Learning Torah - For Everyone?

Last week, the Rebbe mentioned the idea that, for a certain person, the Torah will only make his bad middos and taavos worse. (See here about the zav and zavah.)

It seemed to me that in the Yeshiva world, the general consensus is to just learn Torah anyways, even if the person is "tamei", as the Torah has a cleansing quality which over time will right whatever malevolent roots are in the person. Torah can and should be learned by anyone to purify the mind and steer the heart back to Hashem.

In Chassidus, while that idea is definitely spoken about, it seems that there is a much greater emphasis on the preparation that must take place in order to be worthy, so to speak, of learning Torah. As the Rebbe quoted Chazal (Yoma 72b), "If the person merits, the Torah becomes for him like an elixir of life. If he does not merit, the Torah is like a fatal poison."

Tazria/Metzora: Hidden Treasure

When Klal Yisroel came into Eretz Yisroel, they were surprised by the appearance of tzaraas on the walls of their new homes. "How could this happen?" they wondered. "There wasn't any reason why this should be happening."

Tazria/Metzora: Applications For Today

While the terms tahor and tamei are ordinarily translated as ritually pure and impure, a more accurate description of tumah would be something which "spiritually restricts and confines". Each of the various forms of tumah brings a different degree of restriction upon the individual, varying in severity depending on the level of his indiscretion.

Let's explore how these states and their specific correlating restrictions relate to us and our Avodas Hashem today when we no longer keep the laws of tumah and tahara.

My Favorite Shiur 3/3

In order to fully maximize the transformative potential of this shiur, it is important to listen to the first two parts (My Favorite Shiur 1/3 and My Favorite Shiur 2/3) before continuing with this next installment.

In the third shiur, the Rebbe continues with explaining how contemplating Hashem's greatness (hisbonenus) coupled with His infinite love for each and every one of us can elicit intense feelings of love towards Hashem. Thus it is possible for one to "fall in love with" the Master of the World and to be in a relationship with Him much like the relationship between close friends or between a man and his wife. Fostering this understanding through contemplation and the power of imagination is the key step one must take to stop pouring all his energy into himself and begin divesting everything he does of personal interest.

Tanya Shiur #19 (RBT)

Chapter 16

(Running time: 29:20 min. -  Size: 5 MB)

For previous shiurim, see the TANYA page.

Yahrtzeit of the Divrei Chaim (Nisan 25)

Supposed portrait of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, zy"a.

 Click this link for a story as heard from the Rebbe, shlit"a (last year's post).

My Favorite Shiur 2/3

This is Part 2 of a three-shiur series. Be sure to listen to the first amazing shiur before this one. For the first shiur and a written introduction to the series, see My Favorite Shiur 1/3.

The second shiur continues the themes mentioned there, specifically about removing our own selves from our speech. The Rebbe also spoke about how this relates to real listening. (After hearing this shiur, click here for more on the specific point of listening.)

Shemini: The Purpose of Wine

Joy can be internally generated as a product of one's reflection on the connotations of Hashem's desire to have a relationship with man. There is also externally generated joy, stimulated by alcohol, justifiable only in the right context. While there are specific times when wine is prescribed by our Sages, when entering into the Mishkan of Divine service one must arouse a deeper, more essential joy. This shiur was given one day after Shacharis during the week of Parshas Shemini in 5763/2003.

Video: Rebbe Speaking at Lakewood Kumzitz

HaRav Michel Twerski, Hornosteipeler Rebbe of Milwaukee speaking at a kumzitz/gathering in Lakewood during Chol Hamoed Pesach 5772/2012.

 "Klal Yisroel [always] managed to sing in the worst of times, but I think we've forgotten how to sing in the best of times..." [Click "READ MORE" below for video.]

Kumzitz in Lakewood - Pesach 5772

Last night, the Rebbe feered a tish-kumzitz at the home of his nephew, Reb Heshy Twerski in Lakewood. As per one of the attendees: "It was quite awesome. Someone was playing keyboard, flute and electric guitar. The Rebbe also said a beautiful D'var Torah, of course!  It was something magnificent as there was also quite a crowd." (Pics in the "READ MORE".)

Thanks to Mordechai Ort from MOCOM MEDIA for the pictures and video to follow, iy"h.

Tanya Shiur #18 (RBT)

Chapter 15

(Running time: 39:17 - Size: 6.75 MB)

Click to download the additional sources for the shiur.