Chassidus Made Real | Episode 3   Rabbi Kesselman Responds: Why Making Chassidus Fit Modern Psychology Is NOT Dirah B’Tachtonim   Is Chassidus supposed to adapt to our psychological needs, or are we supposed to transform ourselves to reflect the teachings of Chassidus?   In this episode, Rabbi Sholom Kesselman responds to a letter challenging his approach to learning Chassidus. The criticism: If the purpose of creation is Dirah B’Tachtonim, shouldn't Chassidus address our most basic human struggles, emotional needs, and psychological challenges?   Rabbi Kesselman explores a fundamental distinction between Dirah B’Tachtonim and what he calls Dirah L’Tachtonim B’Elyonim.   Who is the Mashpia, and who is the Mekabel? Are we allowing Chassidus to transform our worldview, or are we reshaping Chassidus to accommodate our existing assumptions and values?   Dirah B’Tachtonim is not about making Hashem fit into our world. It's about transforming our world into His home.   Also in this episode:   📖 New Chassidus Shiur! Beginning next week, we will be learning the foundational maamar תנו רבנן נר חנוכה תרמ״ג, with approximately two shiurim per week and the goal of completing it before Chanukah.   💬 Join the Chassidus Made Real WhatsApp Group!   A space to learn, ask questions, challenge ideas, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions about Chassidus. You'll also receive updates on new episodes, shiurim, and articles.   Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DkRAGOCZvosKNir1QmydhX   Help Chassidus Made Real Grow   We're looking for sponsors and supporters to help expand the program and bring authentic Chassidus to a wider audience. If you'd like to sponsor an episode or support the program's growth, please reach out.

Shabbos Bereishis sets the tone for the entire year.   In Episode 2 of Chassidus Made Real, we explore the message of creation on three progressively deeper levels:   1. Hashem created the universe — it has a Creator and an Owner. 2. Creation is continuous — every moment, Hashem brings the universe into existence מחדש. 3. כח הפועל בנפעל — ultimately, the existence of every created thing is nothing other than the Divine force bringing it into existence.   What does this mean for our understanding of אין עוד מלבדו — that nothing truly exists besides Hashem? And more importantly, how do we internalize this idea and make it real?