Gates of Holiness
Spiritual guide to ruach hakodesh, prophecy, revelation of Elijah etc. Read more
Gates of Holiness
Gates of Holiness – Preface
Preface of Rabbi Chaim Vital I have seen those who seek to ascend, but they are few. They long to climb up, but the ladder is hidden from their view. They contemplate the books of the ancients, seeking to discover the paths of life; the way upon which to tread and the deeds that will … Read more
Gates of Holiness – Gate 1
An explanation of the blemishes caused by transgressing the mitzvoth of the Torah Let me instill you with wisdom and enlighten you regarding the great damage that befalls a person who transgresses any of the 365 mitzvoth that are forbidden to do or who desists from fulfilling any of the 248 positive mitzvoth that he … Read more
Gates of Holiness – Gate 2
Concerning the blemishes which come about through bad character traits. The character traits are naturally embedded in the lowly, fundamental soul of man. This soul is comprised of four aspects; inanimate, vegetative, animate and articulate. They too are a composite of good and evil. Therefore, the good and bad character traits depend on this soul. … Read more
Gates of Holiness – Gate 3
A thorough explanation of the levels of “Tzaddik” and “Chassid” and how one should act in order to attain them If a person wishes to purify and sanctify himself and truly accept the yoke of the heavenly kingdom upon himself, let him prepare himself with all his might to perform all 613 mitzvoth with alacrity. … Read more
Gates of Holiness – Gate 4
A detailed explanation of the level of Tzaddik To be a Tzaddik one must be zealous to fulfill all the mitzvoth that are applicable in our times with all his might. Now, since there are many opinions regarding the enumeration of the mitzvoth, I will first present them according to the opinion of Maimonides (Rambam), … Read more