Radio Show
Question
Dear Rabbi, I did not have the fortune of listening to your radio show while on the air, but in the RADIO section of the website you assert the the show was cancelled because: "Interestingly enough, the program that was most offensive to them, was a piece where we were saying over the opinions of the Ramchal, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, written in his book, Mesilat Yesharim." 1. Which section were you reading? 2. What ideas were you expressing that related to that piece? Thank you.
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiThe Mesilat Yesharim says that the levels to reach full completion as a Jew requires a specific format and order. This is the basis of his Sefer. First comes completion in keeping the laws, and then, and only then may one go to extra credit aspects referred to as "Prishut," & "Chasidut." Prishut is keeping away even further from possible sins, even more than the law requires, and Chasidut is going further on Mitzvot Asey even above the required amounts. The concept is that one knows what God wants and is trying to go even further to that direction. This is only allowed within a specific criteria, and only after absolute perfection in the regular rules and requirements. AA