Tuesday, December 11, 2012

ישועה SALVATION: 21-28

21. Through humility comes salvation.

22. One who prays joyfully will merit rejoicing in His salvation.

23. A miracle comes through truth.

24. A miracle comes through fear of G-d.

25. One who makes known the Way of G-d to the many, through this, even if he is amongst the gentiles, the Holy One -Blessed is He- saves him.

26. One who prays all day long through this he will merit to receive salvation.

27. When the Jews speak the truth, through this kindness is sent to them from Heaven.

28. Through the melodies that you sing, you arouse the Holy One -Blessed is He- to look upon the nation whose melody you are singing – why it subjugates you.

ישועה SALVATION: 11-20

11. One who needs a salvation should give happiness to the Tzaddik.

12. Through trust, a man is saved (/ejected) from his troubles.

13. Through charity you will merit that you will not need salvation of man (i.e. through other people).

14. Through trust you will merit to understand that your salvation is from G-d, and not from man.

15. Also through truth you will merit this.

16. When a person comes to a test, he should know that if he stands in it (i.e. not succumb to temptation), the Holy One, Blessed is He- will do a miracle for him.

17. Through trust, one merits to rejoice in the kindness of the Blessed G-d.

18. Through learning in a standing position, one annuls the scheming of the nations.

19. Through a fast, a man is saved from death.

20. Through having trust, kindness will be met out to you.

Monday, December 10, 2012

ישועה SALVATION: 1-10


1. A miracle is only done for someone who has self-sacrifice to sanctify the name of G-d.

2. One who is joyous amidst suffering brings salvation.

3. Through hisbodidus (speaking to G-d in isolation) comes salvation.

4. Through one's passing a test, a miracle is done for him.

5. Through charity comes salvation.

6. Through the modesty of a man, he receives in return, all the good that was taken from him by another through the other's prayers.

7. A miracle is not done for one who is promiscuous.

8. Do not depend on a miracle, as long as it is possible to be saved through money or other means.

9. Before the Holy One -Blessed is He- does a miracle for a man, the man falls into evil. completely according to the magnitude of the miracle.

10. One who does not mention names of foreign deities, the Holy One -Blessed is He- does him favors.

שוחט BUTCHER:


SECOND BOOK:

1. Through (morally) upright butchers, people have mercy on each other, and the opposite is also true.

2. A butcher who fulfills (the commandment to) honor his father, the Holy One -Blessed is He- guards him from feeding people non-kosher meat, and the opposite is also true.

3. Due to wicked butchers who feed (i.e. distribute) non-kosher meat, robberies increase in the world.

4. Those with pure vision can see on the knives of the butchers the vessels of the Holy Temple.

5. Someone who becomes suddenly mute, a kosher butcher's knife should be passed over his mouth.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

תשובה Repentance: book two 8-10

8. The Holy One, Blessed is He- creates paths in the sea, in order to overpower our sins and to extract our righteousness.

9. When the Tzaddik becomes wealthy, through this the wicked return in repentance.

10. Through observing the Shabbat, one draws on oneself the light of the Messiah, also through repentance.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book two 1-7

1. The day that a person repents is beyond (lit. above) time, and it raises all the days beyond (lit. above) time, and so, Yom Kippur is beyond (lit. above) time.

2. Also through repentance, the Spirit of Messiah whisks upon the decrees of the nations (lit. kingdoms) and annuls them.

3. Also through repentance, great heat is annulled.

4. The young are easier to return to the Blessed G-d than the elderly.

5. One must force the wicked with monetary pressure so that they return in repentance.

6. Through repentance, livelihood comes easily.

7. Through the exceptionally brilliant (/sharp) of the generation, awe is aroused (lit. illuminated), and through the awe, the merit of the forefathers is kindled (lit. sparks or sparkles), and through the sparkling of the forefathers, repentance is aroused in the world.

10. Through observing the Shabbat, one draws on oneself the light of the Messiah, also through repentance.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 102-103 (end)

102. When the Jewish People fast, they are not answered until evildoers are included in the union.

103. The path a person should select is to love rebuke (- given to him) and to hold himself in/to more/extra faith.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 94-101

94. By doing repentance out of fear, one's deliberate sins become as if they were inadvertent. By repenting out of love, they become like merits.

95. Repentance brings close the Redemption, and lengthens the days and the years of a man.

96. Through repentance of an individual, he is forgiven, and the whole entire world.

97. The Holy One – Blessed is He- is pacified by confession, and (the one who confesses) is as if he built an altar and offered a sacrifice.

98. One who is resilient in how people treat him, G-d overlooks all his sins.

99. The (learning of) Torah and doing acts of kindness atone.

100. Crying out and weeping in the night has more influence in arousing mercy (t.n. Elsewhere we learn that the arousal of mercy should be undertaken only in the second half of the night).

101. A ba'al tshuvah (someone who has returned in repentance) should pray for rain, and through this all his sins are atoned.




תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 88-93

88. One who answers Amen Yehey Shmey Rabah (t.n. This is a response in the Kadish, where the chazon, leader of the service, says, The great name of G-d should be aggrandized and sanctified, in the world that He created as He willed, and His monarchy should be established.... To this proclamation everyone respond: Amen, The great Name should be (greatly) blessed forever and ever) with all his might -- even if he has a smudge of idol worship, he is forgiven.

89. The following do not see (the face/presence of) Hell: Those in extreme poverty, and those with stomach illness, and someone who has creditors, and (someone who has) burden (/pressure/persecution) of the sovereignty.

90. Strengthen yourself in doing mitzvos, beyond what is in your power to do.

91. Monetary loss atones for one's body.

92. Thirst is a rectification for unnecessary speech.

93. Repentance brings healing to the world.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 80-87

80. Due to falsehoods, a person cannot improve his behavior.

81. One who cannot annul his evil inclination through drawing it to the hall of study should know that he is still in a state of wickedness.

82. The Holy One – Blessed is He- desires the mitzvos in which a person also does the will of people, more than those mitzvos which are matters between man and his Creator.

83. It is better for a person to fulfill the mitzva however much possible, than to abandon it altogether.

84. Repairing the body comes before repairing the soul.

85. One who cries and mourns over a kosher man is forgiven for all his sins.

86. It is a mitzva to cause people to repent (alternate text: to warn people) regarding every sin. If you fear that they will not listen to you, say your words in the name of a different tzaddik, so that they will listen to you.

87. All who say Vayechulu (Book of Bereshit, Verse 2:1-3, which is customarily said as part of the prayers on the Shabbat night) with intention, and pray with intention, the Ministering Angels ask G-d to forgive them.



תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 73-79

73. The service with which a man serves G-d in his youth, every day (of service) -- its value is much greater than many years of serving G-d in his old age.

74. It is impossible for a man to know in his lifetime, if his repentance was accepted.

75. That which we see, that someone who begins to serve G-d, suffering comes upon him, this is because he began with fear of justice (t.n. See Likutay Moharan 87, fear of punishment as opposed to fear of awe – the aspect of truth and faith – even still this is the proper and correct procedure).

76. One who starts to serve G-d, the Holy One – Blessed is He- says to him, "I know that your longing and desire is to serve Me. But what assurance do I have that tomorrow you will not leave me? So how can I draw you close for the wish you desire, and how can I reveal to you hidden things right away? Rather do the following: In the beginning, love Me this way and do my commandments, even though you do not know the reason (lit. intellect) of the mitzva, and serve Me simply without sophistication. When you serve Me this way for a long time (lit. many times), I will believe you, and reveal to you the reason and the intellect of every matter, and I will draw you close with every form of bonding. For the long period that you served Me beforehand, is assurance that you will not desert Me."

77. Through this a person can know if he truly wants to serve [G-d] - when he has no interest in his own renown.

78. One who does not know the Way of G-d should belittle himself.

79. Through prayer that is expressed intensely (t.n. Raised voice and uplifted eyes - Zohar), G-d will forgive you.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 65-72

65. From the moment a person thinks of repenting, his prayers are accepted, even if he has not yet actually repented.

66. When you want to repent, ask the Tzaddik to bring you before the Blessed G-d.

67. Through kindness and truth, sins are forgiven.

68. Through your asking G-d to give you love, G-d covers over your sins.

69. One who confesses his sins will merit that he will not have to sell from the inheritance (/estates) of his forefathers.

70. When you chastise those who have not corrected the sins of their youth, include yourself with them, and through this they will accept from you.

71. The main rectification for the blemish from one's sins is through submission.

72. A person should rebuke himself every morning.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 56-64

56. The demand to earn a living, and enemies, and disease, and overabundant wealth prevent a man from reaching perfection and the ultimate purpose.

57. When you do some damage, it is a sign that the evil inclination dominates over you.

58. One who tempts his fellowman away from the good path, fire (lit. burning) comes upon him.

59. One who is unable to cry, the segula (propitious) for this is – he should sit in a place where two rivers pour out together.

60. One who returns people back in repentance merits wisdom.

61. Through laziness, it appears to a person that the way of repentance is hidden from him.

62. One who reveals his secrets, it becomes hard for the thing (he revealed) to endure (- or be fulfilled).

63. One who is ashamed of his sins, the Holy One – Blessed is He- deals with him charitably.

64. A fast that is without cognizance is not considered a fast.


תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 46-55

46. One who wants to repent should take precation of being in debt.

47. One who loves the tzaddikim is able to bring people back in repentance.

48. One who confesses, the Holy One – Blessed is He - loves him with a munificent love, and withdraws His anger from him.

49. The nations are close to repentance.

50. Learning the Torah atones.

51. One who is on a high level can reach his perfection with a minimum of actions.

52. When some suffering comes upon you, examine your deeds.

53. One who wants to do good deeds but is prevented with impediments, the Holy One – Blessed He- rewards him as if he had done them. But one who does not do as much as he could, he receives punishment for this.

54. One who causes the people to gain merit becomes a partner with G-d in the Creation of the World.

55. There is no comparison between a mitzva (commandment/good deed) one does for himself alone, even if it be great, to a mitzva which will bring merit to the people, even if it be small.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 36-45

36. One who brings people back in repentance is saved from jail.

37. Also, he is honorable in G-d's eyes.

38. Also, he merits becoming famous among the nations.

39. One who's way is to constantly bring people back in repentance, in his merit foreign thoughts desist from the leaders (lit. great) of the generation.

40. One who brings back evildoers in repentance will merit to observe (lit. guard) the Shabbat.

41. Also, he will not be harmed from a snake.

42. When you teach the son of a wicked person the good way (/proper conduct), through this you will be able to annul harsh decrees.

43. Through falsehood one strengthens the hands of the wicked.

44. One who repents with all his heart, the Holy One – Blessed is He - gives him a heart to know Him.

45. Through hearing the shofar blown by an upright (lit. kosher) man, the evil inclination is broken, and repentance is aroused in the world.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 28-35

28. The first thoughts helps a person through the execution and finishing of the project, that it should be carried out in holiness. However, if he did not think in holiness at the beginning, then mishaps will arise in the middle and at the end.

29. A table to which guests are invited atones.

30. Greatness atones.

31. Sometimes when a person starts to repent, sufferings come upon him. This is because he delayed repenting.

32. Through the sigh that that is sighed, one becomes a new being.

33. Through having love for the tzaddikim, the tzaddikim are able to bring the people back in repentance.

34. One who brings back the people in repentance, in his merit there is no fear and contention in the world.

35. One who helps orphans, subdues (lit. breaks) the power of the nations through this, and through their being subdued (lit. broken), the wicked [of the] Jews return in repentance.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 21-27

21. When two mitzvos (commandments/good deeds) come to your hands, do that mitzva that demands greater restraint of your desires.

22. It is necessary to fast when causing suffering to the Tzaddik.

23. Pain in the heart is close to shedding tears.

24. One who brings others back in repentance merits to sit in the Yeshiva Above, and the Holy One, Blessed is He, annuls a harsh decree for him.

25. A person's despondence is greater than a fast.

26. One who does a sin and then regrets it, all his sins are forgiven.

27. One who does business dealings faithfully, all his sins are forgiven.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 11-20

11. A person should guard his mouth from saying, "I will do such and such a sin", even mockingly, for his words force him to do the action.

12. Anyone who cries in the night, his cries are heard, and the stars and the constellations cry with him.

13. Those liable to kurais (lit. cut off – this is a Divine punishment of early death) who received lashes, they are absolved from kurais.

14. When suffering comes to the world, one should think it is because of his sin(s) that this suffering came.

15. The clothes that are made for the Tzaddik -- each garment has its own unique segula (power) to atone.

16. When (lit. since or because) a man marries a woman, all his sins are forgiven (literally, sealed off).

17. When one sees or hears about some suffering that befell a non-Jew, he should have thoughts of repentance.

18. One who lives in Israel fares without sin.

19. It is appropriate to lighten the conditions of repentance on the sinners.

20. Sin weakens the strength of a man.

תשובה REPENTANCE: book one 1- 10

תשובה REPENTANCE:

1. Fasting helps for everything.

2. One who is bereft of any good deeds cannot separate others from their evil.

3. A fast is stronger than a sword.

4. It is fitting that repentance should be done through the very same matter (wherein one sinned).

5. When a person thinks, 'I will do such and such; such and such I will attain', through this his thought is not fulfilled.

6. Exile atones for everything.

7. One who is humble, it is as if he offered all the sacrifices.

8. Anyone who confesses has a portion in the World to Come.

9. One who teaches his friend's son Torah is as if he created him, and as if he made the words of Torah, and as if he made himself.

10. Rav (Rabbi) Papa fasted for having referred to a Torah scholar in a disparaging fashion.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

נגינה MUSIC:


SECOND BOOK:

1. When tzaddikim are publicized in the world, through this new melodies are brought into the world.

2. The Leviim had a special melody designated for each day, but now, in the Exile, the melodies have been forgotten. When some tragedy comes upon some nation, the melody of the Leviim corresponding to that crisis is aroused (lit. sparks or glistens).

3. Through the melodies that contain a tone of crying, it is possible to release the captives, the aspect of "He brings out prisoners bakosharot (in a kosher – propitious – time).” [t.n. The word bakosharot is split into two words (by the Medrash): beki – meaning crying, shirot – meaning song = song with a crying tone].

4. Through song, a person can be discerned if he accepted upon himself the yoke of Torah.


5. That which a person when he drinks begins to sing and make melody (/music), which is not so when he eats -- this is because they (the Jews in the desert) expressed shira (song of praise and gratitude to G-d) over the Well, and not over the Manna.

ממון MONEY: book two 28-29

28. One whose merchandise and estates are scattered, and not in one place -- sometimes he is saved through this from having to tear his garments for his deceased.

29. The largest businessman in a city is the light (lit. candle) of the city.

ממון MONEY: book two 22-27

22. Traveling (lit. thoroughfares) brings a person to lushon hura (evil speech), idol worship, promiscuity, and spilling blood (i.e. murder), and these sins detract one's livelihood.

23. Through the money one gives to the poor of the Land of Israel, through this one's money is preserved in his keeping.

24. Fires (lit. burning) come to the world on account of money used for idol worship, to destroy it.

25. When a new king or a new minister arises, livelihood is renewed and undergoes change.

26. One who has dealings and business with non-Jews at the time of their festivals, or even not at the time of their festivals – but his revenue is from supplying things for their idolatry, through this his wife has bleeding shortly after her ritual immersion.

27. One who makes a separation between a man and his wife -- that is, he goes to the man and praises his wife to him, but goes to the wife and defames the husband in her eyes, until a separation is created between them -- he becomes troubled (-preoccupied, overtaken) by his expenses (for food or sustenance).

ממון MONEY: book two 16-21

16. One who lends on interest cannot find anyone to judge him favorably.

17. One who guards himself from transgressing the command not to envy, through this he is saved from anger, arrogance, and lack of faith that comes in the wake of anger and arrogance.

18. Through faithful business conduct, curses are annulled.

19. One who needs to borrow from others, he is comparable to an animal.

20. Someone who is a middleman, when he wants to intercede, in order that an important man will buy an item from a common man, and he sees that his words are not being accepted by the common man - to sell the item to the important man, in that case the broker should pray that his words have effect on the common man, and he will sell to the important man.

21. One who controls his evil inclination, his children will not become delinquent (/involved with bad society or culture). Through this his money will be blessed, and through this he will not come to be tested.



ממון MONEY: book two 12-15

12. According to the changes that are done by the angels -- for example, sometimes they are sitting, sometimes standing, sometimes they are female, sometimes male, and other such differences -- so the bounty that comes from Heaven varies; sometimes fire, sometimes water, sometimes stone, and so other endowments. All these variations are manifest in the world and in man. Also, the will of a person changes according to the variations -- sometimes he wants one thing, and sometimes he wants something else.

13. A person's livelihood is according to his marital match.

14. According to the elders of the generation so is the livelihood.

15. Interest (monetary) detracts fear (of G-d).

ממון MONEY: book two 7-11

7. Through the longing with which a person craves to be buried in the land of Israel, through this comes great income.

8. For a feast of a mitzva a person should take the trouble even to chopping wood. When splitting the wood, he should have the intention that he is splitting and separating out the evil from the good in the Tree of Knowledge. Through this he will merit to a livelihood.

9. Through repentance, livelihood comes easily.

10. One who fulfills the maxim, "Your friend's money should be precious to you like your own", through this he merits to pray with intention in his heart.

11. Great is one who benefits from the exertion of his hands, for he recognizes the honor of G-d what angels don't know.



ממון MONEY: book two 1-6

SECOND BOOK:

1. A year which is a year of business is a good sign for physical health.

2. One who is passionate about working the land, comes to one of three things, either, spilling blood (i.e. murder), or leprosy, or drunkenness.

3. Through fear (of Heaven) and kindness, one is saved from fire, and merits a livelihood.

4. When Torah arbitration decreases, through this income decreases, and so too the opposite.

5. Through the finding of Torah sources for Rabbinic traditions, large income is delivered (/emanated) into the world. This is because there are various things that we don't find a reference to them in the Scriptures of the Torah, and the Sages of blessed memory labored to find them some sort of basis.

6. Sometimes G-d brags about the upright of the nations in front of the Satan, so that He can give livelihood to Israel without accusation.



ממון MONEY: book one 102-104

102. A wealthy person is the aspect of male, and a pauper is the aspect of female.

103. Pain in the eyes is a sign of damage (t.n. In the glosses here there is reference to #84, and a suggestion that here should read, toothache, based on Talmud Nida 65a).

104. For all attainments, whether it be wisdom, wealth or children, one must engage according to the laws of nature, but ask for mercy from G-d, that he be successful in the matter of his engagement.


ממון MONEY: book one 94-101

94. Blessing is not prevalent in the house of a man except for the sake of the honor of his wife (therefore a man should be diligent in honoring his wife).

95. One who lends on interest, his possessions collapse and do not rise.

96. Through the annulling of irreverent music, prices are lowered.

97. One who has no livelihood should study Torah and afterwards pray for a livelihood – certainly his prayer will be accepted.

98. A man should not sell the first item he purchased.

99. One who intrudes on the livelihood of his fellowman is called an evildoer.

100. No man would come to hurt his friend, if not for the arrogance in his heart.

101. Crumbs are conducive to poverty.

ממון MONEY: book one 84-93

84. Pain in the eyes is an omen for poverty.

85. Through submission, a man's livestock increases.

86. Through charity, one merits to a livelihood.

87. One who gives money to sorcerers causes that his livelihood will be dependent on a gentile household.

88. The words of the Tzaddik bring income.

89. Depression causes loss of income.

90. Through giving charity, you will have expansion.

91. A lot of sleep brings a person to poverty.

92. One who involves himself in Torah and charity merits wealth.

93. Esteem your wives so that in that way you become wealthy.


ממון MONEY: book one 74-83

74. Sometimes the death of karet (dying early due to certain sins) is replaced with poverty.

75. A poor person is confused like a drunkard.

76. Through overcharging (t.n. According to a possible root of this dictum, this word can be translated as verbal abuse), one becomes impoverished.

77. One who conducts his affairs in haste, with an unsettled mind, falls into debt.

78. One who curtails the livelihood of another is as if he murdered him.

79. A man should always hold fast to the estate of his forefathers, and not sell or exchange them.

80. One who desires money, he falls from his level.

81. Through apostasy comes poverty.


82. One who is poor should strive to provide food to those who beseech G-d.

83. Faith is good for livelihood.


ממון MONEY: book one 64-73

64. Modesty is conducive (segula) for wealth.

65. From the time that stingy people began to proliferate, there was a proliferation of those curtail the income of others.

66. The sustenance of a person is diminished when he does not judge others with the benefit of the doubt.

67. Also, when he mixes water with his drinks (t.n. This is probably referring to someone who is selling diluted drinks – as this is what is discussed in the Talmud).

68. Also, when a person listens to the advice of a tempter.

69. Also, when one commits a sin in order to anger (G-d), he becomes poor, and the world does not believe him that he is poor.

70. One who deals with impure names and witchcraft becomes poor.

71. When the sickness of weakening of the flesh, which is called Dar, comes upon one of the members of one's household, it is an omen of poverty.

72. When some shame comes upon a person, it is an omen of poverty.

73. One who despises money, he is taught from Above the way he should go.


ממון MONEY: book one 56-63

56. Through poverty, one is spared from the punishment of Hell.

57. Through using holy names, come poverty and death, and even to someone who is able to protest it and does not.

58. When someone is in a position that he should be screaming out against his fellowman who is stealing from him even jeopardizing his food, but is silent, G-d does justice for him.

59. When a man sees that his food (/income) is limited, he should give part of it to charity.

60. Worry and strain over his income (/food) diminishes the strength of a man.

61. Through sexual immorality comes poverty.

62. Sometimes when a tzaddik has no fortune with respect to income, opposers are brought up against him, and through this, he is given the income that was intended for them.

63. One who is involved with construction becomes poor.


ממון MONEY: book one 51-55

51. Rain is given in the merit of individuals, and income is given in the merit of the many. But an individual whose merit is great is considered like the many.

52. Through the kiddush made over wine, rain comes, and his prayers are heard.

53. One who keeps his father's Torah scroll in his house merits wealth.

54. Rain comes in the merit of one man, one field and one blade of grass, and in the merit of the land, and kindness, and suffering.

55. The rains are withheld due to idol worship, and because of promiscuity, and due to a Tzaddik who was not eulogized according to law (i.e. befittingly), and due to those who diminish the income of others.


ממון MONEY: book one 43-50

43. One who exhausts himself day and night for an income, and does not attain it, his rectification is to bring others back in repentance.

44. One who breaks some vessel unintentionally, it is certain that he is a sinner.

45. One who is enthusiastic (/bent) to work the land, certainly he is of no benefit.

46. In everything you do, ask the Tzaddik to pray on your behalf.

47. Constant joyfulness is conducive (segula) for success.

48. Derech Eretz (trade or occupation) needs encouragement (/strengthening).

49. One who includes G-d in his pain, his income is doubled. Also, his income flies to him like a bird.

50. Through the sin of neglecting terumos (portion given to the priests), and tithe-giving, profit is lost, and people run after their income and do not attain it.




ממון MONEY: book one 34-42

34. Honor to the Torah and honor to the Shabbat is a segula (conducive) for wealth.

35. The kezayit (measure like that of an olive) of bitter herbs that is eaten on Passover, is a segula (conducive) for wealth.

36. Writing a Torah scroll is a segula (conducive) for livelihood.

37. A daughter of a Cohen marrying a common Jew, or a daughter of a Torah scholar marrying an unlearned man, brings him to poverty.

38. Joining forces with one whose fortunate hour is at hand is good for success.

39. One who loves G-d in the midst of his eating, drinking and other pleasures, merits supporting many nations.

40. One who despises money merits length of days.

41. One who searches after treasures brings his time of death closer.

42. One who has not rectified the sins of his youth becomes impoverished.

ממון MONEY: book one 27-33

27. A rectification for (lack of) rain – make abundant prayer.

28. Through faith, livelihood is abundant.

29. When there is prosperity (lit. satiation – antonym of famine) in the world, physical weaknesses are diminished.

30. The rain is only withheld due to those who publicly pledge charity and do not give.

31. Disgusting things (or actions) in the house bring poverty.

32. Three things bring a man to poverty: 1) One who urinates in front of his bed, naked, 2) One who is careless in ritual handwashing, and 3) One whose wife curses him in front of him.

33. Giving tithes is conducive (segula) to wealth specifically in the Land of Israel.

ממון MONEY: book one 20-26

20. A man's livelihood is paramount to the splitting of the Red Sea, and more than the Redemption, and twice as difficult as childbirth.

21. Whence a person is appointed as a parnas (president to manage the welfare) of a group, he becomes wealthy.

22. The Incense burned in the Temple makes (the officiating priest) wealthy.

23. A person should not worry saying, so-and-so curtailed my livelihood. For against their will seat you in your (rightful) place and call you by your (rightful) name.

24. On account of four things, the possessions of householders fall into continuous reduction: For delaying the payment of employees, for fully denying employees their salary, and for casting off responsibility from their necks and placing it on their fellows, and for arrogance.

25. Changing one's place and name are beneficial for making a livelihood.

26. The rain is only withheld due to not giving terumos (portion for priests) and tithes, people who speak lushon hura (bad talk/slander), haughty people, annulling study of the Torah, and the sin of stealing.



ממון MONEY: book one 10-19

10. A man's wife does not die unless others ask him for money and he does not have it.

11. The power that the non-Jewish nations have to steal from Israel comes from their studying the Scriptures.

12. Wine brings poverty.

13. A man who has cognizance, in the end becomes wealthy.

14. One who steals from his fellow-man, through this they make him impure with the impurity of subconscious emission.

15. When some new understanding comes to a man, it is certain that great wealth is attached to its heel.

16. Money of a Jew that falls into the hands of a gentile, immediately becomes permissible (i.e. another Jew can salvage the money for himself).

17. One whose sons and daughters are enduring famine, through this he is spared from the judgment of burning that is one of the four death-sentences of the religious courts.


18. One who disregards the safeguards the Rabbis established to protect the Torah becomes poor.

19. One who overcomes his lust of eating, merits to a nice abode.


ממון MONEY: book one 1-9


1. One who ridicules -- his livelihood is diminished.

2. The speech (terminology) of the sages brings wealth.

3. Wealth does not endure, on account of not having mercy on people.

4. One who stands in a test of sexual immorality will merit to great wealth amidst his enemies.

5. Great is work, being that G-d warned about it, that a person should do some type of work.

6. [People weak] such as ourselves, should borrow in order to eat.

7. One who wants to become wealthy should deal in small animals (t.n. Like sheep and goats) in a remote location.

8. [The amount a person spends on] eating and drinking should be below his means, and he should dress and cover himself according to his means, and he should honor his wife and children beyond his means.

9. Poverty in a man's house is harder than fifty plagues (- like those of Egypt).


Thursday, November 8, 2012

מוהל MOHEL (One Who Performs a Circumcision):


1. One must seek out a mohel who is a tzaddik and Heaven fearing. For when the mohel is not good, it is possible that the child he circumcises will be unable to sire, G-d forbid. Also, when the mohel is not good, through this the child can come, G-d forbid, to falling sickness (epilepsy).

2. A woman who is unable to conceive should gaze upon the circumcision knife immediately following the circumcision.

3. The mohel gives the circumcised child understanding in the learning of the Torah.

4. The commandment of circumcision has the power that resides in the clothes of the Cohen Gadol (High Priest).

5. One who is born circumcised, it is certain that his power of imagination is good and proper.


6. One who does acts of kindness, the name that he bestows will endure. For this reason, before naming a child, one should do kindness, and through this the child's name will endure.

ליצנות MOCKERY:


1. Through mockery, one will have many creditors, and they will rule over him. Also he will fail in promiscuity. Also, his wife will dominate him.

2. Through mockery, one walks and falls (alt. - continuously falls). Also, he comes to falsehood, and wandering from place to place.

3. Through flattery comes mockery.

4. Through mockery comes suffering.

5. Through mockery he does not have wisdom.

6. Mockery makes a person loathsome to G-d and to people.

7. Through mockery come fires (lit. burning).

8. One who mocks the words of the Sages is judged (/sentenced to be committed) in boiling excrement.

9. All forms of mockery are forbidden, except for the mocking of idol-worship.

10. Mockery is a dreadful matter – for it begins with suffering and its end is annihilation.

11. One who mocks, his sustenance is diminished, and he falls into Hell, and he brings destruction to the world.