Orchot Chayim - Pathways of Life

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 · Posted in , , , , ,

"Orchot Chayim - Pathways of Life" 
by the ROSH - acronym for Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel

"Orchot Chayim," is divided into thirty sections, which many have the practice of studying on the thirty days of Elul. These are "pathways" to sincere piety and virtuousness, the path to holiness, and the road to G-d. The ROSH tells us not just how we should act, but how to think and what are the proper attitudes of life the committed Jew just have - absolute prerequisites for proper Torah observance and practice.

“Great matters are written herein. Take them to heart”. (Harashaz of Kelm)

Perek 1

Beware of the danger in making vows. 
Do not deceive other people, neither in words nor in monetary matters. 
Do not be envious or hateful of others. 




Orchot Chayim - Pathways of Life

Monday, August 21, 2017 · Posted in , , ,

"Orchot Chayim - Pathways of Life" 
by the ROSH - acronym for Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel

"Orchot Chayim," is divided into thirty sections, which many have the practice of studying on the thirty days of Elul. These are "pathways" to sincere piety and virtuousness, the path to holiness, and the road to G-d. The ROSH tells us not just how we should act, but how to think and what are the proper attitudes of life the committed Jew just have - absolute prerequisites for proper Torah observance and practice.

“Great matters are written herein. Take them to heart”. (Harashaz of Kelm)



Perek 1

Avoid disagreements which are not for the sake of Heaven. Distance yourself, as much as possible, from conceit, flattering others, hypocrisy, lies, fraud and dishonesty, mockery, slandering, tale-bearing, provoking others into argument, and anger.

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch: Chatzot...Purifying One's Hands

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 · Posted in , ,

Because a man rising in the morning from his bed is like a new creature in as far as the service of the Creator is concerned, Baruch Hu, it is incumbent upon him to purify himself and wash his hands out of a vessel, just as the Kohen was accustomed to purify his hands daily out of the wash-basin prior to his service (in the Temple). This washing may be supported by a Biblical verse; for it is said: "I will wash in innocence my hands, and I will compass Your altar O Hashem; That I may publish with a loud voice" etc. (Tehillim 26:6-7). There is another reason for this morning washing, when a man is asleep the holy soul departs from his body, and the unclean spirit comes down upon him. When he rises from his sleep the evil spirit departs from his entire body excepting from his fingers. From there the unclean spirit does not depart unless he spills water on them three times alternately. One is not permitted to walk four cubits without having his hands washed, except in extreme cases of necessity. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Laws Relating to the Conduct Upon Rising in the Morning) ============== Baruch Hu - Blessed is He Kohen - Priest Tehillim - Psalms

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