This opening lesson introduces Nefesh HaChaim through the life and teachings of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, his close relationship with the Vilna Gaon, and the intellectual world in which the sefer was written. It also highlights a central theme of the course: every person is born with different strengths and weaknesses, but with effort and self-control, each of us can direct our character and abilities toward serving Hashem.

self-controlservice of Hashem