Mesilas Yesharim Series

57 lectures | 60-75 minutes per lecture

From the inception of the Jewish people in the land of Egypt through the period of the first Temple (Beis Hamikdash), we find that the Jews were involved in the pursuit of higher levels of consciousness and awareness. Some were even engaged in the pursuit of prophecy, a phenomenon which we really cannot grasp in our times. When Moses and Aaron appear in front of the Egyptian Pharaoh to deliver a divine message of the impending redemption of the Jews from Egyptian slavery, they do so by demonstrating super natural powers. The Egyptian culture itself at the time is heavily saturated with magical traditions and customs and the Jews themselves were embedded in this culture and fascinated by it. They would observe and experience miracles openly. The ten plagues that followed was the most spectacular exhibition of the supernatural order that was ever demonstrated to the masses. Then the splitting of the Red Sea and the Divine Revelation at Mount Sinai, the manna pouring down for forty years during their travels through the dessert. It created a tremendous desire and passion by the people to want to connect to spirituality and access higher and more intense levels of experiencing existence itself.

This wasn’t only a Jewish endeavor.The nations of the world and society at large were also involved on the dark side in the worship of idolatry (avodah zara) and the access of specific spiritual forces. But all in all, the state of mind of the people as it existed at that point in time was very different then it is today. People were much more tuned in to spirituality. They were much closer to the feel of who and what G-d is. They were living in a period where there was a great deal of direct access to the metaphysical realm and the people could sense the forces of spirituality to a much more powerful degree than we experience today.

After the destruction of the first Temple this era of direct spiritual access has ended. The tremendous gift of elevated consciousness has been taken away from the Jewish people and from mankind in general. The world became much more preoccupied with physicality and materialism. During the next two and a half thousand years the processes and the knowledge of how to achieve these elevated levels of consciousness have been totally forgotten. As a result of this tragic phenomenon, we have in many ways lost contact with what the original Jew was really all about.

Since we can no longer feel this experience today, it is in many ways hard for us to believe that these phenomena ever existed. When we read the stories in Tanach, it seems sometimes difficult for us to believe that these things actually occurred. It is almost like they occurred to a different race of men on a different planet. We look outside and we see no miracles. We see no spirituality. We live in a secular world and we assume that this is the way the world always was. Furthermore, we assume that we will always live in a world where technology, power and the pursuit of materialistic success will always rule the world. We think we will always live in a situation where the most important concern in life is the possessions we have, or how we appear to someone else by virtue of our possessions. We have over the years absorbed these ideas and they have become part and parcel of our worldview.

What we have forgotten and what we have really lost is what the world of Judaism is. What the concept of consciousness of the Divine, or Yiras Shamayim is all about. We have forgotten the notion that it is possible for a person to have a very close relationship with G-d. That it is possible to be in love with G-d while one is alive and to feel a very powerful sense of spirituality even while we exist in a very physical world.

The Mesilas Yesharim

One of the greatest kabbalists and Jewish philosophers of the past three centuries, Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1747), also known by his initials Ramchal, has set out to reintroduce to the Jewish people that which they have forgotten. In his magnum opus, Mesilas Yesharim (The Path of the Just) he reminds us what we were sent down to achieve in this world and how one can actually ascend the ladder of spirituality to the level of reaching divine inspiration and prophecy. As a mentor and a guide he takes us through this difficult and complex maze with great clarity and insight. He reconnects us with who we really are. He reintroduces to us certain types of processes that most people are totally unfamiliar with, especially in our times. His familiarity with this subject was largely due to his own journey through this path and his own experience in achieving greatness. This fundamental book is considered by most scholars to rank as one of the greatest guides for the acquisition of good character, ethics and spiritual greatness. It is taught in all Yeshivos and studied throughout the Torah world.

Jewish Spirituality vs. Jewish Philosophy

Unlike Jewish philosophy (Hashkafa) which attempts to understand primarily what G-d wants from the world, and how does the world slowly proceed to meet that objective, what the central elements in creation are, the purpose of creation or man's ultimate goal - this book is much more concerned with another dimension of Judaism which is just as important: How does one achieve personal greatness? What does it mean to be a good Jew? What is the actual process of how a person elevates himself to very high levels of spirituality?

In this series, the lecturer Rabbi Shimon Kessin once again takes his audience on a journey of intellectual excitement and enjoyment. He marvelously blends modern-day concepts of psychology and science with the ancient kabbalistic wisdom of antiquity. Many human traits are deeply analyzed and examined. He illustrates the thinking process of a child vs. that of an adult from a Torah perspective. He demonstrates how these mysteries have been transmitted from generation to generation long before they were discovered by modern-day psychologists. These lectures will give you a true understanding and perspective of what a Jew is really all about.

Enjoy!!!

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 1

Largely Unknown Fundamental Aspects of the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim

Explore the Life and Legacy of the Ramchal. Discover what Hashem really wants from us. An overview of the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim and the key ingredients to attaining true fear of Heaven.
Audio Lecture
01:10 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 2

What is a Jew?

A Jew is not characterized by his knowledge. Learn to differentiate between cognitive and intuitive or experiential knowledge. Identify the four levels of one who fears Heaven and how they can be utilized to increase our potential.
Audio Lecture
01:28 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 3

The Sly Scheme of the Satan

The evil inclination employs two tactics to cause us to sin: It attempts to get us to sin, but more fundamentally, the evil inclination tries to change our worldview. Discover the tricks of the trade of the Satan and learn how to fight back.
Audio Lecture
01:08 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 4

Which Road Leads to the World to Come?

The essence of this world lies in the fact that it is dynamic; there is movement, we have to get from A to B. What does it mean to move in existence? In this world we have the power to change our mind, our awareness, even our very existence. Realize the very critical need to make any changes we want before it's too late and identify the necessary steps to go about making those changes that will lead us to the ultimate perfection.
Audio Lecture
01:12 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 5

Why Go Back to Square 1?

The ultimate perfection of man is to cleave to his creator. That is the natural and original state of the neshama, the soul, and our function is to restore our soul to its former glory. Why bother then; wouldn't it just be simpler not to come into this world in the first place? Explore the intricate concept of nahama dekisufa, the bread of shame - reaching the ultimate perfection through our own effort.
Audio Lecture
01:08 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 6

You Are the Most Powerful Being There Is

Why was the world created? Why do we have to go through this life fraught with challenges? We, by our very existence, create a conflict for G-d; we interfere with His G-dly existence. By lowering our concentration on ourselves and focusing intensely on G-d alone, we will come to know Him, experientially. We will feel the existence of G-d through ourselves. It is in your hands, and your hands only, to adjust the presence or absence of shechina in this world.
Audio Lecture
01:03 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 7

The Effort is Exactly Equal to the Outcome

In the normal way of the world there is an apparent cause and effect relationship involved in our actions. You work, you get paid. The work and the money are, in essence, two separate entities. However, with regard to mitzvoth, our reward is exactly the same as our effort; the benefits are an outgrowth of our own actions. Discover how to truly experience G-d and then enjoy the outcome of being one with G-d.
Audio Lecture
00:56 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 8

Man is More Powerful than the Shechina

Man is the active element and existence is the passive element. The entire creation waits to see what man will do. Even the angels can't begin their day until man does. Open your ears and hear reality; hear existence begging you not to abandon the world. It's all in your hands; it's all up to you.
Audio Lecture
01:13 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 9

The Three Powers

The function and purpose of all existence is goodness. If that is the case, then how is it that we experience moments of pain and suffering? Existence itself demonstrates that there must be other powers that contribute to our experiences - this world is not entirely good then? Or perhaps we have a misguided perception as to what goodness really is.
Audio Lecture
01:31 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 10

Release Your Neshama from Prison

Really, we could live in this world and enjoy all its pleasure without a neshama. Why then do we have one? Why do we need to be in contact with spiritual concepts and insights which seem useless in this world? Find out how to reap the maximum benefits from the presence of a neshama in this world and help free your neshama from the painful prison it's confined in.
Audio Lecture
01:15 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 11

Wake up and Watch out!

Here we begin discussing the first of the 10 sequential levels directed at performing the mitzvoth in the best way possible. Zehirus; what does it really mean? What does it entail? Anaylyse the concept of "Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Audio Lecture
01:05 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 12

Switch off the Autopilot

We have to know two things; A, the concept of mitzvoth and their importance and B, what does it mean to be a good Jew. Sounds simple enough. However, aside from knowledge, we must analyze our behavior and see if is actually consistent with the mitzvoth or not. Before and after every action, we must stop and think. Don't let the yetzer hara win you over by keeping you so busy that you have no time to think.
Audio Lecture
01:00 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 13

Five Minutes and You're a Winner

Although we will never totally overrule our yetzer hara in the sense of overwhelming him, but if we are in the habit of thinking then we will at least be conscious of the tricks he is playing on us. Thinking about our every deed is the greatest weapon against the yetzer hara and will automatically put us into the category of a tzaddik, a righteous person.
Audio Lecture
01:20 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 14

Lost in a Maze

Our quest for fear of Heaven can be compared to a maze. There are many many paths and it's seemingly impossible to reach the center, the ultimate goal. How can you know if you're standing on a path that will lead you out of the maze or not? A fascinating insight into a seemingly hopeless situation.
Audio Lecture
01:07 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 15

Why Would I want to be a Yre Shamayim

Yiras shamayim, fear of Heaven should be the central quest in our lives. We might think that we already have shlemus hada'as, wholeness of understanding so what would be my motive to become a yre shamayim? Find out about the numerous motivations we have to achieve the level of yre shamayim.
Audio Lecture
01:11 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 16

Your Life's Goal is to Become a Millionaire

The only way to succeed at something is to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the task at hand. Just as you won't become a millionaire by working part time, in the same way you won't become a yre shamayim unless you are solely focused on attaining that status. Working part time will result in us being in the World to Come part time and who wants that? Make use of every opportunity we have in this world before it's too late!
Audio Lecture
01:05 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 17

No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded

G-d keeps count of every single deed of ours, good or bad. Having committed big sins does not mean that He will overlook the little ones, and however many good deeds you have done, they will not cancel out the bad ones. Does it work the same way for good thoughts and bad thoughts? Does G-d have free will? Do we have free will? Discover the power in your hands to create and realize what impact you can have on the world by your actions.
Audio Lecture
01:07 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 18

Can We Survive with Justice Alone?

Since the power is in our hands to create the world by doing mitzvos, the same goes if we sin. How then is the world still in existence? Why haven't we annihilated ourselves yet? Explore the interesting imbalance in our power to create and annihilate and why G-d would bestow this favor on us.
Audio Lecture
01:02 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 19

You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

When we sin the Satan goes to G-d with accusations against us, saying that we should be annihilated. G-d says well, I don't want to annihilate them. Understand the delicate balance of justice versus mercy, how G-d diminishes the justice process by applying mercy.
Audio Lecture
01:16 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 20

Why Do People Suffer?

When G-d diminishes the justice process by applying mercy we begin to suffer in many different ways. If we don't repent immediately, G-d is patient and waits. Will we act on further, more painful reminders? What will happen if we don't? Don't let it reach the stage where your soul will begin shrinking.
Audio Lecture
01:11 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 21

Not enough time in the day.

Being too busy is a big detraction from reaching spiritual growth. There's only a certain amount of hours in each day, yet so many things to be accomplished. What are we going to have to let go of to allow for spiritual growth? Learn to distinguish between necessary preoccupations and superfluous ones.
Audio Lecture
00:46 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 22

Life is Not One Big Joke

A mocking attitude to life will negate a person's ability to see things with intelligence. Levity has the power literally to obstruct a person's ability to see things in an analytical frame of mind. Don't let yourself get intoxicated with gaiety and giddiness, it only leads to trouble.
Audio Lecture
01:21 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 23

Get Moving

The next trait in the sequence following zehirus is zerizus, zeal. Thought you've conquered the yetzer hara to sin? Watch out, here comes a new one. Now the yetzer hara tried to prevent you from doing good deeds. How can we win this battle; tried and true methods to combat laziness.
Audio Lecture
01:03 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 24

Get Rid of the Thorns and Thistles

If you don't tend to your vineyard, you will reap no produce. If someone doesn't attend to his Torah learning in the way he should, he could come to interpret the laws incorrectly. By learning about mitzvoth properly and then doing them properly, we will come to discover the true light within them which we can use to break through the darkness that surrounds mitzvoth.
Audio Lecture
01:02 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 25

An Object at Rest Tends to Stay at Rest

Human beings have a natural tendency to stay in whatever position they find themselves. There's always an excuse to be lazy, often even a very plausible one. However, by validating the excuse to ourselves, we will come to attack the mitzvah itself and say that in such a situation it's not applicable. Learn to recognize these thinking patterns in yourself and methods to overcome them.
Audio Lecture
01:15 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 26

A Gift from G-d

Our life in this world is not something that will continue until we succumb to some illness or accident. The only reason why we are still alive as long as we are is to enable us to perform more mitzvoth. Without mitzvoth existence would run out of energy; mitzvoth are truly a gift from G-d. If we delay, we'll be subjected to the accusations of the Satan that we don't deserve this opportunity. Don't provide more ammunition to the Satan. Don't let the mitzvah go stale in your hands.
Audio Lecture
01:10 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 27

Can I Pray for Luxuries

Hear a fascinating story with Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. The criteria which G-d uses to decide whether He should answer your prayers or not is based on how it will affect our spiritual growth. But watch out! Don't let those luxuries become an addiction. There is too much work to be done to allow ourselves to become caught up in the lazy world we live in.
Audio Lecture
01:06 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 28

Don't Rely On Miracles

An obsessive need for safety and security can impede the path to Yiras Shamayim. But don't we have a commandment to take very good care of ourselves in the Torah? What is the time and place for taking sensible precautions and is there ever a place for blind faith?
Audio Lecture
01:00 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 29

Masters of Disengagement

Here we discuss a level even higher than zehirus or zerizus. Nekius - someone who has separated himself entirely from his ego, from his personal desires. Such a person will develop a vision where he can perceive right from wrong. Can we ever achieve such a level?
Audio Lecture
01:04 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 30

Honesty in Business

To become a naki, we have to not only battle the primary sins, but also the subtleties of those sins. One example of such a sin would be theft. Be surprised at some seemingly normal business practices that are actually forbidden. Discover the difference between business competition and business elimination.
Audio Lecture
00:54 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 31

Don't Let Your Wheat Become Thorns

Salesmanship is not an act of theft or aggression; it actually has a lot of positive qualities. However, we must be extremely vigilant that it does not turn into deceit, even when selling to a non-Jew. Why would it be a problem to deceive a non-Jew? It never pays to conduct your business in a deceitful manner.
Audio Lecture
01:01 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 32

Lobsters and Steak

Eating is some people's favorite pastime. From the Torah's perspective what, when and how we eat is very critical. Believe it or not, eating non-kosher food blocks our ability to attain wisdom. Don't risk contaminating your entire body and soul by ingesting in forbidden food and drink. An enlightening insight into a seemingly mundane daily activity.
Audio Lecture
01:00 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 33

Is There Any Hope for a Shattered Vase?

The world began with only one man; Adam Harishon. When he sinned against G-d, there began a concept of humanity and hence the possibility of man doing a sin between one man and the other, not just between man and G-d. The more we sin, the more fragmented we become. Is there any hope for us now, any way for us to get back to the perfection of mankind? Find out the answer to this intriguing question and many others.
Audio Lecture
00:56 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 34

Nobody Knows the Difference

People ask us for advice all the time. What if I could give him advice that would benefit me without him losing out; is that allowed? Anyway, nobody's going to know the difference. Why is it so difficult for us to give people real advice?
Audio Lecture
01:06 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 35

The Boomerang Effect

In this lecture we discuss some of the detailed laws that can be derived from the prohibition to speak lashon hara. Sometimes a person is enjoying a good life that he does not actually deserve according to the letter of the law. If someone is jealous of this person, it will cause the Heavenly Court to open up this man's file and reassess his life. But what happens then when this man loses something and cries out to Heaven; whose file gets opened then?
Audio Lecture
01:09 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 36

Thou Shalt Treat thy Neighbor as Yourself

Interpersonal relationships pose many challenges in our everyday lives. We deal with issues of slander, jealousy, grudge bearing and anger. Find out how to curb these feelings which will ultimately lead to better relationships with our loved ones.
Audio Lecture
01:04 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 37

The Meaning of Happiness

We have a commandment to be always happy. What does it mean to be happy? How can we avoid falling into depression when we face some very difficult challenges in life. Understand the subtle difference between emuna (faith) and bitachon (trust).
Audio Lecture
01:09 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 38

The Outside Must Reflect the Inside

Our every action must in some way honor G-d; create a kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of G-d's name. What would be considered a chilul Hashem, a desecration of G-d's name? There is no one answer to this; it depends on who you are and how others see you. We then move on to discover the holiness of Shabbos and the Jewish holidays, each with their own unique opportunities. Make sure to make the most of those opportunities to grow to the maximum.
Audio Lecture
01:00 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 39

Nuclear Warfare

A Jew who committed even the most minor of sins was prohibited from joining the battlefield. Why is this? Humanity holds in its hand the power to destroy the entire planet. Is there any hope for our survival? Is mashiach on his way?
Audio Lecture
01:33 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 40

How Big is Your Ego?

We all have a desire to think that we can replace G-d. Really, though, there is no place for any ego at all when it comes to Judaism. Our desire for self-importance is really nothing more than a desire for self-value. Why do we want to feel valuable and important? Find the road to intrinsic value, that which we all truly seek.
Audio Lecture
00:55 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 41

The True Magician

By sinning, we are in essence saying that we are G-d; we are dethroning G-d and enthroning ourselves. As a result G-d will say okay, you want to be G-d? You can be G-d. Sounds great; wouldn't it be nice to have a little omnipotence? Just wait until you see what it truly entails.
Audio Lecture
01:09 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 42

The Little Child Inside You

It takes years until we develop enough to realize that existence is the dominant existential aspect and not ourselves. Only where we reach this stage of awareness do we begin to experience free will. A fascinating trip into the inner workings of the child you once were.
Audio Lecture
01:21 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 43

It's All a Power Statement

Watch an arrogant person and notice how his every move is deliberate and methodical. This makes it easier for us to pick out the arrogant person from a crowd. But what are they really doing? Maybe they're actally a great sage and they're acting that way in the honor of Torah. Learn to differentaite between different forms of arrogance.
Audio Lecture
00:57 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 44

Anger and Idol Worship

Our sages tell us that someone who allows himself to be consumed by anger is in some ways in the same position as someone who worships idols. This sounds a little extreme. Isn't there a long road between the two? Discover some of the beauty in anger and what a serious effect it can have on our very existence.
Audio Lecture
01:04 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 45

Green with Envy

Little do we realize, but our jealousy of another person can cause them to lose whatever it is that we're jealous of. How can one person's jealousy effect someone else's life? Understand some deep concepts behind why people lead lives full of jealousy and resentfulness and hear how you can avoid being affected by other people's jealousy of you.
Audio Lecture
01:02 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 46

The Quest for Perfection

Mashiach will come when the Jewish People are either totally spritually perfect or totally physically perfect. Which one do we want it to be? What's the underlying cause of our pursuit for material possessions? What's considered necessary to live and what will only detract from our pursuit for greatness? Does it matter how other people see us or how G-d sees us?
Audio Lecture
01:31 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 47

Separate Yourself

The chasid, differently from the tzaddik, will separate himself even from luxuries which are allowed. Why would he impose more stringencies on himself? Get to know your yetzer hara so that you can set boundaries for yourself to prevent falling into sin.
Audio Lecture
01:30 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 48

Relative Transgressions Versus Absolute Transgressions

Here we discuss the Parush, someone who imposes himself extra strigencies in areas where there is a difference of opinion as to what the law is. When we transgress there is damage to our soul; if the sages said it is okay to do something, but one opinion said it's not then it's okay for us to do it. But what about the damage to our soul? When is it okay to take on extra stringenices and when would that be considered nothing more than hypocrisy?
Audio Lecture
01:12 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 49

A Two Percent Problem

A Chasid has it pretty good, he's reached a high level. However, when he does a mitzvah there still remains a small amount of bad motivation. How can he get rid of this and evict the yetzer hara once and for all?
Audio Lecture
01:13 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 50

Pure Love

People tend to think that the more stringent you are, the more you pray and make confessions, the more righteous you will become. This is a grave error; chasidus is not that at all. So what is it then? And how do we go about achieving this level
Audio Lecture
01:00 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 51

Not Just Because You Have To.

A person's greatest need is self-esteem, self-respect. The chasid is someone who is constantly looking out for ways to act towards other people in a way that will boost their emotional wellbeing, make them feel better about themselves. Does that mean he will ignore the truth and not criticize someone when there is a genuine need? Hear some fascinating examples of acts of chasidus that great people would do and discover the common thread that ties them all together.
Audio Lecture
00:58 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 52

Beauty Counts

The most critical aspect of fear of G-d is a fear of His exalted state; of who He is. This requires us to realize that when we communicate with G-d it is not a one way conversation, it's a two-way interaction. Then we need to realize that whatever we understand about existence in regards to our own existence does not apply to G-d. Once we begin to understand who G-d really is then we will begin to perform mitzvos in the most beautiful way, with all the extra trimmings; because after all, isn't that how you would behave if you were going to a human king?
Audio Lecture
01:12 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 53

Passion for G-d

There are select people who reach the level of a kind of love relationship with G-d. This love has to be an intrinsic love; not simply because He gave us something. That would simply be satisfying your own need. Love is something which is felt by two beings that were once connected; such as a man and woman whose souls were once one. Since we all come from G-d, shouldn't it then be a natural event that we love G-d? What is the interference; what's blocking us from attaining this relationship?
Audio Lecture
01:31 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 54

For Everything There is a Time and Place

People on the level we discuss here are few and far between. This is someone who uses his high status, his total awareness of G-d to advocate for the Jewish People and intercede on their behalf. He knows what troubles will befall us before they happen and can pray that we be saved. The chasid's thinking is totally in line with what G-d would want at each and every occassion. He must use analytical skills to evaluate what could possibly be the outcome of any particular action and based on that decide if it should be done here and now.
Audio Lecture
01:12 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 55

Humility Does Not Equal Inadequacy

Humilty, in essence, is a state of mind. It has to do with the way a person feels about himself. His behavior will follow the way he thinks of himself. Does humility mean that we have to feel that there's something wrong with us? Should we feel guilty and act like weak little wimps? It's all about the zero versus the minus one.
Audio Lecture
01:19 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 56

External Behavior Awakens the Interior Feeling

Fear of Heaven is a feeling; it's an emotion. How can we control our feelings? Here we have a revolutionary concept in how we can actually control our emotions and thereby become a truly humble person. Explore this concept and other ideas on how to forget any feelings of arrogance and pride.
Audio Lecture
01:31 Rabbi Shimon Kessin

Mesilas Yesharim - Lecture 57

Holy of Holies

We've discussed many high levels in serving G-d. Here we reach the climax; we've arrived. The Kadosh is someone who has arrived at the highest level, he is no longer struggling to stay at the level he's on. Can a person achieve such a level on his own; and if they are on such a high level then why are they still alive, what is left for them to achieve?
Audio Lecture
01:30 Rabbi Shimon Kessin