The Mystic and the Philosopher – Chassidism VS Secular Psychology

The story is told of a mystic who once said to his friend the philosopher: “You know, I think I finally figured out what lies at the heart of our disparity.

“How do you mean?” asked the philosopher.

“Well,” continued the mystic, “While I am forever thinking about myself, you are constantly thinking about G-d.”

Though not too sure about the precise meaning of the mystic’s remarks, the philosopher could not help but feel somewhat flattered by what seemed like a generous compliment. Upon further reflection, however, it dawned on him that his good friend may not have been quite that generous after all.

It occurred to him that in the mind of the mystic G-d is, no doubt, the very essence of reality. The Divine truth a given, the mystic ponders his own subjective reality: “Do I exist? What significance, if any, is there to my existence? What possible legitimacy can a finite and transitory existence have within the all-transcending, all-pervading reality of G-d?”

Did you say the ‘Nasi’ Today? (Yom Tes)

From the Safer Haminhagim: [Every day from Rosh Chodesh Nissan until the twelfth of the month, usually after Shacharis,] one reads the passage [from Bamidbar 7-8:4] that describes the offering brought on that day by a particular Nasi, or tribal prince, for the dedication of the altar of the Mishkan. [In common parlance, each day’s passage itself is often referred to as “the Nasi.”] This daily reading is followed by the prayer which opens with the words yehi ratzon (and which appears in Siddur Torah Or [as well as in Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 371]). This prayer is recited even by a Kohen or a Levi [despite its seeming relevance only to tribes other than the Tribe of Levi]. [284]

To see the rest of the text of the Nasi click the Extended Article!