When first man sinned, the world crashed. Rabbi Kirzner discusses the three kinds of nurturing in the world, and how we are expected to raise ourselves out of the pit we’ve fallen into. Part of the rope we can grab on to is Shabbos – a day that transcends the physical remoteness of the state we are in to help us touch the spirituality greatness we are truly capable of.
Even if we believe God is One, we can often fall into mistaken beliefs about His continued power and existence. Rabbi Kirzner debunks some of these assumptions by shattering the myth of nature and the proposed idea that God has somehow forsaken us.
We live in a very physical world. It’s not apparent to us that our actions have very real ramifications and effects. Everything we do, say, and think impact higher worlds. The energy of thought is particular is very powerful. Rabbi Kirzner explores the strength of our minds, but reminds us that this force has to be coupled with physical actions to really achieve what it is potentially capable of.
We should be choosing to emulate G-d’s positive qualities. However, this is very difficult when we have freedom of choice. Rabbi Kirzner reviews the need for us to have bechirah, and the need for evil to eventually prove G-d’s oneness. How can we learn to see Hashem in the brilliant way He shaped man and his capabilities?
Evil is allowed to rear its ugly head until it grows so great is seems invincible. When G-d then destroys it we come to a tremendous recognition of His power. Couldn’t G-d have created another way besides this painful one to reach the goal? A fascinating discussion of how we choose the methods through which we must learn what is true and what is false.
Adam, the first man, was put into the Garden of Eden to face a spiritual struggle. Eating from the tree or not took overtones of great depth. However, understanding Adam’s greatness makes this confusing – why couldn’t he have figured out what G-d wanted? Rabbi Kirzner discusses the one tool that helps us succeed in every spiritual battle we face: Faith. Why did G-d create reality to be so dependent on this core trait?
Our relationship with G-d has a tremendous effect on the physical world, to the point that we will perceive changes in the universe based on our level of closeness. Listen in for a fascinating understanding of what underlies inflation and the rise and fall of world economy. Along with a discussion on spiritual tests and whether or not to seek them out, and why different people face different struggles.
The Ramchal pulls the previous discussions together as he lays out the purpose of our lives and the ultimate goal of the world to realize G-d’s oneness. The world of spiritual struggle where we attempt to achieve this leads to the world of reward. Rabbi Kirzner discusses the power of freedom of choice, and deals with a simple question: Could it be there is no world to come and the point is simply for us to fight for a relationship with G-d?
Does Torah automatically change someone? Rabbi Kirzner lays out the prerequisite necessary for Torah to have a real impact on a human being. He then segues into a discussion of the ten basic characteristics of G-d. We are supposed to emulate G-d. What is the core difference between our character and how G-d acts, and what mistake must be careful not to make?
G-d has many attributes and methods of relating to the world. However, while we decide how to react based on our internal emotions, G-d is diametrically different. His desire for certain energies to enter the world is determined by what mankind needs. Along with a discussion of human potentials and the question we must ask: Are our goals meaningful reasons for living?