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.
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.
Perfecting Oneself
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In 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 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.
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.
Passionate Service of G-d
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen explains the role of Yirat Hashem, fear of G-d, and Ahavat Hashem, love of G-d, in terms of coming to Chassidus, as per the Mesillat Yesharim’s explanation in Perek Yud Tet.
Honoring the Mitzvot
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen uses the Mesillat Yesharim to enhance our understanding of kavod, honor, for mitzvot, as well as the appropriate methods of performing Torah commandments.
Performance through Love and Fear
Posted onThe Mesillat Yesharim discusses how to perform the mitzvot, in order to achieve the level of chassidut.
Levels of Chassidut
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Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen teaches the nineteenth Perek of Mesillat Yesharim and discusses how to perform the mitzvot and the thoughts involved in this performance.
Chassidut: A Lesson for All
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen teaches the next step of Chassidut in Mesillat Yesharim which teaches us about going beyond what is expected and reaching greater heights than before.
Purifying Ourselves
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the next step of Mesillat Yesharim which involves Tahara, purifying our actions and thoughts
Prishus: Controlling our Desires
Posted onRabbi Cohen continues with Perek 14 of Mesillat Yesharim, detailing various instances of prishus.
Reaching Higher Levels
Posted onAfter discussing the steps of zhirus, zrizus and nekiyous, Rabbi Cohen reaches prishus, a fundamental step up in the service of G-d.
Guarding Our Spirituality
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In the step of Nekiyous, Rabbi Cohen explains the extreme caution one must display in the areas of immorality.
Mussar
Posted onIn his continued discussion on the Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen speaks about the importance of learning mussar.
Midot
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen elaborates on the application of ‘nekius’ in midot.
Perfection of Speech
Posted onIn his discussion of the Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen elaborates on the application of ‘nekius’ in speech.
Pure Hands
Posted onIn his discussion on the Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen explains that Nekius means keeping a distance from any hint of dishonesty or stealing.
Perfection of Thought, Speech and Action
Posted onIn this shiur, Rabbi Cohen teaches about nikiyous, the next step in Mesillat Yesharim. This involves being exceptionally careful in our daily thoughts, speech and actions.
Alacrity in our Service of G-d
Posted onIn this shiur on Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Cohen continues with the idea of zrizus and brings practical ways of performing our service to G-d with excitement and alacrity.
Energetic Spirituality
Posted onIn this shiur on Mesillat Yesharim, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen delves into the concept of zrizus, and explains the energy and spirit one should have in performing the mitzvot and the service of Hashem.
Desire for Holiness
Posted onRabbi Yitzchak Cohen elaborates on the idea that we should not be content with performing mitzvot and good deeds, and instead we should strive to desire to bring holiness into this world.