Yisroel U'Techiyaso 4-5
In answer to my challenge (while we were learning) what are we getting out of this, my chevrusa responded (after we finished learning):
"Rav Yosef. A few thoughts about Orot. As someone who has learned Mussar and tried to use the techniques and practical advice of the various pathways in Mussar I have always been focused on the practical aspects of Mussar which can help us to change and improve ourselves modify our behaviors elevate our spiritual connections to Hashem, etc. Anything which doesn't have some conclusion I can use for personal change and improvements really has not been of much interest to me.
"In Orot we have a discussion of only Ideas. Conceptualism and ephemera without a practical connection. So I guess as Mussarniks, we must ask ourselves: Is there any value or purpose for these essays? Do pure theoretical investigations offer us a pathway to understanding ourselves or the world in a different way? I don't know the answer to this question and it may be different for each person. I can only say that when I read sublime poetry I may not know what is really being said, but I still am able to recognize its Inner Light."
Good response!
