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Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 1

Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 1

    The journey from the traditionally revealed parts of Torah to the esoteric (Chassidus and Kabbalah) that demonstrates the unity in the Torah. Various Gemaros and the Zohar (Raia Meheimna Parshas Mishpatim p.117b). The classic definitions for tzaddik, beinoni, and rasha address their judgment and reward or punishment. The more involved terms of the complete and incomplete tzaddik, the beinoni, and the complete and incomplete rasha.  We address the apparent unfairness in Hashem’s world and why some tzaddikim suffer while some reshaim seem…

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Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1

Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1

The journey from nigla, the revealed parts of Torah, to nistar, the esoteric parts of Torah, that demonstrates the unity in the Torah.  Various Gemara passages and the Zohar (Raia Mehemna Parshas Mishpatim (117b)). The classic definitions for the tzadik ve’ra lo צדיק בינוני רשע address their judgment and reward or punishment. The more involved terms of tzadik ve’ra lo and tzadik ve’tov lo, (צדיק וטוב לו, צדיק ורע לו) address the apparent inequity in Hashem’s world and why some tzadikim suffer while some wicked…

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Text Based Tanya — Sha’ar Blatt 2

Text Based Tanya — Sha’ar Blatt 2

We begin with an explanation verse by verse from Parshas Nitzavim ending with, “It is accessible to you…” “פסוקים בפרשת נצבים על הסדר שמסיימים בפסוק כי קרוב וגו” The sequence of verses leading up to, “It is accessible to you,” are describing higher levels of avoda– that of various levels of tzadikim. Thus all the expressions of accessibility mentioned in the verses apply to some people but not to all. In this context Hashem says to the Beinoni, “It is very accessible…

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Pleasure and Fear

Pleasure and Fear

Love, Not War Whether or not you have kids, it may have crossed your mind what kind of Judaism you want to give them. There are as many varieties of Judaism as there are Jews — probably more! We all know the perils of parents who force religion “down their kids’ throat.” No one likes them. Their children resent them — and if their kids turn out frum, it’s despite the forceful parenting. On the other hand, children need to be…

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Smaller Is Better

Smaller Is Better

How rich must we be to be satisfied? How confident must we be to feel successful? How great must we be to become leaders? You probably think you know the answer… This edition of The Long Short Way covers the second part of the seventh chapter of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s ma’amer, Basi Legani from 5710 (1950). Basi LeGani is a series of four ma’amorim, the second, HaYosheves BeGanim, includes the chapter we learn this year. This ma’amer was distributed on 13…

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Leading Humbly

Leading Humbly

How does being small make me big? How can being a receiver make me a giver? What makes a leader? This edition of The Long Short Way covers part of the seventh chapter of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s ma’amer, Basi LeGani from 5710 (1950). Basi LeGani is a series of four ma’amorim, the second, HaYosheves BeGanim, includes this year’s chapter. This ma’amer was distributed on 13 Shvat, the yohrtzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s mother. Download the PDF here. In the previous…

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An Introduction To Tanya—Part 8

An Introduction To Tanya—Part 8

Copyright. Different הסכמות, approbations and some stories. ר’ זושא ור’ ליב הכהן, Reb Zusha, and Reb Leib HaKohen The hidden tzaddik “Carl.” The Alter Rebbe’s children publish a complete Tanya with five sections and explain what they are. Haskama for that also. Text-based Tanya classes from Rabbi Yossi Paltiel are available on his site, http://www.insidechassidus.org/ Posted on thelongshortway.org with permission.

A War On Spirit

A War On Spirit

What are we celebrating on Chanukah? What was the Greeks’ issue with the Jewish people? This edition of The Long Short Way covers an excerpt of the Rebbe’s ma’amer, Tonu Rabbonon Mitzvas Ner Chanukah, from Parshas Mikeitz, 5738 (1978). This ma’amer was distributed with its sequel in honor of Chanukah, 5747 (1987). Download the PDF here.   A War On Spirit       The Greeks defiled the oil in the Heichal of the Beis HaMikdosh as an act of…

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An Introduction to Tanya — Part 6

An Introduction to Tanya — Part 6

Three reasons not to write the Tanya: Not everyone has enough clarity to understand what he reads without getting confused. If a sefer is a product only שכל אנושי, human intellect, it’s reach and appeal is limited. Even when the Sefer is a product of שכל אלוקי, G-dly intellect, the complexity of הנסתרות, the hidden parts of Torah, makes it almost impossible to identify your part and avoda in Chassidus.   The answer to these questions: As a Rebbe he…

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Real Triumph

Real Triumph

  What is the Torah’s relevance to the real worlds? What role does Chassidus play? How does Torah refine the world? This edition of The Long Short Way covers an excerpt of the Rebbe’s ma’amer, Podoh V’Sholom 5741 (1980). This ma’amer was said and distributed in honor of 10 Kislev, the birthday and yohrtzeit of the Mittler Rebbe. Download the PDF   Real Triumph       These questions can be answered from both a physical and spiritual perspective. At…

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