Everything about the Rebbe was pure kindness. Even his idea of “hell” was as kind and generous as could be:
People have a misconception of Hell. Let me tell you what Hell really is.
Hell is a spiritual place where everything that exists in our world exists, but in an infinite way. So, whatever you chased after in this world, there you do it ad infinitum.
And for a lot of people, that’s really hell.
Based on this teaching, the long history of violence and abuse between humans on earth is 'hell-ad infinitum'. Perhaps human consciousness is learning that inflicting pain, depriving others of sustenance, etc doesn't get anyone anywhere. I love that wonderful story of 'The Banquet'. The only difference between the two "banquets" (one being 'Heaven' and the other being 'Hell') is the mutual decision to overcome their huge forks is to feed the person sitting in front of you (in Heaven), or vice versa, in Hell the poor slobs haven't figured that out and it is chaos. The solution is self-derived: a person/soul has to arrive at this resolution by trial and error (hell), and to learn to trust that there exists the holy divine essence within each fellow human being and one's self. This includes terrorists, mobsters, child molesters, dictators, etc, etc. Rabah emunatecha, rabah emunatecha. But in the meantime, we can choose our banquet! Reply
thank you rabbi thank you rabbi for answering. i had this question for a loong time, i guess i can wait some more. i always bring your books when i teach chassidus, it helps the students get the idea in a few words, so they remember it. thank you for doing this. Reply
definition
If i were to give a definition of Hell it would be the situation of a bad marriage. The Rebbe had a beautiful marriage, so he could not imagine that hellish experience. You would have to have walked a mile in those shoes to get even an inkling.
Even when a Chabad matched marriage couple breaks down, it is no fun. The gossip itself is overwhelming and so you have to know how hellishly brave one or both partners have to be.
Good Shabbos !
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Re: source I was there, listening to the Rebbe's farbrengen over a telephone hookup, and he said this. Wish I could recall when. Eventually, I'll find out. Reply
source Hi there rabbi Freeman! Can I know the source this is based on? Reply
Ad infinitum
The perception of time is different in the spiritual world.
You are right, hell isn't eternal, but for someone who is there (Rachmana litzlan), it feels that way, it feels as if he's there forever.
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Hell I absolutely love the Rebbe and his teaching that I just post directly on my wall. Thank you so much Chabad.org to keep us lively during these days. Amen. Reply
Can you give a practical suggestion...
...on how to escape Hell when we have worldly sometimes very sad and grave problems to resolve?
I know: Ein Od MiLevado, there is no one but Him. But even though, I can not yet avoid bitter tears and a quiet hard anxiety...
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How do we have a chance? Oh, man - this doesn't sound too good. We're so human and so flesh and blood and so limited - and the Soton is so majorly strong. How do we have a chance? Reply
Find your light and that will dispell all darkness surrounding you. The human is stronger than we believe. We have free choice. So, Dear Yehudis we have much more than merely a chance. Change your mindset. Reply
The chase ...
If i am chasing after refining my character by increasing mitzvot and cleaving closer to Hashem, i will be doing it in Hell ?
I guess it depends on what you chase after. That part wasn't clear without a context.
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The way I explained it to my family... Heaven being in the presence of G-d and hell is the absence of G-d. What we know of physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional trauma of feeling completely helpless and alone. Much like as children when we do wrong and our parents are disappointed with us. Anyway sorry for intruding just putting in my two cents. Reply
Thank you, Rabbi Freeman. Very much enjoy Daily Dose. Years ago I read "Hell is the place you will go... to learn.... what you should have learned while you were on earth." Each experience has something for me to learn, chabad teaches this. thank you, very much Reply
For Marriane
There's a "Share" button at the top of the page.
Chabad.org is for everybody and anybody who has a human soul--the divine image.
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I love your 'teachings' and look forward to reading them every day. Please add 'SHARE' so I can post them on Facebook and share with my friends.
Do you mind having a Christian woman ask this of you? I'm only trying to WAKE UP my family & friends
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Re: Ad Infinitum I had the same question. Reply
Ad Infinitum I thought hell wasn't eternal, just a temporary stay? What does the Rebbe mean when he says "whatever you chased after in this world, there you do it ad infinitum." Reply
So I guess from reading this that you feel that hell is actually here on earth and it comes forward, through our negative actions, towards each other,
and the things we do that are immoral and sin to almighty God, is that correct? Just asking, I'm not familiar with the customs and
religious beliefs, of the Jewish. Either one of them, the orthodox or non orthodox. I dont know the difference, can you enlighten me on this subject, please?