Article Summaries of Editors' Picks

Based on Zohar Vayikra 85a

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from the Zohar selection in Hok L'Yisrael

"You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind."

This verse is to be understood also to include one who has not yet reached the level to render Halachic decisions, yet does so. He caused the other to stumble on an obstacle before the World to Come by rendering a mistaken Halachic decision, which this man followed and thus blemished his portion in the World to Come.

Intermediate

From the Eye to the Soul...and Back

The Holy Ari

From the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria; translated and edited by Moshe Yaakov Wisnefsky

Sight is an outward projection of the soul to "grasp" the image of the object being looked at. If you look at a pure thing, its goodness will cling to the soul and it will have a good effect on the one who sees it. If, on the other hand, you look at impure things, you will be adversely affected and become like what you look at.

Beginner

Favorable Judgments

Chasidic Masters

From the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, translation and commentary by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore

"In righteousness you shall judge your people"

The Talmud interprets this passage as referring to judging people favorably. The Baal Shem Tov further explains seeing this low thing in your friend should make you realize that you share a similar trait, and that there are judgments and accusations upon you, as well.

2 Comments

Beginner

Hired By G-d

Contemporary Kabbalists

From the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Moshe Yaakov Wisnefsky

"You shall not withhold a worker's wage with you until morning."

Every time a Jew fulfills a mitzvah, he has carried out G-d's instruction. Yet G-d keeps the reward for the World to Come and does not reward us each day for the job for which we have been "hired" by our Creator will only be fully completed only after the Redemption. At that time we will immediately receive our pay in full.

Beginner

After-Death Experience

Ascent Lights

By Shaul Yosef Leiter

"Do not enter the Temple just any time... so you would not die like Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu".

Nadav and Avihu's sin was that they wanted to get close to G‑d - to run to G‑d with no return, without remaining anchored to this world. Their death was not a punishment but rather a result of their running to the infinite without an anchor.

Beginner

Silence Speaks

Mystic Story

By Yerachmiel Tilles

8 Comments

Beginner

1: 17 Silence of the Wise

Pirkei Avot - 'Ethical Principles'

From the teachings of Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter

The heavenly roots of the soul are so beyond our comprehension that we must remain silent. However, just as the material side of man need not be dormant but can also play a significant and visible role when properly channeled and successfully restrained, so too the soul is stimulated to grow in its present form (encased within the body) and its heavenly roots can also be stimulated.