R' Moshe Rubin's Wednesday night mussar va'ad. Please reach out and let me know how you are enjoying the vaadim or just to say hello: MRubin214gmail.com. Would love to hear from you! (My apologies if I do not respond immediately.) Feel free to donate to Kollel HaShechuna (the beis medrash where we learn); http://www.kollelh.com/ Credit to R' Yoram Bogacz who's shiurim have been a huge help along the way. Have a fabulous day!
What's the real source of simcha in Torah—and why does it sometimes feel so hard to access? This vaad explores how Torah connects us directly to Hashem, reframes the experience of learning, and helps us move past the weight of spiritual sadness (atzvus) toward deeper joy and vitality.1. Torah as Sha'ashuim→ Torah is Hashem's delight—our way to connect to the Infinite.2. Real Simcha in Learning→ Joy comes not from good sugyas alone, but from knowing what Torah is.3. Depth Over Time→ Torah must grow with you—or it withers. Simcha depends on ongoing depth.4. Atzvus vs. Merirus→ Not all sadness is holy. Learn the difference—and how to stay motivated.5. The Avodah Is the Goal→ Torah isn't a means to an end. Learning is the relationship.6. Practical Anchoring→ Show up. Say birchas haTorah with purpose. Reframe the hard days. Stay in the process.mrubin214@gmail.com
Would love to hear from you; The notes below are generated (and unedited) so let me know if they are helpful, but do not rely on. MRubin214@gmail.comThe Path to True Happiness: Insights from Alei ShurOvercoming Atzlus (Lethargy)Atzlus is a heavy, dragging force that prevents purposeful actionCombated through both material contentment and joyful mitzvah observanceWhen balanced, we gain the energy to fulfill our purpose with vigorMaterial Simchah: Finding contentment in our physical environment and possessionsSpiritual Simchah: Joy derived from fulfilling mitzvot and aligning with divine purposeThough distinct, these forms of happiness are ultimately interconnectedFinding genuine satisfaction with what we possessNot complacency, but recognition that we have what we need for our divine missionWhen aligned with purpose, possessions take on deeper significanceAva (Love): The expansive force that connects us to our missionYira (Fear/Awe): Provides necessary boundaries and structureTogether, these form the "wings" that allow our spiritual practice to flourishWealth for its own sake: Creates perpetual dissatisfactionWealth as a tool for spiritual purpose: Brings fulfillment when properly directedMaterial pursuits require boundaries to serve higher goalsBoth material and spiritual happiness require proper boundariesWhen our material life aligns with divine mission, everything gains meaningTrue satisfaction comes when we connect all aspects of life to a higher purposeTwo Dimensions of Simchah (Happiness)Histapkus: The Power of ContentmentAva and Yira: Essential Forces for GrowthMaterial Wealth Through a Spiritual LensThe Integrated Life
Exploring Simchas HaMitzvohPlease reach out - would love to hear from you mrubin214@gmail.com;
Further discussion of building structure and framework for avodah - With Purim discussion at end! For more Purim shiurim: 323-Alei Shur Sheni Gate 3 Perek 23 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BRdtst9dEI45KJ0KWJavM?si=sfiP0EWvQ8SzhrJe5L0FZA 324-Alei Shur Sheni Gate 3 Perek 24 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6u2AU4tttsVk62qi6iWcxZ?si=6aEw5vifQPiA0OOVeGM6bw
Excellent! Seder (structure and organization as an expression of one's 'ratzon'; applying this to avodah; framework of accountability and accomplishment necessary for success and growth);
285-Perek 18 Birchas HaNehenin/ Vaad 5
Excellent perspective on Beraachos: and a profound insight into the experience of eating, and pleasurable interactions, generally.
Berachos as a vehicle to change our relationship with the world.
Defining Gaaveh; balancing investment in growth and chashivus for accomplishment with arrogance...
279-Perek 16 Emunah (Techiyas HaMesim) Vaad 9
277-Perek 16 Emunah (Yemos HaMashiach Vaad 8
Excellent follow up of discussion from last week re: being a "ben olam haboh" and viewing this our role, thoughts, speech, actions, in this world in the context of a much 'larger' existence
Significance of Emunah in Olam HaBoh in every day avodah: understanding the eternal quality of our thoughts, speech and deeds and why it is important.
274-Perek 16 Emunah (Living with Emunah) Vaad 6
272-Perek 16 Emunah Chushis (Tangible Emunah) Vaad 4
Emunas Chachamim - part 3 Would love to hear from you if you are enjoying - mrubin214@gmail.com; please just reference alei shur in the subject!
266-Perek 16 Emunah Vaad Intro Creating a framework to relate to Emunah.
The "obligation" of Hakaras Ha'Tov; Hakaras HaTov as the foundation of avodah and k'fias haTov as the basis for kfirah The "midah" of Kakaras HaTov in the context of interpersonal relationships; in the context of one's relationship with Hashem
2 reasons why, despite the fact that Hakaras HaTov is intuitive on the most basic level, people steer towards being Kafui Tov: Vaad 2: entitlement Vaad 3: recognition of hakaras ha'tov creates an obligation and shift of a power dynamic --- Vaad 4: Hakaras HaTov is most challenging in the context of our closest relationships
Excellent!!! If you are loving these and growing, please pay it forward and share the wealth - ltoeles! Have a fabulous day (would love to hear from you mrubin214@gmail.com)
260-Perek 15 Hisbonenus Intro and Chapter 8
258-Perek 15 Hisbonenus Intro and Vaad 4-5
255-Perek 15 Hisbonenus Intro and Chapter 1
254-Perek 13 Machshava Vaad Conclusion
Welcome Back!!! Vaad 4 on Machshava as the nexus between Ruchnius and Gashmius; Relating to pleasure (eating); and honing the ability to focus... Have a fabulous night!!! MR
see also previously posted Yom Kippur: Practical Points for Focus - standalone shiur from last year!
Final thoughts to RALLY around going into Yom HaDin; Define MISSION STATEMENT; CLARITY of purpose; creating SEEDS OF POTENTIAL for the year; CAPTURING BACK LOST GROUND from the other side; CONFUSING THE SATAN