Mesilat Yesharim _ The Path of the Just

Ramchal describes the intention of all deeds of a pious person. They are for the glory of God and ultimately to help all of humanity, never self-serving. This is why we endeavor to restore the Jewish people to their homeland, and this is meant to benefit the entire community.

Ramchal describes the three branches of love for God, attachment, joy and zeal. He then begins a discussion of the difference between one who serves God for the sake of God versus for secondary gain.

We complete our discussion on how one serves God with awe and respect, then Ramchal discusses how to serve God with Love. Ramchal delves into the question of how to serve with love even through difficult times.

Ramchal describes how true "fear" (יראה) of God is really awe of God, and how this kind of awe leads to humility and ultimately love.

Ramchal describes the categories of piety in service of God and in our actions between us and fellow man.

In chapter 17, Ramchal describes how to achieve purity, by thinking about what you are doing. In 18 he tells us about what true piety is, and that piety comes from love. When was loves someone, he/she will go above and b beyond the basics.

We study the trait of purity. Ramchal describes the importance of the intentions behind our behavior, which are sometimes even more important than the actions themselves.

Ramchal teaches us how to go beyond the letter of the law. Sometimes the path of going along with everyone else may not be the true path.

Ramchal discusses the trait of Perishut: Abstinence. When should we abstain from things that can lead us astray, and when is abstention a sin in itself?

We complete the study of nekiyut with a discussion of the most destructive human desire of all, that of the pursuit of personal honor. In Chapter 12, Ramchal tells us that the secret to achieve perfection is to study.

Ramchal describes how to achieve perfection in controlling the negative traits of envy and anger.

Ramchal describes how to achieve perfection in eliminating the detrimental character trait of haughtiness and pride.

Ramchal continues his discussion of Nekiyut with four topics. The importance of not abusing the power of oaths, speaking the truth, the desecration of God's reputation, and the essence of the Shabbat.

Ramchal teaches the importance of taking special care not to hurt others with our speech or bear a grudge.

Ramchal describes how important it is to be careful about what we say and even joke about inappropriate sexual matters and appreciating the ethics of what we eat. We also begin a discussion of how our words can harm others.

We continue our study of the trait of Nekiyut as the Ramchal discusses the importance of full honesty in financial matters and begins a discussion of avoiding sexual transgressions.

In Chapter 10, Ramchal introduces us to the trait of "Nekiut" - perfection, or consistency. In 11 he begins to describe the details of not just doings things, but doing them RIGHT!

Ramchal discusses the obstacles that detract from our ability to acquire the trait if enthusiasm and zeal. He teaches the difference between legitimate caution and fear that is just anm excuse for laziness.

Ramchal discusses how although what is in our hearts and our intentions are most desirable, sometimes our actions can influence our hearts and vice versa. He also teaches that they way to acquire zeal is to feel gratitude for the good that we are privileged to have.

Ramchal begins his discussion of the trait of zeal and enthusiasm for living and doing the positive things the Torah expects of us. He focuses on the terrible damage that laziness does to us and how it warps our minds.

Ramchal teaches us the three obstacles that keep us away from attaining the trait of vigilance: Our daily chores, cynicism, and the wrong company.

Ramchal describes the third type of motivation for vigilance in our behavior, fear of consequences. Though this is the lowest of the three potential motivations, it can still lead us in the right direction. He also describes why consequences don't always follow immediately after our actions, to give us a chance to mend our ways.

Ramchal describes the path to acquiring the trait of vigilance is to learn and study. He then describes three groups of people whose motivation to learn and be vigilant are different. The first group are those who understand the inherent importance of their mission, and the second group are motivated by desire for honor. The third group will be discussed in our next lecture.

Ramchal describes the definition of the character trait "Zehirut" (vigilance or watchfulness) in chapter 2, and in chapter 3 he breaks down Zehirut into its' components.

Ramchal describes the basis of Jewish Ethics - Identifying and fulfilling our fundamental obligation in this world. It's not about our momentary pleasures, it's about making a better future.