Chassidus4U & TanyaTools

A talk by Rav Yosef Heller shlita in the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Boro Park.*

Written by one of the yungeleit.

The recent tragedy in Boro Park leaves us in shack and despair [a young child was murdered]. The Gemara (Shabbos 33:2) states, “At a time when there are Tzadikim in a generation, the Tzadikim suffer for the generation. If there are no Tzadikim, the children may suffer for the generation.”

An even like this forces each and every one of us to learn and from it; as it says, “V’hachay yiten el libo – the living take it to heart.”

The story begins with a young boy who gets lost in his neighborhood – a Jewish neighborhood. Hi was wondering in the streets and yet no one noticed. Imagine . . . A lost child on Kingston Avenue and everyone ignores him . . .

Eventually, a search was started, and thousands joined in trying desperately to locate him. But it was already too late. Read more »

Coming soon

Coming soon

In Likutei Sichos 2, Parshas Chukas, in discussing the mann (divine bread given to the Jews in the desert) the Rebbe talks about how we are all–as individuals–different. As such, he explains that Torah learning and the way the Mitzvos are to done is different from one person to the next.

Many Baalei Teshuva (newcomers to Yiddishkeit) get the impression being “frum” means to be exactly like everyone else–especially like “lifers,” that have been educated in the ways of the Torah from birth on and have extended family in all directions that exemplify what a Torah Jew is.

This approach is wrong–being like everyone else–according to the Rebbe. One must know his or her abilities and learn and do the required Mitzvos accordingly. If not, this can lead to guilt, resentment and depression (author’s opinion).

We can only serve Hashem with joy–as commanded in the Torah–when we have realistic expectations for ourselves.

You want a great marriage. We all do. How does it happen? Is it just luck, is it hard work, or is it both? After speaking to many couples, I understand it can be confusing. When I first married, I too, understood very little. However, after talking with thousands of couples over the past twenty-years it has become clear. There is a way to make a great marriage.

When I was in family therapy graduate school, I learned techniques. I learned specialized terminology to describe everyday behaviour between people. I learned how to behave professionally. I didn’t learn what makes a marriage successful. Why? Because universities do not teach people how they should behave. They only teach techniques, not values. Torah teaches people how they should behave (you, me, and everyone else). And if we want to know how to make a great marriage we need to look inside. Read more »