Alei Shur 2

300 Psicha: Chinuch as Self Realization

Lays out Foundation of Chinuch: Awakening the inner self; creating a lens to find the common denominator in all avodah. Approaching Torah and Mitzvos through a process of self realization rather than isolated activities.

298-From Crushing the Yetzer to Transforming It. Musser and the Simcha of Avodah

In this final VAD on simcha in Alishur. we explore Rav Yisroel Salanter’s three madregos in avodah. awakening emotion. conquering the yetzer. and finally transforming it. Instead of seeing Musser as fire and brimstone that leads to atzvus. the shiur reframes it as avodah that uncovers the root kochos of a person and redirects them toward kedusha. until the yetzer itself begins to thirst for avodas Hashem. We also clarify the difference between kvishas hayetzer and tikkun hayetzer. why simcha is both the starting point and the tachlis of avodah. and what it really means to be oseik baTorah in the middle of a full life.

297-Simcha as Shlemus: The Fire of Torah and the Root of Joy

This shiur explores the depth of simcha not as emotion alone, but as a state of shlemus, where opposites join and a person becomes exactly who and where they are meant to be. We trace how this plays out in Torah itself: the harmony of Torah–Nevi’im–Kesuvim forming a single binyan, the meaning of the eish from Sinai, and why Chazal say the words of Torah themselves are b’simcha. At the center is a surprising and powerful idea from Chazal: the same inner force that becomes the yetzer hara can, when sweetened become the very energy of joy in learning. Through this, simcha emerges as a lived experience of hisachdus, where a person becomes truly connected to Torah and to HaShem.

296-Perek 20 Simcha 5: (Simcha as reaching beyond one's self, recognizing obligation, and connection with Tefillah)

What is the connection of connecting "geulah and tefillah"? This vaad discusses simcha as the ability to define oneself by attachment to something greater than self, and beyond limitation, effectively acquiring nitzchius even in ones present state by recognizing obligation and purpose and being mission driven.

295-Perek 20 Simcha 4: (The Joy of Torah and the Weight of Atzvus: Learning as Relationship)

What’s the real source of simcha in Torah—and why does it sometimes feel so hard to access? This vaad explores how Torah connects us directly to Hashem, reframes the experience of learning, and helps us move past the weight of spiritual sadness (atzvus) toward deeper joy and vitality. 1. Torah as Sha’ashuim → Torah is Hashem’s delight—our way to connect to the Infinite. 2. Real Simcha in Learning → Joy comes not from good sugyas alone, but from knowing what Torah is. 3. Depth Over Time → Torah must grow with you—or it withers. Simcha depends on ongoing depth. 4. Atzvus vs. Merirus → Not all sadness is holy. Learn the difference—and how to stay motivated. 5. The Avodah Is the Goal → Torah isn’t a means to an end. Learning is the relationship. 6. Practical Anchoring → Show up. Say birchas haTorah with purpose. Reframe the hard days. Stay in the process. mrubin214@gmail.com