First Steps in Avodat Hashem | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blachman

── Shiur Outline ── 0:00 Introduction and Rashab’s Ma'amar Overview 1:09 Prerequisites to Prayer – Hakdamot 4:20 Sha'ar Hanun and the Concept of Kelipah 7:39 Navel Story and Subjective Perception 12:06 Levels of Consciousness: Asiyah and Functionality 14:38 Beriah: Creation and Independent Identity 17:25 Atzilut and the Emanation of God 20:36 Midrash, 50 Levels, and Torah Avodah 23:47 Bach’s Insight on Birkat HaTorah in the Tur 27:45 Becoming a Merkavah: The Spiritual Vehicle 38:28 Mem‑Tet Panim and the Gates of Understanding 40:23 From Understanding to Geshem: The Role of Rain 42:43 Shaping the Shapeless: Water, Vessels, and Divine Flow 44:44 Tal and Geshem: The Basics of Moisture 46:21 Sha'ar HaNun: The Gate of Pure Offering 47:42 Numerology of Choleh and Missing Elements 50:39 The Essential Skill of Shomei'a Listening 52:10 Reb Efrayim's Segulah for Attentive Listening 54:39 Understanding Bitul: Stages of Self-Annihilation 56:53 Ikar Tefilah: The Essence of Hitbonenut 1:01:40 Davening Posture: Standing vs Sitting Debate 1:05:31 Closing Blessings and Call to Study Bach