The volumes on Chabad Chasidus of the first three generations reflect the growth of the Chasidic community and its firm foot-hold among our people:

Some of his printed works1 on Chasidus of the first generation and its Nassi the Alter Rebbe:

1. Likkutei Amarim (Gleanings of Lectures), or Tanya;

2. Torah Or (Torah-Light);

3. Likkutei Torah (Torah Gleanings);

4. Be'urei HaZohar (Commentaries to the Zohar), and

5. Siddur (Prayer Book, Commentaries, in 2 volumes).

The second generation and its Nassi: the Mitteler Rebbe. Some of his printed works:

1. Imrei Binah (Sayings of Wisdom);

2. Pirush HaMilot (Commentaries on the Prayers);

3. Torat Chaim (Law of Life);

4. Shaar HaEmunah (The Gate of Faith);

5. Shaar HaYichud (The Gate of Unity);

6. Shaarei Orah (The Gates of Light);

7. Shaarei Teshuva (The Gates of Penitence, 2 volumes);

8. Derech HaChaim (The Path of Life);

9. Kuntres HaHitpaalut (A Tract on Ecstasy);

10. Pokeach Ivrim (Opening the eyes of the Blind)-in Yiddish.

The third generation and its Nassi: the Tzemach Tzedek. Some of his printed works on Chasidus:

1. Derech Mitzvotecha (The Path of Your Commandments);

2. Derech Emunah (The Path of Faith);

3. Or HaTorah (The Light of the Torah).

During the 158 years since the appearance of the first work-Tanya-as an open writ to all the Chasidim, the teachings of Chabad Chasidus spread throughout the world by means of various maamarim (Chasidic discourses). However, the study of Chasidus requires preliminary training and preparation in piety and in the practice of the precepts, which is the foundation of the Torah, and the basis of existence of the Jewish people.

Conclusion

The theoretical aspects of Chabad Chasidus form a systematic study, explaining that all the earth is full of His glory. Whoever is gifted with intellect and reason can learn it. The wisdom of Chabad, however, can only be acquired after suitable preparation in the service of G‑d and the practice of mitzvot. For Chabad Chasidus, like Chasidus in general, is the soul of our Torah and religion. There can be no soul without a body, and the body is-the performance of the religious precepts.

As any intellectual study, the study of Chabad Chasidus can be taken up anywhere and at any time. It depends solely upon the intellect and the heart of the teacher and student. But the primary prerequisite for this study, both for teacher and student, is an adequate preparation in the performance of the mitzvot, which is as necessary to the understanding of Chabad as soil and light are vital to the flourishing rose.

Unquestionably, the study of Chabad Chasidus would be of great benefit to those who would devote themselves to learn it. However, each art and science demands the fulfillment of certain conditions before it can be fully mastered.

It is the sacred task of the Rabbis and Torah scholars everywhere to bring to the realization of the Jewish intelligentsia, that true return to G‑d means observing mitzvot, such as keeping Shabbat and Holidays, observing family sanctity, eating kosher food, putting on tefillin, etc., and that the main thing about this practice is to observe with simplicity and sincerity. For this simplicity and sincerity have always attested to the beauty, perfection and stoutness of the heart of the Jewish Nation.

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May our G‑d, G‑d of our fathers, Guardian of His people Israel, enlighten our intellect and awaken our heart, and the hearts of all the sons and daughters of Israel, to serve Him sincerely and devotedly and to observe His commandments. May He hasten our Redemption through Mashiach, the Righteous Redeemer, speedily in our days. Amen.