The Ways of Chassidim

Darkei hachassidim - The ways of chassidim is an expression for the collection of actions and behaviors customary among chassidim, which bring the study of chassidus to practical expression in daily life.

The importance of Darchei HaChassidim

In order to be considered a chassid, it is not enough to study chassidus, even abundantly, but one must also conduct oneself according to the ways of chassidus. As the Alter Rebbe expressed: "A thief is not one who knows how to steal, but one who actually steals. A scholar is not one who knows how to learn, but one who actually learns. A chassid is not one who can be a chassid, but one who actually conducts himself according to the ways of chassidus."

The Frierdiker Rebbe even expressed that the ways of chassidus are like the 'positive commandments' of chassidus, and similar to mitzvos—the main thing is their actual fulfillment, not just the intention.

The importance of darkei hachassidus is also expressed in the traditional blessing among Chabad chassidim for Yud-Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashanah of chassidus: "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of chassidus and in the ways of chassidus." This is connected with the redemption itself, since the accusation was both against spreading the teachings of chassidus and against spreading the ways of chassidim. When the accusation was nullified, the Alter Rebbe was permitted to continue publishing the teachings of chassidus and strengthening the ways of chassidus.

For Chabad chassidim, following the ways of chassidim has the status of an obligation of "according to the Torah which they will instruct you," and one should not be intimidated by questions and claims, since the ways of chassidim were transmitted to us by our Rebbeim.

The meaning of the expression

The expression 'ways of chassidim' expresses their dual purpose, just as a 'path' connects two settlements, for example: both for those coming from the village to the city and for those coming from the city to the village. Similarly, the ways of chassidus have a dual purpose: to bring the study of chassidus into practical action, and to reach through them the revelation of light from the study of chassidus. Precisely because they are practical matters, one can grasp them and use them to ignite the light of chassidus, and because of this, the ways of chassidus are called 'an inheritance without boundaries.'

Transmitting the ways of chassidus

The Frierdiker Rebbe testified about himself that one of the fundamental instructions his father, the Rebbe Rashab, taught him was to absorb the ways of chassidus from elder chassidim.

The time of farbrengen (chassidic gathering) is the time to absorb the ways of chassidim and to become a proper vessel for them. One of the reasons for establishing the Tomchei Temimim yeshivas was to produce students who would have mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Torah and avodah in the ways of chassidus.

Additionally, reading the letters of the Frierdiker Rebbe and the sichos (talks) he published has the power to impart the ways of chassidus, and this is the purpose of their publication.

Unlike the study of chassidus, where there are differences in levels between individuals, the ways of chassidus are equally applicable to every person and suitable for everyone.

Darkei hachassidim and darkei hachassidus

There is a distinction between the expressions 'ways of chassidim' (darkei hachassidim) and 'ways of chassidus' (darkei hachassidus). 'Ways of chassidim' includes a person's work with his surroundings and household members to illuminate them with the light of chassidus and influence those he comes in contact with, while 'ways of chassidus' includes a person's work with himself.

The first to reveal and demonstrate the ways of chassidus was the Baal Shem Tov, and the one who publicized, revealed, and disseminated the ways of chassidim was the Alter Rebbe.

The main purpose of chassidus is to become a 'lamplighter' and engage in the ways of chassidim, but to reach this, one must first work on the ways of chassidus. Although the ways of chassidim and chassidus include many matters, there were certain specifics that were mentioned and explained by our Rebbeim with special emphasis:

Darkei hachassidus:

• Kabbalas ol (acceptance of the yoke). To carry out without asking why.
• Singing during prayer.
• Knowledge of the needs of one's fellow and the welfare of his family—one of the foundations of the ways of chassidus.
• That chassidim should live as one family according to Torah with love.
• To share good news from one person to another.

Darkei hachassidim:

• The 'moisture' of the ways of chassidim comes from elder chassidim.
• Avodas hatefillah (service of prayer).
• Farbrengen (chassidic gatherings).

In Chabad literature

Due to the centrality of this topic, many Chabad publications include a regular column dealing with the ways of chassidim.

Additionally, over the years several books have been published collecting these topics:

• Darkei hachassidim, published by Vaad Chayalei Beis Dovid
• Darko shel chassid, published by Tzivos Hashem youth movement in Eretz HaKodesh
• Darkei hachassidus, published by Machon Ohr HaChassidus, four volumes
• Holech chassid - Learning and assignments booklet, Chananya Zohar, 5784

External links

• Tag: Darkei hachassidim, on the website 'Lachluschis geulatis'