The Ways of Chassidim

"Ways of Chassidim" is an expression that encompasses the collection of actions and customs accepted among Chassidim, which bring the study of Chassidus into expression in daily life.

The Importance of Ways of Chassidus: To be considered a Chassid, the study of Chassidus alone is not sufficient, even if done extensively. Rather, one must also conduct oneself according to the ways of Chassidus, as the Alter Rebbe expressed: "A thief is not one who can 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 actual fulfillment, not just intention.

The importance of Chassidic ways is also expressed in the customary blessing among Chabad Chassidim for Yud-Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus: "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in learning Chassidus and in the ways of Chassidus." This is connected with the redemption itself, since the prosecution was both against spreading Chassidic teachings and the ways of Chassidim, and when the prosecution was nullified, the Alter Rebbe was permitted to continue publishing Chassidic teachings and strengthen Chassidic ways.

For Chabad Chassidim - following the ways of Chassidim has the status of an obligation of 'according to the Torah they shall instruct you,' and one should not be impressed by questions and arguments, since the ways of Chassidim were transmitted to us by our Rebbeim.

Meaning of the Expression

The term 'Ways of Chassidim' expresses their dual purpose, just as a 'road's' purpose is to connect between 2 settled places, for example: both for those coming from village to city and those coming from city to village. Similarly, the ways of Chassidus have a dual purpose: to bring Chassidic study into practice, and to reach through them the revelation of the light of Chassidic study. Specifically 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 a 'inheritance without boundaries.'

Transmission of Chassidic Ways

The Frierdiker Rebbe testified about himself that one of the fundamental guidances his father, the Rebbe Rashab, educated him with was to absorb the ways of Chassidus from elder Chassidim.

The time of farbrengen is the time for absorbing Chassidic ways and becoming a proper vessel for them. One of the reasons for establishing Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim was to produce students who would have mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Torah and avodah in the ways of Chassidus. Additionally, reading the Frierdiker Rebbe's letters and published holy sichos has the power to transmit 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 soul and suitable for everyone.

Ways of Chassidim and Ways of Chassidus: There is a distinction between the terms 'Ways of Chassidim' and 'Ways of Chassidus', where 'Ways of Chassidim' includes a person's work with their surroundings and household members to illuminate them with the light of Chassidus and influence those they come in contact with, while 'Ways of Chassidus' includes a person's work with themselves.

The Baal Shem Tov was the first to reveal and demonstrate the ways of Chassidus, and the Alter Rebbe was the one who publicized, revealed and spread the ways of Chassidim.

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, certain details were mentioned and explained by our Rebbeim with special emphasis:

Ways of Chassidus:

• Kabbalas ol (acceptance of the yoke). To act without asking why.
• Singing during davening.
• Knowing one's fellow's needs and their family's welfare - one of the foundations of Chassidic ways
• That Chassidim should live as one family according to Torah with love
• To share good news with one another

Ways of Chassidim:

• The 'moisture' of Chassidic ways comes from elder Chassidim
• Avodas hatefillah (service of prayer)
• Chassidic farbrengens