📖 Parshat Devarim – Study Guide

Binah Kinzer (07/17/2025)

Quick recap/Duties of the Heart, Chapter 5 (Abstinence)

Rabbi Zirkind explored spiritual and moral teachings, focusing on humility, compassion, and self-control in various aspects of life, including interactions with others and control over speech and desires. He read from “Duties of the Heart” Chapter 5; lessons on abstinence. He discussed the importance of maintaining inner detachment from worldly pleasures while fulfilling responsibilities, emphasizing the dangers of excessive wealth and the need for spiritual fulfillment, citing verses and examples from ancient rabbis. The conversation concluded with practical advice on moderation in eating and drinking, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, discipline, and moral integrity in all aspects of life.

Summary

Principles of humility and restraint

Rabbi Zirkind discussed the importance of humility, compassion, and kindness in interactions with others, emphasizing the need not to burden or expect favors from them. They also explored the concept of self-control, especially with regard to forbidden foods and pleasures, and highlighted the importance of discipline and restraint in engaging in permitted things. Yaakov explained that achieving a high level of abstinence from the forbidden, without feeling burdened, characterizes a person as free from sin and saved from error.

Spiritual confinement in worldly duties

Rabbi Zirkind discussed the importance of maintaining an inner detachment from worldly pleasures while fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities. He cited various verses to emphasize the dangers of excessive wealth and luxury, which can lead to forgetting G-d’s commandments. They also highlighted examples of ancient rabbis who balanced their worldly responsibilities with spiritual pursuits. The conversation concluded with a reminder that true fulfillment comes from serving God, regardless of one’s material circumstances.

Controlling the power of speech

Rabbi Zirkind discussed the importance of controlling speech and the tongue, emphasizing its potential for both good and evil. He advised meditating on the words spoken throughout the day to curb useless speech and to identify and improve one’s speech. They cited Torah verses to highlight the importance of guarding the tongue and inner life, as well as the need to avoid unnecessary distractions. He encouraged introspection and reflection to improve one’s spiritual life and ensure that the tongue is used wisely.

Embracing wisdom and avoiding sin

Rabbi discussed the importance of using the eyes to appreciate the Creator’s creation as mentioned in Psalm 8:4, and the need to avoid sin by not following after one’s heart and eyes. They emphasized the value of listening to the words of the wise, avoiding useless speech, lies, and behaviors that distract one from religious and good deeds. He used Proverbs 22:17 and other verses to emphasize the importance of wisdom and the need to incline one’s ear to the words of the wise who know G-d and His Torah.

Strategies for simplified eating practices

Rabbi Zirkind discussed strategies for limiting the sense of taste and focusing on basic needs rather than pleasure. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline, including occasional fasting. Rabbi suggested eating simple foods such as olives, cheese, and figs, and eating light meals throughout the day to focus on religious and secular concerns while eating a larger meal in the evening.

Torah Teachings on Alcoholism and Ethics

Rabbi Zirkind discussed teachings on alcohol and its effects, emphasizing moderation and the dangers of excess. He referenced Proverbs, Isaiah, and Deuteronomy to emphasize the importance of helping the poor, avoiding theft, and avoiding fraud. Rabbi Zirkind encouraged reflection on the consequences of actions and maintaining moral integrity. The class concluded with plans to continue the discussion in two weeks.