ב"ה

The Soul of the Matter

Exploring Chassidic Thought and Insights

37:27
A chassidic exploration of our relationship with G-d and why our mitzvot matter
Drawing primarily on the teachings of the second, fifth and seventh Rebbes of Chabad, a discussion of the nature and interplay of pleasure and desire casts new light on why our mitzvot are so meaningful before G-d.
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48:46
The chassidic concept of tzimtzum and its applications in our service of G-d
A discussion of the notion of reciprocal love to G-d as developed in Tanya, chapters 46-49, and the centrality of the non-literal interpretation of tzimtzum (“contraction”), as discussed in chapter 48. To create space for the other is not to absent yourself and abandon them, but to be present in the right kind of way: to cultivate an environment in which the other can develop their individuality and ultimately enter into a fully reciprocal relationship.
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51:36
Three Central Themes of the Hakhel Year
The year of Hakhel is marked with gatherings to strengthen our Judaism, our connection to G-d and to each other—similar to the mitzvah in Temple times when the king would read from the Torah to inspire all of Israel. Discover Hakhel’s relevance and empowering message to us today.
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50:01
Self-Control vs. Transformation
Two fundamentals in the service of G-d discussed extensively in chassidus are the concepts of Is’kafya (suppression) and Is’hapcha (transformation). Discover their respective qualities and specifically the case for Iskafya.
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41:06
A mystical reading of three daily blessings, reversing their negative connotation
A critique of the three negative blessings, "that I was not made a woman... a slave... a non-Jew," gives way to a mystical teaching on three modes of soulful expression, and ultimately to a reminder that the soul's essence lies beyond all expression.
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59:18
The role of G-d in our social interactions
Rather than thinking of the religious and social as belonging to two distinct realms, chassidism posits a more complex interrelational model that encompasses the entire cosmos, and in which G-d too is a responsive participant.
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