Toras HaChassidus: Difference between revisions
| (2 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown) | |||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
'''Chabad Chassidus''' or '''Toras HaChassidus''' is a system of teachings that primarily relates to the human capacity to understand godliness and to utilize this knowledge in the service of [[Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d)|the Creator]]. These teachings are sometimes referred to in English as '''Chabad philosophy''', and is presented as the total collection of teachings of the Chassidic founders and the Seven Rebbes of [[Chabad-Lubavitch]]. Major themes in Chabad philosophy include the nature of divinity, the soul, and the meaning of the 613 commandments. | '''Chabad Chassidus''' or '''Toras HaChassidus''' is a system of teachings that primarily relates to the human capacity to understand godliness and to utilize this knowledge in the service of [[Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d)|the Creator]]. These teachings are sometimes referred to in English as '''Chabad philosophy''', and is presented as the total collection of teachings of the Chassidic founders and the Seven Rebbes of [[Chabad-Lubavitch]]. Major themes in Chabad philosophy include the nature of divinity, the soul, and the meaning of the 613 commandments. | ||
Its foundations and guidance were revealed in the middle of the sixth millennium of creation in Central Europe by [[the Baal Shem Tov]], and spread through his many students until it reached Jerusalem<ref> | Its foundations and guidance were revealed in the middle of the sixth millennium of creation in Central Europe by [[the Baal Shem Tov]], and spread through his many students until it reached Jerusalem<ref>Language of Baal Shem Tov's Letter to Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shklov</ref>. | ||
Chassidus is essentially an explanation of [[Kabbalah]], detailing the structure of spiritual worlds, the chain of creation and formation of the world, and teaches the hidden reasons for Torah mitzvos. Chassidus emphasizes that learning must be soulful learning that leads to practical improvement in character traits, and mere academic study is insufficient. Similarly, the fulfillment of all mitzvos must be done with inner vitality and intellectual contemplation. As the Baal Shem Tov said, "I came to this world only to fix and enliven the dry bones, so that everything should have vitality and a soul." | Chassidus is essentially an explanation of [[Kabbalah]], detailing the structure of spiritual worlds, the chain of creation and formation of the world, and teaches the hidden reasons for Torah mitzvos. Chassidus emphasizes that learning must be soulful learning that leads to practical improvement in character traits, and mere academic study is insufficient. Similarly, the fulfillment of all mitzvos must be done with inner vitality and intellectual contemplation. As the Baal Shem Tov said, "I came to this world only to fix and enliven the dry bones, so that everything should have vitality and a soul." | ||
Chassidus places Hashem at the center and reveals that every Jew has the power to reach elevated spiritual levels specifically in this physical world through faith, [[Emunah|trust in Hashem]], joy, and recognition of Divine Providence. | Chassidus places Hashem at the center and reveals that every Jew has the power to reach elevated spiritual levels specifically in this physical world through faith, [[Emunah|trust in Hashem]], joy, and recognition of [[Hashgacha Pratis - Divine Providence|Divine Providence]]. | ||
In its early days, Chassidus faced strong opposition and persecution from the Misnagdim (opponents), due to their concerns that Chassidic teachings deviated from authentic Judaism. Over the years, this opposition decreased and has now almost completely disappeared. | In its early days, Chassidus faced strong opposition and persecution from the [[Misnagdim]] (opponents), due to their concerns that Chassidic teachings deviated from authentic Judaism. Over the years, this opposition decreased and has now almost completely disappeared. | ||
Chabad Chassidus is the main continuation of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and [[The | Chabad Chassidus is the main continuation of the teachings of [[the Baal Shem Tov]] and [[The Maggid of Mezritch|the Maggid of Mezeritch]] among Chassidic courts, in terms of the scope of literature and its many deep explanations of Chassidus. The Chabad Rebbeim explained the ideas of Chassidic teachings and built an organized system through which a person can cleave to Hashem. Additionally, its founder wrote the 'Written Torah' of Chabad Chassidus (since the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch did not write books) - the Tanya. | ||
== Chabad philosophy == | == Chabad philosophy == | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
=== The Foundational Sefer Tanya === | === The Foundational Sefer Tanya === | ||
Over twenty years from 1775, the Alter Rebbe wrote the sefer in which he expounds his teachings, the philosophy of Chabad Chassidus, which is the written Torah of Chassidic teachings. He also wrote many pieces of advice and answers to questions about avodas Hashem that his chassidim asked him in yechidus. In 1795, he completed writing it and authorized its copying. The sefer was distributed among the chassidim who received it with [[Simcha (joy)|joy]]. | Over twenty years from 1775, [[the Alter Rebbe]] wrote the sefer in which he expounds his teachings, the philosophy of Chabad Chassidus, which is the written Torah of Chassidic teachings. He also wrote many pieces of advice and answers to questions about avodas Hashem that his chassidim asked him in yechidus. In 1795, he completed writing it and authorized its copying. The sefer was distributed among the chassidim who received it with [[Simcha (joy)|joy]]. | ||
The opponents of Chassidus feared the sefer's influence, and therefore deliberately inserted falsifications to present it as a "heretical" book. With such falsifications, they presented it to the Vilna Gaon, and because of this, he ordered it to be burned. When the Alter Rebbe learned of this, he ordered it to be printed to prevent further falsification. | The opponents of Chassidus feared the sefer's influence, and therefore deliberately inserted falsifications to present it as a "heretical" book. With such falsifications, they presented it to the Vilna Gaon, and because of this, he ordered it to be burned. When the Alter Rebbe learned of this, he ordered it to be printed to prevent further falsification. | ||
| Line 144: | Line 144: | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* | * chassidus chagas | ||
* Portal: Teachings of Chassidus | * Portal: Teachings of Chassidus | ||
* Portal: Chabad Literature | * Portal: Chabad Literature | ||