THEMES of Featured Chasidic Masters Articles

The purpose of a tzadik in this world is to elevate Jewish souls. When he discerns a dormant spark of holiness ready to be set aflame in some Jew, he must do whatever it will take to elevate that soul to its pure and lofty source.

Pesach was a time of an incredible undeserved outpouring of kindness and beneficence from G-d. The period of the Omer, a defined measurement, represents constraint of the flow of chesed, rendering one's divine service into a balance of love and fear (great awe) of G-d.

The kohen’s task was to join opposites – heaven and earth. By offering the sacrifices and performing the other services of the Temple, the kohen caused holiness to penetrate the physical universe and make itself known to humanity. Since his job was to create oneness and unity, he could not tolerate the presence of separation called tumah.

Judaism is keenly sensitive to the truth that every human being struggles against horrible demons lurking within - if you don't challenge and tame them, they can turn you into a monster. When overtaken by dark cravings, remember that you are no worse than the High Priest of Israel! But, you, too, may still enter into the Holy of Holies.