Hassidic Sayings for Teachers

Abstract

Hassidic Sayings for Teachers Rabbi Allen S. Maller What can liberal Jews and Protestants learn from the sayings of a pious, ultra‐orthodox. Mystical sect of East European Jews? More than we might expect. I first learned about Hassidism when in the early 60's I read “Tales of the Hassidism” by Martin Buber, a German Jewish philosopher who taught at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Buber was popular among Jewish and Protestant thinkers in the 1950–1970's for his emphases on directly encountering God by personally experiencing a spiritual relationship with God, and all of God's creation. Buber asserted more than a half century ago that, “the purpose of all great religions and religious movements is to engender a life of elation and fervor which no (later) experience can dampen and stifle.” God's love can be experienced in many ways; but its outcome is always a form of redemption. In this light, I offer a sample of Hassidic insights that I believe can be used by both Christians and Jews to find the trust in God that leads to redemption. For many people, Hassidic Jews are noticeable because of their Amish‐like dress and ultra orthodox behavior. But it is their unique stress on trusting in God and elevating one's soul through joyful religious activities that makes them distinctive. There are many ups and downs in the life of every person and every nation. How an individual or a community meets the challenges of life is strongly influenced by the mind‐set one has prior to the challenge. Reacting with despair, discouragement, and helplessness reduces the chances of overcoming obstacles. Reacting with hope, faith, and confidence increases the chances of a successful response. One of the strengths of religion is that it prepares its adherents to deal with adversity from a larger perspective than ‘just my bad luck’ self‐pity and resentment. By avoiding despair, we avoid defeat. The following stories and sayings give a taste of the inner life of pious Hassidim. Rabbi Moshe of Kobryn taught, “When people suffer they should not say—That's bad, that's bad! Nothing that God imposes on us is bad. But it is all right to say—That's bitter! For there are some medicines that are made with bitter herbs.” Some people are embittered by adversity, while others are strengthened by it. How we react depends in large measure on our attitude. Making oneself a victim leads to self‐pity, hopelessness, and despair. But you do not have to entirely ignore or deny your pain. It is O.K. to say it's bitter as long as you also think—I can make something positive from this. Rabbi Simcha Bunam taught, “Everyone should have two pockets, so you can reach into one or the other according to your needs. In the right pocket should be the words—For my sake was the world created. And in the left pocket the words—I am dust and ashes.”. When we are defeated, depressed, discouraged, or down on ourselves, we need to remind ourselves that we are created in the image of God. When we are self‐centered, insensitive, self‐righteous, or conceited, we need to remind ourselves that we are only one of six billion. We need both messages equally, but since most of us are right handed we need the former more frequently than the latter. Rabbi Nakhman of Bratzlav said: “The whole world is one long narrow bridge, so it is essential not to be afraid.” Rabbi Barukh of Mezbizh said: “What a good and bright world this is if we do not lose our hearts, but what a dark world, if we do!” And a Hassidic Sage who was near death got up and danced. When they tried to stop him he said, “This is exactly the time to dance.” He then told them a story and concluded, “When they come to you with a very difficult demand, that is exactly the time to dance.” Rabbi Israel, the Baal Shem Tov (1700–1760), the founder of Hassidism stated, “Although sadness and dejection may not be listed as sins by the Torah, yet, they can...