The Rebbe Rashab explains in the first ma’amer of Samach Vov, that there is a difference between r’usa d’liba (awakening of the heart, inspiration) and t’shuva (return). He explains that the difference lies in the approach. Inspiration is a result of realizing that one is in the presence of something greater, namely G-d, and wanting to be a part of this greater being. T’shuva on the other hand is a result of realizing how far one is from G-d followed…
Inspiration that comes from on High is energy. That energy trickles down and is filtered through Hishtalshelus until it “thickens” and becomes the inspiration in your surrounings. (Hakdama, Siddur Torah Ohr. V’Hinei Porach, [Parshas Korach] Likkutei Torah). An is’arusa d’l’eyla (literally, an awekening from Above) is an abstract term referring to this type of experience. It manifests itself in the form of, say, waking up in the morning feeling good, feeling energized during davening or doing a mitzvah, etc. The downside is: as…
Part 2 of the Rebbe’s ma’amer Ani Ledodi 5732 (1972). Read Part 1 here. Approximately 8 minutes to read. In Elul the king is in the field—G-d is available for us to approach. Now is a time for personal stocktaking, introspection, and a sincere change of heart from our less than positive behavior. In the previous installment, our ma’amer asked several questions: If Elul is the time when “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine,” — a time…
Is it ever too late to resolve personal differences? What would you do if someone had done something to hurt you and then asked for forgiveness? What if someone you care deeply about did something to you that hurt you? Would you forgive them? How many times? This is Part One of the Rebbe’s ma’amer Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li, 5732 (1972). Find Part Two here. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine,” the first letter of each word…
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….
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…
What is joy? Water and Wine וּשְׁאַבְתֶּם מַיִם בְּשָׂשׂוֹן מִמַּעַיְנֵי הַיְשׁוּעָה.(בישעיה י”ב). “And you shall draw water with joy from the fountains of the salvation” Download the PDF here. הִנֵה בְּכָל הַשָׁנָה הָיָה נִיסוּךְ הַיַיִן עַל גַבֵּי מִזְבֵחַ וְהוּא מְפוּרָשׁ בְּתּוֹרָה שֶׁבְּכְּתַב בְּהֶדְיָא בְּכַּמָּה מְקוֹמֹות. וּבְּחַג הַסוּכּוֹת הָיָה עוֹד גַּם נִיסוּךְ הַמַיִם עַל גַבֵּי הַמִזְבֵחַ כָּל שִׁבְעַת יְמֵי הֶחָג. Throughout the year, wine was poured on the altar in the Holy Temple, as is explained in many places in Scripture….
What happens when we accept someone exactly as they are? What if there’s something wrong with them? Won’t our acceptance be confused with approval? The Rebbe answers this and other questions in his ma’amer Ani L’dodi of 5726 (1966). This is the final installment of this ma’amer. Read the previous installments here: Part One: Elul — Being Proactive Part Two: He Doesn’t Wake You, He Waits For You Part Three: He Awaits you, Wherever You Are Part Four: Not Just What You Do, But Who…
Part Two: Conceptual Background to Part Two: I. Elokeinu means, “our G-d.” In Chassidus, “Elokeinu” also is the type of relationship G-d has with us. He chooses to relate to the world as a king, i.e., Melech Ha’Olam (King of the universe), He chooses to relate to us as a father as well. As a general principle, in Chassidus, “Elokeinu” means “our strength and our vitality.” In Hebrew it’s “kocheinu v’chayuseinu,” which connotes our physical life itself, our energy, enthusiasm, life dedication, etc., as explained at…
Part Five: This Car Has Good Handling ה) וְזֶהוּ ״יְהִי הַוֲיֶ’ אֱלֹקֵינוּ עִמָּנוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיָה עִם אֲבוֹתֵינוּ,״ This then is the meaning of, “May G-d, our G-d be with us just as He was with our forefathers.” דְּבֲּעַבוֹדַת הָאָבוֹת מּוּדְגָשִׁים שְׁנֵי עִנְיָנִים הַנִזְכָּרִים לְעֵיל The Forefathers’ service to G-d underscored the two types of humility we mentioned earlier (self-sacrifice as result of a decision vs. self-sacrifice as a result of being humbled by G-dliness). שֶׁקִיְימוּ כָּל הַתּוֹרָה עַד שֶׁלֹא נִיתְּנָה, דְבָּזֶה מוּדְגָשׁ שֶׁעַבוֹדָתָם הָיְתָה (לֹא מִפְּנֵי…