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Chassidus Perspective

Making Torah Our Reality

We don’t need proofs or emunah to validate the world’s existence. Of course it exists. After all, we see it!

Why can we not posit that the world is a mere figment of our imagination, and in truth it does not exist?

Freedom or Wealth?

If a person does not elevate the sparks in his jurisdiction, it is not just the sparks that suffer; the person himself is incomplete.

Each person has certain individuals he is entrusted with to draw closer to Yiddishkeit, without which he cannot properly leave golus.

Yosef and Yehudah: Which Brother Is Better?

If we want our kabolas ol to truly permeate us, we must first cultivate a love and fear of Hashem, to recognize and appreciate the King to whom we are submitting ourselves.

Chassidus and the Number Three

The only way one can transform one’s actual character is by dealing with it head-on.

As long as one doesn’t actually address his negative character traits, no Heavenly awakening will help.

A Pile of Stones

To see holiness only in the spiritual is to interact with Hashem in a limited, reduced fashion; the revelation of a far more powerful level of G-dliness enables us to connect with Hashem even in the mundane aspects of our lives.

Sarah Lives On!

True, it is important to spread G‑dliness to all, but one must also make distinctions where necessary.

We must deem our everyday activities the throwaway “gifts” to our inner non-Jew, and give “everything we possess” to “Yitzchak,” our G‑dly soul.

The Definition of a Jew

The Torah isn’t here to tell us about Avraham the man, but about Avraham the first Jew.

Emunah is not a weakness but a strength; it is like actually seeing something in contrast to merely proving that it is there.

The Mabul’s Praise

Not only did the mabul purify the world, but it was an event that entailed praising Hashem.

When we reach Shemoneh Esrei, we are so batel to Hashem that we are unable to utter anything at all, even to praise Him.

The mabul empowers us to combine both advantages: we are created beings who feel their existence, and yet we stand in a state of complete bitul to Hashem.

The Essence of Yom Kippur

To do teshuvah because we were commanded to do so would be an oxymoron, similar to the machzorim that give instructions when to cry.

A Tree of the Field

Sechel alone has no value; its entire purpose is to lead to midos and result in actual change.

When does a talmid chacham have significance? If his intellectual pursuits lead him to be of upright character.

A person may incorrectly think that pnimiyus hatorah is too sublime to be used to better our character traits.

Canceling Our Spiritual Debts

Hashem gives each one of us a “loan”: He grants us banei, chayei and mezonei, which we are free to use as we wish.

When shemitah arrives, Hashem absolves us of our unmet commitments and gives us a new “loan.”

We each know where we’re holding; we have not repaid our “debts,” at least not in full.

We can’t expect leniency when answering to the Heavenly Beis Din. Only when Hashem is directly involved can we be sure of a positive outcome.

A Thought from Reb Levi Yitzchak

As children, when asked who our brachos were directed to, Abaye and Rava both replied that it was Hashem; Rava pointed at the roof, while Abaye went outside and gestured towards the heavens.

We must generally act within the parameters of nature. However, there are times when we must switch gears and transcend nature.

The Endless Voice

One might think that only the Torah in the original Lashon Hakodesh contains Hashem’s essence.

Even Rabbinic ordinances, instituted by the Tannaim and Amoraim and in later times, contain Hashem’s Essence.

The Ultimate Vision

Inspiration achieved through one’s own efforts is far deeper and more meaningful. Yet, Heavenly inspiration is much more powerful and intense.

On Shabbos Chazon, we have the ability to sense that we and Hashem are one, resulting in the highest levels becoming our actual nature.

The Value of Vows

Through observing the gezeiros of Chazal, we can reach greater heights than what could have been achieved when they weren’t necessary.

A Jew’s Unlimited Power

Just as Hashem has no restrictions and can do anything He desires, a Jew can similarly choose to do anything he wishes.

This highlights the tremendous power of bechirah chafshis, demonstrating the extent of what a Jew can choose to do.

What’s Your True Motive?

Condemning another for appearing to operate out of gaavah may in truth be fueled by yeshus.

While you are supposedly defending bittul, perhaps in truth you are operating out of yeshus!

Logic Vs. Chukah: What’s Your Preference?

A mitzvah done because you understand it is something external, while one fulfilled with kabalas ol reflects who you truly are.

A Luminous Home

Korach asked: “Madua tisnas’u? Why should a Jew strive to reach higher levels of spirituality?”

One aspect of the dirah is that it must be a dwelling place for Hashem Himself. But additionally, there must be brightness.

Some might argue that there’s no need to learn Chassidus and serve Hashem with the heart. Parshas Korach teaches us that this is incorrect.

The Joyful Daughter

When your submission to Hashem is the result of your personal choice, even if you surrender completely, a feeling of self still remains.

There is the Jew who would perhaps choose to leave the fold, chas veshalom. Yet, there is something that just does not let him leave.

Reflecting on this and realizing that this deep connection is the greatest privilege will enable us to gladly accept the yoke we have no choice but to accept.

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