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Tag: concepts in chassidus

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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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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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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Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 2

Tanya in Depth—Chapter 1, Class 2

      The Gemaros themselves, that means Niglah alone accounts for the idea that there are two levels in the definitions of the tzaddik, the beinoni and the rasha (the righteous, the average, and the wicked. As it relates to being judged, where as a practical matter one is a tzaddik if most of our deeds are good etc. The definition of the tzaddik, beinoni, and rasha: There is an completely new set of definitions for these terms, as will be discussed in the subsequent classes.   Text-based…

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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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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.