Customer Reviews

Mesillat yesharim / The Path of the Just (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition)

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This the ultimate Guide to Spiritually, and although the English Title is Misleading, this is not a book for the faint hearted. It is customary among students to learn the first few chapters of the work by heart, and this is no small feat. Luzzato presents the guide to become a spiritually focused, complete and dedicated servant of G-d, in 24 steps.

It is a magnum opus, and although the size is misleading, the information and guide is not. This book can make or break the reader, it is suggested that when studying this work, to at least have some guidance from a Local Orthodox Rabbi.

The content of this monumental work describes in minute detail, how to grow spiritually. It allows one the potential to reach the greatest of heights, but to do so requires tremendous strength, energy and will power. This book was written in the 16th Century. The Vilna Gaon (the Talmudic Sage of the 17th Century) considers the first 8 chapters as completely Divinely Inspired where not a single word is wasted (refering to the Hebrew text).

Feldheim have recently published a new translation of this work and is certainly helping thousands of people attain new understanding of this classic. The reader might wish to first read another of Feldheim classics: "Duties of the Heart" or "The Ways of the Tzaddikim" both excellent works, but act as introductions and guides to the "path of the just"

The Ramchal establishes the definative "Mussar" (ethical exhortation) baseline for all time in this phenomenal piece. By establishing a ladder of ethical and behavioral levels on which we climb closer to the divine presence, Ramchal presents righteousness in a fashion which makes it both accessible and challenging to all people, regardless of their current environment. A must read for all serious seekers.

This book is not intended to provide logical arguments as to why one should become an Orthodox Jew. For that, there are numerous books but I recommended simply downloading the free mp3 versions of the Torah proof by Lawrence Keleman (google Torah proof and hit first link- there are two lectures there). Nor is this book intended to be read once and put back on the shelf only to be read again several years later. This book is written for the person who has already found the logical validity of Orthodox Judaism and is striving to perfect himself from the ground-up (or higher of course); it is a book written to be read on a daily basis. When the Gra (Vilna Gaon) read this book, he said that there was not one superfluous word for the first 8 chapters and if he saw the Ramchal (Luzzato), he would run to learn Torah at his feet.

I feel somewhat foolish giving this book a review, for how can I give it justice? It is an absolute must; particularly for the beginner.

this translation is really good. this book is a must have for begining the work of repentance and charictor refinement. this book should be on everyones shelf. it is a book that should be for our generation, for all who are returning to the Torah, and who need to know where to start.
you definaly need this book.

Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's The Path of the Just has a bit of something for everyone. A deeply traditional book, it expounds some of the basic tenants of Rabbinical Judaism like reward and punishment, stark dualisms between God and the world, body and soul, spirit and matter. For many, this will be an immediate turn off; Luzzatto is preaching a line that many modern people no longer buy. And more often than not, Luzzatto can be a harsh moralist.

That said there are interesting ideas here for the modern searcher in Judaism. His concepts about separation are particularly profound. In a religion that stresses communal values, he sees the value of being alone in order to detach oneself from the world, to seek the divine. Luzzatto's monkish values may not be for everyone, but in a connected world, where we always have to seek something outside of ourselves, learning how to be disconnected is good ballast.

This is an excellent text for anyone who needs an English translation. The side-by-side layout helps you compare the English with the Hebrew. And of course, this classic is worth studying.

Path of the Just (Torah Classics Library)
Highly recommend!

Considered a classic masterpiece of Jewish Mussar, this edition is easy to read (due to eye-friendly typeset and page layout), thoughtful sidenotes that enhance the understanding of the text, and portability (yet not flimsy like paperbacks). It's printed in Hebrew on the right hand pages and English on the left.

Amazingly easy to read; small enough to carry in a pocket or purse; interesting enough to open and read a few pages when waiting for an appointment or in a situation of unexpected delay. Like a cool drink of water on a hot summers day.

Reading and studying this book will help you come closer to G-d. It will move you in the direction of greater and greater service of G-d.
It will inspire and help you.