BS’D
Today, 26th of Iyar is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto ztk’l author of classic works of Jewish philosophy, known by the acronym of his name, Ramchal. It is said that by age 14, he already knew the entire Talmud and Midrash by heart. Ramchal’s Path of the Just, which describes a step-by-step process to attaining spiritual perfection, is a classical work of Mussar (Jewish ethics) that is studied widely today. Other of Ramchal’s important works include The Way of God, a systemized study of Jewish philosophy, and Da’at Tevunot, an exposition on kabbalistic concepts. He is buried next R’ Akiva in Tiveria. (Aish.com) May his merit serve as an advocate for Klal Yisrael, amen.
Our entire purpose in life is to arrive to the One and Only truth- Ein Od Milvado the absolute knowledge of Hashem. There is no other power that brings about events without the ratzon of Hashem; ‘His will’ comes through His emissaries – a.k.a. ‘natural means’.
The Ramban ztk’l teaches in his commentary at the end of Parshat Bo- the intention of all the mitzvot is for us to live with emuna in Hashem and recognize His constant presence and intervention in our lives. The result of which is a profound sense of appreciation for Him having created us and giving us the opportunity to live. This is our sole purpose in life.
To bring this one step further our task is to differentiate between event and it’s seemingly ‘natural cause’ and link it directly to its true source – ratzon Hashem. There is no other cause but His will; Hashem is the Seebat HaSeebot (Reason of Reasons).
The Gra’, the Vilna Gaon ztk’l, further elucidates on this teaching in his Mishlei commentary (22:39)- the founding principle behind the giving of the Torah to B’nai Yisrael is that they should place their complete trust in HaKadosh Baruch Hu; that is the entire purpose behind keeping mitzvot.
There is one and only one way to implant this recognition firmly and deeply within us; repetition and review. Reminding oneself of this fundamental message evening, morning and afternoon is the only way to keep it viable in every step we take. The world presents us with ‘nature’, coincidence and logical reason. Learning emuna equips us with the necessary armor to pierce these outer shells and see Hashem in it all.
Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the hatzlocha of our son Netanel Raphael on the occasion of his 19th birthday. May Hashem enlighten his path in Torah, mitzvot and ma’asim tovim and guide him to fulfill his task in life with a happy heart and emuna filled eyes, Amen.
