Chassidic Soul Remedies
()
About this ebook
Inspirational Insights for Life’s Daily Challenges
The antidote to our worries has been prescribed to us by our Sages, who teach that having a positive outlook toward life’s challenges actually helps bring about a positive outcome. This is illustrated in the Talmud by Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu whose unwavering belief in his adage “Gam zu letovah — This too is for the good” miraculously transformed the potential tragedies in his life to good. In more recent times, the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad, encouraged us to “Tracht gut vet zain gut — Think good and it will be good” as a real solution to our difficulties and challenges.
Read more from Sichos In English
Beautiful Within Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 1 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5The Making of Chassidim Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Attaining Sagacity Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit: Volume III Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sichos In English, Volume 26: Nissan-Sivan, 5745 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ladder Up Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 13: Adar-Sivan, 5742 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIn Good Hands Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Will Write It In Their Hearts, Volume 3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAs a New Day Breaks Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Lawyer & The Mystic Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBranches of the Chassidic Menorah Volume 2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 3: Nissan-Elul 5739 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5To Live and Live Again Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAs a Father Loves His Only Son Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 12: Kislev-Adar, 5742 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5The Second Ladder Up Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Will Write It In Their Hearts, Volume 4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEternal Joy: Volume I — Shidduchim Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Sichos In English, Volume 11: Tishrei-MarCheshvan, 5742 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 5: Shvat-Iyar 5740 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 20: Adar II-Iyar, 5744 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 18: Tishrei-Kislev, 5744 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 19: Kislev-Adar II, 5744 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Sichos In English, Volume 27: Tammuz-Elul, 5745 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEternal Joy: Volume II — Engagement and Marriage Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 23: Tishrei-MarCheshvan, 5744 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 7: Tishrei-MarCheshvan, 5741 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Chassidic Soul Remedies
Related ebooks
Listening to Life’s Messages Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life: Awakening Your Heart, Connecting with God Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5First Steps to a New Jewish Spirit: Reb Zalman's Guide to Recapturing the Intimacy & Ecstasy in Your Relationship with God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPassing Life's Tests: Spiritual Reflections on the Trial of Abraham, the Binding of Isaac Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Jewish Lights Spirituality Handbook: A Guide to Understanding, Exploring & Living a Spiritual Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Chassidic Approach To Joy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Recovery, the 12 Steps and Jewish Spirituality: Reclaiming Hope, Courage & Wholeness Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Jewish with Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Jewish Spiritual Direction: An Innovative Guide from Traditional and Contemporary Sources Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Walking the Path of the Jewish Mystic: How to Expand Your Awareness and Transform Your Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Chutzpah Imperative: Empowering Today's Jews for a Life That Matters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Seeking After God: A Gentile Conversation with Jewish Sages Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLonging: Jewish Meditations on a Hidden God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod in All Moments: Mystical & Practical Spiritual Wisdom from Hasidic Masters Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice: Holy Days and Shabbat Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5On Eagles' Wings: Moshiach, Redemption, and the World to Come Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLiving the Life of Jewish Meditation: A Comprehensive Guide to Practice and Experience Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling: A Jewish Lights Classic Reprint Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Will Write It In Their Hearts, Volume 4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 23: Tishrei-MarCheshvan, 5744 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSichos In English, Volume 24: MarCheshvan-Shevat, 5745 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Sichos In English, Volume 17: Nissan-Elul, 5743 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Sichos In English, Volume 4: Tishrei-Shevat 5740 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Sichos In English, Volume 19: Kislev-Adar II, 5744 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Sichos In English, Volume 6: Sivan-Elul 5740 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Sichos In English, Volume 20: Adar II-Iyar, 5744 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Self-Improvement For You
A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall In Love With the Process of Becoming Great Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Think and Grow Rich (Illustrated Edition): With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Win Friends and Influence People: Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGet to the Point!: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: the heartfelt, funny memoir by a New York Times bestselling therapist Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Choice: Embrace the Possible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5You're Not Dying You're Just Waking Up Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Wound Makes the Medicine: Elemental Remediations for Transforming Heartache Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Codependence and the Power of Detachment: How to Set Boundaries and Make Your Life Your Own Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Inward Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Chassidic Soul Remedies
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Chassidic Soul Remedies - Sichos In English
Chapter 1: Author’s Foreword
This book was born out of my own search for strength and inspiration. In times of spiritual need, I have turned to our chassidic writings for direction and guidance. Seeing the results in my life and in the lives of others with whom I have shared these treasures, I came to the realization that a collection of selected stories and teachings would be uplifting and encouraging to my fellow Jews.
Someone may ask, How do these stories relate to me? After all, they are dealing with holy people who stood on a much higher level than the average person.
Regarding chassidic stories, the Rebbe has said: If, by Divine Providence, these stories have been passed down to us, this is a clear indication that they apply to us, too. Being a Jew with a G-dly soul, each one of us can also be expected to live up to these standards.
¹
This is reflected in the words of the Alter Rebbe:² Every Jew possesses within him a spark of Moshe our Teacher.
Thus one should never feel that a lofty level of refinement and G-dly service is beyond his reach and expectations. Just as our great tzaddikim and chassidim lived up to certain levels and achievements, so can we, commensurate with our level.
In my work as a rabbinic chaplain, I have found that the biggest obstacle to a person’s spiritual growth and peace of mind is worry and anxiety. Not only does this prevent people from living joyfully in the present, but it can actually interfere with the flow of Divine blessings destined for them. The wisdom of Torah and Chassidus teaches us that the more one can remove worry from his life, the more he becomes a vessel for these blessings.
This is alluded to in the Hebrew term for worry, d’agah. The word consists of four of the first five letters of the Hebrew alphabet (alef, beis, gimmel, dalet, hei). Why is the letter beis missing? The letter beis stands for berachah, blessing,
and bitachon, trust.
Where worry resides, blessing and trust do not dwell.
The antidote to our worries has been prescribed to us by our Sages, who teach that having a positive outlook toward life’s challenges actually helps bring about a positive outcome. This is illustrated in the Talmud by Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu whose unwavering belief in his adage "Gam zu letovah — This too is for the good miraculously transformed the potential tragedies in his life to good. In more recent times, the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad, encouraged us to
Tracht gut vet zain gut — Think good and it will be good" as a real solution to our difficulties and challenges.
May we merit that our belief and trust in G-d and our assiduous efforts in personal refinement will usher in the immediate Redemption with Mashiach, our righteous redeemer.
Rabbi Dovid Shraga Polter
Oak Park, Michigan
Yud Shvat, 5764 (2004)
****
Acknowledgments
I offer my humble gratitude to the One Above for granting me the merit to use His teachings in the hope of inspiring others — and to my Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who continues to inspire me and drive me beyond that which I could ever accomplish on my own.
My warmest thanks go to the entire staff of my publisher, Sichos In English. To my editor, Rochel Chana Schilder, for her unending patience and meticulous editorial assistance, especially for providing continuous insight and encouragement in a complex undertaking. To Rabbi Arel’e Raskin for his erudite expertise, Yosef Yitzchok Turner for his skillful preparation of the manuscript for publication, and Rabbi Yonah Avtzon for his overall coordination and tireless involvement in seeing the final product come to fruition.
To my colleagues in Oak Park, Rabbi Moshe Zaklikofsky and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Gourarie, for their invaluable assistance. To my chaver, Dr. Baruch Silverstein, for his professional advice in meeting standards of achievement.
To my beloved parents, Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Yerachmiel Polter, whose devotion to their children’s education is a model of commitment to Jewish values. And to my parents-in-law, Rabbi and Mrs. Azriel Schanowicz, whose righteous example of living a Torah lifestyle I value and admire. Lastly, my wife, Rochel, whose binah yeseirah (added measure of wisdom) contributes volumes to our home and family, serving as the support for our family. May Hashem grant us the strength to continue to share and care. Together may we enjoy further nachas from our children, may they live long and healthy years. And to our children, for challenging me in the quest of Torah knowledge. They are the impetus that drives me to search for more meaningful answers.
Chapter 2: Introduction — The Origins of Self-Examination
When Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi,³ the first Rebbe of the Chabad chassidic movement, was imprisoned in Petersburg for subversive activity against the Czar, he was visited by the chief investigator. How is it,
he asked Rabbi Shneur Zalman, "that the G-d in your Torah asked Adam, the first man, ‘Ayeka — Where are you?’ Surely G-d knew where he was!"
Rabbi Shneur Zalman responded: "‘Ayeka — Where are you?’ is G-d’s call to every person on earth, asking, ‘Where do you stand?’ A person has been given so many days and so many years on earth, and he must constantly ask himself what he has accomplished in those years and how much good he has contributed to the world."⁴
From the creation of human life close to six thousand years ago, man has been asking himself the same question: "Ayeka: What’s the right way to behave? Am I on the right path? Have I acted correctly? How can I rectify my flaws and shortcomings? How can I find peace?"
In various stages of history, society has provided man with the means of self-rectification. On an external level, laws and court systems were instituted to keep man’s more primal and selfish instincts in check. In agricultural and industrial societies, involvement in back-breaking manual labor prevented man from engaging in much more than the struggle to secure his physical needs. More recently, a preponderance of leisure time, the lack of political oppression, and the explosion of self-help/psychological modalities have provided people with the means and the environment to explore their inner psyches in an attempt to find moral guidance and true peace.
The Divine Road to Self-Awareness
Like everything in life, that which is man-made is prone to the flaws and limitations of the human condition. Various schools of psychological thought have peaked and waned in the last few hundred years, flowing from one ideology to another in an attempt to create sense and stability in a seemingly irrational world. One generation may tout leniency in child-rearing; another, military strictness. One generation may promote puritanism and the restraint of one’s bodily drives; another may encourage indulgence. The inconsistency in these methods of guidance is not intrinsically bad, it’s just not the truth: anything true by its very nature