# Breaking Desire, Building Greatness [Day 152 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Repentance 9]

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/breaking-desire-building-greatness-day-152-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-9
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/breaking-desire-building-greatness-day-152-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-9.md
Podcast: [Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe](https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642)
Published: 2026-06-18T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/79ebf46e
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/79ebf46e/1c89b978.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1233

## Resource

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance ( Shaar HaTeshuvah ), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ninth, tenth, and eleventh components of authentic teshuvah : breaking desires, transforming the instruments of sin into instruments of mitzvah, and conducting honest self-examination. The author teaches that one of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth is unchecked desire. Even when something is technically permissible, a person must learn self-restraint and discipline. Judaism does not advocate deprivation, but it does teach mastery over desires rather than becoming mastered by them. True freedom comes when a person controls their appetites instead of allowing appetites to control them. A central theme of the episode is balance. Rabbi Wolbe explains that Torah does not reject physical pleasures; rather, it teaches when, how, and to what extent they should be enjoyed. Whether discussing food, wealth, luxury, or other physical pursuits, the Torah's goal is to help a person remain in charge of their choices. The more a person develops self-control in permitted matters, the stronger they become in resisting forbidden temptations. Spiritual growth is not about eliminating pleasure but about elevating it and placing it within a framework of purpose and holiness. The episode then introduces a profound principle of repair: the very limb or faculty used for wrongdoing should become the vehicle for correction. Eyes that once looked improperly should be redirected toward holiness. Hands that may have been used negatively should become tools for charity and kindness. Speech that once caused harm should be transformed into words of Torah, truth, and encouragement. Finally, Rabbi Wolbe highlights the importance of daily self-evaluation. Through regular reflection on our actions, co…

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## Transcript

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