2021-03-03 – LH2 – OC2 – Birkhas HaReyach 3 – Para. 1-2a – The Sense of Smell, Bitul (Self Nullification) and Return to Self; Fragrance of Gan Eden: Yitzchak, Rivka, and the Garments of Nimrod

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Rabbi Nasan Maimon. Birkhas HaReyach 3. The sense of smell, bitul (self nullification) and return to self; the fragrance of Gan Eden (Garden of Eden/paradise): Yitzchak, Rivka, and the garments of Nimrod; humility.

This shiur is dedicated l’illui nishmas the father of Dr. Sari Mansheim – Reb Mordechai Yehuda ben Leib ע”ה.
Likutey Halakhos, Orach Chaim 2, Hilkhos Birkhas HaReyach 3 is based on Likutey Moharan 65 and Likutey Moharan 4.

00:00 – Review of the introduction to Birkhas HaReyach 3.
02:14 – PARAGRAPH 1. The fragrance of Gan Eden: Yitzchak, Rivka, and the garments of Nimrod.
11:37 – The Tisha Heichalim (literally “Nine Palaces”) described in the Zohar HaKodesh are mentioned in Likutey Moharan 24.
15:44 – בְּרַ֣ח | דּוֹדִ֗י וּֽדְמֵֽה־לְךָ֤ לִצְבִי֙ א֚וֹ לְעֹ֣פֶר הָֽאַיָּלִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י בְשָׂמִֽים – “Flee, my beloved, as a deer on mountains of spice.” (Shir HaShirim/Song of Songs 8:14). The sense of smell, bitul, and return to self. Reference to Zohar, Idra Zuta,HaAzinu: When a deer runs away from something, it pauses to turn back. Reference to Likutey Moharan 4 and the histalkus (passing away) of Moshe Rabbeinu.
25:24 – The main goal and purpose of a purpose in this world is to achieve bitul – a detachment from the physical world but in a fluctuating manner.
*27:11 – QUESTION: when does a person strive for the state of bitul? RESPONSE: self-nullification is most accessible during the prayer of Shemoneh Esrey, but can be achieved at any time when praying or performing mitzvos of the Torah.
28:06 – Reference to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 98 (Tefilah) – Kavana (focus, intention) during tefilah (prayer).
32:41 – Different levels in tefilah.
33:39 – PARAGRAPH 2. How the blessings on smelling fragrance affect the soul.
38:37 – The main sense of satisfaction of a person is through nourishment of the soul, which is achieved only through bitul.
43:31 – Parshas Yisro and Parshas Mishpatim.
48:28 – QUESTION about the deer mentioned in the possuk from Shir HaShirim.
49:03 – QUESTION about practical application of the concepts presented in this shiur.
51:42 – QUESTION about end of shiur yesterday – last words of the Arizal. RESPONSE: the importance of humility.
55:52 – Hashem’s intent in the creation of man.