Today is the Yahrzeit of the Ramchal, HaRav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, Z"TL, who lit the world with the great works Mesilas Yesharim, Derech Hashem and other powerful chiburim. The GRA himself is reputed to have said that there is not one superfluous word in the first eight (8) chapters of the Mesilas Yesharim.
The Ramchal starts the Mesilas Yesharim with the words 'Yesod HaChasidus V'Shoresh HaAvodah'--the foundation of saintliness and the root of perfection in the service of Hashem'. The Ramchal passed away during Sefira--on the day whose attribute is 'Yesod SheBeYesod' (Foundation of Foundations). It is clear that with his Ruach HaKodesh, he foresaw that he would provide us with the foundation of foundations for hundreds of years to come.
In view of what the Ramchal has done for us all, we wish to highlight the timeless words which conclude the Mesilas Yesharim (Translated from The Path of the Just, Feldheim Publishers):
"We can easily understand that every person needs direction and guidance in accordance with his skills and his occupation, since the path of piety appropriate for one whose 'Torah is his vocation' is unsuitable for one who must place himself at the employ of another; and neither of these ways is suitable for one who is engaged in his own business. And this is the case regarding all the other particulars of human affairs in the world. There is a path to piety that is suitable to each and every individual, whatever his [vocation]. That is not to say that the nature of piety varies, for it is the same for everyone, since its goal is to bring pleasure to the Creator. But in view of the fact that circumstances are always changing, the means leading toward the implementation of the goal must also vary, according to the circumstances that prevail. It is possible that someone who out of necessity is a simple artisan may become a completely pious person, like an individual who never stops learning. And it states (ibid 16:4): 'The Eternal created everything for His own sake.' And it says (ibid 3:4): 'In all of your ways know Him, and He will direct your paths.'
"May the Blessed One, in His mercy, open our eyes through His Torah and guide us in His ways and lead us in His paths, and may we be worthy of glorifying His name and pleasing Him. 'May the glory of the Eternal endure forever, let the Eternal rejoice in His works' (Tehillim 104:31). 'Let Israel rejoice in its Maker, let the Sons of Zion exult in their King' (ibid. 149:2) Amen, Amen, Amen!"
We should absorb these very precious words of the Ramchal--for they are directed to us. It is each and every one of us whose role in life is to follow the Path of the Just. May we always have the alertness, sense, ability and fortitude to bring honor, glory and pleasure to our Creator!
Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
Important Numbers
