The Benoni

Rabbi Moshe Cordevero, one of the greatest kabalists in the past 500 years wrote a classic book, Tomer Devorah explaining in detail the 13 attributes and their practical application. He writes there (end of 1st chapter):

Just like a man conducts himself down here, so too he will merit to open the trait on high, mamash (literally) – according to how he acts, will be the Divine flow from above, and he will cause that this (Divine) trait will shine (below) in the world. And therefore do not move from your mind’s eyes these 13 attributes and the verse should not end from your mouth, in order that it should remind you. And when a situation comes your way that needs you to act with one of them, remember and say “behold this matter depends on such and such a trait (of the 13), I will not move from it, in order that this trait should not be concealed and removed from the world.”

The legendary Rabbi Simcha Zissel of pre-WWII Kelm, declared Tomer Devorah as the Shulchan Aruch (code of jewish law) for Middos (character traits). (i.e. To emulate the 13 attributes is a biblical commandment (from the verse “V’halachta b’drachav” – Devarim 28:9) and not some “extra measure of piety”.

For the html online version see:http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/deborah/deborah.htm

or download all the html files with clickable table of contents here.

The file is also available for download in palm plucker format in english.
Also, includes clickable table of contents. note: requires the free palm plucker software.

see also,
revach.net’s down to earth summary of the 13 attributes