Status:In Progress Date: 15 Kislev 5785
R. Reuven "Tzettel Kattan 13" video
Neither post nor transcript have been reviewed by R. Yaron Reuven shlita
Tzetil Katan - Hebrew fragment
Rav Yaron Reuven shlita shiur is the 13th in a series of Torat HaChassidut on the Tzetel Katan by Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhenk.
Rav Reuven shlita shows willing students how to build a Torah study program as a path to spiritual growth and happiness.
Takeaway
Rav Yaron Reuven emphasizes that consistent Torah study is the key to overcoming depression and achieving true happiness, which is a spiritual state nurtured by connecting with G'd through Torah. He stresses the importance of a structured study program tailored to individual needs, ranging from beginners to advanced learners, and encompassing specific areas of focus for women and non-Jews.
Rav Reuven highlights key principles: accepting the Torah as absolute truth, recognizing that G'd rewards sincere effort with deeper understanding, cultivating humility and applying Torah knowledge in daily life, minimizing distractions during study, and honoring the Torah's sanctity. He also encourages Kiruv (outreach) as a powerful means to deepen one's own connection to Torah while strengthening the Jewish community.
Why Study Torah?
- Torah Study as the Antidote to Depression: Rav Reuven that consistent Torah study is crucial for combating depression. He contrasts the joy and resilience derived from engaging with Torah with the despair often fueled by worldly pursuits and transgressions. The Torah is viewed as a source of happiness and spiritual well-being, offering a way to persevere through life’s challenges.
- True Happiness is Spiritual: Rav Reuven gives over that authentic happiness is not rooted in material possessions but in nurturing the soul through Torah. This spiritual happiness empowers individuals to navigate life's inevitable trials with resilience and a sense of purpose.
Establishing a Torah Study Program
Structured Study is Essential: Just as people prioritize routines for physical health and financial well-being, Rav Reuven emphasizes the necessity of a dedicated schedule for Torah study.
Tailoring Programs to Individual Needs: A study program should be tailored to individual circumstances, including level of experience, time constraints, and existing knowledge.
Advanced Learners: For those who have already integrated Torah study into their lives, Rav Reuven recommends focusing on midnight study and in-depth Talmudic analysis.
Midnight study refers to waking up in the middle of the night to study Torah and recite the Tikkun Chatzot prayer, a practice traditionally associated with mourning the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and expressing deep repentance. Talmudic analysis involves delving into the complexities of the Talmud, engaging with differing opinions and legal interpretations. This level of study requires a significant foundation in Torah knowledge.
Average Learners/Beginners: For those new to Torah study or those with less experience, Rav Reuven recommends focusing on basic laws, character development (Mussar), and consistent daily study. Mussar is a branch of Jewish ethics focusing on character refinement and moral conduct.
Women: Rav Reuven suggests that women focus on laws of modesty, holidays, family purity, and Mussar. Family purity laws pertain to the observance of ritual purity in marriage.
Non-Jews: For those who are not Jewish, Rav Reuven emphasizes the study of Mussar through the weekly Torah portion, the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), and lectures.
Key Principles of Torah Study
The Primacy and Authenticity of Torah: Both the Written Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and the Oral Torah (Rabbinic interpretations and traditions transmitted since Sinai) are Divinely revealed and absolutely true. Rav Reuven rejects all other belief systems as false.
Effort and Divine Revelation: G'd rewards sincere effort in Torah study with deeper understanding. He likens Torah wisdom to diamonds, implying that the more one toils in the search for meaning, the more precious insights one will uncover.
Humility and Application of Torah Knowledge: Drawing on the prayers of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato (the Ramchal), Rav Reuven emphasizes humility and a constant yearning for repentance as hallmarks of a genuine Torah scholar. He warns against studying Torah for egotistical purposes or to manipulate others, suggesting that such an approach can be spiritually destructive.
Minimizing Distractions and Honoring the Torah: Rav Reuven underscores the importance of creating a dedicated study space free from distractions, especially electronic devices. He cautions against treating the Torah with disrespect, emphasizing the need to approach it with reverence and attentiveness, likening it to a royal figure who deserves the utmost honour.
Practical Applications of Torah
Diamonds from the Parsha: Rav Reuven provides several examples from the weekly Torah portion (Parshat Vayeshev) to illustrate the impact of Torah principles on Jewish practice and individual lives.
Prioritizing Yosef: The Torah's unusual emphasis on Joseph (Yosef) in the beginning of the Parsha is attributed to the unique Torah teachings that Yaakov imparted to him in preparation for his future exile in Egypt. These additional teachings created a special bond between father and son.
The Price of Betrayal: The seemingly insignificant detail of the 20 pieces of silver for which Yosef was sold is shown to have profound implications. This amount corresponds to the five silver shekels used in the mitzvah of Pidyon Haben (redemption of the firstborn son). The half-shekel donation given by each Jew on Purim is linked to the ten brothers who participated in the sale of Yosef, demonstrating how seemingly minor details in the Torah have deep significance.
The Adulamite: The story of Judah’s (Yehudah) friend, the Adulamite, who received an extraordinarily long life for his kindness towards Judah, highlights the rewards for supporting those who are dedicated to Torah.
The Transformative Power of Kiruv
The Interconnectedness of Kiruv and Torah Learning: Rav Reuven emphasizes that Kiruv (outreach) and personal Torah study are mutually reinforcing. Engage in outreach to enhance their own spiritual growth and contribute to the strengthening of the Jewish community. The act of bringing others closer to Torah observance is a powerful catalyst for one's own spiritual advancement.
Practical Advice for Torah Study
Begin with the Basics: Rav Reuven recommends starting with introductory lectures and resources to solidify one's belief in the authenticity of the Torah.
Gradual Progression: Rav Reuven warns against rushing into advanced topics like Kabbalah without a strong foundation in basic Torah knowledge. He tells the story of one student who started without such a foundation became a complete heretic and kofer.
Continuous Repentance: Rav Reuven stresses that repentance (Teshuva) is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. He recommends starting each day and each Torah study session with sincere introspection and a plea for forgiveness. This practice fosters humility and recognizes the ongoing need for self-improvement.
Seeking Guidance: He encourages individuals to consult with a Rav for guidance on their personal Torah study journey.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Torah: The foundational text of Judaism, encompassing both the Written Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and the Oral Torah (Rabbinic interpretation as transmitted since Sinai, 'key' to the Written Torah).
- Mussar: A branch of Jewish ethics focusing on character refinement, moral conduct, and spiritual development.
- Parshat Vayeshev: The weekly Torah portion that focuses on the story of Jacob and his sons, particularly Yosef.
- Pidyon Haben: The mitzvah (commandment) of redeeming a firstborn son with five silver shekels.
- Kiruv: Jewish outreach aimed at bringing individuals closer to Torah observance.
- Kabbalah: Jewish mysticism, a complex system of esoteric teachings exploring the nature of G'd and the universe.
- Teshuva: Repentance, a process of recognizing one's transgressions, seeking forgiveness, and committing to change.
- Tikkun Chatzot: A midnight prayer service that includes lamentations over the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and expressions of repentance.
- Gemara: The analytical discussions and commentaries that comprise the Talmud.
- Talmud: Central codified oral transmission text, containing legal and ethical teachings, interpretations of the Torah, and historical narratives.
- Tanakh: The Hebrew Bible, an acronym for Torah (Five Books of Moses), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
IYH kindly partner with R Reuven shlita and his Rav the Gaon R Kachlon shlita for kiruv, kollelim and avrechim in E.Y. and spreading Torah .
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(📜🔥 Créé par HKBH avec Yehudi Tam comme un récipient reconnaissant, dans la miséricorde 📜🔥)