Are We Getting Dirah B’Tachtonim Backwards?

In the latest episode of Chassidus Made Real, Rabbi Sholom Kesselman responds to criticism of the classic approach to learning Chassidus and explores a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept of Dirah B’Tachtonim.

In this episode, Rabbi Kesselman shares a letter he received challenging the classic approach to Chassidus. The writer argues that the purpose of Dirah B’Tachtonim is to bring Elokus into our world, and therefore Chassidus must speak to and address our most basic human and psychological struggles.

Rabbi Kesselman responds by drawing a fundamental distinction between Dirah B’Tachtonim and what he calls Dirah L’Tachtonim B’Elyonim.

Dirah B’Tachtonim does not mean adapting Elokus to fit the world’s existing values, priorities, and psychological frameworks. It means precisely the opposite: transforming the world into a place that reflects the values and perspective of Elokus.

Don’t fit Hashem into your world; make your world fit for Hashem!

The critical question is: Who is the Mashpia and who is the Mekabel? Is Chassidus reshaping our understanding of ourselves and our lives, or are we reshaping Chassidus to accommodate our preconceived understanding of the human condition?

Chassidus can and should transform our emotional and psychological lives. But that transformation must begin with understanding Chassidus in its authentic, unfiltered form, and then allowing its teachings to reshape our thoughts, emotions, and entire worldview.

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The episode also includes two exciting announcements:

• New Text-Based Chassidus Shiur

Beginning next week, Rabbi Kesselman will launch a new text-based shiur exploring one of the most fundamental maamarim in Chassidus, תנו רבנן נר חנוכה תרמ״ג.

The shiur will take place approximately twice a week, with the goal of completing the maamar in time for Chanukah.

Subscribe to the channel or to the WhatsApp group below to receive the shiurim as they are published.

• New Chassidus Made Real WhatsApp Group

A new “Chassidus Made Rea”l WhatsApp group has been launched as a space for learning, exploring, and discussing Chassidus together.

Members will receive the latest videos, articles, shiurim, and other content, and are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, challenge ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions about Chassidus, whether related to the content shared or any other topic. 

This will be the best way to receive all the content from Chassidus Made real and to be able to learn together. Think of it as a virtual Bais Midrash.

Click here to join the WhatsApp group

Help Support Chassidus Made Real

As Chassidus Made Real continues to grow, we are looking for sponsors and supporters to help us expand the program, reach a wider audience, and make authentic Chassidus accessible to more people.

If you believe in this mission and would like to help support its growth, whether through sponsoring an episode or contributing toward the program’s ongoing development, please reach out.

Your support can help bring the teachings of Chassidus to an ever-growing audience.

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