Chassidic Thought

We dedicate this lesson in memory of Rabbi Zecharia HaCohen Wallerstein, osb"m. In his famous discourse "Azamra," Rebbe Nachman of Breslev teaches the importance of finding the good within ourselves. That's the only way we'll be able to find the good in others.

Superficial, exterior looks at people, things or events are always misleading and very inaccurate. The essence of any creation is the Divine wisdom that is inherent in that creation. Once we connect to that Divine wisdom, we connect to the Creator. That way, our insight, intellect and potential rises to a much higher level. We attain fulfillment, success and happiness.

The Chassidic Movement began in the Ukraine, founded by the holy Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760). Many of the Chassidic Masters came from the Ukraine, such as the Maggid of Mezeritch, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, Rebbe Zusha of Annipoli and many more. Both my teacher and I are also Ukrainian Jews. We have a rich past of total dedication to the Almighty and His Torah, even in the face of the most dire persecution throughout the ages. But we have a very rich folklore, with poignant stories that teach us life's true values. This is one I cherish, which shows what true riches are.

The holy Baal Shem Tov attempted to explain to his brilliant students the depth of the concept of Divine Providence. Despite their magnificent minds and comprehensive Torah-learning backgrounds, they just couldn't comprehend. How can Almighty personally supervise and determines every single detail of creation? OK, He makes the sun shine, but what does He care about a tiny insect or an amoeba?
The same pious scholars who knew entire tractates of Talmud by heart were baffled. The Baal Shem Tov decided to take them to his favorite classroom – nature, out in the woods. There, he could teach them all about Divine Providence. This is the lesson we learn in Today's Emuna Hour.

When you go to a shiva house, you learn all types of things about the deceased person – the biggest thing you learn is that you never really knew the individual or the greatness that was within him. That's why King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes that it's better to go to visit a shiva house than a nightclub. The difference is that in a nightclub, all you see is glitter, makeup and outer dimensions. In the house of a mourner, there's no glitter and outer dimensions, only inner dimensions. Today's podcast is a tribute to the 45 holy victims of the Meron tragedy on Lag B'Omer last week.

This world is just like a restaurant - there are no free meals. Indeed, the seemingly free meals end up being the most expensive ones. Enjoy this parable about the evil inclination.

How does Hashem expect us to prepare for Passover and to observe Seder night with all the challenges and limitations of the Coronavirus pandemic? Here is your encouraging answer...

The twelfth of our Thirteen Principles of Emuna requires us all to eagerly anticipate Moshiach. I don't think that there's anyone, religious or not, who doesn't want Moshiach, so where is he? Why doesn't he come already? A lot of people are talking about Coronavirus as a catalyst for Moshiach, but is there any truth in that? Let's find out...

Who of us doesn't have difficulties or major troubles in life? We all do – that's part of the turf in this world. But today, G-d willing, we're going to look at our difficulties from a different angle. When we do, we'll see something precious that we never saw before. With Hashem's help, we're about to turn our difficulties into priceless diamonds...
Click here for the written text of the "Prayer for Turning Difficulties into Diamonds". 

For many of us, our goals seem like dreams that are impossible to reach. We want them to materialize, but we think they never will. If you think you can't, today you'll learn 3 time-tested tips of how you can and will succeed in whatever you want to accomplish - spiritual, material or both.