Foundations
Arba Yesodot - A Blueprint for Holistic Living
The Four Foundations (Arba Yesodot) offer a centuries-old framework for living a meaningful, balanced, and elevated life. Taught by Rabbi Yosef Singer zt”l, the Pilzno Rav, and entrusted to Rabbi Gerzi for our generation, this system is practical, intuitive, and rooted in deep spiritual tradition. Each foundation corresponds to a letter in Hashem’s Name—Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh—and together they create a model of personal development that brings harmony to body, mind, heart, and soul:
Physical & Financial Health – Caring for the body and cultivating a mature, purposeful relationship with money and livelihood.
Relationships – Building meaningful, reciprocal connections with others.
Wisdom – Acquiring and applying both Torah and worldly knowledge with creativity.
Guidance – Seeking mentorship and spiritual direction to align with our higher calling.
These foundations are not just ideals—they are implementable practices for daily life. Wherever you are in your journey, the Four Foundations provide an integrated roadmap for tangible growth.
“Growth is Ein Sof—there is no limit to how high or how deep you can go in fulfilling your mission in this world.”
1. Physical & Financial Health
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the second ה (Heh) in Hashem’s Name, representing our physical and material state. It includes the Five Pillars of physical health—breathing, drinking, eating, sleeping, and movement—as well as our relationship with money and livelihood.
What does it teach us?
Our body is the vessel through which we serve Hashem. When it is neglected, everything suffers. By caring for our physical well-being holistically—not in isolation, but through integrated habits—we gain energy, emotional resilience, and focus. Likewise, developing a healthy relationship with money and work brings peace of mind, dignity, and the capacity to pursue higher goals. Physical and financial health isn’t separate from spirituality—it is its foundation.
2. Relationships
What is it?
This foundation aligns with the letter ו (Vav) and reflects our emotional and social world. It encompasses our connections with family, friends, community, and colleagues—every human interaction that calls us to give, receive, and communicate.
What does it teach us?
Relationships are the training ground for the soul. They are where we learn to love, to compromise, to forgive, and to see the Divine in another. When we invest in healthy, supportive relationships—and learn the skills of listening, empathy, and communication—we build the emotional scaffolding for joy, safety, and purpose. Even our relationship with ourselves requires tending. As Rabbi Gerzi teaches, “Every relationship improves when you learn to hear and hold your own inner voice.”
3. Wisdom
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the first ה (Heh) and represents our intellectual and creative life. It includes Torah wisdom, relevant secular knowledge, and the creativity to integrate and apply both meaningfully.
What does it teach us?
Knowledge is a divine gift, but it is only wisdom when it becomes lived experience. This yesod reminds us not to accumulate facts but to build a life system—to translate insight into action. Creativity is not optional; it’s how we partner with Hashem in the ongoing revelation of truth. Rabbi Gerzi emphasizes that even secular knowledge can be holy when used to serve, heal, or illuminate. Wisdom isn't about being smart—it's about being in service to what matters.
4. Guidance
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the י (Yud)—the seed of spiritual essence. It represents our connection to mentors, guides, teachers, and spiritual authorities who help us navigate the complexities of life with clarity and alignment.
What does it teach us?
No one grows alone. Having a mentor—someone who sees you, stretches you, holds you accountable, and honors your uniqueness—is essential for reaching your potential. Whether in halacha, emotional work, or career development, a good guide brings perspective, wisdom, and blessing. As the Pilzno Rav said, “If you want to succeed, find those who’ve already succeeded—and learn from them.” This yesod may be the most impactful, because it amplifies all the others.
Foundations
Arba Yesodot - A Blueprint for Holistic Living
The Four Foundations (Arba Yesodot) offer a centuries-old framework for living a meaningful, balanced, and elevated life. Taught by Rabbi Yosef Singer zt”l, the Pilzno Rav, and entrusted to Rabbi Gerzi for our generation, this system is practical, intuitive, and rooted in deep spiritual tradition. Each foundation corresponds to a letter in Hashem’s Name—Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh—and together they create a model of personal development that brings harmony to body, mind, heart, and soul:
Physical & Financial Health – Caring for the body and cultivating a mature, purposeful relationship with money and livelihood.
Relationships – Building meaningful, reciprocal connections with others.
Wisdom – Acquiring and applying both Torah and worldly knowledge with creativity.
Guidance – Seeking mentorship and spiritual direction to align with our higher calling.
These foundations are not just ideals—they are implementable practices for daily life. Wherever you are in your journey, the Four Foundations provide an integrated roadmap for tangible growth.
“Growth is Ein Sof—there is no limit to how high or how deep you can go in fulfilling your mission in this world.”
1. Physical & Financial Health
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the second ה (Heh) in Hashem’s Name, representing our physical and material state. It includes the Five Pillars of physical health—breathing, drinking, eating, sleeping, and movement—as well as our relationship with money and livelihood.
What does it teach us?
Our body is the vessel through which we serve Hashem. When it is neglected, everything suffers. By caring for our physical well-being holistically—not in isolation, but through integrated habits—we gain energy, emotional resilience, and focus. Likewise, developing a healthy relationship with money and work brings peace of mind, dignity, and the capacity to pursue higher goals. Physical and financial health isn’t separate from spirituality—it is its foundation.
2. Relationships
What is it?
This foundation aligns with the letter ו (Vav) and reflects our emotional and social world. It encompasses our connections with family, friends, community, and colleagues—every human interaction that calls us to give, receive, and communicate.
What does it teach us?
Relationships are the training ground for the soul. They are where we learn to love, to compromise, to forgive, and to see the Divine in another. When we invest in healthy, supportive relationships—and learn the skills of listening, empathy, and communication—we build the emotional scaffolding for joy, safety, and purpose. Even our relationship with ourselves requires tending. As Rabbi Gerzi teaches, “Every relationship improves when you learn to hear and hold your own inner voice.”
3. Wisdom
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the first ה (Heh) and represents our intellectual and creative life. It includes Torah wisdom, relevant secular knowledge, and the creativity to integrate and apply both meaningfully.
What does it teach us?
Knowledge is a divine gift, but it is only wisdom when it becomes lived experience. This yesod reminds us not to accumulate facts but to build a life system—to translate insight into action. Creativity is not optional; it’s how we partner with Hashem in the ongoing revelation of truth. Rabbi Gerzi emphasizes that even secular knowledge can be holy when used to serve, heal, or illuminate. Wisdom isn't about being smart—it's about being in service to what matters.
4. Guidance
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the י (Yud)—the seed of spiritual essence. It represents our connection to mentors, guides, teachers, and spiritual authorities who help us navigate the complexities of life with clarity and alignment.
What does it teach us?
No one grows alone. Having a mentor—someone who sees you, stretches you, holds you accountable, and honors your uniqueness—is essential for reaching your potential. Whether in halacha, emotional work, or career development, a good guide brings perspective, wisdom, and blessing. As the Pilzno Rav said, “If you want to succeed, find those who’ve already succeeded—and learn from them.” This yesod may be the most impactful, because it amplifies all the others.
Foundations
Arba Yesodot - A Blueprint for Holistic Living
The Four Foundations (Arba Yesodot) offer a centuries-old framework for living a meaningful, balanced, and elevated life. Taught by Rabbi Yosef Singer zt”l, the Pilzno Rav, and entrusted to Rabbi Gerzi for our generation, this system is practical, intuitive, and rooted in deep spiritual tradition. Each foundation corresponds to a letter in Hashem’s Name—Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh—and together they create a model of personal development that brings harmony to body, mind, heart, and soul:
Physical & Financial Health – Caring for the body and cultivating a mature, purposeful relationship with money and livelihood.
Relationships – Building meaningful, reciprocal connections with others.
Wisdom – Acquiring and applying both Torah and worldly knowledge with creativity.
Guidance – Seeking mentorship and spiritual direction to align with our higher calling.
These foundations are not just ideals—they are implementable practices for daily life. Wherever you are in your journey, the Four Foundations provide an integrated roadmap for tangible growth.
“Growth is Ein Sof—there is no limit to how high or how deep you can go in fulfilling your mission in this world.”
1. Physical & Financial Health
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the second ה (Heh) in Hashem’s Name, representing our physical and material state. It includes the Five Pillars of physical health—breathing, drinking, eating, sleeping, and movement—as well as our relationship with money and livelihood.
What does it teach us?
Our body is the vessel through which we serve Hashem. When it is neglected, everything suffers. By caring for our physical well-being holistically—not in isolation, but through integrated habits—we gain energy, emotional resilience, and focus. Likewise, developing a healthy relationship with money and work brings peace of mind, dignity, and the capacity to pursue higher goals. Physical and financial health isn’t separate from spirituality—it is its foundation.
2. Relationships
What is it?
This foundation aligns with the letter ו (Vav) and reflects our emotional and social world. It encompasses our connections with family, friends, community, and colleagues—every human interaction that calls us to give, receive, and communicate.
What does it teach us?
Relationships are the training ground for the soul. They are where we learn to love, to compromise, to forgive, and to see the Divine in another. When we invest in healthy, supportive relationships—and learn the skills of listening, empathy, and communication—we build the emotional scaffolding for joy, safety, and purpose. Even our relationship with ourselves requires tending. As Rabbi Gerzi teaches, “Every relationship improves when you learn to hear and hold your own inner voice.”
3. Wisdom
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the first ה (Heh) and represents our intellectual and creative life. It includes Torah wisdom, relevant secular knowledge, and the creativity to integrate and apply both meaningfully.
What does it teach us?
Knowledge is a divine gift, but it is only wisdom when it becomes lived experience. This yesod reminds us not to accumulate facts but to build a life system—to translate insight into action. Creativity is not optional; it’s how we partner with Hashem in the ongoing revelation of truth. Rabbi Gerzi emphasizes that even secular knowledge can be holy when used to serve, heal, or illuminate. Wisdom isn't about being smart—it's about being in service to what matters.
4. Guidance
What is it?
This foundation corresponds to the י (Yud)—the seed of spiritual essence. It represents our connection to mentors, guides, teachers, and spiritual authorities who help us navigate the complexities of life with clarity and alignment.
What does it teach us?
No one grows alone. Having a mentor—someone who sees you, stretches you, holds you accountable, and honors your uniqueness—is essential for reaching your potential. Whether in halacha, emotional work, or career development, a good guide brings perspective, wisdom, and blessing. As the Pilzno Rav said, “If you want to succeed, find those who’ve already succeeded—and learn from them.” This yesod may be the most impactful, because it amplifies all the others.