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Author: Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneerson
A Trilogy of Chasidic Essays
In the 1940s and 50s, English readers had little access to the vast wealth of Chasidic literature. To fill this void, several fundamental works were selected for adaptation into English. Since the importance of studying chasidus was not then widely understood, three short essays on this subject, all authored by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, were among those first chosen:
1) SOME ASPECTS OF CHABAD CHASIDISM
Translator: Nissan Mindel
Among the many questions posed to the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe was one
from a Jewish intelectual who asked about the benefit of studying Chabad
Chasidic philosophy. Would it be helpful to an academically-inclined
person, estranged from Judaism, who wanted to learn about his heritage?
This is a free translation of the Rebbe`s response. It probes deeply
into the scope and significance of Chabad while emphasizing the importance
of simplicity and sincerity in the performance of the commandments.
2) ON THE TEACHINGS OF CHASSIDUS
Translator: Rabbi Zalman I. Posner
An essay on the general nature of Chabad Chasidic teachings and their
impact on Jewish life and thought. The Rebbe explains that it is
a "divine philosophy that opens the portals of wisdom and understanding"
to the knowledge of G-d, indicating the path for every individual according
to his capabilities.
3) ON LEARNING CHASIDUS
Translator: Rabbi Zalman I. Posner
This essay, a sequel to On The Teachings of Chasidus, discusses the
importance of studying the inner, esoteric aspects of Torah. It demonstrates
conclusively that anyone, regardless of background or "natural" intellectual
faculties, can comprehend and benefit immeasurably from Chabad Chasidic
philosophy. Includes fascinating facts of early Chabad-Lubavitch history.
Explanatory notes by the translator, Rabbi Zalman Posner, present a
valuable treatment of basic terms and econcepts fundamental to an understanding
of Chasidic philosophy.
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