BILVAVI SERIES

Bilvavi 1 This book, the foundation of the series, gently but firmly guides the readers to the awareness that we must rediscover the purpose of our lives: deveikus to Hashem, a palpable connection to G-d. The author then presents an outline of the way to achieve this deveikus, one step at a time. The book is arranged in short paragraphs, so that each point can be absorbed independently, at a comfortable pace

Bilvavi 2 In this book, based on a series of 28 classes, the Rav offers very detailed instruction for step-by-step spiritual growth, going from the various levels of emunah (faith) to yirah (fear) in its various degrees and then to the stages of ahavah (love), culminating in selfless love of Hashem. It is filled with invaluable practical advice on achieving these levels, and is the perfect companion to volume 1

Bilvavi 3 This book was originally printed as a book of guidance for Torah students. The first essay teaches how to access the soul by escaping the grip of the material drives, while simultaneously strengthening the spiritual side through deep thought. This essay is followed by sections about proper Torah study, tefillah (prayer), chessed (kindness), mussar study, emunah (faith), and eighteen more essays related to various topics in the Torah

Bilvavi 4 Here, the Rav focuses in depth on some of the central themes in avodas Hashem (serving the Creator). He stresses the vital importance of hisbodedus - setting aside time regularly for contemplation and personalized prayer. He also discusses how to attain the frame of mind where the outside world will not destroy your ability to think clearly during this precious time. Another theme developed in depth is the ratzon, the inner will to grow, and the way to magnify this faculty

Bilvavi 5 This volume is in fact a self-contained manual for spiritual growth, showing how to use the power of speech to progress through the levels of closeness to Hashem. The method was presented long ago in the work Yesod Veshoresh Ha'Avodah, but in this volume, it is developed further. Of special interest are the classic sources quoted to show the basis for the Rav's approach to avodas Hashem, as well as a discussion about errors people commonly make concerning avodas Hashem. The volume also contains 29 essays on the classic Mesillas Yesharim, all of them expounding upon just the two introductory chapters

Bilvavi 6 People involved in self-improvement often end up focusing too much on themselves, and in this way, actually become far from Hashem. In this volume, the Rav teaches about nullifying the ego before Hashem in order to become truly close to Him and serve Him selflessly. The second section of the book is about developing the faculty of chochmah (wisdom) in order to serve Hashem through that mode. The third section contains six essays about the holidays

Bilvavi 7 This volume is entirely devoted to the idea of emunah. Intended for advanced scholars, it shows how emunah relates to various concepts in kabbalah, chasidus, and all areas of avodas Hashem. Of special interest is a guided nighttime meditation for accessing the soul's inner state of Adam HaRishon before the sin

Bilvavi 8 This work, intended for advanced Torah scholars, delivers insights based on the kabbalistic attribute of Kesser, the level of ayin (nothingness) that transcends all wisdom. In the times of moshiach, we will all be able to access this lofty state, but even now, its light has begun to shine, and through it, we can begin to sense the unity in all of creation. The essays in this work focus on this theme from many different angles

Bilvavi 9 Our primary task in life is to internalize and observe the practical and intellectual boundaries set by the Torah, known in kabbalah as the general "vessel." Once a person has attained a deep commitment to halachah and has toiled greatly in Torah, he may begin to experience the "light," which is the level of emunah based on temimus, a degree of faith that reaches beyond all boundaries, enabling a person to cleave to Hashem, the Infinite, and see beyond all contradictions in life. The essays in this work are meant for advanced scholars on this level, who are able to live with the "light" without sacrificing their commitment to the truths of the "vessel"

Bilvavi 10 (also known as Kol Demamah Dakah) This book presents profound insights into 700 different concepts in the Torah! Although it is meant to give guidance in avodas Hashem, this volume does not take the form of a step-by-step manual, but a window into a new world of Torah thought. The reader should absorb the various concepts and then create a new, organized, personal outlook on Torah and life, which will enable him to actualize his soul's potential and come to a higher awareness of Hashem

CHASSIDUS SERIES

Sefer Ba'al Shem Tov The Ba'al Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidus, did not write any books, but many of his teachings were recorded by leading disciples and later arranged according to the relevant sections of the Torah in the work Ba'al Shem Tov al HaTorah. This work has been treasured for generations, but its teachings are terse while profound, making them difficult to comprehend and appreciate. In 272 pages of fascinating essays, the Rav reveals much of the depth of the first 26 teachings of Parshas Bereishis

Lahav Eish Since the founding of Chassidus, its leading thinkers throughout the generations have composed a vast literature about the Chassidic approach to all areas of avodas Hashem. For the most part, these ideas are arranged according to the weekly Torah portion, making it difficult to find a particular topic when one seeks inspiration in that area. In this work, the Rav arranges and elucidates these teachings by topic, covering Torah, prayer, love of Hashem, love of fellow Jews, eating with sanctity, emunah, truth, free will, trust in Hashem, and holiness. There is also a comprehensive section devoted to the philosophical question of Divine knowledge as opposed to free will

KABBALAH SERIES for advanced scholars only

Etz Chaim The Etz Chaim, by R' Chaim Vital, contains the main teachings of the Arizal. In this edition, the Rav explains the first three sections of that work (igulim veyosher, hishtalshelus, and seder atzilus) based on the approach to understand the underlying meaning of kabbalah: a study of the means of deveikus to Hashem (as mentioned in the Chassidic work Yosher Divrei Emes). Another benefit in this edition is the discussion of the various traditional methods of understanding the kabbalah and an assessment of who is worthy to learn kabbalah in our times

Hakdamas Rechovos HaNahar Rav Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash) continued the work of the Arizal, and his works are considered by many to be the most advanced of all works of kabbalah. This work contains his introductions to the principles of kabbalah, with profound commentaries by the Rav

Kalach Pischei Chochmah (2 volumes) The Ramchal (R' Moshe Chaim Luzzato), one of the greatest kabbalists of all time, was authorized from Above to reveal the concepts of kabbalah in a way that demonstrates yichud Hashem: how every occurrence in the world is a manifestation of the will of Hashem. One of the Ramchal's primary methods of revealing this wisdom was his work Kalach Pischei Chochmah, 138 "gateways" about the principles of kabbalah. As would be expected, this work is often very difficult to understand. The Rav delivered a series of lectures elucidating these teachings, which have been referred to as "astonishing in their depth." Two volumes have been printed from these lectures - volume 1 covers the first four sections, and volume 2 covers sections 5-17

Pischei She'arim (3 volumes) The Vilna Gaon (the Gr"a), in addition to being one of our greatest scholars in the revealed Torah, was also one of the greatest kabbalists. R' Yitzchak Isaac Chaver was a student of a student of the Gr"a and received his method of understanding kabbalah. Pischei She'arim explains the kabbalah of the Gr"a in harmony with that of the Ramchal, and is considered a major contribution to kabbalistic literature. In these volumes, based on lectures delivered to advanced scholars, the Rav teaches this work and delves deeply into its underlying principles. Many readers will be interested in the extensive elucidation of the misunderstood concept of tzimtzum. Volume 1 discusses tzimtzum, volume 2 covers igulim veyosher, and volume 3 covers oros ozen chotem peh (the first three sections of the Pischei She'arim)

OTHER TOPICS

Al HaTorah (2 volumes) In 5766, the Rav delivered a series covering all the parshios of the Torah, which was later compiled into these two volumes (vol 1- Bereishis and Shemos, vol. 2- Vayikra, Bemidbar, and Devarim). Each week, the Rav focuses on a particular theme in the parashah, presenting a seemingly strong contradiction between two sources, but then resolving it with a new, deep concept that shows the underlying unity behind various ideas

Toras Haremez In the course of our lives, we must absorb the four dimensions of Torah: the basic meaning (pshat), the allegorical meaning (remez), the Midrashic and Talmudic exegesis (drash), and the kabbalistic secrets (sod). This work is devoted to the level of remez of the Torah

Mo'adim Throughout the year, the holidays offer us many opportunities for spiritual advancement, but without a proper understanding of each holiday, we are liable to ignore the precious gift at hand and focus only on the surface details. This volume of 469 pages is devoted to revealing the deeper meaning behind all of our holidays (and mourning periods)

Derech Hashem The Ramchal's Derech Hashem is considered by many to be the most important work of Jewish thought, covering all areas of Torah outlook in relatively little space. Because of its fairly simple language and brevity, readers tend to miss much of the depth contained therein. In this work, the Rav reveals much of the wisdom hidden in the introduction and first three sections of the work (the Creator, the purpose of creation, and mankind). Included is a discussion of the various sources of emunah. If you have studied Derech Hashem and thought it was simple, you owe it to yourself to study this edition

"KNOW YOUR ..." SERIES

Know Your Self "דע את עצמך"

To properly grow, you must first know who you really are. This series teaches us to see ourselves as pure souls, and not be disheartened by flaws, which are in fact nothing more than superficial "garments" over the soul. Once this awareness is achieved, we learn to feel love toward the rest of the world, and finally, to discover Hashem deep within us. Published as a book in the winter of 2008

Know Your Soul "דע את נשמתך"

Series of shiurim given in the fall of 2007 in the Yishuv Mavo Charon in central Israel. There are three stages in hitbodedut (Jewish meditation): The first is where one uncovers one's inner soul. The second is where one senses one's needs (spiritual and physical) as well as one's blessings, and turns to Hashem (God) to ask that He fulfill those needs, as well as thank Him for the blessings. The third stage is where one uncovers the presence of Hashem within the soul. This series covers these three stages in great depth and detail, focusing largely on using the five senses for spiritual elevation. Will be published shortly

Know Your Children "דע את ילדך"

A series of shiurim that were delivered in the end of the winter 2008 in Tel Aviv. This series is primarily about taking care of our children's emotional needs. We tend to focus on their physical well-being, but often leave them emotionally malnourished. The solution, while including the obvious need to express love towards them, includes methods such as knowing how to listen to them, expressing our own emotions in an appropriate fashion, and infusing the household "chores" with intent and love. Is being prepared for publication

Know Your Home "דע את ביתך"

A series of shiurim that were delivered in the winter of 2008 in the Yishuv Mavo Charon in central Israel. The focus of the series was the Torah perspective on love and marriage. We tend to narrow our focus to loving that which is similar to us or that which is different from us. Yet these kinds of love, while serving a purpose, primarily relate to the initial excitement in the early stages of a relationship. After that, the couple must mature and attain ahavat ha'etzem, an inherent, unconditional love. The series describes such love from various angles. Is being prepared for publication

VIDEO'S ON THE WEBSITE http://www.bilvavi.net

Know Your Self "דע את עצמך"

To properly grow, you must first know who you really are. This series teaches us to see ourselves as pure souls, and not be disheartened by flaws, which are in fact nothing more than superficial "garments" over the soul. Once this awareness is achieved, we learn to feel love toward the rest of the world, and finally, to discover Hashem deep within us. Published as a book in the winter of 2008

Know Your Soul "דע את נשמתך"

Series of shiurim given in the fall of 2007 in the Yishuv Mavo Charon in central Israel. There are three stages in hitbodedut (Jewish meditation): The first is where one uncovers one's inner soul. The second is where one senses one's needs (spiritual and physical) as well as one's blessings, and turns to Hashem (God) to ask that He fulfill those needs, as well as thank Him for the blessings. The third stage is where one uncovers the presence of Hashem within the soul. This series covers these three stages in great depth and detail, focusing largely on using the five senses for spiritual elevation.

Know Your Children "דע את ילדך"

A series of shiurim that were delivered in the end of the winter 2008 in Tel Aviv. This series is primarily about taking care of our children's emotional needs. We tend to focus on their physical well-being, but often leave them emotionally malnourished. The solution, while including the obvious need to express love towards them, includes methods such as knowing how to listen to them, expressing our own emotions in an appropriate fashion, and infusing the household "chores" with intent and love

Know Your Home "דע את ביתך"

A series of shiurim that were delivered in the winter of 2008 in the Yishuv Mavo Charon in central Israel. The focus of the series was the Torah perspective on love and marriage. We tend to narrow our focus to loving that which is similar to us or that which is different from us. Yet these kinds of love, while serving a purpose, primarily relate to the initial excitement in the early stages of a relationship. After that, the couple must mature and attain ahavat ha'etzem, an inherent, unconditional love. The series describes such love from various angles

Unity "יחידה"

Series of shiurim at the Shorashim Center in Tel Aviv. Did you know that the soul has five levels, and that you can access them all? This series shows how we can get in touch with the highest level, known as the yechidah. It is the level that is untainted by sin and possesses a remarkable sense of stability, as well as unity with Hashem and all of creation

Torah & Eastern Thought Series of shiurim at the Tel Aviv center for alternative medicine- Machon Ofek. This unusual series is devoted to contrasting the Torah's perspective to that of Eastern thought, especially with regard to healing. In the process, we learn that neither East nor West can provide the complete perspective that Torah can. Torah is shown to be the system that encompasses the best of both Eastern and Western thought, as well as transcends them. The series continues with a kabbalistic understanding of various organs of the body. To date, the focus has been primarily on the brain

Shabbos Kodesh A series of shiurim that were delivered at the Shorashim Center in Tel Aviv. The series focuses on the uplifting power of Shabbat. The classes have covered different aspects of the preparations for Shabbat. Activities that may have seemed mundane, such as bathing, cutting the fingernails, donning special clothing, and tasting the food, are shown in an entirely new light, as the teachings of the Arizal on such topics are made relevant and inspiring to all listeners

Hoshana Rabba This all-night class teaches us about the mystical dimension of Succot and Hoshana Rabba, the seventh day of the holiday. But before delving into the holiday, the Rav elucidates the two primary names of Hashem: one is the unchanging source of existence and the other is the force active in the fluctuating nature of the world. We learn not only these mystical concepts, but also their relevance in our lives and our efforts.

Tu B'Shvat Initially, trees were meant to taste like their fruit, but now, they do not. What is the significance of this? The Rav explains that when a tree "tastes like its fruit," we can sense the Divine source of the food; if it does not, we focus on only the food and are liable to be pulled down by it. He also presents an in-depth discussion of the seven species, showing the mystical symbolism of each one and its message for our spiritual growth.

Chavat Yishuv haDaat "חוות ישוב הדעת"

Retreat for Israeli's who have returned from the Far East after their compulsory army service. The Rav is familiar with the Chazal's that interest Israelis involved in "eastern meditative practices". Before adopting practices that deal purely with pnimiyut (the inner life), one must act properly in chitzoniut (the outer life). The two aspects of the self cannot be treated as if they are unrelated. In fact, the outer and inner life are like two containers meant to be placed one inside the other, and the outer container must be the correct shape so that it can contain the inner one. In other words, observance of halachah (Torah Law) is the gateway to deeper spiritual levels

Basics of Judaism Ongoing series of lectures at Shorashim Center in Tel Aviv where the Rav explains basic concepts and practices in Judaism based on the inner teachings of the Torah

MP3 Audio Files

Original files in MP3 format

BILVAVI SERIES

Bilvavi 1 | Bilvavi 2
Bilvavi 4
Bilvavi 6
Bilvavi 8 | Bilvavi 9
Bilvavi 10 also known as Kol Demamah Dakah

OTHER TOPICS

Moadim
Derech Hashem
Al HaTorah 5765
Al HaTorah 5766
East Coast 2007
Los Angeles 2007
Ahavas Yisrael
Community Drashas
Hoshana Rabba
Tu B'Shvat
Shabbos Kodesh
Torah & Eastern Thought
Messilas Yesharim

CHASSIDUS SERIES

Ba'al Shem Tov

KABBALAH SERIES

Hakdamas Rechovos HaNahar
Kalach Pischei Chochmah
Pischei She'arim

"KNOW YOUR ..." SERIES

Know Your Self "דע את עצמך"

Know Your Soul "דע את נשמתך"

Know Your Children "דע את ילדך"

Know Your Home "דע את ביתך"

Unity "יחידה"

SPECIAL

Video on CD Hoshannah Rabbah