1. Encompassing Relevance

The Cornerstone of Chassidus

The principle of Divine Oneness, known as Achdus Hashem, is the most central theme of Chassidus. This idea is the basis of Chabad’s encompassing worldview and the effort to internalize its message is integral to a chassid’s life’s work.1

As mentioned in the first chapter of this volume, this teaching reshapes a person’s perception of self and of all created existence.2 It motivates the individual to go beyond the limits of personal commitment and enables one to be absorbed with the all-relevant truth of G‑dliness. Reality is seen in a different light, and as a result, even the darkest challenges can be transformed into steppingstones for fulfilling one’s personal Divine mission.3

Achdus Hashem is a constant discussion in the teachings of the Chabad Rebbeim, and with each succeeding generation further depth and relevance were revealed.4 Standing at the very core of Chassidus’s intellectual and practical framework, Achdus Hashem is classified as “the true [idea] of Chassidus.”5

The Way of the Future

A primary element of the Geulah is the revelation of Achdus Hashem. While throughout history true monotheistic belief has been associated with the Jewish People, in the Future Era it will be recognized by all peoples as an inherent truth.6

This is highlighted in the verse: “On that day, G‑d will be One and His name shall be One.”7 This is interpreted to mean that when Mashiach will come, all of the nations will recognize G‑d’s sovereignty and serve the One G‑d.8 On a deeper level, this means that in that time, all of creation will be cognizant of the Divine Unity as it affects all of reality.

To elaborate: In the previous chapter, the pervasive “yechidah-effect” of Mashiach was discussed. It was explained that Mashiach will not force the world to conform to his agenda; instead, this ultimate revelation of G‑dliness will resonate with global society.

Existence will reach a state of perfection through the discovery of its true self, rather than in reaction to a foreign influence. The self-centered world will align in fulfillment of a G‑dly purpose, all the while feeling, “this is what I am really about.”9

This begs the question: What can possibly cause this drastic shift of self-perception? How will the world transition from being self-centered to being G‑d-centered, all while claiming, “this is who I really am”?

The explanation lies in the study of Achdus Hashem that will be explored in this chapter. Various degrees of Divine Oneness will be presented, and the novel approach of Chassidus will be explained.10 As will be demonstrated, Achdus Hashem, as expounded by Chassidus, is what precipitates the paradigm shift whereby the person and the world move from being self-centered to being G‑d-centered.11

2. The Only G-d

Footnotes

See also the Rebbe’s preface to the original translation of Tanya (1962), cited above, p. 13, fn. 54.

See above, p. 7.

Achdus Hashem is not only a motivator for the individual to persevere in the face of challenges. It also changes the perception of the opposition itself. The famous attitude of Chassidus that yeridah letzorech aliyah, “descent is for the sake of ascent,” namely, to allow hardships to be seen as stepping stones in the right direction, is founded upon G‑d being seen as the only determining factor of existence. See also Sefer HaSichos 5749, Vol. 2, pp. 676ff.

See Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 35, p. 29.

Derech Mitzvosecha, 62a. This is also evident from the introduction to Imrei Binah of the Mitteler Rebbe. The entire work is dedicated to an elaborate discussion of G‑d’s Unity, and is prefaced by an introduction explaining the essential importance of this pursuit. There, the Mitteler Rebbe writes that his father, the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad, “had one single intent in all of his teachings, both public and private, whether on Shabbos or weekday, throughout his entire life: that chassidim fully grasp the Oneness of G‑d, in both mind and heart, to their utmost ability.”

This is the theme of Aleinu, recited at the conclusion of the prayers. The first paragraph offers praise for being a unique people who recognize G‑d’s Unity, and the second paragraph expresses the hope for the time when G‑d’s Presence will be fully realized in the world, with all nations realizing G‑d’s sovereignty and oneness. Notably, Aleinu is attributed to the prophet Yehoshua from the time of the Jewish People’s entry to the land of Israel, making it the oldest Jewish prayer. Rav Hai Gaon, Teshuvos HaGeonim, Shaarei Teshuvah, 43.

Zechariah 14:9.

Sifri and Rashi in interpretation of Shema, Devarim 6:4. To solidify this point, Rashi cites the verse (Tzephaniah 3:9): “For then I will transform the peoples to a pure language that all of them call in the name of G‑d, to worship Him of one accord.”

See above, p. 159.

10.

For a tremendously broad treatment of this subject see Sefer HaArachim Chabad, Vol. 9, Achdus Hashem.

11.

Our deeds in the time of Exile precipitate the Geulah, as discussed above, pp. 161f. Therefore, the study of Achdus Hashem during the Galus actually contributes to the future revelation of G‑d’s Oneness.

Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov, a rabbinic scholar, lecturer and author, is director of Chabad Lubavitch in Wimbledon, UK.

Rabbi Naftoli Hertz Pewzner is an instructor of Chassidic thought and practice at Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ

1. Encompassing Relevance

The Cornerstone of Chassidus

The Way of the Future

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The Cornerstone of Chassidus

The Way of the Future

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