12th-century Sephardic Jewish rabbi and philosopher
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Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Mishlei 15:30 - Happy Hearts and Fat Bones (Part 2)מְאוֹר עֵינַיִם יְשַׂמַּח לֵב, שְׁמוּעָה טוֹבָה תְּדַשֶּׁן עָצֶם:Length: 47 minutesSynopsis: This morning (6/12/25), in our last morning Mishlei shiur of the season, we began by reviewing yesterday's approaches, then delved into the peshat approach given by Rashi (!) and the Rid (!!), supported by the Rambam (!!!). After that, we took another swing at Metzudas David, and concluded with a quick read-through of the Malbim and some final words from Aristotle's Metaphysics.I can't believe it's been FIVE YEARS since I started giving regular post-HS Mishlei shiurim and recording them! Unlike the past few years, I'm going to take a break from Mishlei shiurim over the summer. God willing, we'll resume in September. I hope you keep learning Mishlei on your own, and if you do, I'm always game to discuss a pasuk!-----מקורות:משלי טו:לרש"ירי"דרמב"ם - שמונה פרקים: פרק חמישימצודת דודמלבי"םAristotle - Metaphysics 1:1----------Summer is almost here, and I'm planning to level up my Substack game. In addition to my weekly article on the parashah, I've got a ton of other topics I want to write about, many of which are experimental (or spicy) enough to keep behind the paywall. I'm looking for sponsors and I'm willing to offer an insane deal: for every WEEK of Torah content you sponsor, I'll comp you a full YEAR of paid subscriber access to my Substack. This offer is good through the end of June or until all my summer content is sponsored, whichever comes first.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/Patreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist:
En quoi la prophétie de Moché Rabbénou est-elle supérieure à celle des autres prophètes ? Quelle incidence cela peut-il avoir dans nos vies ? Réponse à travers des propos du Rambam.
התוכן הרמב"ם נק' בתואר "מורה הנבוכים" ע"ש שזכה והצליח להורות ל"נבוכים" את הדרך הישרה, ואת הוראות אלו אפשר למצוא בספר ה"רמב"ם". בסיום שיעור רמב"ם היומי מבאר שכבודן של מצוות הוא "למי שצוה בהן ברוך הוא והצילנו מלמשש בחושך, וערך אותם נר ליישר המעקשים, ואור להורות נתיבות היושר, וכן הוא אומר נר לרגלי דבריך ואור לנתיבתי". והענין: בריאת העולם מלכתחילה היתה באופן ש"ברא אלקים לעשות" – "לתקן" – שיהיו "מעקשים", ושכאו"א יתייגע בעבודתו "ליישר המעקשים" ע"י קיום המצוות שהם בבחי' "נר מצוה ותורה אור". וביאור פרטי הלשונות "נר לרגלי (לא "ראש") דבריך ואור לנתיבתי" (לא "דרך" שהוא רחב), הוא, מפני ששליחותו של יהודי לעשות לו ית' דירה בתחתונים, הוא לא רק בנוגע לדברים חשובים אלא גם בנוגע לכל פרט ופרט של הבריאה. וכ"ז נעשה ע"י "דבריך" של הקב"ה שמורה על הגילוי (ביחס למחשבה) וכו'.ב' חלקים משיחת יום א' פ' במדבר, כ"ה אייר ה'תשמ"ז, לשי ובנות ישראל תחיינה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-06-2025 Synopsis The Rambam is called by the title Moreh Nevuchim (“Guide for the Perplexed”) because he merited to guide the perplexed to the straight path. We find this at the conclusion of today's daily Rambam, where he explains that the honor of the mitzvos is “due to the One who commanded them, blessed be He, and saved us from groping in the darkness, and thus granted us a lamp to straighten crooked paths and a light to illumine the upright paths, as it is written, ‘Your words are a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.'” Hashem created the world in a way that it requires fixing, as it says, “‘that G-d created to do – to perfect'” – that is, Hashem intended that there be “crooked paths,” and that every individual should strive through his service to “straighten crooked paths” by fulfilling the mitzvos, “a lamp is a mitzvah and the Torah is light.” The reason it says, “a lamp to my feet” (rather than the head), and “a light for my paths” (rather than “ways,” which connotes a broad path) is because a Jew's mission to make a dwelling place for Hashem in the lower realms applies not only to matters of global importance, but to every detail of creation. And this is accomplished through the “Your words,” meaning through Hashem's speech, which signifies revelation etc.2 excerpts from sichah of Sunday, parashas Bamidbar, 25 Iyar 5747 – to N'shei U'bnos Chabad For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-06-2025
The capitalist approach to Judaism? Rambam vs. Meiri on הֱוֵי מְחַשֵּׁב הֶפְסֵד מִצְוָה כְּנֶגֶד שְׂכָרָהּ https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Torah mentions the Misva of Tefillin eight times , and Rambam rules that one who regularly neglects this Misva violates all eight mentions. This makes Tefillin one of the most serious daily obligations. A natural question arises: What if a person cannot afford Tefillin? Is he required to beg or sell his belongings to fulfill the Misva? Is There a Financial Obligation to Purchase Tefillin at All Costs? Surprisingly, Halacha does not require a person to beg, knock on doors, or sell his clothing in order to buy Tefillin. This contrasts sharply with other Misvot: For Shabbat candles , Halacha states one should sell the shirt off his back. For the four cups of wine on Pesa ḥ , one must do the same. Why, then, is Tefillin different? The A ḥ aronim address this inconsistency. Some suggest the distinction lies in the preparation of the Misva versus its fulfillment . When it comes to creating or purchasing Tefillin, one is not required to go to extreme measures . But when it comes to fulfilling the Misva—actually wearing Tefillin—a person must make great efforts , even if not to the level of begging or selling his shirt. Borrowing Tefillin When One Cannot Buy Them Although one is not obligated to beg or sell belongings, Halacha still expects a person to do everything reasonably possible to fulfill the Misva, including: Borrowing Tefillin from a friend Asking family or community members to help buy him a pair However, borrowing Tefillin is not always a simple solution : Proper fit matters , especially for the head Tefillin (Shel Rosh). If the fit is incorrect, one may not fulfill the Misva properly . Right-handed and left-handed Tefillin are different . Borrowed Tefillin might be unusable if the sides don't match. The knots often require adjustment , and people are either unable or too lazy to adjust and then return them properly. This can result in a misplacement or a Beracha Levatala (a blessing in vain). Due to these complications, many rabbis—especially the Mishnah Berura , Ḥ acham Ovadia Yosef , and Rav Moshe Feinstein —strongly encourage even poor individuals to ask for help or borrow properly rather than excuse themselves from the Misva. The Bait Ḥ adash further warns against those who habitually rely on borrowed Tefillin. He criticizes those who wouldn't borrow a toothbrush or shoes , yet treat Tefillin as communal property. This attitude reflects a lack of personal responsibility for one of the Torah's most central obligations. Summary Tefillin is a daily Misva of great seriousness , mentioned eight times in the Torah. One is not required to beg or sell basic clothing to fulfill it—but should do everything else possible . This includes borrowing Tefillin or asking others to help purchase a pair. Long-term reliance on borrowed Tefillin is discouraged due to concerns of improper fit, invalid usage, and lack of commitment. Each Jew should ultimately own his own Tefillin and treat them as essential—just as he would his clothing or daily necessities.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
Tefillin is one of the 613 Misvot of the Torah and among the most iconic symbols of Judaism. It is referenced four separate times in the Torah and is described not with the term "Tefillin," but with the word "Totafot." Each of the four passages is written on the parchments inside the Tefillin, establishing both the arm (Shel Yad) and head (Shel Rosh) Tefillin as distinct Misvot. According to the Rambam, Tefillin Shel Yad and Tefillin Shel Rosh are counted as two separate commandments—Misvot 12 and 13 in his enumeration. This implies that if one cannot wear one of them (e.g., due to a physical limitation), he should still fulfill the other, as each stands independently. However, the Ramban disagrees and views them as parts of a single Misva. The Torah repeats the Misva of Tefillin multiple times, yet the Rambam teaches that repetition does not necessarily indicate separate commandments. Rather, the repetition underscores the importance of the Misva. In fact, one who neglects to wear Tefillin transgresses eight positive commandments —four from Shel Yad and four from Shel Rosh. What Does " Totafot " Mean? The term " Totafot " has numerous interpretations: The Gemara Menahot (34b) explains that "Tot" means "two" in the Katpi language, and " Fot " means "two" in African dialect— totalling four, referencing the four compartments of Tefillin Shel Rosh. Menahem ben Saruq interprets " Totafot " from the root " Hatof " (to speak), reflecting that Tefillin inspires us to speak of Hashem's teachings. Ramban says Totafot is an ornament, a kind of crown or glorious item worn on the head, based on Midrashim and biblical parallels. Hezkuni interprets it as something gazed upon, meant to visually remind the wearer of Hashem's miracles. Kabbalistic sources say Tefillin is a form of "Ot" (sign), symbolizing the covenant between the Jewish people and Hashem. The word "Tefillin" itself derives from "Peli"—to distinguish or to separate—or from " Tefila " (prayer), since Tefillin is primarily worn during prayer. Some suggest it comes from the root "Patil" (binding), as in the Torah's description of Naftali. Philosophical Purpose of Tefillin The Sefer HaHinuch (Misva 421) writes that humans are physical beings drawn to material pleasures. The soul is the counterforce, urging one to rise spiritually. Tefillin serves as a daily spiritual armor , empowering the soul to prevail in its ongoing struggle with the body. The Tefillin Shel Yad is worn near the heart, the seat of emotion and desire, while the Tefillin Shel Rosh rests above the brain, the seat of thought—reinforcing control over both. Tefillin is part of the "triple protection system" described in the Gemara—Tefillin, Sisit , and Mezuzah. A person surrounded by these reminders is far less likely to sin . The Rambam adds that donning Tefillin causes a person to behave with humility, awe, and discipline, shielding him from improper thoughts. Tefillin as a Sign Three Misvot are described in the Torah as an "Ot" (sign) : Tefillin, Shabbat, and Berit Milah. A Jew must always be accompanied by at least two signs testifying to his faith. During the week, Tefillin and Milah serve this role. On Shabbat and Yom Tob, when Tefillin is not worn, Shabbat and Milah function as the two signs. This explains the prohibition of wearing Tefillin on Shabbat—doing so would imply that Shabbat is not a sufficient "sign" on its own. Protection, Reward, and Spiritual Energy Wearing Tefillin not only fulfills a critical Misva but is associated with long life, Divine protection, spiritual clarity , and even atonement . Rabbi Shimon teaches that Tefillin atones for the sin of arrogance and, according to some Midrashim, even for more serious transgressions. The Zohar states that Tefillin draws Divine light around the wearer's head. The famed Baba Sali is said to have sensed when his Tefillin were invalid because he didn't feel this spiritual energy. In fact, studies have been cited showing subtle energy field changes when valid Tefillin are worn. The Gemara in Berachot teaches that those who wake early, clean their bodies, don Tefillin, and pray are considered as if they built an altar and brought a sacrifice. The Midrash Tanhuma says that one who desires to study Torah day and night but is preoccupied with work can still attain that merit through wearing Tefillin. The Spiritual Danger of Neglect The Gemara states that one who never wore Tefillin is categorized as a " Poshe'a B'gufo " —a sinner with his body—one of the most serious categories. Such a person does not merit resurrection and is punished severely in Gehinnam . Some authorities rule that even a person who only occasionally neglects Tefillin is included in this category, especially if done out of contempt or laziness. This explains why many Sephardi communities adopted the custom of donning Tefillin at Minha on Ereb Yom Kippur —to ensure that even the least observant Jews fulfill the Misva at least once annually. Tefillin and the Five Senses Tefillin affects not only the spiritual self but also the five senses : Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are all situated in the head, thus corresponding to the four compartments of the Tefillin Shel Rosh. Touch corresponds to the Tefillin Shel Yad, placed on the arm and wrapped around the hand. This design serves as a daily reminder to guard our senses and align our behavior with holiness. Summary Tefillin is not just a ritual—it is a powerful spiritual and physical shield . The Torah refers to it repeatedly, highlighting its great value. Tefillin connects the mind and heart to Hashem, serves as a visible testimony to one's Jewish identity, brings protection and humility, and provides spiritual credit equivalent to the study of Torah. One who neglects it—especially willfully—risks significant spiritual consequences. Conversely, one who wears it properly fulfills multiple Misvot and draws down abundant blessing. As we begin our study of the practical Halachot of Tefillin, we now understand why this Misva is treated with such reverence and importance.