Torah Thinking: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Hanhagas HaYichud: The conduct that ensures the will of God.
A deeper insight into this conduct.
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #202
Given 8/6/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
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š Watch & listen online
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Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #201
Given 7/20/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
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Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #200
Given 7/8/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Weekly Hashkafa Series #199
Given 6/21/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Weekly Hashkafa Series #198
Given 6/1/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Interview by J-TV
https://www.youtube.com/@JTVGlobalJewishChannel
Weekly Hashkafa Series #197
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Weekly Hashkafa Series #196
Given 5/12/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Weekly Hashkafa Series #195
Given 4/15/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Weekly Hashkafa Series #194
Given 3/5/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #193
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #192
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers
š¦ Amazon
š¤ Donate
š Watch & listen online
š± WhatsApp
Given 1/21/2026 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
š "The True Power of Speech" by Rabbi Mendel Kessin is available from:
š¦ Feldheim Publishers: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
š¦ Amazon: https://a.co/d/eVoSJrS
š https://www.torahthinking.org
š¤ https://www.torahthinking.org/donate
š± https://chat.whatsapp.com/LeqYL1Mi7jb9Hq8p9yTsCV
Interview by J-TV
https://www.youtube.com/@JTVGlobalJewishChannel
https://torahthinking.org
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published!
Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way. May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #190
https://torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published!
Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way.
May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #189
https://torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published!
Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way.
May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #188
https://torahthinking.org
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published!
Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon. Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way.
May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #187
https://torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published!
Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way.
May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given 10/12/2025 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #186
https://torahthinking.org
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published! Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way. May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #184
torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times. Baruch Hashem! After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published! Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon. Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way. May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #182
torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
Baruch Hashem!
After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book, The True Power of Speech, is finally published! Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way.
May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #182
https:// torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
Baruch Hashem! After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book is finally published! Itās now available for sale at bookstores across the US and Israel, and on Feldheimās website and Amazon. Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way. May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael! š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Given 7/9/2025 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #181
torahthinking.org
Baruch Hashem! After 2 years of hard work, countless hours, and incredible teamwork, Rabbi Kessinās book is finally published!
Itās now available for sale on Feldheimās website, and will be hitting bookstores across the US and Israel soon ā as well as Amazon.
Weāre so grateful for everyoneās support along the way. May this sefer bring much inspiration and zechus to Klal Yisrael!
š Order here: https://feldheim.com/the-true-power-of-speech
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur 178
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
https://torahthinking.org
This series of lectures provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of prophecy, Divine inspiration and spiritual states that were available in Biblical times, and will be prevalent during Messianic times.
In addition to the dedications mentioned in the lecture, this lecture is also dedicated to and should be a merit for the Ramchal, who's yahrtzeit is soon. His neshama should have an aliyah.
torahthinking.org
Given 12/18/2024 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Bi-Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #170
torahthinking.org
Given 8/28/2024 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #163
https://torahthinking.org
Given 6/19/2024 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #158
More content from Rabbi Mendel Kessin at torahthinking.org
Given 1/10/2024 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
The Middle East War & The True Task of a Non Jew: Part 4
Weekly Shiur 147
Given 1/4/2024 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
The Middle East War & The True Task of a Non Jew: Part 3
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur part
Intro given 10/30/2023 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
This shiur (class) was given before Tisha B'Av in 2002. It was recorded and distributed by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation (https://cchf.global/). It was then re-distributed by Or Ganuz (https://www.concealedlight.com/)
Afterword by Harav Shmuel Kamenetzky, Shlit"a
Due to the current Middle East conflict and the protection Shmiras Halashon (watching what you say) can bring, Rabbi Kessin has decided to re-post this shiur.
Given 6/26/2023 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Prophecy: the Mechanism for Interacting with the Divine Presence #3
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #135
Prophecy: the Mechanism for Interacting with the Divine Presence #2
Weekly Hashkafa Shiur #134
Given 6/19/2023 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Given 1/29/2023 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Produced by Yiboneh. Please visit Yiboneh.com for more shiurim produced & recorded by them.
A Deeper Understanding of the Story of Yaakov and Esav - Part 4
Given 12/19/2022 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Given 7/28/2022 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Produced by Yiboneh. Visit Yiboneh at yiboneh.com
Given 7/18/2022 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Produced by Yiboneh. Visit Yiboneh at Yiboneh.com
Given 1/17/2022 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note: There will be no shiur (class) next week.
Tonight begins Tu B'Shvat - the Jewish new year for trees.
This shiur (class) was given by Rabbi Kessin in 2018
As tonight & tomorrow are Tisha B'Av, we present a shiur (class) given by Rabbi Kessin (in 2017) about the essence of this tragic day in the Jewish Calendar.
Given 5/24/21 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
We apologize for the delay in posting this shiur (class), which was due to technical difficulties.
Given 4/26/21 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Rabbi Kessin is planning on continuing the last shiur (class) (Part 2) next week.
As Pesach is soon, we present this shiur (lecture) by Rabbi Mendel Kessin (given in 2019)
Given 12/14/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
(#29 was The Essence of Chanukah, posted a couple of months ago)
Given 11/16/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Although we are not currently close to Rosh Chodesh Kislev (the beginning of the Jewish month of Kislev), we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 2/25/21 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Although we are in the middle of posting previous shiurim (classes) in this series to catch up to the current ones, We've posted this recent one now. As today is Purim, we felt it appropriate to post this shiur now.
Given 11/4/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note:
Although we are not currently close to the hilula (yahrtzeit) of Rachel Imeinu (one of the the Jewish matriarchs), we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 10/28/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note:
Although we are not currently close to the hilula (yahrtzeit) of Rachel Imeinu (the Jewish Matriarch) , we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 10/19/20
Please note:
Although we are not currently close to Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (The beginning of the Jewish month of Cheshvan), we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 2/15/21 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Although we are in the middle of posting previous shiurim (classes) in this series to catch up to the current ones, We've posted this recent one now.Ā
As Haman, the antagonist of the story of Purim (which is next week) descends from Amaleik, we felt it appropriate to post this shiur now.
Given 9/30/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note:
Although we are not currently close to the yom tov (holiday) of Sukkot, we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 9/21/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note:
Although we are not currently close to Yom Kippur, we are posting this shiur (class) now as part of the process of getting this series up to date. This shiur was given this past year in the appropriate season.
Given 9/14/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin.
Please be advised that this shiur was given before Rosh Hashana 2020 (5781). It is being posted now as we are catching up to the most up-to-date shiurim in this series.Ā
We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for listening.
Given 9/7/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please be advised that this shiur was given before this past Rosh Hashana. It is being posted now as we are catching up to the most up-to-date shiurim in this series.Ā
We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for listening.
Given 1/26/21 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Although we have been posting older shiurim (classes) in this series, gradually catching up to current shiurim, We've decided to post this one now as Tu Bishvat starts tonight.
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin in 2002
This famous, powerful shiur (lecture) focuses on the importance of avoiding lashon hora (forbidden slander).
Produced & distributed by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation
Re-distributed by Or Ganuz
Given 12/7/20 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Please note: although we've been putting classes up in orderĀ to bring the series up to date, Rav Kessin requested that this one be put up now so it can be available for Chanukah.
A Deeper, elaborate understanding of America's identity, its relationship with the Jews and its role in the Messianic process.Ā
Given 8/30/2020 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Given on the Ramchal's yahrtzeit (26 Iyar, 5780 / 5/19/2020) by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given on 3/2/2020 in Israel by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded & produced this video. Visit Yiboneh atĀ Yiboneh.com.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given on 2/19/2020 in Israel by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded & produced this video. Visit Yiboneh atĀ Yiboneh.com.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given in Israel by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded & produced this video. Visit Yiboneh atĀ Yiboneh.com.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given 1/4/2020 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
We apologize for the music in the background. There was a siyum hashas celebration going on in the room across the hall.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Rabbi Kessin did not give a shiur (class) last night as he is out of town. He will not be giving a shiur this coming week either. He plans on resuming Motzei Shabbos (Saturday night), December 4th.Ā
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin on 12/7/19
Although this shiur (class) is part of a dedicated series, it covers material from the missing shiurim at the beginning of the Derech Hashem series.
The material not covered here is the Hakdama (introduction), in which the Ramchal summarizes his method of systematic learning & retention of material. Rabbi Kessin has dedicated videos of this method in videos and playlists on this channel.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Amazing shiur given in 2017 by Rabbi Kessin that gives insight on what teshuva & Yom Kippur are all about fundamentally.Ā Hint: It's not fundamentally about correcting aveiros / sins.Ā
Given in Israel on 9/15/2019 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded & produced this video. Visit Yiboneh atĀ Yiboneh.com.
Given in Israel by Rabbi Mendel Kessin on 9/1/2019
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded & produced this video. Visit Yiboneh atĀ Yiboneh.com.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given in Israel on 8/4/2019 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Special thanks to Yiboneh who recorded produced this video. Visit Yiboneh at Yiboneh.com.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given 6/22/2019 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
We apologize for the less-than-professional audio. We've been having microphone issues. We are working on improved audio for future shiurim.
TorahThinking.com | Glossary
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
This shiur was produced by Yiboneh. Visit Yiboneh.com for more information.
Given In Israel on 1/28/2019 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin.
This shiur was produced by Yiboneh. Visit Yiboneh at Yiboneh.com
Given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin
In Israel
Elul 5778 / August 2018
Thank you to Yiboneh.com for producing this shiur & video. To learn more about Yiboneh please visitĀ yiboneh.com.
Shiur given 8/12/2018
Rabbi Mendel Kessin
In Israel
Thank you to Yiboneh.com for producing this shiur & video. To learn more about Yiboneh please visit yiboneh.com.
Why did man need to be first placed in an environment where he would need to be tested and make the right choice using his free will? If the goal is the infinite, eternal bliss of Olam Haba why didnt Hashem place Mankind there from the beginning.
Given 7/7/18
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
https://torahthinking.com
Given 6/8/18
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
https://TorahThinking.com
- Focus of second section of Derech Hashem: Hashgacha
-
Framework
- Purpose
- Determines all that exists
- Situation
- Free will
- Actions
- Response of Hashem
- Purpose
-
Occurrences in the world are the responses of Hashem to the acts of man
- Hashem takes into account ALL variables. Pretty much infinite
- Ramchal talks about the responses in a general way, as the specifics of each situation are infinite
- Everything that exists only exists due to a purpose, it's situation included.
- Hashem sustains all creations including those that are spiritual.
- Each individual entity advances the purpose of creation.
-
A key to proper Tefillah / prayer is to contemplate this for a few minutes before you start.
-
The Hashgacha to Man is different than that to other creations due to his having free will and being a true cause.
- This results in 2 major types of hashgacha
- That of beings without free will and are completely acted upon
- That of beings with free will who can act upon
- The Hashgacha of man has 3 subdivisions.
- Midah kneged Midah (din) mishpat
- A partial suspension of din to give us a chance (rachamim)
- A complete suspension of din to fulfill His desire (yichud)
- Hashem can look at someone in 2 ways
- On his own
- As a contributor to the community
- One of the greatest activities a person can be involved with is zikui harabbim
- The Hashgacha on a person can be a response to thought (which is the cause of feelings) and action.
- When approaching Hashem in Tefillah it's always better to do so with an attitude of Him providing for us from love for unknown reasons, as opposed to presenting what we perceive to be our merits.
- A Jews purpose is to do the Tikun. The purpose of a goy is to assist the Jews in doing the Tikun. They thereby get Olam Habah
- A goy can also get Olam Haba by doing the 7 Mitzvos of bnei Noach.
Given 6/2/2018 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin https://www.TorahThinking.com
Transcendental forces as the cause of reality.
- Transcendental forces are controlled by malachim (isarusa dāleilah - influence from above).
- Nature & Miracles.
- Anyone with free will can influence their transcendental counterpart (Isarusa dāltatah)
- God can decree that there be an influence from the transcendental force to a creation despite their free will.
- Those with free will can also influence other things and even other people with free will and, in turn, anything those people influence.
- About the unconscious stream of thought, depression, anxiety, etc.
- People can also instruct malachim to deviate
Haoras and hester Panim / Divine illumination and concealment
- Reward and punishment
- Hashem can influence the malach by shining illumination and increasing His presence
- Concealing His presence from that malach, allowing the Satan to enter and apply zohama
- Hashem may give someone success to someone to allow him to consume his entire reward in olam hazeh
- Hashem is on the side of all people - even goyim - to make sure they get olam habah. Only people evil to the extreme are subject to ibud - annihilation
- While olam habah must be achieved through earning it, Hashem does give assistance solely as a kindness even if it is undeserved
Given 6/2/2018 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin https://www.TorahThinking.com
The Proposed Israel - Palestinian Peace Deal
Given 5/21/17
The 41st day of the Omer
Sefirah Yesod Sheb'Yesod
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
TorahThinking.com
Presented by the The Moroccan Kehila of Jackson, NJ
Given 5/2/18
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
TorahThinking.com
Shiur produced by Yiboneh. Visit Yiboneh at yiboneh.com.
Shiur given in Israel
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Rabbi Kessin elaborates on the different parts of creation as set forth by the Ramchal.
Given 1/6/18 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
Just as in the physical realm, there are different types of spiritual entities that themselves have subdivisions.
Given 12/2/2017 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
What is the true nature of our spiritual experiences?
Given 11/25/17 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
Hashem is not spiritual nor is He an entity. He transcends both, yet He created a representation of Himself that we can relate to in some way.
Given 7/22/2017 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
What is the source of good and evil?
Given 7/15/2017 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
God interacts with the world in 3 ways to ensure that as many people merit the bliss of Olam Haba / the world-to-come as possible.
Given 7/1/2017 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin TorahThinking.com
What does it mean to truly fear Hashem?
Given 6/17/2017 By Rabbi Mendel Kessin torahthinking.com
Shiur given in Israel. Thank you to Yiboneh for producing this video. You can visit Yiboneh at Yiboneh.com.
Shiur given in Israel. Thank you to Yiboneh for producing this video. You can visit Yiboneh at Yiboneh.com.
Are the astonishing events during the past 2 weeks part of a bigger plan?
Class given 12/23/17 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin torahthinking.com
If Hashem wants us toĀ enjoy the greatest good for eternity, why do we need to work for it? Why is life so full of pain and hardship?
This shiur is not recent
This shiur was given recently in Israel. It was produced by Yiboneh. Visit them at www.yiboneh.com.
This shiur was given recently in Israel. It was produced by Yiboneh. Visit them at www.yiboneh.com.
What is the underlying theme and focus that lies behind the day of judgment and coronation of Hashem as King?
Hashem offers us a consolation deeper than the assurance that we will be redeemed.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin Synopsis is not necesarrily in Rabbi Kessin's own words
The Jews ask why * The medrash says that at the end of time the Jews will ask Hashem why they had to go through the tremendous suffering, persecutions and desolation of galus. * Hashem will send the Avos and various leaders of the Jews to console them, but they will not be successful * Hahem then consols them Himself with Nachamu Nachamu Ami.
Questions * What did Hashem do that the others couldnāt? * Why does Hashem use a repetitive language? * The pasuk that mentions this response of Hashem uses the divine name Elokim, which refers to Hashemās acting towards us with justice. Wouldnāt the Name of Mercy be more appropriate?
The tannaim mourn the majesty of Roman society, and Rabbi Akivaās response * 4 tannaim were walking through Roman society. They heard loud voices from the Roman palace many miles away (this means they viewed the success and majesty of Roman society). * 3 of them started crying * They were distraught at the Tiferes (reference to wisdom) and Oz (reference to success) caused by the nitzotzos hackedusha that was transfered from Jews to Satan and the nations connected to him. * Rabbi Akiva laughed * The others asked why he was laughing * He asked tham why they were crying * They answered that the Romans are sitting at peace and our temple is burned. Why shouldnāt we cry? * He answered that's why I'm laughing. If this is how Hashem behaves toward those who defy him, how much more so for those who serve him. * Rabbi Akiva was saying - if Hashem rewards them in this way for whatever zechusim they did have, this demonstrates middah of Hashem that one gets what he deserves even if one is evil. * Rabbi Akiva looked at what the Romans had and its implications for us as opposed to what we had lost
The tannaim mourn the desolation of the Bais Hamikdash, and Rabbi Akivaās response * These 4 tannaim were then waking on Har Tzofim - the mountain that overlooks the Har Habayis * They all rent their garments in mourning * When they came near the place where the Kodesh Kodoshim was, they saw a fox leave that place. * 3 of them started crying * Rabbi Akiva laughed * The others asked why he was laughing * He asked tham why they were crying * They said that when the Bais Hamildosh stood, if someone entered the Kodesh Kodoshim when he was unworthy or unauthorized, he would die immediately. Yet now a fox can go there and remain unharmed. * Rabbi Akiva responded that that was precisely why he was laughing. * Rabbi Akiva then referred to verses in the Navi that imply that the nevuah of redemption is dependant on the nevuah of destruction. * The others replied: Akiva you have consoled us. Akiva you have consoled us.
Questions * Why did we need to know the type of animal it was? * Why did Rabbi Akiva ask why theyāre crying? Isnāt it obvious that itās because of the destruction? * Even if Rabbi Akiva was confident in the eventual redemption, the fact remains that at the time there was destruction and suffering. Why did he not seem to mourn? * What does it mean that the redemption is dependant on the destruction? * The other tannaim knew that there would eventually be a redemption. What new point of view did Rabbi Akiva tell them that consoled them? * Why did they answer with a repetitive phrasing?
Tough love * A father once had a son to whom he gave everything * The son, however, spurned him and was ungrateful * As much as it pained the father, he realized that the only way his son would learn to respect was if he lost everything. * The father threw his son out of the house. * Eventually the son realized the good his father gave him and missed it and his father. * The son started to mourn the loss and expressed yearning to come back. * This was the very thing the father was waiting for.
The mourning and suffering is the solution * The suffering, persecutions and desolation of galus rectifies the issues that caused the galus in the first place + The pain itself is mesaken + The mourning shows we want to be close to Hashem and to regain our previous status and situation. This rectifies by countering our spurning of Hashem through sinning * The mourning itself is the tikun for what we did to cause the destruction. Tisha BāAv itself is the refuah
The stories explained * Note that when the tannaim got to Har Hatzofim, they all rent their garments - even Rabbi Akiva. He did agree that now was the time for mourning. * The fox was specified because it is a sly animal. This was a sign to Rabbi Akiva that there was a message here that was not readily apparent * When Rabbi Akiva asked the others why they were crying, he was prompting them to offer the idea that he would use to show his point that the destruction and mourning was the key to the redemption * Rabbi Akiva reinforced his point with the pesukim from the Navi saying that the redemption is dependant on the destruction - because of our sins and lack of teshuvah the destruction was necessary as a mesaken to bring the redemption. * The consolation that Hashem gave that no one else could was Him showing how throughout history, both nationally and personally, all the pain and suffering was the key in being mesaken what we didnāt so we could experience the bliss of Olam Haba. All the others who offered consolation only showed how the suffering will eventually end with the redemption - not why the suffering happened. * The name Elokim is used to show how when all is said and done - the redemption will be just because of the suffering and not an act of kindness alone * Thatās the repetitive language of consolation: + Nachamu that the suffering will end and the redemption will come + Nachamu that the suffering itself had the purpose of being the cause and key of the redemption
The future celebration of Tisha BāAv * Chazal say Mashiach will be born on Tisha BāAv. This is because the mourning of Tisha BāAv gives rise to the redemption * After the redemption, Tisha BāAv will be the greatest of the holidays * Anyone who mourns the destruction properly will merit (present tense) seeing its rebuilding. By connecting to the past there's a surety that it will happen, and it is as if itās happening now.
Glossary * Galus - exile * Avos - patriarchs * Nachamu - be consoled * Ami - my nation * Pasuk - verse * Tannaim - rabbis who authored the mishnah * Tiferes - beauty * Oz - might * Nitzotzos hakedusha - holy sparks * Zechusim - merits * Middah - attribute * Bais Hamikdash - the holy temple * Har Habayis - temple mount * Kodesh Kodoshim - the Holy of Holies - the innermost sanctuary in the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was located. It is the holiest place on Earth. * Navi - prophet. Also refers to the books that contain their writings given by Hashem for posterity * Nevuah - prophecy * Tikun - rectification * Mesaken - rectify * Teshuva - repentance
The Bais Hamikdosh was destroyed long ago. There is a more profound tragedy to this event that we can relate to even thousands of years later. By Rabbi Mendel Kessin Synopsis is not necesarrily in Rabbi Kessin's own words
5 Things that happened on Tisha Bāav 1. The spies that were sent to survey Eretz Yisrael came back and gave a disparaging report 2. The First Bais Hamikdash was destroyed 3. The Second Bais Hamikdash was destroyed 4. The Jewish revolt against the Romans in Beitar was defeated 5. The Har Habayis was plowed like a field
Main themes of Tisha BāAv * Churban * Mourning
Questions * Why are we still mourning if all this happened so long ago? * Why are we mourning? Our ancestors were the ones who caused the destruction? * Jews never just commemorate events. Thereās always some sort of tikun we need to accomplish thatās related to the theme of the time at hand.
It is our fault after all * Every year thereās a court case in heaven that considers whether we will merit Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdosh * If we have not rectified the problems that caused the destruction, if we continue to exhibit those issues, we are deemed unworthy. * Indeed, if we have not rectified the issues, we could have potentially caused the destruction in the first place had the Bais Hamikdosh still stood.
We made things worse * We have not only been found undeserving of Mashiach and the Bais Hamikdosh, we have further empowered the Satan * This has caused a major catastrophic perversion of the way things need to be in order for the tikun to be done.
A consequence of Adam Harishonās chet * Originally, Adam Harishonās mission was solely to bring down kedusha into this world, thereby being mesaken it and turning it into Olam Haba * He was to ignore the suggestions of the Satan, embodied in the Nachash. * When he sinned, the relationship changed. * Adam now needed to first destroy the Satan and only then bring down kedusha and transform the world into Olam Haba * To facilitate this, Hashem put them into an inverse relationship. * Everything needs a shefa - a flow of divine energy - from Hashem to exist (Called yenika) * Hashem removed the Satanās conduit from the source and attached it to Adamās conduit. * However, only enough shefa for one entity flows through this conduit. * The acts of man determine the direction this flow will take. * Satan now has a personal stake in getting man to sin. * It is now combat. * This relationship with the Satan carried over from Adam Harishon to the Jews. * The stronger the Satan becomes the harder it is for us to do the tikun
The strengthening of the Satan manifested in history * Reality conforms to mirror the balance of kedusha between the Jews and the Satan * If we show that we donāt want the presence of Hashem through our sinning, He removes it and the high levels of kedusha that come with it and gives it to the Satan * 2 traits that Hashem bestowed to Jews + Tiferes / Beauty which is manifested as incredible wisdom + Oz / Might which manifests as incredible success * When Bais Hamikdos was destroyed, Hashemās presence left and the Tiferes and Oz went to the goyim as the balance of kedusha shifted. * Within 100 years after the first Bais Hamikdosh was destroyed, the Greek philosophers grew, various religions grew in the east, and Rome was founded. * After the second Bais Hamikdosh was destroyed, the tiferes and Oz went to Christianity * As the Jews kept sinning, the goyim kept becoming greater.
We lost more than just the Bais Hamikdosh * On Tisha B'av were not only mourning the Loss of connection to Hashem, but that our Tiferes and Oz was given to goyim * Not only that, but because of this many jews are lost to Yiddishkeit
Tikun through tumah * Hashem promised that whatever happens, we will accomplish the tikun * Parah aduma shows that we can still be mesaken even when the Satan holds the majority of the kedusha * IF need be, Hashem will enable us to accomplish tikun through the greatness of the Satan and his minions. The suffering and agony we endure because of this causes tikun. * Hashem mourns this state of affairs. 3 times a day he bemoans that this method is necessary.
What our mourning accomplishes * When we mourn on Tisha BāAv, we show that we want to be reconnected with Hashemās presence * We also join the Shechina in pain and mourning. * This is mesaken as well, removing the need for pain and suffering.
Glossary * Churban - destruction (often specifically referring to the destruction of one of or both temples) * Bais Hamikdosh - the holy temple * Adam Harishon - Adam the First * Chet - sin * Tikun - rectification * Mesaken - rectifying * Kedusha - Holiness * Yenika - nourishment
Derech Hashem is a profound work by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, better known as the Ramchal. In this work he sets up a structure of Jewish philosophy and outlook on life and the world around us.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
Derech Hashem is a profound work by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, better known as the Ramchal. In this work he sets up a structure of Jewish philosophy and outlook on life and the world around us.
Please note - at this time we do not have the first few lectures. We apologize for the inconvenience. However, we are confident that the thinking person has a good shot at picking up the thread.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
The world-famous lecture given by Rabbi Mendel Kessin about the profound dangers of Loshon Hora
A deeper look a the profound damage loshon hora, or slander, causes and the great benefitsĀ that come with being careful to avoid it.
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin