Messilat Yesharim Part 1
By studying Mesillat Yesharim we will be studying what it means to live as a Jew. Mesillat Yesharim is not only a classic because of its content, but it is one of the few books of Jewish thought that has been embraced by all the streams of Jewish practice, and has been endorsed by the Gaon of Vilna as well as Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz whose lectures on Mesillat Yesharim have been published.
Messilat Yesharim Part 1: Lesson 1
Today we studied the introduction to Mesillat yYsharim. It was a pleasure to spend time with you, and if anyone has a question or comment please feel free to contact me at <[email protected]>
Messilat Yesharim Part 1: Lesson 2
Today we studied the first chapter (not counting the Introduction) of Mesillat Yesharim. I tried to point out the essential optimism of the work; Ramchal constantly reminds us that life is not something to be “endured’ until we get to Olam Haba. Rather life offers us unlimited opportunities for growth and thatour fate is in our own hands. I will speak to the tech people about the losses of the Internet connection that we put up with. Thanks for your patience and please keep on writing- Bye, Stuart Fischman
Messilat Yesharim Part 1: Lesson 4
Today we studied more mesilat yeshharim, We discussed how the Ramchal uses appeals to loftier traits (such as ambition) as well as baser traits (such as envy) to motivate us to improve our avodat Hashem. In order to explain the difference between “fear” and “awe” (pachad/yirah) I posted photographs of the Rav’s essay “U’vikashtem Misham” where he discusses this idea. If anyone knows of a link to a site where the essay can be downloaded, please let me know. about it and i will post it here. Shana tova to all! Stuart Fischman
Messilat Yesharim Part 1: Lesson 5
Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman graduated from Yeshiva University in 1980 and the dental school of Columbia University in 1985. In 1989 he began studying and teaching at Yeshivat Hamivtar and now studies and teaches at Yeshivat Machanaim in Efrat. He has rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.