The Ramchal: A Brilliant Flame of Torah, Kabbalah, and Mussar

A Prodigy from Padua

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, known by the acronym Ramchal, was born in 1707 in Padua, Italy, to Rabbi Yaakov and Diamante Luzzatto. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary talent. By the age of fifteen, he was said to have memorized the entire Talmud, the writings of the Ari (Rabbi Yitzchak Luria), and the Zohar.

His spiritual gifts and mystical experiences sparked concern in some circles. The trauma of the false messiah Shabtai Tzvi was still fresh, and many were wary of anything resembling Kabbalistic innovation. As a result, the Ramchal faced suspicion and resistance, especially regarding his mystical writings.

Exile, Enlightenment, and Enduring Works

Eventually, the Ramchal settled in Amsterdam, where he worked in the diamond industry to support himself. There, in a more tolerant environment, he published his most influential works—Mesilat Yesharim and Derech Hashem—books that merged ethics, Kabbalah, and philosophy. These writings became foundational texts in Jewish thought, particularly within the mussar  (Jewish ethics) movement. The Vilna Gaon himself praised Mesilat Yesharim as a sefer written with Divine inspiration.

In the final years of his life, the Ramchal fulfilled his dream of moving to the Land of Israel. He settled in the northern city of Acre near the port, and on the 26th of the Jewish month of Iyar, 1746, he passed away. He is buried in Tiberias, near the tomb of Rabbi Akiva.

Most of his writings were lost over time, but what remains is vast and profound. Among his published works are:

• Mesilat Yesharim – his classic guide to spiritual self-perfection

• Derech Hashem – a foundational work on faith and Divine order

• Da’at Tevunot, Derech Etz Chaim, Ma’amar HaGeulah, Adir Bamarom, Klach Pitchei Chochmah, Tikkunim Chadashim, and many more

Timeless Wisdom from the Ramchal

Here are some unforgettable teachings from the Ramchal’s writings:

“Man was not created for his place in this world, but for his place in the World to Come. This world is only a means to reach the ultimate end.”

“The only true pleasure is closeness to Hashem… to delight in the radiance of His Presence.”

“Love means that one’s heart awakens to bring pleasure to Hashem, just as it stirs to please a beloved parent.”

“One who reflects deeply on the countless kindnesses Hashem has shown him—from birth to his final breath—will awaken gratitude and energy to serve with joy.”

The Ramchal’s soul continues to shine through the clarity of his teachings and the brilliance of his vision, even more than 200 years after his death. His legacy lives on in every person who learns Mesilat Yesharim, seeks to understand Derech Hashem, or strives for spiritual growth with passion and purpose.