Nissan Dovid Dubov

Presenting the Big Picture Throughout the ages, numerous Torah sages have discussed the question of purpose, and several approaches have been offered. Incidentally, although the Alter Rebbe’s explanation of purpose is based on several primary Torah source...

The Question of Purpose At this point, we have established that the Purpose is centered around the physical, tangible world, the place where G-dliness is not revealed. Now the question becomes: What is the Purpose that this world is indeed best suited for...

G-d’s Garden When searching for the Purpose, the most natural hypothesis is to look heavenward. The vastness of the skies inspires man with spirituality’s infinity, and one can only imagine that the ultimate purpose lies there. Life on earth is assumed to...

The Value of Existence Within the human experience, life can be lived with joy, enthusiasm, and drive, while missing purpose. Milestones are achieved, breakthroughs are made, knowledge and success are attained, yet a sense of purpose remains elusive. One ...

The Permeating Influence of the Rebbe In previous chapters, we discussed the permeating nature of the yechidah. Despite it being the most profound element of the soul, the yechidah can be the most relevant. It need not remain as a last-resort mechanism. I...

Hiskashrus In the personal life of a chassid, being connected to the Rebbe is more than affiliation or alliance. Hiskashrus, as this connection is called, is an encompassing ideal which influences the full scope of one’s psyche and deeds.See Toras Menache...

The Nurturing Shepherd Our Sages describe Moshe Rabbeinu as a ro’eh ne’eman, a faithful shepherd.See for example Mechilta on Shemos 14:31; Eichah Rabbah, Pesichta, sec. 24; Esther Rabbah, 7:13. The Aramaic version of the term, ra’aya mehemna, also alludin...

The Foundational Tzaddik Tzaddikim are righteous individuals whose souls have a heightened awareness of G-dliness and who live completely G-d-focused lives. Natural tendencies and negative impulses are either vanquished or harnessed for holiness,See Tanya...

The Transmitter The idea that people must rely upon a Jewish leader to foster their Divine awareness and connection may seem surprising. We are all G-d’s people, so why is an external influence ­needed to awaken our soul’s intrinsic bond with G-d? Wh...

The Structure of Chassidus From the start of Chassidus, the movement was always structured upon the relationship of a Rebbe and his chassidim. On a basic level, the Rebbe is the teacher, guide, and leader of the chassidim, and the chassidim are the studen...