ב"ה
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![]() Advanced
The Zohar
The Hebrew word for bones is "atzamot", closely related to the word meaning "essence - atzmut". If a sin is such that it comes from the very core of one's personality, then it is engraved on one's very bones, which will then give evidence in the Heavenly Courts.
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![]() The Holy Ari
Appoint judges and policemen in all your gates...
Rabbi Chaim Vital teaches that every Jew has several "gates", a gate being a passageway through which one enters and exits One's "gates" are his sense organs. We must position "judges" and "policemen" at each of these "gates" in order to protect ourselves from sin. |
![]() Chasidic Masters
The Talmud says regarding the giving of the Torah,
"Blessed is the Merciful One who gave us a threefold Torah to the threefold people
by way of the threefold family on the third day [of
separation and purity] and in the third month [Sivan, third month from
Nissan].
A triangle, or any threefold item, is inherently stable because of its third side which keeps the structure from tipping over or leaning to the right or to the left. One is thus advised to always take the upright, middle path - the path of the Torah. |
![]() Intermediate
Contemporary Kabbalists
"There must not be among you….any diviner..."
Divination predicts the future in order to help one choose the most effective course of action in the present. Nonetheless, we are supposed to lead our lives according to Torah laws and not according to any notions we may have of what might prove advantageous. |
![]() Beginner
Ascent Lights
Every city and town should have gateways serving as an entrance and exit that can be closed if necessary to stop unwanted traffic.
Similarly, when an individual wishes to think positive thoughts, say something helpful or kind, or do a mitzvah, he should open up his gates wide. Alternatively, when the impulse to think, speak, or act in a negative way approaches, he must close the gate. |