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Derech Hashem - The way of God. Intro 1: Why Structure Matters in Spiritual Growth

Notes from a Convesation while learning this sefer

Walking Through the Front Door—The Foundations of Faith

When we begin something new, we often want to jump straight into the heart of it. But imagine trying to navigate a house without first stepping through the front door. You’d find yourself wandering aimlessly, unsure of where the rooms connect or how the space is structured.

That’s why Esther & I are starting our journey through Derech Hashem with its introduction—because the way we enter a subject shapes the way we experience it. This book, written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto in the 1740s, serves as a fundamental handbook of Jewish thought. It provides a structured approach to spirituality, mapping out the purpose of creation, human responsibility, and the spiritual realm.

But this journey isn’t just about learning concepts—it’s about re-education, reconnection, and refining the way we engage with faith.

The Need for Re-Education

Many of us grew up with a matter-of-fact religious education—learning about faith as a set of rules rather than an ongoing conversation. Over time, we may realize that our understanding feels fragmented or even disconnected. In this discussion, we explored:

• How structure brings clarity to spiritual growth.
• The importance of learning the universal before personalizing.
• The need to reshape our relationship with God beyond childhood perceptions.

One of the most striking realizations was how many people struggle with a dysfunctional relationship with the Divine—often viewing God as a stern, punitive figure rather than a source of love, flow, and connection. When faith is built on fear, it creates tension rather than trust.

Just like in yoga or fitness, where learning proper form prevents injury, a structured approach to spirituality ensures that we build a practice that strengthens rather than strains.

Spirituality as Water—Different Needs for Different People

Each of us connects differently to faith. Some need deep immersion, while others need small, steady streams of learning. Just as water nourishes us in different ways, spirituality must be tailored to our needs.

This is where self-awareness plays a key role. How do we recognize what we truly need rather than what we've been conditioned to think we need? This question led us into a discussion about desire and purpose—the forces that drive us and shape our experiences.

• Desire is not something to suppress, but to understand. In Hebrew, the words for desire (תאוה) and nature (טבע) share the same letters, signifying that what we long for is inherently tied to who we are.
• There is a difference between healthy desires, which align with our deeper purpose, and unhealthy desires, which often lead to distraction or addiction.

Understanding what we desire—and why—helps us navigate life with greater awareness and intention.

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Clearing the Static to See the Light

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation was the idea that we already contain the answers we seek. Each of us has an inner light, a deep well of wisdom. But just like static on a radio, noise from the world around us can make it hard to hear.

The pineal gland, often referred to as the "inner eye," plays a role in this awareness. When we clear distractions and cultivate mindfulness, we turn on our internal light—allowing us to move forward with clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self.

This is just the beginning of our journey into Derech Hashem. As we continue, we’ll explore how structured learning can transform our understanding of spirituality and how we engage with the world around us.

Weekly 8:30 am EST Zoom

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Esther & Esther

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