Chassidus Explained

101

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!

102

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!

103

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...

104

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!

105

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!

106

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!

107

Kimei Tzeischa 5742 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-2)

Mar 19, 2023

53:25

We begin this מאמר on פסח with fusing two opposite interpretations of the פסוק that says "כימי צאתך מארץ מצרים אראנו נפלאות": Will the current גאולה be comparable to, or incomparably greater than, the גאולה from מצרים? The explanation is based on learning the topic of the spiritual level of Hashem's Presence that was revealed at יציאת מצרים, called חמשים שערי בינה, the Fifty Gates of Understanding. As we explore what that means, what was revealed at יציאת מצרים, and what will be revealed at the current גאולה, we end up with an explanation of how the two גאולות are the same, yet very different...

108

Sichas Purim 5701

Mar 5, 2023

41:54

What is a "Jew"? In this powerful שיחה, the פריערדיקער רבי offers a fascinating insight into the פורים story: What about מרדכי bothered המן? How did מרדכי spark an inner revolution amongst the Jews of his generation? What is the message of פורים for the Jews in America amid World War II, for us now, and forever?

109

Balailah Hahu 5744 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-8)

Feb 26, 2023

59:57

As we wrap up the מאמר, the רבי applies our newfound understanding of גלות's secret power to the פורים story: If we can draw from the 'subconscious' power of גלות (sleep) the way it exists above and beyond סדר השתלשלות into our 'conscious' reality - סדר השתלשלות - then miracles can happen even within גלות! This affect is caused, as the פריערדיקער רבי explains, through the עבודה of מסירות נפש, as it was by the אידן in the time of the פורים story, when they went through an entire year - with all its accompanying ups and downs - with the staunch strength of מסירות נפש. This is because מסירות נפש has the same formula: energizing the daily powers of the נשמה with the unwavering power of the יחידה. So too for us, miracles can happen even while in גלות! Through infusing our daily תורה and מצות with the power of מסירות נפש - specifically that of "not feeling ashamed in the face of scoffers" - we draw from the subconscious energy of pre-operation into our system of operation!

110

Balailah Hahu 5744 part 2/3 (Se'if 3-4)

Feb 19, 2023

53:41

As we continue the מאמר, the רבי introduces a major paradigm shift in our perspective of גלות. Like sleep, גלות is indeed when our energies are not functioning in their healthy state where precedence is given to the more important energies. However, this is only in our experience of the energies. The energies themselves are then in their most inherently powerful state, as they are in the very essence of existence, pre-regulation. Just as in the general סדר השתלשלות, the energies of Hashem as they are in אין סוף are unlimited, and therefore undefined. The definitions and limitations of אצילות and on lead to functionality. גלות is when סדר השתלשלות does not function regularly, but that does not mean that the system is shut down; in fact during גלות the system is experiencing an intense refresher, where the energies are receding to their source - and in their source they are inherently powerful. The problem, of course, is that this is only true in their source, while 'down here' we only experience the shut down. Unless...

111

Balailah Hahu 5744 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Feb 12, 2023

52:47

As we begin this מאמר about פורים, we want to understand the מדרש that tells us that אחשורוש not sleeping is a reference to Hashem not being able to sleep. The פריערדיקער רבי uses this to explain how this part of the פורים story is the apex of the miracle. Being that the world operates around the behavior of the אידן, when the אידן are drowsy in their fulfillment of תורה and מצות, it causes a drowsiness in the world - גלות. Why is גלות compared to sleep? The difference between how a person operates awake vs. asleep is not in their functionality. It is about the method of their functionality, it is about the hierarchy of the psyche. While a conscious decision is one where preference is given to logic, then emotions, then expression, dreams on the other hand are chaotic, because there is no hierarchy of operation. This is a precise description of גלות: chaos reigns, what should be important is not, and vice versa.

112

Basi Legani 5743 part 3/3 (Se'if 7-9)

Feb 5, 2023

59:21

We finish the מאמר with a deeper understanding as to why תורה speaks of קליפה in such detail: The intimate knowledge of קליפה as found in תורה gives a איד the ability to completely transform all elements of קליפה, without getting stuck in it. This explains why משה was fearful of getting involved with פרעה, while at the same time תורה commands every איד to transform even the lowest levels of קליפה. Through the G-dly perspective of תורה, a איד can engage with קליפה without the fear of it possibly dragging him down. This evolved into a discussion of how דירה בתחתונים is accomplished through תורה vs. מצות. While Hashem is indeed brought into this physical world through our physical מצות, it is only revealed through the light of תורה.

113

Basi Legani 5743 part 2/3 (Se'if 4-6)

Jan 29, 2023

52:59

As we continue the מאמר, we uncover the depth as to why תורה writes so much about the depths of the קליפות. As the רבי explains, תורה is not only the energy of everything, including קליפות, it is also the antidote to be able to transform them to holiness, thus fulfilling the entire purpose of creation. While we indeed ask Hashem not to present us with the challenges and struggles born out of said קליפות, we are able to face them head-on as they exist within the G-dly framework of תורה. By learning about them in detail, we identify their spark of holiness and redeem their life energy out of the קליפות in which the sparks are trapped.

114

Basi Legani 5743 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Jan 22, 2023

51:16

This year's באתי לגני focuses on פרק י"ג of the פריערדיקער רבי's המשך. We begin the מאמר with setting the stage for פרק י"ג, by explaining what our job is, and how we get it done. Our job is to transform the lowest and lowliest situations of this world, situations in which G-dliness is so concealed that the foolishness of unholiness is the prominent reality. The way we get it done is by using the "treasures" that Hashem pumps in to this battle. Quoting תיקוני זהר, the theme of this פרק is how "אור אין סוף למטה מטה עד אין תכלית", Hashem's Infinite Light permeates the lowest of places. This is how we achieve the victory - as well as what the victory looks like. In this מאמר, the רבי focuses on the battleground: The world of ultimate קליפה, where Hashem's presence is not only hidden, but denied.

115

Vayedaber Elokim El Moshe 5732

Jan 15, 2023

59:21

As the exodus from Egypt begins in this week's פרשה, we see a conspicuous importance placed on שם הוי-ה in the opening פסוקים. What is its significance in connection to redemption? In the narrative of the פסוקים, we see a seeming contradiction in understanding משה's greatness. Was משה cherished by virtue of him himself being the seventh, or was he piggy-backing off the virtue of the אבות, with אברהם being greater than משה? While תורה indeed brings Hashem into our world, our מאמר explains that this can only happen through a איד connecting - and submitting himself - to Hashem, which takes place during, and through, Davening. The תורה is represented by משה, while Davening is represented by the אבות. While שם הוי-ה redeems this world with the light of תורה through משה, it can only happen with the framework of the selflessness expressed during Davening - the experience of the אבות.

116

Ve'eileh Shemos 5726 part 2/2 (Se'if 4-5)

Jan 8, 2023

59:12

We finish the מאמר by describing the גלות that exists even within what was meant to be the signs of Hashem - תורה and מצות. Elaborately, the רבי describes the narrowness we unfortunately experience in our Davening, learning תורה, and interpersonal emotions. The solution exists in the concept of "names", which is, ironically, where the problem presented itself as well. A "name" is the paradox of גלות and גאולה; of containing the עצם, while simultaneously concealing it. Just as the Jews in Egypt did, through tapping into our Jewish "names", our עצם, we can reveal the Light of Hashem in our lives, and experience true redemption!

117

Ve'eileh Shemos 5726 part 1/2 (Se'if 1-4)

Jan 1, 2023

55:31

With פרשת שמות, we begin חומש שמות, the narrative of the Jews' slavery to, and ultimate redemption from, Egypt. The Biblical exile down to Egypt is still ongoing, because the redemption that took place then was only a partial redemption; we are constantly working towards the completion of that redemption. To understand our redemption, and redemption process, we must begin by identifying our Egypt. In this שיעור, we focus on the process of creation: as it was meant to be, and the corrupted version post חטא עץ הדעת. We see how it pertains to our life, being that our process of communication mirrors Hashem's process of creation.

118

Tanu Rabanan Mitzvas Ner Chanukah 5738 part 2/2 (Se'if 5-6)

Dec 25, 2022

44:33

After explaining the argument of the Greeks last week, we finish the מאמר this week by defining how to fight against it, and how we see this in the story of חנוכה. Being that the Greeks defiled all the oil - all the intellect - the only way to be victorious against them is by using the unbeatable power of the יחידה. Not only is there no struggle when it comes to יחידה, there is not even a discussion - because in the יחידה perspective, because there is no other option! In two words: מסירות נפש. This is what we celebrate on חנוכה - a Judaism centered around, and based on, unwavering dedication to Hashem, not because it makes sense, but because this is the only reality, and we are ready to defend this reality at any cost!

119

Tanu Rabanan Mitzvas Ner Chanukah 5738 part 1/2 (Se'if 3-4)

Dec 18, 2022

57:01

What is the celebration of חנוכה about? We begin the מאמר outside, and then explore the deeper meaning of the Greeks' argument. What exactly was bothering them about Judaism? What is at the core of doing מצות? Does understanding a מצוה weaken, or strengthen, one's connection to Hashem? We explore the perspective of the רמב"ם regarding מצות, and then the perspective of חסידות - uncovering that the Greeks had a problem, not (only) with illogical מצות, but with the Jewish approach of entirely disregarding logic.

120

Yom Asher Asah Hashem Lanu 5725

Dec 11, 2022

52:25

In this 1-week מאמר, the רבי uncovers what is at the core of the celebration of י"ט כסלו, what caused it to happen, and the lesson we can all learn from it. The מאמר is based on the well-known letter of the אלטער רבי to ר' לוי יצחק of Berditchev, wherein the אלטער רבי describes his liberation of י"ט כסלו. The רבי analyzes the אלטער רבי's choice of words in recording the date upon which the salvation took place, and uncovers the depth of what is truly important about the day of י"ט כסלו. In the first half of the מאמר the discussion is centered around terminology of קבלה and חסידות. In the second half of the מאמר, the רבי spells it out in more simple terms. What was the great מסירות נפש of the אלטער רבי? In a fascinating twist, the רבי uncovers a much deeper מסירות נפש than the אלטער רבי agreeing to be imprisoned: The אלטער רבי agreeing to be freed!

121

Padah Beshalom 5739 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-8)

Dec 6, 2022

53:42

We wrap up the מאמר by applying the three stages of נר"ן, חיה, יחידה to our day-to-day lives, thus answering the question from the beginning of the מאמר; how "פדה" and "שלום" can coexist. We first see how these three stages of war and peace existed in the lives of דוד and שלמה, giving us the three terms of "התלבשות", then "התגברות", and "מנוחה בעצם". In our day-to-day lives, these correspond to doing business, eating, and Davening (in a borrowed sense). The punchline is to be able to approach the ultimate involvement in גשמיות - business - with the complete clarity of the יחידה, wherein גשמיות can only exist as a springboard to serving Hashem. There is no other option. With such a mindset, "פדה - בשלום!". The World War is - Won!

122

Padah Beshalom 5739 part 2/3 (Se'if 3-4)

Nov 27, 2022

52:03

We continue to describe the love of Hashem taking place during Davening and specifically during שמע. While "בכל לבבך" definitely deals head-on with the enemy, that truth is that "בכל נפשך" is also not a true expression of peace, being that the enemy still exists, albeit subdued. True peace, as defined by the non-existence of the enemy, only happens in the world of "בכל מאדך", the world of יחידה, as it is nothing but an expression of Hashem, a reality in which nothing else exists. This is experienced (at this point of the מאמר) through true מסירות נפש, when a איד gives it all away not because he chooses to, but because of a non-choice reality - the reality of the יחידה!

123

Padah Beshalom 5739 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Nov 27, 2022

56:41

Beginning the מאמר, the רבי points out the paradox of "פדה" and "שלום", and highlights the extreme opposites found in the two words. The topic of the מאמר is then introduced: identifying the "peace" and "war" within oneself that takes place during Davening. Loving Hashem takes on three stages. In this שיעור, we focus on the contrast between the first two: a logical debate - "war" - between the two souls vs. a non-negotiable fact - "peace" - with which the G-dly soul overwhelms and overtakes the animalistic soul.

124

Vayihyu Chayei Sarah 5745 Se'if 1-3

Nov 13, 2022

60:00

In this 1-week שיעור we learn the beginning of ויהיו חיי שרה from the year 5745, where the רבי discusses the true depth of תשובה. Does תשובה really change me? Do I need to become a better person? How do I change my past that might not be so great? In learning a lesson from the life of שרה, the רבי uncovers the core identity of a person, which enables him to live his best life, without the need of 'transforming' his past! Novel explanation of a generations-old question on תניא included!

125

VaHashem Amar 5737 part 3/3 (Se'if 5-6)

Nov 6, 2022

1:13:27

We finish our מאמר with two different explanations of what we accomplish by doing מצות: 1) Completing Hashem's trip into our world, revealing levels connected to Hashem's journey, 2) touching Hashem's very essence, the Quintessential Concealment, through dealing with our own personal concealment. The רבי beautifully connects these two explanations to the two מאמרים of the רבי רש"ב on פרשת וירא in המשך ס"ו, as they also connect to their respective placement on the calendar, as well as the רבי רש"ב's location when saying the two מאמרים! By understanding the fundamental difference in the approach of the two מאמרים, we also understand the difference in subtleties between the two מאמרים, as discussed in the beginning of our מאמר. We walk away from this מאמר with a newfound appreciation of מצות, either as they pertain to our relationship with Hashem, or to our personal life struggles.

126

VaHashem Amar 5737 part 2/3 (Se'if 4-5)

Oct 31, 2022

50:39

Building on the explanation of why מצות are called "Hashem's way", the רבי רש"ב emphasizes that Interstate 613 must be a two-way street. Hashem sends down תורה, and we send back our מצות. This happens when our מצות are done, not out of rote, but with self-scrutinization and pushing oneself past the comfort zone. Why is it so important that we mirror back Hashem's Light through our מצות? The first explanation is because that is how we complete the road; the true point of the King coming down to the village is for the village to be raised back to him. When you do a מצוה, specifically when it is hard, you are showing up to the relationship, fulfilling the point of Hashem having given the תורה!

127

VaHashem Amar 5737 part 1/3 (Se'if 1-3)

Oct 23, 2022

50:32

Welcome! In our מאמר, the רבי analyzes the differences between two מאמרים of פרשת וירא, from the years 5666 and 5667 (1905 and 1906). Although they are part of the same המשך (series) of מאמרים, they explain the פסוקים of "וה' אמר" from this week's פרשה differently. The רבי explains the concept of מצות being "Hashem's way", by way (pun intended) of an analogy: just as a physical road connects distant, even opposite, locations with each other, a מצוה connects the greatest levels of Hashem's Essence with this physical world!

Chassidus Explained

Chassidus Explained

More by Rabbi Shmuel Wagner