When we hear the stories of the elders among us, about the difficult trials they endured in the lands of exile, it seems to us that this struggle is a thing of the past.
Once, during the days of communism in Russia and the Holocaust in Europe, observing the Torah and mitzvot involved enduring difficult trials. Today, thank God, it is possible to be a Jew who observes the Torah and mitzvot without difficulty and without persecution.
This is an illusion, because to some extent the trials of our day are more difficult and challenging than the trials our ancestors faced.
Indeed, it is not easy to keep Shabbat when the government requires you to report to work. It is not easy to keep kosher when the trapeza soup is the only food that can keep you alive.
However, these persecutions awaken in man special powers to stand against them.
It is much more difficult to withstand the trials of today, when all the temptations of the world are available at the tip of your finger. Here there is no external enemy and no clear division between good and evil. In today's reality, a person is required to have a much stronger backbone in order to adhere to his faith and values in the face of the abundance of possibilities beckoning him from every corner.
Strength to face challenges
In the world of medicine, when a new disease breaks out, new medicines are sought. They do not entrench themselves behind the notion that what was good in ancient times is still good today, but rather try to advance the current disease with the appropriate medicine.
This is exactly how we should deal with the spiritual 'diseases' that are resurging in our day.
New drugs must be put in place to combat new diseases. The new bacteria must be promoted with new vaccines. Those who fail to do so may find themselves weak and powerless in the face of the violent and severe 'disease' that will attack them.
The new medicine and the new vaccine available to us is the teachings of Hasidism. This teaching, which was hidden for many generations, was revealed in recent generations precisely to give the people of Israel the strength to withstand the difficult challenges of the period of 'Ekveta Damshicha.' A Jew who studies the teachings of Hasidism and internalizes its worldview insulates himself against the temptations of the world at this time.
There were times when it seemed that this Torah belonged to a certain public and a certain community, and this contradicts the words of Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Ladi, the author of the Tanya, himself. He declared that he did not come to establish a 'party', but to reveal light to the entire Jewish people.
Every Jew, whatever their origin and whatever their community affiliation, can draw a wealth of strength and power from the teachings of Hasidism.
The consciousness permeates
Indeed, in recent years, it seems that the recognition of the power of Hasidism has permeated the entire spectrum of the Jewish world. Jews of all stripes are now studying the teachings of Hasidism and seeing that it is good. They are discovering the clear answers it provides, the depth it gives to the life of Torah and mitzvot, the fresh flavor it gives to every detail of our lives.
The abundance of books that have appeared – and are still appearing – in recent years allows every Jew to sample the treasures of Hasidism.
The articles of Hasidism are presented with an explanation and commentary that is equal to everyone, and there is no longer anything that blocks or hinders one from enjoying all the goodness of the teachings of Hasidism. Therefore, we wish all of us: ""Happy Holidays! May you have a good year in learning Hasidism and in the ways of Hasidism, be written and signed."".
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