The Power of Ratzon: How Desire Unlocks Torah Greatness (Self-Development 7)

At Matan Torah, the Torah tells us that Bnei Yisrael “saw the sounds.” What does it mean to see words? Why was such absolute clarity necessary at Har Sinai?

In this powerful Parshas Yisro shiur, we explore the connection between clarity in Torah learning and ratzon, genuine desire. Through Chazal, the story of Rav Chaim of Volozhin, the unparalleled clarity of the Vilna Gaon, and a remarkable modern-era story of a simple storekeeper who reviewed two masechtos over 4,000 times, we uncover a foundational truth:

Growth does not begin with ability.
It begins with wanting.

We examine why Na’aseh V’Nishma earned crowns, despite later failures, and how sincere desire creates a pipeline for Divine assistance. Whether in learning, avodas Hashem, or personal growth, this shiur challenges us to stop saying “I’m not holding there” and start activating our will.

Key themes include:
Why clarity at Har Sinai had to be absolute
The difference between knowledge and true understanding
How ratzon allows a person to exceed perceived limits
Practical inspiration for post-Purim growth toward Pesach

This is a shiur about pushing beyond comfort, aiming higher than where we are, and believing that sincere desire can take us further than we ever imagined.
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