I vividly recall my grandfather's sage advice on mastering self-control – a lesson that resonates with the challenges we all face in translating knowledge into action. On this journey of self-improvement, we go through the teachings of the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato), showing us how to move beyond understanding virtues and ideas to actually living them. We tackle the all-too-human struggle with arrogance and share practical steps, like resisting impulses, to help cultivate discipline and strength of character – keys to nurturing genuine self-improvement.

Every one of us is on a unique expedition, carving out our distinct path with personalized challenges and a purpose only we can fulfill. This episode sheds light on the beauty and responsibility of discovering that mission, encouraging you to measure success through personal growth rather than societal benchmarks. By considering life's recurring hurdles as lessons to be mastered, we can align more closely with our ultimate purpose, growing stronger with each challenge we overcome.

We contrast the pursuit of materialistic pleasures with the profound joy and lasting contentment found in spirituality and our relationship with God. From the sacred delight of Shabbos to the calming embrace of faith during life's storms, we explore how true pleasure lies in our connection with the divine, not in fleeting indulgences. As we wrap up, we extend my heartfelt gratitude for your company and invite you to join us for our continued exploration of Torah wisdom, with the anticipation of diving deeper into our self-development.

This weekly series is led by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, a journey through personal growth and character development guided by the teachings of Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato) in the Mussar Masterpiece, Mesillas Yesharim (Ways of the Upright). In this series we follow the ArtScroll Mesorah: The Jaffa Family Edition of the Mesillas Yesharim - Way of the Upright: Available for purchase at: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422614167.html

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio A to a live audience on December 17, 2018, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on January 9, 2024
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!