Hashem Is Emet—The Soul Is Created from Truth (Day 123 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Truth 1)

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 123), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins the Gate of Truth (Sha’ar HaEmes) from Orchos Tzaddikim, emphasizing that truth is the essence of God and the soul. Key teachings:
  • The soul’s divine origin — Created from the place of the Holy Spirit (ruach hakodesh) and the celestial radiance of Hashem’s throne (Genesis 2:7: “He breathed into his nostrils a living soul”). Above (in the Holy of Holies), there is no falsehood—only truth. “Hashem Elokeinu Emet” (Hashem our God is truth, Jeremiah 10:10).
  • Ehyeh asher Ehyeh — “I will be what I will be” (Exodus 3:14). The word “Ehyeh” (21) appears 21 times in Tanach; 21 × 21 = 441 = gematria of emet (truth). God is absolute truth.
  • Man’s purpose — Created straight/upright (yashar) to reflect truth. God’s “seal” is truth (Shabbat 55a). Falsehood cannot attach to truth; a truthful person has Hashem’s throne suspended above him, protecting him.
  • Practical implications — When one lives in truth, all creation acknowledges Hashem as Creator (Psalms 146: “He guards truth forever”). Falsehood contradicts the godly soul within us—lying creates inner conflict and separation from God.
  • Hashem responds to truth — “Hashem is close to all who call upon Him—in truth” (Psalms 145:18). Only authentic, truthful prayer connects deeply.
  • Modern application — Truth stands forever (emet has legs on aleph, mem, tav—beginning, middle, end); falsehood collapses (sheker has one leg). Purge rationalizations and traits that justify lies to live in alignment with the soul’s divine source.
The rabbi ties this to daily life: every mitzvah, word, and action should reflect truth, as we carry a piece of God’s truth within us.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 9, 2026
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Truth, #Emes, #Hashem, #Soul
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Hashem Is Emet—The Soul Is Created from Truth (Day 123 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Truth 1)