Character Pitfalls
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In this short Torah shiur (class) on sensitivity to others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller describes the common traps that one can fall into when relating to one’s fellow man.
Category: Mussar
This series of classes on Mussar offers a selection of lectures based on the classical ethical works, Chovot HaLevavot by Rabbenu Bachya ibn Pekuda, Tomer Devora by Rabbi Moshe Cordevoro, Mesilat Yesharim by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, and Michtav M’Eliyahu by Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler. Chovot HaLevavot discusses Man’s purpose in the world and his obligations to G-d in belief, behavior, and character. Tomer Devora describes how Man should adapt and adopt G-d’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, transforming himself from a mere human to a G-dly individual. Mesilat Yesharim follows a step by step plan of ascension to spiritual perfection, based on a Gemara which lists 15 steps to attain Divine inspiration. Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen explicates these fundamental works and looks at key themes found throughout the books and ways in which they can be applied to daily living. Classes on human interaction include Honorable Mentchen, Rav Pam’s lessons on character, and our sages guidance based on Avot D’Rav Nosson.
Refining Character
Posted onIn this short Torah shiur (class) on sensitivity to others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller begins with a discussion on refining one’s character.
Being a Giver
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins teaching Michtav Me’Eliyahu, Kuntress HaChessed, in which the midda (character trait) of kindness is discussed. In this segment, Rabbi Cohen expounds on the concept of being a giver and how one should strive to emulate G-d’s giving.
Rav E.E. Dessler
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the life and accomplishment of Rav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, one of the foremost products of the Kelm Yeshiva.
Kelm, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller continues to explore the nature and accomplishments of the famed yeshiva of Kelm, known as the breeding ground of gedolim, Torah giants.
Novardok and Kelm
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about one of Rav Yisrael Salanter’s primary disciples, Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm, and the famed yeshiva which he founded.
Battling the Yetzer Hara
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues studying Michtav Me’eliyahu. This class focuses on the constant struggle within every person between his soul and the Yetzer hara, the evil inclination.
Understanding the Yetzer Hara
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins learning the introduction to Michtav Me’eliyahu. This mussar work, authored by Rav Eliyahu Dessler, covers a variety of topics relating to one’s character, relationships and faith. This class focuses on understanding the nature of the yetzer hara and our struggle in this world.
Leader of a Generation: Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller digresses and dedicates a class to the legendary Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, the phenomenal scholar who led Torah Jewry with dedication and fortitude during the early 20th century.
Molding Giants: Slabodka, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller completes his description of the Slabodka Yeshiva and its impact on the Jewish world.
The Greatness of Man: Slabodka, Part 1
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the philosophy of the Slabodka Yeshiva, which focused on Man’s capacity for spiritual greatness.
Father of a Movement: R’ Yisrael Salanter, Part 2
Posted onRav Yisrael Salanter: Revolutionary Philosopher
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the legendary founder of the Mussar movement, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. This giant of Torah and character used his vast talents to reach out to his brethren across the world and bring them to higher levels of Torah-observance and spiritual awareness.
Focus on G-d
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to study Shaar Avodas Elokim of the Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class discusses the ways and opportunities man can focus on G-d.
Using One’s Self
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues with Shaar Avodas Elokim, from Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class focuses on practical applications of using one’s self in actively serving G-d.
Serving G-d
Posted onIn ths shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins a new shaar (chapter) in Sefer Chovot HaLevavtot. This shaar, shaar Avodat Hashem, focuses on the methods of serving G-d with one’s whole being.
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.
The Uniqueness of Am Yisrael
Posted onIn 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.