Chassidic Philosophy: Chassidus

Kabbalah, the mystical aspect of Torah, was made accessible by presentation in philosophical terms in the early 18th century by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in his monumental work, the Tanya. By emphasizing and amplifying the capacities of love and awe by which man is enjoined to serve G-d, the Tanya facilitates the spiritual strivings of the contemporary Jew. Succeeding Rebbeim (Chassidic leaders), including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, have applied this system of thought, known as Chabad Chassidus, in expounding the path of Torah in Ma’amorim (discourses) and Sichos (essays).

• Chassidus
  P111 – 3 credits

An introduction to Chabad Chassidus, by way of the “Tanya”, the seminal masterpiece of Rabbi Schneur Zalman: the nature of the Jew’s two souls competing for good and evil and resolution of this conflict toward mastery of the self. The first 19 chapters are covered.

• Chassidus
  P112 -3 credits
  Prerequisite: P111

This course is the sequel to Chassidus P111 and further analyzes the underlying infinite love every Jew has for G-d, by virtue of his divine soul. Also analyzed are: how to attain simcha (happiness) and how to develop one’s innate love for G-d. Selected chapters from the second half of Tanya are studied.

• Chassidus
  P221 – 3 credits

A variety of pivotal topics of Jewish faith, such as Divine Providence, creation of the world, and Cosmic Unity, have been expounded in Maamorim which will be studied in this course from the Hebrew text. In addition to broadening one’s knowledge of Chassidus, special emphasis will be placed on developing the student’s capacity for learning a Maamor independently.

• Chassidus
  P222 – 3 credits

A study of selected Maamorim from the Alter Rebbe covering central themes in Chassidic philosophy. Likutei Torah and Torah Or are the texts used for this advanced course.

• Chassidus
  P311, P312 – 3 credits
  Prerequisite: Knowledge of Chassidus and Hebrew

Textual study of the second Book of Tanya, “Shaar Ha’Yichud V’HaEmunah”, which explores the Chassidic concepts of the unity of G-d and this world, resolving the paradox of G-d’s transcendence and His eminence. This course will also teach, “Iggeres Hatshuva,” the third Book of Tanya, which discusses the different levels of Tshuva.

Sichos in Yiddish

Drawing from the wellsprings of Chassidus, the Lubavitcher Rebbe derived a specific message for the contemporary Jew from each weekly Torah reading and from particular Jewish holidays. Basic Chassidic concepts for daily life and fluency in Yiddish reading, vocabulary, and grammar are developed.

• Sichos
  S111 , S112 – 1 credit

Selected sichos from Books I and II will familiarize the student with the fundamental Chassidic concepts. The student learns to read and understand the Yiddish text and acquire a grasp of Yiddish grammar and vocabulary.

• Advanced volumes of Sichos will be explored, penetrating into deep, complex concepts; further development of Yiddish will facilitate independent study of Yiddish text.

Rashi Sichos
S311 – 1 credit

A study of the Rebbe Shlita’s unique approach in analyzing Rashi introduces the student to the many levels of meaning of this foremost commentator of the Chumash.