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Starting with the second day of Passover, we "count the Omer" each day, leading up toward Shavuot and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Rabbi Aaron Kotler said that the method of preparing to receive the Torah is to study the "48 Ways to Wisdom." This comes from the Talmud (Avot 6:6) which states that "the crown of Torah is acquired by 48 Ways." Each of these 48 Ways is a special tool to help sharpen our personal skills and get the most out of life. In order to attain pleasure, in order to accomplish goals, you have to master and apply the tools that the Almighty gave you. You want to be successful in business? Use the 48 Ways. You want to be a good student? Use the 48 Ways. You want to win gold in the Olympics? The 48 Ways will get you there. Use it for whatever you want out of life. Focus on your goal. Know what pleasure you're living for. Otherwise you're going to be a multi-millionaire -- and miserable. Keep your eye on the ball -- and the 48 Ways will get you there. REPAIRING CHARACTER The Sages say that our souls have been sent into this world for no other reason than to repair character flaws. This repair is therefore our primary purpose in life. The Sefer HaChinuch (14th century Spain) says that we were freed from Egypt only in order to receive the Torah and to fulfill it. Though the Exodus made us physically free, it is through receiving the Torah that we attain authentic freedom of discipline. Each of these 48 Ways is a step along the process -- addressing a different aspect of our spiritual and moral character: speech, patience, concentration, laughter, leadership, sensitivity, humility, diligence, friendship, joy, etc. Our goal is to define and balance each one of these. Upon completing the 48 Ways, the 49th step is an overall review. A key to spiritual growth is the realization that greatness requires constant maintenance. As could be expected, the 50th step is the most integral and profound. It is the step that unifies all the others. The 50th step is connecting with God. Nothing in life is possible without the assistance of the Creator and Sustainer of all life. GET THE TORAH Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, the famed Brisker Rav, said that just as with any legal process there is a special method of acquisition, so too, Torah understanding is only acquired through the 48 Ways. The time to begin is today. "I don't have time" is no excuse. You can listen to Torah tapes while in the car commuting, or while exercising on the treadmill. There is an excellent "48 Ways" cassette series by Rabbi Noah Weinberg, which presents these topics in a friendly and engaging style. For information, call 1-800-VOICES-3. You can also subscribe to the "48 Ways" email list and access notes on the web at http://www.aish.com/spirituality/48ways/. The days of the Omer is the perfect time to undertake study of the 48 Ways -- one way per day!
Use this handy table to keep track of the days:
Published: Tuesday, February 21, 2006
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