"Every Jewish male — whether poor or rich, whether of perfect health or ailing, even a poor man who begs from door to door, and even one who is married and has children — is obligated to establish a fixed time to study the Torah by day and by night, as it is written, 'And you shall meditate on it day and night.'
"During this time one must study the Written Law, and also the Oral Law, [which comprises both] conclusive legal rulings and Talmud. One should not restrict himself to Talmud if his Torah study is in its early stages, for initially one should know many of [the laws defining] what is forbidden and what is permitted, without [studying] their motivating principles and supports. [Moreover, one should learn] how to practice the mitzvos that are currently incumbent upon us, so that he will know how to observe and perform and will not sin, [even] before he knows everything properly from an in-depth study of the Talmud. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav, SECTION 155 The Universal Obligation to Study the Torah. (1-2))" Chabad.org
Sometimes it seems as if some people deem Chassidus the only topic worthy of study but you see from the Baal HaTanya a very different picture of primary subject matter.
And now the Rebbe Rayatz:
"Everyone should study mishnayos by heart, according to his ability, repeating them while walking in the street. Through this, we will merit to greet Mashiach.
Chassidim must study Chassidus. Chassidim in general should do so on Monday, Thursday, and Shabbos. Temimim should do so for an hour every day."
HaYom Yom Tackling Life's Tasks - 21 Kislev
And then there's the Besht: "The Baal Shem Tov conducted a regular study session in Gemara with his disciples, combining acumen and erudition. It embraced the writings of Rambam, R. Yitzchak Alfasi, and Rabbeinu Asher, and other commentaries of the Rishonim1 that were relevant to the passage under discussion." (Hayom Yom: Tackling Life's Tasks - 13 Cheshvan)
Step by Step
"One cannot expect a Jew who has drifted from the Jewish way of life to transform himself suddenly, and it is necessary to bring him closer to G-d by stages, yet we have to present to him the true aspects of our Torah and Mitzvoth, and not in any diluted form.
Letters by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, p. 176
Seems an obvious point, but how many in kiruv fail to honor it?
Letters by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, p. 176
Seems an obvious point, but how many in kiruv fail to honor it?
The Spirit Within
Some notes from Keeping in Touch, Parshas Toldos:
Two parshas begin with the word "Toldos." The parsha detailing Isaac's life gets called Toldos because of his special way of creating a legacy, ie a life of inner meaning that inspires others.
Isaac's divine service was inward. This is the symbolism of wells. He led via the example of having an inward focus and finding the Godly core. "In this manner, the awareness of G-d becomes an integral part of one's life. It does not remain dependent on the teachings of others, but comes from one's own insight. This in turn enables one to realize the G-dliness present in every element of existence."
"Indeed, the awareness inspired by Isaac was more permanent than that generated by Abraham, for it came from the people themselves."
Lubavitcher Rebbe
Two parshas begin with the word "Toldos." The parsha detailing Isaac's life gets called Toldos because of his special way of creating a legacy, ie a life of inner meaning that inspires others.
Isaac's divine service was inward. This is the symbolism of wells. He led via the example of having an inward focus and finding the Godly core. "In this manner, the awareness of G-d becomes an integral part of one's life. It does not remain dependent on the teachings of others, but comes from one's own insight. This in turn enables one to realize the G-dliness present in every element of existence."
"Indeed, the awareness inspired by Isaac was more permanent than that generated by Abraham, for it came from the people themselves."
Lubavitcher Rebbe
The Rebbe on Parnassah
"Greeting and Blessing:
On the first day of Shevat, as the Torah relates (Deut. 1:3), Moshe Rabbeinu [Moses] began the recitation of the Book of Devorim [Deut.] - Mishne Torah [Repetition of the Torah].
The timing of the Repetition of the Torah was significant for the Jews in that it served to prepare them for their entry into the Promised Land. On the verge of leaving a place where for years they had no material care, since all their needs in the way of food, clothing and shelter had been miraculously provided (by means of the Manna, the Well, the Clouds of Glory, etc), and before settling down in a land, and way of life, which necessitate tilling, sowing, reaping, and all other mundane preoccupations - the Jews had to receive a special measure of spiritual invigoration and admonition, so that they should not become materialistic and debased in the material world that lay ahead, but - on the contrary - would instill holiness into, and spiritualize and elevate, the material aspects of daily life, transforming the material into the spiritual, by means of the Torah and Mitzvoth [commandments], Tzedoko [charity] and acts of lovingkindness.
Such is also the function of yeshivoth, especially in recent generations.
Some people think that the main purpose of a Yeshiva is to train Rabbis, Shochetim [ritual slaughterers], and other Jewish clergymen. This is not so, for the essential and main purpose is to create Jewish laymen, who, before going out into the world of business, trade, or profession, would be imbued and permeated with Torah and Yiras Shomayim [fear of heaven], and later, living within this world, would be capable of elevating their entire environment by inspiring every Jew they come in contact with, with love of G-d, love of the Torah, and love of fellow-Jew - in actual daily practice.
Letters By the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Vol. I, Tishrei-Adar, p. 260 and LChaimWeekly
Is this not the most encouraging message about earning a living that you have ever heard? One usually hears that either one may forced to earn a living but while you are there you can practice your honesty in the filthy environment -- not the most encouraging send off message. With Hirsch, you are contributing to your host society, which is more encouraging. Here you are sanctifying the physical and sharing love. Wow.
On the first day of Shevat, as the Torah relates (Deut. 1:3), Moshe Rabbeinu [Moses] began the recitation of the Book of Devorim [Deut.] - Mishne Torah [Repetition of the Torah].
The timing of the Repetition of the Torah was significant for the Jews in that it served to prepare them for their entry into the Promised Land. On the verge of leaving a place where for years they had no material care, since all their needs in the way of food, clothing and shelter had been miraculously provided (by means of the Manna, the Well, the Clouds of Glory, etc), and before settling down in a land, and way of life, which necessitate tilling, sowing, reaping, and all other mundane preoccupations - the Jews had to receive a special measure of spiritual invigoration and admonition, so that they should not become materialistic and debased in the material world that lay ahead, but - on the contrary - would instill holiness into, and spiritualize and elevate, the material aspects of daily life, transforming the material into the spiritual, by means of the Torah and Mitzvoth [commandments], Tzedoko [charity] and acts of lovingkindness.
Such is also the function of yeshivoth, especially in recent generations.
Some people think that the main purpose of a Yeshiva is to train Rabbis, Shochetim [ritual slaughterers], and other Jewish clergymen. This is not so, for the essential and main purpose is to create Jewish laymen, who, before going out into the world of business, trade, or profession, would be imbued and permeated with Torah and Yiras Shomayim [fear of heaven], and later, living within this world, would be capable of elevating their entire environment by inspiring every Jew they come in contact with, with love of G-d, love of the Torah, and love of fellow-Jew - in actual daily practice.
Letters By the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Vol. I, Tishrei-Adar, p. 260 and LChaimWeekly
Is this not the most encouraging message about earning a living that you have ever heard? One usually hears that either one may forced to earn a living but while you are there you can practice your honesty in the filthy environment -- not the most encouraging send off message. With Hirsch, you are contributing to your host society, which is more encouraging. Here you are sanctifying the physical and sharing love. Wow.
Why We Need Mitzvos
Notes on Acharei Mos
Aharon's sons died because they approached G-d from pure spirit and did not tie it back to physical acts as symbolized by their entering Holy of Holies, not wearing all the proper garments, not marrying or having children (Midrash). Mitzvos are garments of the soul.
Blog note: this can explain why even if limud Torah has special properties that mitzvos don't have we still need to do mitzvos. Hashem wants us to rectify, bring holiness into the world and we need mitzvos for that. The Baal HaTanya explains that Torah study brings the soul closer to Hashem but mitzvos bring the sechinah into the world and that is our purpose, to make the world a dwelling place. This is why mitzvos displace Torah study if there's nobody else around to do the mitzvah. Why can the mitzvah be done by another? Because the important thing is that somebody does it. The goal concerns Hashem.
Lubavitcher Rebbe
R' Avigdor Miller explains that our goal is to become an eved Hashem and for that we need to use our free choice to surrender our free choice to do His will. (YK note: the mitzvos are His will. How can you be an Eved if you are not doing anything.) He says we must learn from the mitzvos and not just do them.
See also Tehillim 119 on the love for commandments.
Aharon's sons died because they approached G-d from pure spirit and did not tie it back to physical acts as symbolized by their entering Holy of Holies, not wearing all the proper garments, not marrying or having children (Midrash). Mitzvos are garments of the soul.
Blog note: this can explain why even if limud Torah has special properties that mitzvos don't have we still need to do mitzvos. Hashem wants us to rectify, bring holiness into the world and we need mitzvos for that. The Baal HaTanya explains that Torah study brings the soul closer to Hashem but mitzvos bring the sechinah into the world and that is our purpose, to make the world a dwelling place. This is why mitzvos displace Torah study if there's nobody else around to do the mitzvah. Why can the mitzvah be done by another? Because the important thing is that somebody does it. The goal concerns Hashem.
Lubavitcher Rebbe
R' Avigdor Miller explains that our goal is to become an eved Hashem and for that we need to use our free choice to surrender our free choice to do His will. (YK note: the mitzvos are His will. How can you be an Eved if you are not doing anything.) He says we must learn from the mitzvos and not just do them.
See also Tehillim 119 on the love for commandments.
The Rebbe on the Greeks
"They would have allowed the Jews to study Torah and observe mitzvos — the mishpatim and the eduyos — so long as they did not mention that the Torah was G‑d’s and that the mitzvos were “the decrees of His will.” Hayom Yom: Tackling Life's Tasks - 2 Teves, Day 7 of Chanukah
I can think of "Orthodox" groups that seem to approach life this way. They'll study Torah all day long but mention G-d, hardly ever.
I can think of "Orthodox" groups that seem to approach life this way. They'll study Torah all day long but mention G-d, hardly ever.
Tanya - End of Chapter 8
Following what seem like disparaging remarks on secular studies, we see this:
"Unless he employs [these sciences] as a useful instrument, viz., as a means of a more affluent livelihood to be able to serve G‑d, or knows how to apply them in the service of G‑d and His Torah. This is the reason why Maimonides and Nachmanides, of blessed memory, and their adherents, engaged in them."
"Unless he employs [these sciences] as a useful instrument, viz., as a means of a more affluent livelihood to be able to serve G‑d, or knows how to apply them in the service of G‑d and His Torah. This is the reason why Maimonides and Nachmanides, of blessed memory, and their adherents, engaged in them."
The only thing that can help you
"See Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History (New York, 2014), p. 189, who quotes what the Rebbe told R. Leibel Groner: "When it comes to a marriage, not I can help you, not your father can help you, not your mother can help you, not your seichel [your intellectual faculties] can help you. The only thing that can help you is your heart. If you feel for her, go ahead. If you don't do not."
R. Hershel Schachter, Gedolim, Rachel Morpurgo, and More - Marc Shapiro
Who Did It?
"There was a story that happened in Williamsburg about 40 years ago. There was a Yungerman who was very sick. He went around to different Rebbes and got many brachos. Baruch Hashem, he had a refua shelaim. Each circle of chassidim were trying to figure out which rebbe did the mofeis. One circle said their rebbe did it, another circle said their rebbe did it, etc. They went to the Satmar Rebbe and asked him, which rebbe did the mofeis. The sSatmar Rebbe answered that In Shamayim, it depends on how many chassidim said their rebbe did it. So the rebbe that had the most chassidim saying that their rebbe did it was the one that did the mofeis. But then the Satmar Rebbe said, "If you want to know the truth who did it, it was the Ribono Shel Olam, and He doesn't have that many chassidim who say He did it.""
yeshivaguy45 from http://www.theyeshivaworld.com forum
yeshivaguy45 from http://www.theyeshivaworld.com forum
The Difference
It could be that if a person is really hooked into the insight and holiness that can come from really seeing what is special about a tzadick that it's natural for him see that person as moshiach for right now that person is a kind of moshiach for him. The difference between Chabad and the talmidim listed in that Gemara (San. 98b) is that for one the Chabad moshiach is no longer alive. so we have to resort to other obscure gemaras to someone make it acceptable for moshiach to come from the dead. So we have layers of mental gymnastics going here. But I can live with all that. What's hard to accept is the immodesty of Chabad in this matter. I live in Israel and the Rebbe's picture with the words moshaich appear in acts of vandalism all over the country. I'm talking about stickers plastered on signs on every road, on bus stops, on walls. In addition to breaking the law here, it's so immodest, so cheap, so tawdry. If you humbly and quietly believed Rebbe was moshiach that would be one thing. But Chabad shoves it in everyone's face. And according to Steinsoltz this is in violation of the Rebbe's desires. He said all you are going to accomplish is turning people away from Chassidis. And that surely is the case.
Rebbe Overdose
I finally overdosed. A recent wedding did the trick. At this wedding in Israel, the chupah was set in front of an enormous portrait of the Rebbe. Then, at the dining hall, we saw a running, non-stop enormous video of the Rebbe. I thought - how many people are getting married here? I know there's a Gemara that says three entities are involved in creating children, the third being Hashem, but never heard anything about a Rebbe being involved.
All this nauseated me some but then I inquired of the Chabad rabbi with whom I came to the wedding. "Nothing wrong with it," he said. Rather, he found it innovative.
Nothing wrong with it?
Suddenly, all the strange comments I have heard over the months at the local Chabad shul started to hit home. Do this mitzvah to give the Rebbe nachas - that's a common refrain over there. Sometimes the rabbi adds - and the Aibishteh. God takes second place evidentially.
Suddenly. it occurred to me how annoyed I feel by the huge photo of the Rebbe in the davening area of the Chabad house. I was putting up with it, trying to not be a hater, trying to be tolerant.
Suddenly, I realized that all of the Torah being Torah from the Rebbe didn't just bother me - I have been aware of it - but had become intolerable to me. I do enjoy his Torah, but he's not the only rabbi on the planet.
So I am overdosed. Maybe the yeshiva world isn't so off base in its condemnation of Chabad. I don't know how we got here. Steinsaltz claims that the Rebbe opposed the Rebbe worship and the Moshiach talk. Personally, I'm not so thrilled with his ending sichos by saying that Moshiach should come mamash, when mamash could be an acronym for his name. But still I'll presume innocence. What matters is that we need to get out of this mode. It's not healthy. Judaism is theocentric. You want to tell me that the Talmud speaks at times of intermediaries? That's fine and dandy. But you know that when the intermediaries take over, take the place of God - something that happens in the Yeshiva world too when study starts to push away God - then we have a big problem.
And we have a big problem. Maybe it's the nature of our confused era.
As I say on the home page, my family goes back to the 5th Rebbe at least, possibly the 4th. I can have connections to Chabad without buying into the current foolishness.
(Still from wedding at different wedding hall, this one I believe in Kfar Chabad Aleph.)
All this nauseated me some but then I inquired of the Chabad rabbi with whom I came to the wedding. "Nothing wrong with it," he said. Rather, he found it innovative.
Nothing wrong with it?
Suddenly, all the strange comments I have heard over the months at the local Chabad shul started to hit home. Do this mitzvah to give the Rebbe nachas - that's a common refrain over there. Sometimes the rabbi adds - and the Aibishteh. God takes second place evidentially.
Suddenly. it occurred to me how annoyed I feel by the huge photo of the Rebbe in the davening area of the Chabad house. I was putting up with it, trying to not be a hater, trying to be tolerant.
Suddenly, I realized that all of the Torah being Torah from the Rebbe didn't just bother me - I have been aware of it - but had become intolerable to me. I do enjoy his Torah, but he's not the only rabbi on the planet.
So I am overdosed. Maybe the yeshiva world isn't so off base in its condemnation of Chabad. I don't know how we got here. Steinsaltz claims that the Rebbe opposed the Rebbe worship and the Moshiach talk. Personally, I'm not so thrilled with his ending sichos by saying that Moshiach should come mamash, when mamash could be an acronym for his name. But still I'll presume innocence. What matters is that we need to get out of this mode. It's not healthy. Judaism is theocentric. You want to tell me that the Talmud speaks at times of intermediaries? That's fine and dandy. But you know that when the intermediaries take over, take the place of God - something that happens in the Yeshiva world too when study starts to push away God - then we have a big problem.
And we have a big problem. Maybe it's the nature of our confused era.
As I say on the home page, my family goes back to the 5th Rebbe at least, possibly the 4th. I can have connections to Chabad without buying into the current foolishness.
Alternative for Kabbalah
R' Kaplan
Chabad isn't the only place to go for kabbalah. Chassidus isn't even the only place. There have been numerous yeshiva people who discuss it, eg. Aryeh Kaplan.
Chabad isn't the only place to go for kabbalah. Chassidus isn't even the only place. There have been numerous yeshiva people who discuss it, eg. Aryeh Kaplan.
The unholy balk at the idea of self-discipline
"2-6 Seven cows… seven ears of grain: Although, as we have seen, Pharaoh's dreaming stemmed from Joseph, the content of his dreams differed profoundly from that of Joseph's. Pharaoh dreamed only of produce and animals but not of work. Joseph's dreams, in contrast, began from the start with the image of work—the brothers gathering sheaves in the field.
"This aptly reflects the difference between how holy individuals and unholy individuals receive sustenance from on high. The holy receive sustenance through the work of aligning themselves with God's will. When they do so, Divine sustenance flows to them naturally. The unholy balk at the idea of self-discipline and work and therefore refuse to conform to God's will; they are therefore sustained by God in a backhanded fashion."
read more at Chabad.org
7th Lubavitcher Rebbe
"This aptly reflects the difference between how holy individuals and unholy individuals receive sustenance from on high. The holy receive sustenance through the work of aligning themselves with God's will. When they do so, Divine sustenance flows to them naturally. The unholy balk at the idea of self-discipline and work and therefore refuse to conform to God's will; they are therefore sustained by God in a backhanded fashion."
read more at Chabad.org
7th Lubavitcher Rebbe
New Book: Rav and rebbe
"6 x 9; Hardcover Color Cover; 400 pgs; 550 endnotes; 50 pics & docs; New Interviews; Addendums; Bibliography; Glossary; Index; natural paper; made in the USA The two great Jewish sages of the past century, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik - The Rav - YU and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson - The Rebbe - Chabad grew up in Russia. They both studied at the University of Berlin and each became a leading figure in post-Holocaust Judaism in America. Read now, for the first time ever, about their unique relationship and respect for each other. Understand that although the Rav was a father-figure for Lithuanian Judaism and the Rebbe, the world's greatest Chasidic master, nevertheless their message was universal." Amazon
Rabbi Eli Touger
Rabbi Eli Touger
A Mayanot Moment - Parshat Beshalach - Rabbi Touger
Tanya: We All Have Our Tzadikkim Moments
This is a name you'll see all over English Chabad literature. He does a marvelous job of rendering the Rebbe's talks to writing.
A Mayanot Moment - Parshat Beshalach - Rabbi Touger
Tanya: We All Have Our Tzadikkim Moments
This is a name you'll see all over English Chabad literature. He does a marvelous job of rendering the Rebbe's talks to writing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)