The Beginning of Wisdom

Reshit Chochmah is within the tradition of the great books of mussar-ethics. A main purpose of this holy book is to provide the reader with the guidelines to change his conduct in order to become closer to the Holy One, Blessed be He. Yet, beyond this goal, the book acts as a preparation to gain access into the inner wisdom of the Torah.

The reader can only stand back in awe at this unique opportunity to peek into a quality of Divine service that, from the point of view of our time of spiritual blindness, pertains to the realm of the unimaginable. And yet, we must be aware of what the author, Rabbi Eliahu de Vidas, reminds us, “The Cause of all causes shines in all of the heavenly worlds, and each person will be attached to his Maker at the soul-level that his personal efforts have led him to achieve.”

The author, who has once again performed a great service for all those who wish to attain a higher level of Divine awareness, is to be commended for an excellent translation.

May the Community of Israel find truth and tranquility in your important book. May you produce many more of this genre and increase the sanctification of G-d’s Name, and may all of us together merit to greet Mashiach / the Messiah. May all your offspring be filled with knowledge of Hashem.