Episodes
The most obvious expression of an essence is in its lowest manifestations. Indeed, the Torah which is beyond even the highest of worlds is described as being the remedy for the lowest problems of the lowest world. (Chs. 18-19)
Published 11/11/20
Published 11/11/20
The conclusion reached by each of the four levels of Torah interpretation is compatible with that of all the others. Furthermore, within each level we repeatedly see the theme of how the particulars are not in contradiction with the whole. (Chs. 16-17)
Published 11/10/20
We revisit the sod interpretation of Modeh Ani that souls are restored when Malchus unites with Yesod. How does chasidus explain this in a way that we can understand? (Ch. 15.)
Published 11/09/20
The number of subjects dealt with in Torah is infinite. We will focus on the Modeh Ani prayer because of its foundational nature and use it as our example of how the four levels of Torah interpretation differ from one another as well as how chasidus illuminates all of them. (Chs. 9-10)
Published 11/06/20
Chasidus not only helps to explain ideas on the levels of pshat, remez, drush, and sod; it brings out a completely new vitality in all of these levels. (Ch. 8)
Published 11/05/20
The various innovations brought about by chasidus are but outer manifestations of its true essence, the concept of yechida. We use oil as a metaphor to describe the paradoxical nature of yechida and every essence—while it remains distinct from all parts it is simultaneously found in all parts. (Chs. 6-7)
Published 11/04/20
To better understand the essence of Chasidus, we need to first understand the essence of Moshiach. The end of exile, the proliferation of G-dly knowledge, the change in the natural order, and even the revelation of eternality within time are all but manifestations of the essential point of Moshiach. The essence of Moshiach is that the "yechida" of all the worlds will be revealed. (Chs. 4-5)
Published 11/03/20
The four proposed definitions of chasidus (ch. 1) are all just particular manifestations of the essence of chasidus, but they do not capture the essence of chasidus which is infinite. Similarly, all good and truth that may be found in any manmade system may be found in Torah, but this is not the essence of Torah. On the Essence of Chasidus (Chs. 2-3)
Published 11/02/20
What is chasidus and what was its chief innovation? We look at four possible answers: 1) Chasidus saved the world from spiritual crisis; 2) Chasidus is an ethical system for going beyond the letter of the law; 3) Chasidus is a system for transforming one's character traits; 4) Chasidus is a language for communicating kabbalistic ideas in relatable terms.
Published 11/01/20