Louisville Chabad Members Commit to Daily Study of Chitas

In a heartfelt and inspiring moment at Chabad of Louisville, 22 members of the community rose to commit to a profound daily practice: the study of Chitas. This unique commitment involves daily learning from three foundational Jewish texts — Chumash (the Five Books of Moses), Tehilim (Psalms), and Tanya (the foundational work of Chabad Chassidic philosophy) — whose initials form the acronym Chitas.

The word “Chitas” itself is found in the Torah portion, Vayishlach, in Chapter 35, verse 5. The verse states:
“They set out. The dread (Chitas) of God fell upon the inhabitants of the surrounding cities, and they did not pursue Jacob and his sons.”

Rashi, the renowned Torah commentator, explains “Chitas” as referring to the fear of God, which protected Jacob and his family on their journey.

In his weekly address, Rabbi Avrohom Litvin, head Shliach and Rabbi at Chabad of Louisville, drew a powerful connection between this verse and the contemporary challenges facing the Jewish people. He emphasized that the spiritual “fear of God” is not a passive state, but a transformative force. “Our way of confronting the challenges and adversities facing our people,” Rabbi Litvin explained, “is not through confrontation or conflict, but by increasing our spiritual strength. Daily study of Chitas imbues us with clarity, resilience, and divine protection.”

Rabbi Chaim Litvin, who serves as the Director of Life and Learning at Chabad, added, “The beauty of Chitas is that it provides every Jew with a daily roadmap—uniting our study of Torah, our heartfelt prayers through Psalms, and the deep teachings of Tanya. It’s a spiritual lifeline that not only connects us to our ancestors but empowers us to face modern challenges with faith and confidence.”

This transformative commitment came at a particularly meaningful time on the 19th and 20th of Kislev, known as the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus. These dates commemorate the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidus, from Czarist imprisonment in 1798. His release marked a new era in spreading the teachings of Chassidus, emphasizing divine purpose, joy, and the unity of God. Rabbi Litvin highlighted the profound connection between this historic occasion and the community’s resolution, noting that learning Chitas is one of the most accessible ways to incorporate the light of Chassidus into daily life.

The commitment to Chitas was further elevated by the joyous celebration of the first night of Chanukah. The Chabad House hosted a community menorah lighting that brought members together in a festive atmosphere. The menorah was lit with much enthusiasm, latkes were eaten, music filled the room, and spirited dancing followed. The joyous program concluded with Rabbi Litvin personally distributing new Chitas books to community members, enabling them to fulfill their commitment to this daily practice.

As the Rabbi concluded his address, the atmosphere in the room grew charged with inspiration. One by one, 22 individuals stood up, each affirming their personal commitment to adopt this daily practice. This type of commitment, known as a hachlata, is a central concept in Jewish life, signifying a resolute decision to take on a positive spiritual challenge.

Rabbi Litvin expressed his deep pride in the community’s response. “When we strengthen our connection to Torah and God,” he said, “we create a ripple effect of divine blessing and protection, both for ourselves and for the entire Jewish people.”

The initiative is expected to foster a deep sense of unity within the Chabad House community and beyond, as participants embark on this shared journey of spiritual growth. As one attendee remarked, “By taking on this daily study, we feel not only more connected to our tradition but also more empowered to face the world with strength and faith.”

As the Chabad of Louisville community sets out on this spiritual journey, they embody the enduring relevance of the verse from Vayishlach. Through their commitment to Chitas, They strive to do their part to strengthen and protect the entire nation of Israel and bring about the coming of moshiach when all nations will fear G-d and admire and respect His nation of Israel.