A Trilogy of Chasidic Essays, Some Aspects of Chabad Chasidism, on the Teachings of Chasidus, on Learning Chasidus. Eastern European Jewry in the eighteenth century had not yet recovered from the ravages of the pogroms of 1648-1649. The people were depressed spiritually and impoverished materially. Ignorance and despondency (the latter caused by the former) deadened the spirit of the people; they had no life in this world and could expect little better in the hereafter. Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov embarked on the ambitious program of elevating the spirit of the Jews, teaching them, encouraging them to serve G-d with sincerity and joy, emphasizing the homely virtues of the simple folk. His efforts met with conspicuous success. Countless thousands turned to him and Chasidus - as his new movement was called Â– for spiritual sustenance. It was no less than a major renaissance of the Jewish spirit. As might be expected, opponents were not lacking. Opposition concentrated primarily in Lithuania, the center of Talmudic scholarship. Chasidus was accused of attempting to supplant Torah learning as the sine qua non of Judaism. Memory of radical movements threatening the very existence of Judaism rendered any departure from the norm highly suspect. Not until the time of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, who synthesized Chasidic fervor and worship with Lithuanian rationality and learning, could the movement make any significant inroads in the camp of the mitnagdim, the opponents of Chasidus. The Alter RebbeÂ’s intellectual school of Chasidus was called Chabad. "The Baal Shem Tov demonstrated that everyone can serve G-d; the Alter Rebbe taught how everyone can serve G-d," describes their relative contributions. While the Chasidic movement suffered a terrible blow Â– as did all the Jewish people Â– during the Second World War, it has shown remarkable vitality and viability, striking firm and productive roots on every continent. Interest in it, then, is not historical alone or theoretical, but immediate to any serious student of Judaism. Chasidus, including Chabad, has been the subject of a great many studies in several languages. However, few of the sources were ever translated into English, and for the formidable subject matter, coupled with the specific definitions and connotations of Chabad terminology deter many potential students from exploring this field of study. This essay discusses the general nature and contribution of Chabad. It is introductory in nature, and addresses itself primarily to the basic character of Chasidus, and its place within a worship focused on the total service of G-d.

On the Study of Chasidus: A Trilogy of Chasidic Essays

Religion & Spirituality

Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn

Judaism

Kehot Publication Society

Between 1941 and 1945, the years of cataclysm for European Jewry, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe published a remarkable monthly journal entitled Hakeriah Vehakedusha "Reading and Holiness." A collection of discourses from this journal is published here for the first time in English translation. 
Many of the discourses have as their central theme the concepts of self-sacrifice for G-d and the Jewish people, repentance and strengthening the observance of Torah and Mitzvot. The Rebbe often speaks of the lessons to be learned from the earth-shattering events of that time and their connection to the coming of Mashiach. They were written for a broad audience and are accessible even to those who have never studied Chasidic philosophy. 
The two volumes include explanatory footnotes, a glossary of Hebrew terms, a general index and, in the second volume, an index of quotations and references for Volumes 1 and 2.

Chasidic Discourses: From The Teachings Of The Previous Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Vol. 1

A record of talks delivered by the Frierdiker Rebbe in Latvia, Poland, and the U.S. during the years 1929-1950.\nThe talks embrace an overwhelming range of subjects, from the Rebbe`s memories of childhood and family to his eloquent and sometimes impassioned passages of exhortation. They include glimpses of faces and sounds that conjure up the mystique of a vanished shtetl world, delicately-drawn vignettes, fascinating chronicles of the early history of the Chasidic movement, and creative instructive expositions of Chasidic concepts.\nOne theme links all of these subjects like a thread of gold: the intense spiritual and personal bond with all his fellow Jews, that is of the essence of the very concept of a Rebbe.

Likkutei Dibburim: An Anthology of Talks by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, Volume 1

Kehot Pubns Society

An anthology of talks by Rabbi Josef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch. Volume Two.

Likkutei Dibburim: An Anthology of Talks: 2

For all those who strive to mold the spirit, the ultimate training guide is here: reedited, reset in vocalized Hebrew, and an English text on facing pages. In 1898, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, who would become the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, compiled this treatise at the behest of his father, Rabbi Shalom DovBer, for use by the first counselors at the first Lubavitch yeshiva, Tomchei Temimim. Within this volume are the practical, spiritual steps a teacher must take to move beyond being a transmitter of intellectual ideas to becoming a developer of character. Captivating Chasidic stories and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak's own poignant personal remembrances of incidents that played a vital role in his education round out this thought-provoking publication.

The Principles of Education and Guidance (The Chasidic Heritage Series) (Hebrew and English Edition)

Kehot

In 1942, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok of Lubavitch requested that his son-in-law, and later his successor, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, compile a calender featuring words of wisdom for every day of the year. The result is this classic volume of HaYom Yom. In addition to the calendar, this work chronicles the lives of the seven Lubavitcher Rebbes, their activities, directives, and families. To learn the HaYom Yom daily and absorb its wisdom is to be m'kusher to the Rebbe.

Hayom Yom, From Day to Day (Bilingual Edition - Hebrew/English)

Described as a "fearless call to defy the Soviet regime," the five Chasidic discourses that comprise this volume are far more than that. Delivered in 1927, after the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbes seventh and most excruciating imprisonment, they are, in fact, a triumphant call to faith.  These discourses shed some light on the vitality that has infused the incredible growth of Lubavitch and its institutions, to this day everywhere in the world, in the face of daunting obstacles and powerful odds.

Defiance and Devotion

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn