Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

20th Elul 🧠 The Metaphor of the Lower Soul The concepts described are metaphorical in nature. They pertain to the lower, intellectual aspect of the human soul, which is influenced by a mixture of spiritual forces. This level of the soul can engage in moral and spiritual development, but it […]

🌟 Overview: The Ten Sefirot in the Soul of Man The ten sefirot manifest within the human soul, particularly through seven emotive attributes that serve as the roots and general categories of all emotional traits. 💖 The Three Primary Emotive Attributes Chesed (Lovingkindness) Unbounded benevolence and generosity. Desires to give […]

Introduction In this teaching, we explore the inner meaning of Avraham Avinu’s words “I am dust and ashes”, revealing that they are far more than an expression of humility. We learn how his neshama shone with the light of Ahavah Rabbah, a boundless love rooted in the supernal Chesed of […]

Epistle 15 17th Elul 📖 Purpose of Study: Understanding The Sefiros “To understand parable and metaphor, the words of the wise and their riddles” — this refers to grasping the concept of the Sefirot (Divine emanations). This awareness has been passed down in the land from the holy ones above, […]

16th Elul 👁️ Divine Eyes – A Symbol of Wisdom and Watchfulness ✨📜 The phrase “Always the eyes of the Lord your God are upon it” refers to God’s constant attention and care over the Land of Israel. In this context, “eyes” are symbolic of divine wisdom and illumination. That’s […]

🔥 Rekindling Love for the Holy Land The text calls to awaken a deep, fiery love for Eretz HaKodesh (the Holy Land). This love should burn passionately within every individual, as if God’s spirit has freshly descended upon us. 🙌 Generosity and Divine Spirit The people are inspired to give […]

Epistle 13 14th Elul 📜 Opening – “How Abundant is Your Goodness” King David speaks of G-d’s attribute of goodness and kindness. Sometimes this goodness is hidden (especially in souls rooted in the “left” side – the G-d-fearing, like the school of Shammai), yet it is still vast and great, […]

🌟 The Power of Charity: “Maaseh” vs. “Avodah” Charity is often called maaseh (an act), implying it’s natural and habitual. But when charity is done with effort—avodah—it elevates the soul and reveals intense Divine light. 🔥 Awakening Above Through Effort Below Even habitual charity triggers a spiritual awakening (Itaruta d’L’tata), […]

  🕊️ The Innate Compassion of the Jewish Soul The Tanya teaches that the Jewish soul is naturally inclined toward compassion and acts of kindness. This is because Jewish souls are rooted in Divine attributes, particularly the attribute of Chesed (kindness), which overpowers Din (judgment) and Gevurah (severity). 👑 The […]

  🌟 The “Awakening from Above” and Its Link to the “Awakening from Below” The great revelation and flow from the Infinite Light (Ein Sof) is drawn down through human initiative from below. This is achieved through acts of charity, giving life, grace, kindness, and compassion to those who have […]

Distinction Between Actions and Service The passage differentiates between “actions” and “service” of righteousness, and between “peace” and “quiet trust,” exploring their deeper spiritual significance. Harmony Among Opposing Forces Drawing from the teaching, “He makes peace in His heights,” it describes how the angel Michael (representing water and kindness) and […]

Epistle 11 7th Elul 🌟 The Foundation: Joy and Faith A person should rejoice and be glad at all times. True life stems from unwavering faith in God, who sustains and benefits us constantly. 🚫 The Danger of Sadness Sadness and complaint suggest a lack of good and presence of […]

4th Elul ❤️ 1. Essence of Teshuvah 🫀 The core of repentance is in the heart — deep regret from one’s innermost feelings awakens a hidden, transcendent Divine light.   🌟 2. Drawing the Light into the Worlds ⬇️ To channel that light into higher and lower worlds, there must […]

3rd elul 🕊 The Importance of Guarding the Torah A person must uphold the Torah completely, without deviating even a hair’s breadth. Such devotion draws down divine light from the Infinite (Ein Sof). ⚠ The Damage of Straying One who departs from the path of Torah diminishes the holiness above. […]

2nd elul 📏 The Nature of Mitzvot and Measurement Mitzvot (commandments) were given through the attribute of Gevurah (strength/discipline) and Tzimtzum (constriction of divine light). As a result, most mitzvot have precise, limited measurements. 📐 Examples of Specific Measurements in Mitzvot Tzitzit: 12 thumb-breadths in length. Tefillin: 2 fingers by […]

🕊 Opening and Prophetic Context The words begin with a greeting of peace and a call to awaken the listener to “reproofs of life.” A verse is cited: “The kindnesses of the Lord, for we have not ceased…” — with a linguistic question: why not say “for they have not […]