhibit one from recognizing G-d. Based on the Chovot Halevatot, this class wraps up Shaar HaBechina.
Author: Tzippy Klaver
The Uniqueness of Am Yisrael
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen explains the unique characteristics of Am Yisrael based on the ideas of the Chovot Halevavot.
The Connection of Torah
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the ability of Torah to connect one to G-d.
Proof of G-d
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues the theme of recognizing G-d from His creations. Taken from the Chovot Halevavot, this class presents living proof of G-d’s greatness.
The Joy of Life
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen details the joy when one contemplates the greatness of G-d’s handiwork in this world. This joy enhances one’s appreciation of G-d and helps bring him or her closer to the Almighty.
Recognizing G-d
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues exploring the theme of recognizing G-d through our own bodies and lives.
Putting it all Together
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In this final shiur (Torah class) of Sefer Tomer Devora, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen learns the final points, which encapsulate the key essential points of the sefer.
From Our Own Lives
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen presents the fifth chapter of Chovot Halevavot, Shaar HaBechina. In this class, Rabbi Cohen discusses how one can perceive G-d from within one’s own life and the lives around him.
Meaningful Actions
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen learns the fourth perek (chapter) of Chovos HaLevavot, Shaar HaBechina. The class focuses on discerning G-d’s awesome handiwork in this world. Through recognition of the greatness of G-d, one will feel obligated to act in accordance to His Will.
Real Truth
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues learning the middot (characteristics) described in Sefer Tomer Devora. This particular class discusses the midda (characteristic) of ultimate emet (truth), as personified by our forefather, Yaakov.
Ascending the Levels of Holiness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ytzchak Cohen continues learning Shaar HaBechina in Chovot HaLevavot. This shiur focuses on man’s purpose in seeing G-d in this world and how this raises one’s spiritual level.
Following Our Forefathers
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the last midda in Tomer Devora, in which one is advised on how to act in the same manner as our Avot, forefathers.
Learning from Creation
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins Shaar Habechinah , the Gate of Discernment, from Chovot Halevavot. This gate focuses on recognizing G-d in all areas of life. Just by looking at the creations of the world, one should be able to discern G-d’s presence and power.
Internalizing G-d
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins learning Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This sefer is considered one of the classic mussar works. Divided into various shearim (gates), Chovot Halevavot focuses on fundamental concepts, particularly concerning man’s personal relationship with G-d. In this class, Rabbi Cohen gives an overview of the sefer and describes its main themes.
G-d as a Role Model
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to explain how one should try to act in a similar manner to G-d. This idea, of emulating G-d, is the basis of the work, Tomer Devora.
Perfecting Oneself
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on self-improvement, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen describes various middot (character traits) of G-d that the Tomer Devora explains how to emulate. These middot are not just an exercise in imitation, but help perfect oneself to become a better person. In this class, Rabbi Cohen discusses the middah of ‘yichbosh avonoteineu’, ‘He Holds back’ our sins. Hashem waits with our aveirot and ignores them until we erase them with our repentance. Man can also reach levels of self-denial and acceptance, which will lead him to wholeheartedly forgive those who wrong him.
Examples of G-dliness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues learning the classic mussar sefer, Tomer Devorah. In this segment, the Tomer Devorah provides practical examples of how G-dliness is portrayed in mankind.
Who Is Like G-d?
Posted onIn this shiur (class), on the Sefer Tomer Devora, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen brings specific examples of how one can emulate G-d in all areas of life.
The Three Weeks: Continuous Crying
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In this Torah shiur (class), Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the underlying theme of the Three Weeks of Mourning between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’av.
The Causes of Churban Habayit
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the causes for the Churban, as discussed in the Gemara, and how we can correct ourselves to bring the Geulah.
The Jewish People: Remnants of G-d’s Inheritance
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues his discussion of the Tomer Devorah by delving into the sefer’s characterization of the Jewish People as ‘She’arit Nachalato’, the Remnants of His Inheritance.
Mussar’s Path For Life
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the Tomer Devorah’s recipe for a meaningful life. Through the integration of Mussar and Hashkafa into one’s daily existence, every action one does will take on meaning and purpose.
True Colors
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins the classic sefer, Tomer Devorah. He begins with explaining our mission to emulate G-d and reveal our true selves. In this class, G-d’s midda (attribute) of being sovel, carrying and sustaining, is analyzed.
Kedusha: Reaching the Highest
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In this shiur (class) Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen explains the level of Kedusha, holiness, in the Mesillat Yesharim’s ladder of spiritual growth.
Lag BaOmer: Connecting to Our People
Posted onThe Shem MiShmuel explains the significance of Lag BaOmer and it’s practical relevance for our lives.
Fear of Heaven
Posted onRabbi Cohen describes proper fear of G-d based on the Mesillat Yesharim
Lessons of Humility
Posted onContinuing with the theme of anava, Rabbi Cohen explains the fundamental core of humility, as explained in the Mesillat Yesharim
Understanding Humility
Posted onRabbi Cohen reaches the step of anava, humility, in the Mesillat Yesharim. In this class he explores the essence of humility and how it translates into actions.
In All Your Ways
Posted onAscending the ladder of spiritual perfection, based on the Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Cohen describes the level of Chassidut. Chassidut is beyond the required, it is a quest to reach higher out of love and fear of G-d, which affects all areas of life.
Holy and Pure Intentions
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Rabbi Cohen discusses the importance of pure intentions when doing mitzvot, based on the Mesillat Yesharim’s explanation of Chassidut.