Weekly Dvar Torah: Joy, Elite Forces, Courage and Responsibility

One of the most profound elements of Chassidic philosophy is the concept of serving G-d with joy. This principle was vividly illustrated by an incident involving the Miteler Rebbe (Rabbi Dovber Schneuri, the second Chabad Rebbe). On one occasion, after hearing the Torah portion that lists the Tochacha (curses), he became so distressed that he fell ill. His father, the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe), was concerned whether his son would be able to fast on Yom Kippur due to his weakened state.

When asked why he reacted so strongly to the curses that year, though he had heard them in the past without becoming ill, the Miteler Rebbe replied: “When father reads the curses, they don’t sound negative at all.”

This response reveals a powerful insight: the same words can be received in entirely different ways depending on the source and intention. When the curses were read by his father, a loving and spiritual leader, the words were not harsh but filled with the love and care of a father for his child. This incident underscores a central tenet of Chassidic thought—that beneath what appears harsh or challenging, there can be an expression of Divine love, especially when viewed through a lens of joy and faith, then you rise higher and you can see that blessing.

One of the key messages from the Tochacha is that the curses befell the Jewish people “because you did not serve G-d with joy.” This teaches us that joy in serving G-d is not a mere accessory to religious life, but a vital component. Without joy, even the act of fulfilling commandments can become burdensome, and spiritual life can feel lifeless. On the other hand, when one serves G-d with joy, even difficult circumstances are transformed into opportunities for connection and growth.

But how can one achieve this state of perpetual joy, especially in the face of life’s challenges? Here, we turn to the teachings of two towering figures in Jewish history: the Baal Shem Tov (founder of the Chassidic movement) and the Alter Rebbe (founder of Chabad Chassidus).

The Baal Shem Tov, who was born on the 18th of Elul in 1698, brought about a revolution to the Jewish world by emphasizing the joy inherent in a relationship with G-d. He taught that every Jew, regardless of their level of knowledge or observance, has a deep connection with G-d, and that this connection should bring one to a state of joy and ecstasy. The Baal Shem Tov encouraged simple, heartfelt expressions of devotion, and saw joy as the fuel that would ignite the Jewish soul.

The Alter Rebbe, who was also born on the 18th of Elul (in 1745), took this concept of joy and provided a practical method for achieving it. Through his teachings of Chabad Chassidus, he explained that true joy comes from understanding and internalizing the closeness one has with G-d. The mind and heart must work together—intellectual comprehension of G-d’s presence leads to a deeper emotional connection. When one truly understands that G-d is always with them, and that they are never alone, this brings about a joy that transcends the ups and downs of material life.

As the Alter Rebbe taught, the deeper one’s intellectual and emotional grasp of this closeness, the easier it is to remain joyful, even in times of hardship. Material challenges, like a less than satisfying meal or financial difficulty, lose their power to distress because one’s joy stems from a higher place—the unbreakable bond with G-d.

The 18th of Elul, known as Chai Elul, is a day of great significance in the Chassidic world, as it marks the birthdays of both the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe. The word Chai means “life,” and Chai Elul is understood as the day that infuses life and vitality into the entire month of Elul, the month of preparation for the High Holidays. On this day, we reflect on the contributions of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, who not only revitalized Jewish life but also provided the tools to live a joyous and meaningful existence.

The teachings of Chassidus are not just theoretical; they have practical implications for daily life, as seen in the following story involving the Rebbe Rashab (the fifth Chabad Rebbe) and the establishment of the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva on the 15th of Elul 1897. This yeshiva was unique in that it emphasized not only the study of traditional Torah subjects but also the in-depth study of Chassidus. The Rebbe Rashab foresaw the challenges that the Jewish people would face under communism and recognized the need to train students to be spiritual “elite forces” who could preserve Judaism under the harshest conditions.

This idea of being part of an elite spiritual force was demonstrated by Rav Yaacov Klemes, a non-Chabad rabbi in Moscow during the 1930s. When a Jewish factory owner came to Rav Klemes, devastated that he would have to work on Shabbos to avoid execution, the rabbi ruled that saving his life took precedence. However, when a student of Tomchei Tmimim came with the same dilemma, Rav Klemes refused to give him the same leniency, declaring: “You are part of the elite forces! You must protect Shabbos with your life.”

The lesson is clear: for some, Judaism may bend in life-threatening situations. But for those trained to guard its core principles, like the Tmimim, they must be willing to sacrifice everything to ensure that Shabbos and Judaism endure.

Chassidic philosophy, particularly as developed by the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, provides a path for every Jew to live with joy, purpose, and responsibility. It teaches that joy is not a luxury but a necessity, and that intellectual understanding of one’s connection to G-d can lead to a deep, enduring sense of happiness. Moreover, the story of the Rebbe Rashab’s Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva demonstrates that this joy and connection to G-d are not just for times of ease but are vital even—and especially—during moments of extreme hardship.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah and reflect on the lessons of Chai Elul, we can take inspiration from these teachings. By embracing the joy that comes from knowing G-d is always with us, and by taking on the responsibility to protect and promote the values of Judaism, we prepare ourselves to be inscribed in the Book of Life, not only for another year but for an eternity of spiritual fulfillment.

Moshiach told the Baal Shem Tov, when the fountains of your wisdom will be spread far and wide, I will come to bring the redemption, and the Tmimim were tasked by the Rebbe Rashab to be the foot soldiers of the house of David, to spread these teachings in order to usher in the Moshiach.

Have a Shabbos filled with the Courage of the Elite Forces,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman