Chassidus Explained

51

Shir Hama'alos Mima'amakim 5748

Oct 7, 2024

35:44

In this 1-week מאמר, we learn how the רבי uncovers the depth(s) of תשובה: Through uncovering one's inner Essence and discovering a new way of living life one reaches the very Essence of all existence.

52

Hamelech Basadeh (Special Shiur)

Oct 1, 2024

48:36

In this special שיעור, given in Congregation Tzeirei Anash of Crown Heights, we explore the אלטער רבי's well-known משל of המלך בשדה. Join us as we travel through the historical development of this משל, and appreciate the nuances of the אלטער רבי's words, as analyzed and revolutionized by our רבי.

53

Ani Ledodi 5732 part 4/4 (Se'if 8-10)

Sep 30, 2024

35:23

Finishing the מאמר, the רבי explains the "greatness of the lower level" theme as it pertains to the תשובה of אלול vs. the תשובה of ראש השנה. Using the idea of the core עצמות connection of the אידן with Hashem expressed in a non-מצוה, the רבי answers the original question of the מאמר how the "ודודי לי" of תשרי is really a part of the "אני לדודי" of אלול.

54

Ani Ledodi 5732 part 3/4 (Se'if 5-7)

Sep 22, 2024

47:17

Completing the process of advancing from אלול and יראה תתאה to ראש השנה and יראה עילאה, we bring in the discussion of אהבה and explain its importance. This brings us to the רבי's חידוש in this מאמר, explaining how the יראה תתאה of אלול is greater than the יראה עילאה of ראש השנה! With this, we answer the question on the מאמר of the צמח צדק from the beginning of our מאמר.

55

Ani Ledodi 5732 part 2/4 (Se'if 3-4)

Sep 15, 2024

45:23

What is the עבודה of אלול? How can one develop feelings of יראה toward Hashem? In this שיעור, we delve into the differences of יראה תתאה and יראה עילאה, understanding how אלול prepares us for ראש השנה.

56

Ani Ledodi 5732 part 1/4 (Se'if 1-2)

Sep 13, 2024

39:12

Welcome back to yar #3 of the מאמרים, and it is אלול! We explore the interesting development of the אלטער רבי's משל of המלך בשדה as it was revolutionized by the פריערדיקער רבי in 5700 (1940), thus gaining an appreciation of the אהבה expressed during אלול. So, what are the feelings of יראה for?

57

Zeh Hayom Asah Hashem 5738 part 2/2 (Se'if 7-10)

Jun 30, 2024

39:28

With this understanding of "the nature of miracles", the רבי answers the questions on the מדרש from the beginning of the מאמר: There are indeed two perspectives on what to focus on in miracles, and שלמה is teaching us to focus on the source of these two perspectives - עצמות - and to express this connection to עצמות within our world. How is that done? Through תורה. Hence the three steps in the מדרש of "יראה, תורה, ישועה"!

58

Zeh Hayom Asah Hashem 5738 part 1/2 (Se'if 1-6)

Jun 27, 2024

52:12

In this מאמר, the רבי explores the interplay between miracles and nature. The word "נס" means "elevation", meaning that the main point of a miracle is not to remain aloof from nature, but to elevate it. By categorizing three levels of miracles and their respective effects on nature, we appreciate the different ways that שם הוי-ה is revealed within our world.

59

Anochi Havayah Elokecha 5749 part 2/2 (Se'if 4-7)

Jun 9, 2024

42:08

Applying the concept of Hashem's Essential and consistent bond with the world, and the איד's ability and responsibility to learn תורה with that mindset, the רבי finishes the מאמר with practical lessons and instructions on how to enter the יום טוב of מתן תורה, applying this perspective. Don't just go through "another" שבועות! Tap into the renewed energy of עצמות, express it in your learning, and through that in the whole world!

60

Anochi Havayah Elokecha 5749 part 1/2 (Se'if 1-3)

Jun 6, 2024

50:19

What is the most powerful way how Hashem could have introduced Himself in the עשרת הדברות? Seemingly with "I am Hashem who created heavens and earth!" Yet, Hashem says, "I am Hashem who took you out of מצרים!" Why does Hashem feel that this accomplishment is more important for the אידן to know as they get the תורה? Because, the רבי answers, the entire creation and the entire תורה is here for a איד to have the strength to break free from his limitations - his מצרים! This is what we are celebrating every year anew as we head to מתן תורה on שבועות.

61

Lehavin Inyan Rashbi 5745 part 4/4 (Se'if 6-7)

May 27, 2024

30:00

Finishing the מאמר, the רבי demonstrates how the explanation of why the תנאים praised רשב"י is hinted in how they praised him as well - "שבת" and "פני האדון ה": These are incomparably great levels, yet they connect to - and need to connect to - the lowest of levels. This is the idea of ספירת העומר and ל"ג בעומר as well, emphasizing the connection of this holy day to this holy, G-dly person, רשב"י.

62

Lehavin Inyan Rashbi 5745 part 3/4 (Se'if 4-5)

May 24, 2024

52:16

Continuing in the מאמר, we take this conversation to the next level: Why does Hashem care about our מצות? The רבי's חידוש in the answer gives us an appreciation for the value in our עבודה. With this new perspective, we uncover not only how the other תנאים could connect to רשב"י, but why רשב"י would want to connect to them as well!

63

Lehavin Inyan Rashbi 5745 part 2/4 (Se'if 2-3)

May 12, 2024

52:35

What made רשב"י incomparably greater than all the other תנאים? Through delving into the difference within תורה between נגלה - the revealed sections - and נסתר - the hidden sections - we appreciate the unique quality of רשב"י.

64

Lehavin Inyan Rashbi 5745 part 1/4 (Se'if 1)

May 7, 2024

33:39

As we begin this מאמר to understand the greatness of רשב"י, we delve into a thorough discussion of the topic of praising Hashem in Davening: Why do we need to praise Hashem? Is it for us, or for Hashem?

65

Venacha Alav Ruach Hashem 5725 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-10)

Apr 14, 2024

60:00

As we conclude the מאמר, the רבי uncovers a fundamental חידוש in the way we view the צמצום: Not only is it for the eventual purpose of a גילוי, our עבודה is to uncover how the entire צמצום itself is for the exact purpose of being uncovered and for us humans to experience Hashem within it! By living this two-tiered עבודה of staunch commitment (נצח) to serving Hashem notwithstanding the צמצום, as well as appreciating (השגה) how the צמצום itself is here for us to experience Hashem within it, we prepare for the two-tiered גילוי of משיח being both a מלך and a רב!

66

Venacha Alav Ruach Hashem 5725 part 2/3 (Se'if 3-4)

Apr 9, 2024

59:43

Continuing with our explanation of נצח, we understand how it endures the darkest concealments of גלות, as well as why it is the necessary preparation for the experiences of משיח being a מלך. We then begin a thorough treatment of the צמצום, understanding the effect of the צמצום on the אור הבלי גבול, as well as on the אור הגבול.

67

Venacha Alav Ruach Hashem 5725 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-2)

Mar 31, 2024

54:30

As we begin this מאמר for אחרון של פסח, we delve into משיח's positions as a teacher and as a king, and how it pertains to our preparatory עבודה now in גלות by expressing our מדה of נצחון; steadfast commitment to תורה and מצות in a logic-defying manner.

68

Lehavin Inyan Ksivas Sefer Torah 5730

Mar 1, 2024

58:08

In honor of the סיום ספר תורה taking place in Congregation Ohel Nosson in Crown Heights, we learn the historical מאמר that the רבי said on ט שבט in the year 5730 (1970) in honor of the סיום of the special ספר תורה began by the פריערדיקער רבי in 5702 (1942) with which to greet משיח. After a brief overview of the history of the ספר תורה and the מאמר, we begin the מאמר inside, but discuss most of the מאמר outside. What is the significance of writing a ספר תורה? Why were the first ספרי תורה written specifically through משה רבינו? What is the connection of a ספר תורה and משיח? Find out all that and more in this special שיעור!

69

Vekibel Hayehudim 5738 part 4/4 (Seif 7-8)

Feb 23, 2024

46:58

Finishing the מאמר, the רבי connects our discussion with a פסוק in פרשת כי תשא, where משה asks Hashem for "חן". We end up with a deep appreciation for the value of our עבודה, and how it accomplishes more than what was originally set up within the process of the world.

70

Vekibel Hayehudim 5738 part 3/4 (Se'if 5-6)

Feb 16, 2024

39:22

Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי shows us how this power of כתית למאור and consistently fulfilling Hashem's Will is rooted in our connection to the משה רבינו within every generation and within ourselves. It is this staunch commitment to תורה and מצות with מסירות נפש that enables us to bring out a deeper connection to the תורה than by מתן תורה itself!

71

Vekibel Hayehudim 5738 part 2/4 (Se'if 3-4)

Feb 4, 2024

51:31

Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי explains the necessity, and the benefits, of living a life of מסירות נפש. That is correct, living. Because, as we explain in the שיעור, the רבי is speaking to a generation that is not necessarily required to die with מסירות נפש, but is absolutely required to live with it. What dies it mean to live with מסירות נפש? What is the litmus test that you are serving Hashem and not yourself? We bring from a מאמר of the אלטער רבי to shed light on this crucial topic. The רבי then continues to explain what חינוך is and its connection to מסירות נפש.

72

Vekibel Hayehudim 5738 part 1/4 (Se'if 1-2)

Jan 28, 2024

45:57

The רבי explains the historic מאמר of the פריערדיקער רבי from 51 years prior, in the year 5687 (1927). In this שיעור, we explore the history of the מאמר, and begin the explanation of how the מסירות נפש of the אידן in the times of מרדכי effected what even מתן תורה could not! As the רבי explains, the "כתית" that leads to the "מאור" - the oppression that leads one to uncover their essence - does not חס ושלום need to be one of physical, or even spiritual, lacking. Rather, when a person contemplates their state of being in contrast to how they should be as Hashem's chosen nation, they connect to Hashem from a state of the essence of their נשמה.

73

Basi Legani 5710 Perek 14 part 2/2

Jan 22, 2024

30:26

Finishing פרק י"ד, the פריערדיקער רבי explains this phenomenon of the אור extending itself into even the lowest of levels and yet retaining its essence of being אין סוף. We explore this identity of "אור אין סוף", as well as the contrast of אור and כח, and the example of the light shining through the colored glass, as illuminated by the רבי in תשכ"ד. The punchline of this פרק is - being that this אור אין סוף exists even within the lowest and lowliest of levels, it is our עבודה to reveal it, expressing Hashem's Essential Existence within our world and our reality!

74

Basi Legani 5710 Perek 14 part 1/2

Jan 21, 2024

44:54

In this שיעור, we begin פרק י"ד of the פריערדיקער רבי's המשך, with the explanations of the רבי from באתי לגני תשכ"ד. The theme of this פרק is how Hashem gives life to everything in this world, from the highest of creations to the lowest. As the רבי further explains, this includes even the deepest forms of קליפות, and even man-made situations of negativity. Hashem is everywhere, giving energy to everything, in every situation. It is our job to uncover that connection and to transform every situation to one of revealed G-dliness!

75

Basi Legani 5744 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-8)

Jan 8, 2024

53:46

As we finish the מאמר, the רבי explains the difference between the closeness of "אור" and the distance of "שם". However, it is specifically in the concealment of שם where the Essence of Hashem is available, and our עבודה of revealing it is accomplished. That is the עבודה of באתי לגני - creating the connection from within the separation!

76

Basi Legani 5744 part 2/3 (Se'if 4-5)

Dec 31, 2023

43:56

Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי merges the discussion of פרק יג - last year's פרק - with פרק יד - this year's פרק: After showing how lowly and dark this world is, we appreciate the power of אור אין סוף in that Hashem's Infinite Light is (not only here but) relatable even within this physical world! How? The רבי delves into the fundamental סוגיא in חסידות, exploring the various descriptions used for Hashem's Presence being expressed in creation: "אור", "חיות" and "כח". We specifically highlight the difference between the connection of "אור" and the separation of "כח". What about "שם"? Join us in next שיעור...

77

Basi Legani 5744 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Dec 24, 2023

53:24

We begin באתי לגני of the year 5744 (1984), in which the רבי is learning and explaining פרק י"ד of the פריערדיקער רבי's המשך. The theme of this פרק is how Hashem's Light is recognizable even within the lowest level of concealment, due to its Infinite Nature. The רבי begins by taking us through the process of Hashem removing His Light in the beginning of creation, especially through our sins, specifically for the purpose of us creating an even stronger level of Light. This is done through our עבודה as soldiers - צבאות ה - with commitment and קבלת עול, not getting intimidated by the darkness, and on the contrary, transforming it to the greatest level of Light!

78

Ve'avdi Dovid 5746 part 2/2 (Se'if 4-8)

Dec 17, 2023

51:04

Wrapping up the מאמר, we now have the two perspectives of learning תורה - serving Hashem with intellect and delight, and doing מצות - serving Hashem with submission and selflessness. The רבי ties it in with the well-known מחלוקת in the גמרא about which is greater: תלמוד or מעשה? Although the גמרא answers that תלמוד is greater, when משיח comes, מעשה will be greater. As the רבי explains, this expresses the core quality of serving Hashem with the ultimate selflessness of doing things purely for Hashem, without any ulterior motive, no matter how spiritual. What does this look like? What is the (possible) connection of this מאמר to ה' טבת? We finish the מאמר and segue into a פארברענגען!

79

Ve'avdi Dovid 5746 part 1/2 (Se'if 1-3)

Dec 11, 2023

45:15

As we begin this מאמר, the רבי delves into the עבודות represented by יהודה and יוסף, respectively: Learning תורה - represented by יוסף - is an experience of logic, and of delight. Contrarily, doing מצות - represented by יהודה - is an experience of submissive, 'dry', and rigid קבלת עול. These are the two polar perspectives we have within our connection to Hashem.

80

Padah Beshalom 5722 part 4/4 (Se'if 7-10)

Dec 4, 2023

51:15

Wrapping up this מאמר, the רבי explains the holistic יחידה approach to peace: When we an uncover the core energy within everything in this world - its constant connection to Hashem and its willingness to be refined and used for Hashem - then we can have the advantages of מלמעלה למטה and מלמטה למעלה together! This happens when we awaken our יחידה, which happens when we express ביטול to Hashem, seeing ourselves and the world around us for what we truly are - one with Hashem and Hashem's Desire!

81

Padah Beshalom 5722 part 3/4 (Se'if 5-7)

Nov 27, 2023

46:17

The רבי continues to explain the two levels of peace within "פדה בשלום" and "ושבתי בשלום": There is one level of peace focusing on getting rid of the enemy, and another level of peace focusing on transforming the enemy. We go into examples of this, both interpersonal and intrapersonal. Heading into the main חידוש of the מאמר, the רבי says that the ultimate completion of the peace is where the two focuses of peace fuse together. To explain this, we go into one of the מאמרים that the פריערדיקער רבי said for the רבי's wedding, explaining the necessity of feeling ביטול while learning תורה. How does this all connect? Stay tuned...

82

Padah Beshalom 5722 part 2/4 (Se'if 3-5)

Nov 20, 2023

44:14

So what is יחידה, and how does it work? Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי offers us a glimpse into a life-changing core energy and how to trigger it. We then segue into an explanation of the two-tiered peace alluded to in the פסוק of "ושבתי בשלום".

83

Padah Beshalom 5722 part 1/4 (Se'if 1-2)

Nov 13, 2023

46:25

As we begin this מאמר, the רבי quotes the paradox of the words "פדה בשלום" - to peace, or not to peace? The explanation of the earlier מאמרים is, although usually Davening is an עבודה of war; of investing oneself into an intimate conversation with the נפש הבהמית, if it is done with the power of יחידה, there is but one guaranteed outcome - victory!

84

Vayihyu Chayei Sarah 5751 part 3/3 (Se'if 6-8)

Nov 6, 2023

54:23

What is the importance of the "higher" כתר coming and infusing the "lower" מוחין and מדות? Is it only that the "higher" receives from giving to the "lower"? Or is it, as the רבי makes us aware, because in the perspective of Hashem's Essence there is no "higher" and "lower"? This is the newfound appreciation of עצם: An עבודה of ביטול, of rejecting all perspectives - even spiritual ones - of self and self-perfection, and embracing the perspective of Hashem's Desire of having a דירה בתחתונים. This is the message of "כולן שוין לטובה", and with this the רבי answers the questions from the beginning of the מאמר and fuses together the explanations of חסידות and רש"י on this fundamental פסוק!

85

Vayihyu Chayei Sarah 5751 part 2/3 (Se'if 4-5)

Oct 29, 2023

49:20

Continuing in the מאמר, the Rebbe explains the power of כתר, as the זהר says, "כללא דכולא", "encompassing everything". כתר is not an abstract energy, it is rather the energy within every tangible and concrete experience of intellect and emotion ("20" and "7"). As the זהר continues, this is the idea of making 100 daily ברכות. A ברכה is the formula of our entire עבודה in this world, which the רבי explains in a revolutionary way, uncovering a tremendous חידוש of דור שביעי in the way we view ברכות, and our entire עבודה!

86

Vayihyu Chayei Sarah 5751 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Oct 22, 2023

53:20

Why do we need to know about שרה's life span? How is this opening פסוק - like every פסוק in תורה - a lesson and an empowerment for every Yid? The רבי quotes the זהר, as explained by the generations of רביים before him, which guides us through סדר השתלשלות, and seeing it reflected in the פסוק's description of שרה's life. As we tour our inner psyche, we see how שרה's life is a guide for us to live a wholesome and perfect life. But, how does this explanation of חסידות fit with רש"י's explanation of the פסוק?

87

Le'oseh Niflaos Gedolos Levado 5734

Oct 16, 2023

1:17:27

In light of the war that broke out this year (5784) in ארץ ישראל on שמחת תורה (October 7, 2023), we are learning a 1-week מאמר about miracles, said by the רבי on the שבת בראשית of 5734 (1973), during the height of the Yom Kippur War. In it, the רבי explains how אידן affect the entire process of creation, being that they are connected to the very Essence of Hashem Himself. The רבי goes through various levels of סדר השתלשלות, showing how it all is nothing to Hashem, and thus nothing to the אידן who are connected to Him. The רבי then explains how שבת בראשית is the source of energy for the rest of the year, just like ראש השנה, but higher!

88

Atem Nitzavim 5739 part 2/2 (Se'if 3-8)

Sep 11, 2023

50:42

As we see, a treaty must be made before entering ארץ ישראל, both within תורה (represented by תורה שבעל פה), on the map (represented by the fulfillment of מצות), and on the calendar (represented by ראש השנה). What is this treaty that is a prerequisite to all these experiences? Connecting the highest, most sublime levels with the practical, tangible, lowest of experiences. It is specifically in these 'lowly' acts where we find, and connect to, Hashem's Essence!

89

Atem Nitzavim 5739 part 1/2 (Se'if 1-2)

Sep 4, 2023

46:28

Welcome to a new year of Sunday morning מאמרים! In today's מאמר, we begin with a discussion on the treaty that took place in this week's פרשה: geographically before the אידן entered ארץ ישראל, and calendrically every year before ראש השנה. The מאמר then segues into the פסוק of "כי תבוא", quoting the explanations of the בעל שם טוב, the מעזריטשער מעיד, and the אלטער רבי, respectively. This is the famous teaching of the בעל שם טוב in גן עדן quoted by the רבי רש"ב, on שבת פרשת כי תבוא, ח"י אלול, in the year 5652 (1892). We went back to see the שיחה of the פריערדיקער רבי where he sets the scene, describing this surreal experience!

90

Ve'atoh Yisrael 5737 part 4/4 (Se'if 8-10)

Jun 18, 2023

54:15

As we finish the מאמר, we are given a deeper appreciation as to what transpires when we make a ברכה, bringing Hashem's Energy into this world. With this, we reshape our identity of self as one that expresses Hashem's Desire. This is what Hashem wants of us - to bring out our core power of "מה", specifically by getting out there and accomplishing - "מאה"!

91

Ve'atoh Yisrael 5737 part 3/4 (Se'if 6-7)

Jun 11, 2023

51:53

As we continue in the מאמר, the רבי quotes the lengthy explanation of the צמח צדק on our פסוק: Even in the most challenging of times, a איד is guaranteed victory over any obstacles that are in his way of serving Hashem, if he only uncovers the "מה" - the essential point of his נשמה, which is always connected to Hashem; no matter how far he has gone. This מה can never be entirely destroyed. Yes, it can be lost, but it can be found as well. This is exactly the one essential point that Hashem is asking of the אידן: reveal your מה, utilize the essential power of the נשמה in every situation, thus revealing Hashem in this physical world, and fulfilling the purpose of the נשמה's descent into this world! Nice! What does that have to do with making 100 ברכות? Stay tuned...

92

Ve'atoh Yisrael 5737 part 2/4 (Se'if 3-5)

Jun 4, 2023

53:07

We are looking for the essential point - the "מה" of אידישקייט - the one thing that Hashem asks us; the entry point into all the details, and through which all the details are illuminated and infused with energy. What is "מה"? (Correct) The רבי's explanation is, "מה" is the inherent ביטול that a איד has by virtue of his/her נשמה's essential bond with Hashem, as is expressed in מסירות נפש, which is beyond the confines of any expression; it just is. But how does one reveal this indescribable and inherently hidden essence? For that we have "מאה"! The hundred details, the expressions of the person's נשמה. These are the details that reveal the essence, and these are the details that get illuminated by the power of the essence!

93

Ve'atoh Yisrael 5737 part 1/4 (Se'if 1-3)

May 28, 2023

45:00

As we begin the מאמר, the רבי points out the contrast between the words "מה" and "מאה" that the גמרא puts together in a way of אל תקרי … אלא. Seemingly, "מה" is nothing, and "מאה" is a great עבודה. How can they work together - to the point that one can only reach "מה" through "מאה"?! The מדרש brings a fascinating dialogue between דוד המלך and ה regarding דוד's request(s) of "אחת שאלתי". As explained by the מעזריטשר מגיד - and further explained by the רבי, what דוד המלך figured out was that there is the one essential point, with which all details are not even considered separate details. This is what משה is telling the אידן that ה is asking of them: one essential point, with which all the details of serving ה become illuminated, being that this point is the true essence of all the details (as will be explained throughout this מאמר). What is this one essential point? יראה. Why? Stay tuned...

94

Bachodesh Hashlishi 5729 part 4/4 (Se'if 8-11)

May 21, 2023

44:09

As we finish the מאמר, the רבי uncovers the depth within "נעשה ונשמע", and the preparations necessary for מתן תורה: Why indeed must "נעשה" come before "נשמע"? The answer is, "נעשה" is true ביטול, and "נשמע" is fulfilling what Hashem wants. In order for the ביטול of "נשמע" to be complete, it must be preceded by "נעשה", and in order for the ביטול of "נעשה" to be aligned with Hashem's goal, it must be followed by "נשמע"! With this, we understand why we learn out the preparations for מתן תורה, not from "מדבר" - total ביטול - as would be intuitively perceived (and as תוספות suggests in his question), but from "היום הזה" - expression of self: Once we align our identity of self as total ביטול, we then fulfill our purpose of having been created, by expressing this 'self' and making a דירה בתחתונים!

95

Bachodesh Hashlishi 5729 part 3/4 (Se'if 7-8)

May 14, 2023

53:04

Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי quotes and explains a מאמר of the רבי מהר"ש dealing with the גמרא's description of the אידן receiving two crowns for "נעשה ונשמע": Was the specialty of "נעשה ונשמע" in as of itself, or because of the אידן's dedication expressed in saying "נעשה" before "נשמע"? The רבי מהר"ש launches into a lengthy explanation of "קבלת עול מלכות שמים" vs. "קבלת עול מצות", and "רצוא" vs. "שוב", and explains that a crown is מקיף. As the רבי explains, when a איד does a מצוה, the connection to Hashem can still be trapped within the איד's personal experience, and be less about Hashem. Only when coming after the introduction of "נעשה", is it crown-worthy; a connection to Hashem, on Hashem's level!

96

Bachodesh Hashlishi 5729 part 2/4 (Se'if 4-6)

May 7, 2023

49:43

Continuing in the מאמר, the רבי connects the two preparations for מתן תורה with the two words "מדבר" and "סיני": While "מדבר" represents the 1st preparation - the ביטול of the איד to Hashem, "סיני" represents the 2nd preparation - the perfection of working and refining oneself. Why is perfection and completion part of the package of the ביטול preparation? Well, what exactly is ביטול? Utter selflessness and negation of any expression? Or, perhaps it is identifying oneself - including all of one's expressions - solely as expressions of Hashem! With this newfound appreciation of ביטול, the רבי explains why תוספות wanted to learn the גזירה שוה that tells us when the אידן began their preparations for מתן תורה from the word "מדבר" - representing total ביטול. Yet, the גמרא did not learn it from there and instead learned it from "הזה" - as תוספות explains - because indeed, in the word "הזה" - representing expression - is where true ביטול is to be found!

97

Bachodesh Hashlishi 5729 part 1/4 (Se'if 1-3)

Apr 30, 2023

50:03

Welcome to a new מאמר, as we approach the season of מתן תורה and שבועות! The מאמר is based on the פסוק that begins the saga of מתן תורה, which tells us that the אין came to the סיני desert on ראש חודש סיון. In his מאמר, the אלטער רבי offers two explanations as to why this date is significant: 1) ראש חודש is when the moon is at its smallest point, representing ביטול - self-nullification. 2) ראש חודש סיון is when we have finished refining our root emotions throughout the process of ספירת העומר. The רבי shows how these two explanations correspond to the two (opposite) prerequisite preparations that one must have before receiving the תורה: both ביטול, and שלימות - self-perfection. Being that the whole novelty of מתן תורה was that now a איד who learns תורה transcends him/herself and is fully connected with Hashem, we understand why ביטול is a necessary preparation. But why is self-perfection necessary? And, how do these two opposites co-exist?! Stay tuned...

98

Gan No'ul 5747

Apr 23, 2023

56:57

In this wonderful מאמר, based on a מאמר of the רבי מהר"ש, the רבי uncovers a beautiful depth hiding within the fulfillment of מצות. Whereas מצות are likened to the "קידושין" (betrothal) stage of a relationship, and תורה to the "נישואין" (marriage) stage, it is possible to view מצות as merely a preparation for learning תורה. However, the רבי מהר"ש explains, Hashem is betrothing us with the fulfillment of מצות, because מצות are valuable; מצות are the source of life. This leads the רבי to uncover that truthfully, מצות too provide us with a romantic, deep connection to Hashem (albeit not on the same ultimate level of depth that תורה does)! When we fulfill a מצוה, we are not only keeping ourselves untainted and pure, designated for Hashem. We are also inviting Hashem into our psyche, transforming ourselves and becoming better people!

99

Kimei Tzeischa 5742 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-7)

Apr 2, 2023

57:50

As we wrap up the מאמר, the רבי uncovers a tremendous depth in the quality of יציאת מצרים, which explains why we compare the final גאולה to it, and why we will mention it even after the final גאולה: In our daily service of Hashem, יציאת מצרים represents "אתכפיא", when we can only subdue evil, either by ignoring it or by fighting it. As opposed to the final גאולה, which represents "אתהפכא", when we transform evil. Although transformation is obviously greater, there is a quality in fighting the evil - specifically in that there is evil to be fought. Hashem gives us temptations specifically to fight them, Hashem gives us challenges specifically to overcome them. When we do, we fulfill the deepest purpose of our creation, bringing Hashem tremendous pleasure! When משיח comes, we will not have any evil to fight; we will lack that עבודה of אתכפיא - and that is exactly why we will still mention יציאת מצרים! Struggles don't get in the way of your freedom; they are the way to your freedom!

100

Kimei Tzeischa 5742 part 2/3 (Se'if 3-4)

Mar 26, 2023

50:07

Continuing the compare-and-contrast analysis of יציאת מצרים vis-à-vis the final גאולה, the רבי explains the quality of יציאת מצרים, which is why we compare to it the final גאולה: Although יציאת מצרים was no as great in level as the final גאולה will be, it was the first גאולה, and therefore the beginning of the process for all subsequent גאולות. Bringing מתן תורה into the picture, we see the full sequence of the process, beginning with יציאת מצרים, continuing with מתן תורה - which then began a new step in the process - and finishing with the final גאולה. This explains why we use the plural term, "כימי צאתך", because every day is continuing the process of liberation that began at יציאת מצרים! The רבי invites us to break free of the new boundaries that each day brings. With such a lifestyle, we live a life of constant freedom!

Chassidus Explained

Chassidus Explained

More by Rabbi Shmuel Wagner