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About Me

Rabbi Chaim Coffman
Rabbi Coffman has helped people from all across the spectrum to prepare themselves properly for Orthodox Conversion to Judaism. His students admire his vast knowledge and appreciate his warm, personal attention and endearing sense of humor.
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Followers

Welcome to Rabbi Chaim Coffman's Blog!

I would like to thank you for visiting my blog, Beyond Orthodox Conversion to Judaism.

The conversion process can be a lengthy and daunting one to say the least and I want you to know that I am here to help you through it.

I have been teaching newcomers to Judaism for over a decade and over the last few years I have seen that conversion candidates really lack the support and knowledge they need to navigate the conversion process and successfully integrate into the Orthodox Jewish community.

I created my mentorship program in order to help make this whole experience as smooth and as painless as possible! (Can't do much about the growing pains, though ;)

Feel free to get to know me a little through the posts on my blog and visit the mentorship and syllabus page if you are interested in possible joining us.

I sincerely wish you all the best in your search for truth and spiritual growth.

Looking forward to meeting you,
Chaim Coffman

My Rebbe, Rav Moshe Sternbuch

In case you were wondering why I have all of these articles written by Rav Moshe Sternbuch, he is my Rebbe, and one of the gedolei hador (greatest Rabbis of our generation).

Rav Sternbuch fully endorses me and supports my mentorship program.

He is the address for all of my halachic or hashkafic (practical and philosophical) questions that I or my students may have.

The articles are based on his weekly talks on the Torah portion that the Rav gives in Jerusalem in his kollel. As a member of the kollel I get first dibbs on the photocopies and I type them up for my blog so you can all benefit from the Rav's erudition and insight.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The 48 Ways to Acquire Torah: Being Beloved


The next of the 48 ways to acquire Torah is being beloved. This means that this person has perfected their character traits to the point where people would like to emulate them. They either love to help others, give of themselves and are selfless as well as being all-around good people.

The commentaries tell us that if a person looks for recognition and fame, it will not come to them but if someone is truly humble, they will get the recognition they deserve. The reason is simple. People like this strive to help others and don't expect anything in return. It is this presence that gets them recognized.

Another reason that people are beloved is because of how much they are willing to give to others. We say the Shema twice a day. In the first paragraph, we say "Ve'Ahavta es Hashem Elokecha..." "You should love the L-rd your G-d..." The root of the word to love is Ahav or it's Hav. The word Hav in Aramaic means to give.

If we want to love anyone, we must learn how to give of ourselves. This giving allows us to go beyond ourselves, so to speak and let others benefit through my actions. When I give, I give of myself. This is why parents love their children most of all.

We can give to others in many ways. We can visit people in a hospital or have guests at yourself for Shabbos or a holiday. When we do this with the right attitude, we inspire others and ourselves as well.

The Ramchal in Mesilat Yesharim (Path of the Just) tells us that G-d created the world to give to us, for us to benefit from it.  G-d is showing us how we must emulate Him and give to others which is a strong benefit for us.


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