Chassidic Ethos and Practice

A teaching about the dream of Joseph, invoking the Kabbalistic narrative of the shattered vessels, and using gender to recast the tzaddik's role in the universal hierarchy of the cosmos—with which R. Schneur Zalman’s chassidic path began.

What makes chassidic prayer distinct? Can these elements be broadened and made relevant to the wider Jewish community in the modern age?

Far from being a disturbance to the pursuit of pure spirituality, it is the material world that serves as the setting and telos of Hasidic prayer, whose ultimate agenda is to reveal this mundane space as a fitting habitation for divinity.

On its most basic level, to pray is to ask G-d to provide for your needs. But the story of Esther provides a loftier model, which should guide us as we approach the High Holidays.

The High Holidays are often approached with fear, but a closer look reveals an inner core of divine intimacy along with human empowerment and illumination.

Chabad struggled bitterly against communism's aggressively secular ethos, but successive Rebbes indicated that socialism and Judaism are not entirely at odds. This lecture was in tribute to Professor Chimen Abramsky.

In a time of sweeping change Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson advocated radically progressive methodologies, marked by their striking relevance to new theoretical paradigms, in the cause of traditional Judaism.

Are tradition and inclusivism mutually exclusive? A look at three models for inclusivism drawn directly from Jewish tradition: "Even though he sinned he is a Jew;" "All Israel has a portion in the World to Come;" and "Love your fellow as yourself."

Judaic scholar, Dr. Aryeh Solomon, conducted five years of intensive research into the writings of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Solomon's research resulted in the first systematic analysis of Rabbi Schneerson's educational philosophy conducted according to strict academic criteria. Here he presents his findings highlighting key themes throughout the work of the Rebbe. (Presented at the Chabad and the Academy Conference at The University of Pennsylvania.)

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of the Chabad school of Chasidism, uses the Sefirot to describe the relationship between teacher and student. Using practical examples, Dr. Loewenthal shows how this model has been applied by Chabad leadership in the modern era.

Jewish educator, Rabbi Shmuel Lew, gives an overview of "Principals of Education and Guidance," a treatise by the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson. Rabbi Lew explains how the sixth Rebbe's book served as the basis for the educational approach of his successor, the seventh Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. (Presented at the Chabad and the Academy Conference at The University of Pennsylvania.)

An introduction to the classic kabbalistic concept that there is an "extension of the spirit of Moses" in each generation and how this idea has come to be applied to the Rebbe-Chassid relationship in modern times.

Biblical perspectives on good and evil are usually seen as a conventional polarity of white versus black. But in a strikingly post modernist approach, the Chassidic notion of repentance deconstructs this narrative. Sin is not all evil, but provides unique opportunity for spiritual transformation and the ultimate fulfillment of the divine purpose.