Editing The Ways of Chassidim (section)

== 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<ref>Toras Shalom Page 190</ref>."

[[The Rebbe Rayatz|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<ref>Sichas Motzei Yud Tes Kislev Tzaddik Beis, Likkutei Dibburim Chelekn Hei.</ref>.

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<ref>Sichas Achron Shel Peasach Yud Beis</ref>.

==== 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.'