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Tag: chassidus in english

It was you all along

It was you all along

Is reading a self-help book self-help? Or is it the author’s help? If we are inspired by someone to do something, are we still self-motivated? Perhaps we’re just being influenced? In his ma’amer, Ani L’Dodi, the Rebbe answers this question and sheds light on the mystery of man serving G-d. This is part five and the final installment of this series featuring the Rebbe’s ma’amer, Ani L’Dodi, 5726 (1966). Part One, Elul — Being Proactive Part Two, He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits…

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Not Just What You Do, But Who You Are

Not Just What You Do, But Who You Are

Who are you? What does it mean to “be me”? What is a Jew? When the King, G-d, awaits us in the field during Elul, He expresses His true self, not just His majesty. This gives us a chance to learn who we are. In Part Four of Ani L’dodi, we discover that there’s more to us than just our human cognition, feelings, and drives—there’s our real self! This is Part Four of Five of our Elul series, the ma’amer Ani L’dodi…

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He Awaits you, Wherever You Are

He Awaits you, Wherever You Are

Often, the process is greater than the goal. A lot of us struggle with having clear goals and attaining them. Usually, this is because we tend to be near-sighted; only noticing the immediate struggle and the grind of being consistent. How can we be expected to have a meaningful Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur? How can we ensure that we stick to the resolutions we make? Elul is coming, and we have the opportunity to come face-to-face with G-d Himself….

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He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits For You

He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits For You

During Elul, G-d isn’t inspiring us, but He’s intriguing us. He’s preparing us to be inspired. In the second part of “Ani L’dodi,” the Rebbe sheds light on the notion that there’s more to a king than just his awe-inspiring persona. There’s the king himself. But how do we go about accessing the king, G-d, Himself?   This is Part Two of Five Part One: Elul—Being Proactive Part Three: He Awaits you, Wherever You Are Part Four: Not Just What You Do,…

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Elul—Being Proactive

Elul—Being Proactive

Have you ever experienced difficulty feeling inspired on the High Holidays? The entire month before Rosh HaShanah, Elul is traditionally known as the time to spiritually ready ourselves for the Days of Awe. In this ma’amer, the Rebbe sets forth a clear plan to develop a relationship with G-d during Elul, so we feel ready when the High Holidays come around.   Part one of five of the ma’amer Ani L’dodi, 5726 (1966) Part Two: He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits…

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It’s All About Love

It’s All About Love

What is the most efficient way to drive out negativity from the world as a whole? Doesn’t overly focusing on just refuting negativity feel dispiriting? In Part Three of the ma’amer “Bila Hamoves Lanetzach” (find Parts One and Two here), the Rebbe sheds light on the idea of negating evil by analyzing how we respond to the negativity that’s within our consciousness. The best way to understand the world’s relationship with G-d is by understanding our relationship with Him.  …

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Greater Than Anything Before

Greater Than Anything Before

What is true peace? How can life, love and Holiness win in a world that has war, death, and evil? Human wisdom falls short attempting to answer questions that people have had since the beginning of time. In a ma’amer delivered in 1965, the Rebbe provides a fresh perspective from the lens of Torah. Ma’amer Bila HaMovess LoNetzach Part Two Find Part One here. In the future, when Moshiach comes, evil (the source of spiritual and physical death) will be…

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Beyond Good and Evil

Beyond Good and Evil

Beyond Good and Evil Why is there death in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can G-d allow evil to exist? These are probably the most powerful and most difficult questions that challenge faith. No one wise would claim to know the answer and no one who has experienced pain and rose above it can answer. Few have the knowledge, sensitivity, and courage to tackle such questions. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, in his ma’amer delivered in…

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Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 4

Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 4

This class (after a brief introduction) explores the basic character traits of the G-dly and animal natures. The animal nature is: Self-centered (selfish) not visionary; interested only in the here and now, Lives in fear and only survives; she has no trust. The G-dly nature is: G-d centered (selfless) Has a great vision, and is very interested in where it is from and what is its purpose and where is it going, Has trust in it’s Creator and therefore “lives” and…

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Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 3

Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 3

This class was the introduction of the five levels of צדיק וטוב לו צדיק ורע לו רשע וטוב לו רשע ורע לו ובינוני. (In English, the complete and incomplete tzaddik, the average one, the incomplete and complete rasha.) From the perspective of Chassidus and Kabbalah, which is based on the Gemara in Brochos; but is sourced in the Raya Mehemna. We actually read it inside. (RayaMehemnaParshasMishpotim117) (Arguably, only the complete tzaddik is fully under the control of his good inclination,…

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