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The Guru and the Rebbe: Relationality in the Devotional Practices of Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-Ji and Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson
UCLA Journal of Religion Vol. 4, 2020 UCLA Journal of Religion Volume 4 2020 The Guru and the Rebbe: Relationality in the Devotional Practices of Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji and Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson Jonah Gelfand Oberlin College ABSTRACT When reading through the stories of Hindu gurus and Hasidic rebbes, the similarities are immediately apparent. This paper will argue that these similarities are due to a parallel need among devotees for ‘relationality,’ which can be seen in case studies of the devotional practices of darshan of the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji and yechidut with the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe of Chabad, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Additionally, it will be argued that the primary function of saints is to provide their devotees with an accessible form of divinity thereby fulfilling the underlying human desire to be in a relationship with the divine. Relationality’s central role will be proven by exploring a composite definition of the term that draws on four building blocks; the theory of intersubjectivity, Buberian Dialogism, and the practices of darshan in Hinduism, and yechidut in Hasidism. Keywords: darshan, yechidut, Chabad-Lubavitch, Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji, intersubjectivity, Buberian Dialogism 88 Jonah Gelfand The Guru and the Rebbe UCLA Journal of Religion Volume 4 2020 The Guru and the Rebbe: Relationality in the Devotional Practices of Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji and Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson Jonah Gelfand1 Oberlin College Maharajji’s company was very special… his presence was more than inspiring; it was enlightening. While mediating in or near his presence, even though he’d be talking and joking loudly, one quickly reached the place of clear light, a place difficult to achieve without his grace and power.2 I know of no one who left the Rebbe without being deeply affected, if not changed by the encounter.. -
Noahidism Or B'nai Noah—Sons of Noah—Refers To, Arguably, a Family
Noahidism or B’nai Noah—sons of Noah—refers to, arguably, a family of watered–down versions of Orthodox Judaism. A majority of Orthodox Jews, and most members of the broad spectrum of Jewish movements overall, do not proselytize or, borrowing Christian terminology, “evangelize” or “witness.” In the U.S., an even larger number of Jews, as with this writer’s own family of orientation or origin, never affiliated with any Jewish movement. Noahidism may have given some groups of Orthodox Jews a method, arguably an excuse, to bypass the custom of nonconversion. Those Orthodox Jews are, in any event, simply breaking with convention, not with a scriptural ordinance. Although Noahidism is based ,MP3], Tạləmūḏ]תַּלְמּוד ,upon the Talmud (Hebrew “instruction”), not the Bible, the text itself does not explicitly call for a Noahidism per se. Numerous commandments supposedly mandated for the sons of Noah or heathen are considered within the context of a rabbinical conversation. Two only partially overlapping enumerations of seven “precepts” are provided. Furthermore, additional precepts, not incorporated into either list, are mentioned. The frequently referenced “seven laws of the sons of Noah” are, therefore, misleading and, indeed, arithmetically incorrect. By my count, precisely a dozen are specified. Although I, honestly, fail to understand why individuals would self–identify with a faith which labels them as “heathen,” that is their business, not mine. The translations will follow a series of quotations pertinent to this monotheistic and ,MP3], tạləmūḏiy]תַּלְמּודִ י ,talmudic (Hebrew “instructive”) new religious movement (NRM). Indeed, the first passage quoted below was excerpted from the translated source text for Noahidism: Our Rabbis taught: [Any man that curseth his God, shall bear his sin. -
Farbrengen Wi Th the Rebbe
פארברענגען התוועדות י״ט כסלו ה׳תשמ״ב עם הרבי Farbrengen wi th the Rebbe english úמי בúימ עו וﬢ ‰ﬧ ו ﬨו ﬨ ר ע ﬨ ˆ ר ﬡ ﬡ י מ נ ו פארברענגען עם הרבי פארברענגען עם הרבי י״ט כסלו תשמ״ב Published and Copyrighted by © VAAD TALMIDEI HATMIMIM HAOLAMI 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213 Tel: 718 771 9674 Email: [email protected] VAADHATMIMIM.ORG The Sichos included in this Kovetz are printed with permission of: “Jewish Educational Media” We thank them greatly for this. INDEX Maamar 5 Maamar Padah Beshalom Sicha 1 11 Not the Same Old Story Sicha 2 17 A Voice with No Echo Sicha 3 23 Learning Never Ends Sicha 4 31 Called to Duty Sicha 5 35 Write for yourselves this Song…; Hadran on Minyan Hamitzvos; in honor of the Mivtzah of Ois B’sefer Torah Sicha 6 51 Architects of Peace; Hadran on Maseches Brachos Sicha 7 71 Full time occupation Sicha 8 73 The Road to Peace Sicha 9 87 In Word and in Deed Maamar Maamar Padah Beshalom Peace in our Avodas Hashem Padah Beshalom – peace in our Avodas Hashem. התוועדות י״ט כסלו ה׳תשמ״ב 6 MAAMAR 1. “He delivered my soul in peace from battles against me, because of the many who were with me.” The Alter Rebbe writes in his letter that this verse relates to his liberation, for while reciting this verse, before reciting the following verse, he was notified that he was free. Consequently, many maamarim said on Yud Tes Kislev begin with, and are based on this verse. -
Farbrengen Has Different Types of Nisyonos, to in Connection with Gimmel Tammuz, We a Certain Extent
Today’s generation Farbrengen has different types of nisyonos, to In connection with Gimmel Tammuz, we a certain extent. What we once called “the street” asked Rabbi Abrahams to share a few words of has managed to infiltrate our pockets and homes. inspiration for the benefit of our readers. The However, none of it is inherently new. The goal of following is a short synopsis of Rabbi Abrahams’s a Chossid is to immerse himself totally in avodas farbrengen. Hashem, in learning and davening, hafatza and so A connection to the Rebbe can be divided into on. It isn’t beyond your reach; you just need the two categories: chitzonius and pnimius. Sometimes resolve to immerse yourself within it. people, especially bochurim, ask, “How can we Being a mekushar means choosing to dedicate have a connection to the Rebbe?” oneself to the Rebbe. That is then spelled out This question is based on an assumption that in every facet of your life; you learn Chassidus by simply being in the Rebbe’s presence, one had and nigleh, engage in avodas hatefillah, learn the a real connection with him, but today, when we Rebbe’s sichos and maamarim, and involve yourself don’t see the Rebbe physically, we can’t be properly in the Rebbe’s activities. That is how you create a connected. true hiskashrus within yourself. That assumption is inherently wrong. Ultimately, this genuine hiskashrus also brings A physical relationship with the Rebbe is also with it the chitzoniusdiker trappings of a Chossid. very important, but that is totally unrelated to I often see the bochurim arriving at 770 or coming whether a person can be called a mekushar, and— to the Ohel with the same chayus and excitement more specifically—whether he fulfills his purpose that we had, when we were able to see the Rebbe; in the world. -
Tanya Sources.Pdf
The Way to the Tree of Life Jewish practice entails fulfilling many laws. Our diet is limited, our days to work are defined, and every aspect of life has governing directives. Is observance of all the laws easy? Is a perfectly righteous life close to our heart and near to our limbs? A righteous life seems to be an impossible goal! However, in the Torah, our great teacher Moshe, Moses, declared that perfect fulfillment of all religious law is very near and easy for each of us. Every word of the Torah rings true in every generation. Lesson one explores how the Tanya resolved these questions. It will shine a light on the infinite strength that is latent in each Jewish soul. When that unending holy desire emerges, observance becomes easy. Lesson One: The Infinite Strength of the Jewish Soul The title page of the Tanya states: A Collection of Teachings ספר PART ONE לקוטי אמרים חלק ראשון Titled הנקרא בשם The Book of the Beinonim ספר של בינונים Compiled from sacred books and Heavenly מלוקט מפי ספרים ומפי סופרים קדושי עליון נ״ע teachers, whose souls are in paradise; based מיוסד על פסוק כי קרוב אליך הדבר מאד בפיך ובלבבך לעשותו upon the verse, “For this matter is very near to לבאר היטב איך הוא קרוב מאד בדרך ארוכה וקצרה ”;you, it is in your mouth and heart to fulfill it בעזה״י and explaining clearly how, in both a long and short way, it is exceedingly near, with the aid of the Holy One, blessed be He. "1 of "393 The Way to the Tree of Life From the outset of his work therefore Rav Shneur Zalman made plain that the Tanya is a guide for those he called “beinonim.” Beinonim, derived from the Hebrew bein, which means “between,” are individuals who are in the middle, neither paragons of virtue, tzadikim, nor sinners, rishoim. -
Magazine Imprint 5770 Layout 1.Qxd
The Jewish Perspective FALL 2010 / TISHREI 5771 A LITTLE NOSH FOR THE SOUL COMPLIMENTSOF CHABAD JEWISH CENETR DEDICATEDDEDICATED TOTO THETHE LOVELOVE ANDAND INSPIRATIONINSPIRATION OFOF THETHE LUBAVITCHERLUBAVITCHER REBBEREBBE on the the cover: cover: MLH DDARKNESS’ARRKNESS’ LAST Dear Friend, (4VKLYU+ H`*OH STANDSTAND AGAINST...YOU.AGAINST...YOU. 8a[KPWQU You are the next link in the chain. ,_JS\ZP]L +Y 8a[KPWQU InIn allall mymy timetime asas editoreditor ofof ,_JS\ZP]L +Y Passover is the most ancient of all rituals in the 8a[KPWQU tthishis mmagazine,agazine, I’veI’ve nevernever ,_JS\ZP]L Western world. It has been passed down in an +Y sseeneen thethe worldworld soso dark.dark. 8a[KPWQU ,_JS\ZP]L unbroken chain of tradition for over 3300 years, +Y I rememberremember thethe RebbeRebbe that’s over 100 generations! That means that every / oncee saidid thath dkdarkness iis . one of your ancestors, without exception, sat at a mmostostt iintensentense rirightght bebeforefore Seder and shared the meaning, the mystery and dadayy break. And wewe’re’re all lookinlookingg forward to the magic of Passover. susunrisenrise ooff tthathat NNewew DaDay.y. TThat’shat’s whwhyy tthishis issue is our lilightght issue. ItIt’s’s not soo much about lilightght as Engage all your senses in this dynamic and moving it is about our lilightght hero.hero. ComeCome on,on, we allall havehave experience. The tastes, the aromas, the textures, a hero. Hero worshiworshiperspers hhave the ggamutamut covered the sounds and the sights of Jewish continuity in frfromom BBabeabe RRuthuth to Bill GaGates.ates. ButBut,, iinn our ggloballobal action all combine to achieve the meaningful events of the Seder. -
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Praise for Turning Judaism Outward “Wonderfully written as well as intensely thought provoking, Turning Judaism Outward is the most in-depth treatment of the life of the Rebbe ever written. !e author has managed to successfully reconstruct the history of one of the most important Jewish religious leaders of the 20th century, whose life has up to now been shrouded in mystery. A compassionate, engaging biography, this magni"cent work will open up many new avenues of research.” —Dana Evan Kaplan, author, Contemporary American Judaism: Transformation and Renewal; editor, !e Cambridge Companion to American Judaism “In contrast to other recent biographies of the Rebbe, Chaim Miller has availed himself of all the relevant textual sources and archival docu- ments to recount the details of one of the more fascinating religious leaders of the twentieth century. !rough the voice of the author, even the most seemingly trivial aspect of the Rebbe’s life is teeming with interest.... I am con"dent that readers of Miller’s book will derive great pleasure and receive much knowledge from this splendid and compel- ling portrait of the Rebbe.” —Elliot R. Wolfson, Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University “Only truly great biographers have been able to accomplish what Chaim Miller has with this book... I am awed by his work, and am now even more awed than ever before by the Rebbe’s personality and prodi- gious accomplishments.” —Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President Emeritus, Orthodox Union; Editor-in-Chief, Koren-Steinsaltz Talmud “A fascinating account of the life and legacy of a spiritual master. -
Catalog 2020-2021
CATALOG 2020-2021 [1] RABBINICAL COLLEGE OF AMERICA 226 SUSSEX AVENUE MORRISTOWN, NJ 07962-1996 (973) 267-9404 [2] TABLE OF CONTENTS Covid-19 Update ................................................................................... 5 Licensure and Accreditation ................................................................. 5 General Information .............................................................................. 6 Administration ...................................................................................... 7 Faculty .................................................................................................. 7 Availability of Full Time Employee to Assist Enrolled and Prospective Students ................................................................................................ 8 Mission .................................................................................................. 8 The College Campus ............................................................................. 9 Textbook Information ......................................................................... 10 Married Student Housing .................................................................... 10 Dormitory ........................................................................................... 11 History ................................................................................................ 11 Admission Requirements .................................................................... 14 Admission Procedure ......................................................................... -
The Tragedy of Chabad-Lubavitch Responding to the Unthinkable
The Tragedy of Chabad-Lubavitch Responding to the Unthinkable While there’s been a great deal written concerning the acceptability of some beliefs held by some members of the Chabad community, I think it’s worthwhile examining the rhetorical strength of their actual claims. It seems to me that there are four main classes of belief that distinguish Chabad Jews from mainstream orthodox Judaism. While not all Chabad members will agree to all four, there are many who feel that these classes represent the core claims of modern Chabad (Click here for selected background sources). w that Rabbi Schneerson was the greatest Torah scholar and righteous man of his generation (nasi hador) and perhaps of all generations, a prophet (navi) and infallible. w that Rabbi Schneerson was (or is) the Jewish messiah. w that a Chassidic rebbe can nullify himself before God to the point where he becomes “indistinguishable from Him.” Many Chabad Chassidim believe that Rabbi Schneerson was such a man (and therefore is alive, divine, all-knowing, all-powerful and worthy of our prayers). w that Chabad Chassidism is the only completely authentic branch of Judaism and that all Jews are obligated to study and live by the tenets of the Chabad movement. Put in their own language: any Jew who doesn’t learn Toras Chabad (i.e., who doesn’t live and study the principles and curriculum of Chabad Chassidism as manifested by the teachings of their grand rabbis and especially Rabbi M. Schneerson) is holding back the redemption – God’s ultimate goal for all creation. Now, let us approach these claims as honest and open-minded skeptics. -
Dissertation Final Draft V6
Distribution Agreement In presenting this thesis or dissertation as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree from Emory University, I hereby grant to Emory University and its agents the non-exclusive license to archive, make accessible, and display my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known, including display on the world wide web. I understand that I may select some access restrictions as part of the online submission of this thesis or dissertation. I retain all ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. Signature: _____________________________ _____________ Michael Karlin Date “To Create a Dwelling Place for God” Life Coaching and the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic Movement in Contemporary America By Michael Karlin Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Division of Religion American Religious Cultures ______________________________________ Don Seeman, Advisor ______________________________________ Joyce Flueckiger Committee Member ______________________________________ Eric Goldstein Committee Member ______________________________________ Gary Laderman Committee Member ______________________________________ Bobbi Patterson Committee Member “To Create a Dwelling Place for God” Life Coaching and the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic Movement in Contemporary America By Michael Karlin M.A., Georgia State University, 2007 Advisor: Don Seeman, PhD An abstract -
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¤ s”xc ojvbn rsj CHEDER MENACHEM 1606 South La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 ,urb ,eksv web site: www.chedermenachem.com e-mail: [email protected] ojbn rsj 5:48 ,ca htmun Tel: 310.623-1470 Fax: 310.623-1462 trhu ,arp 6:48 NEWSLETTER t’’ga, w iuaj u”y STUDENTS OF THE WEEK October 21, 2010 vjkmv ,ba CLASS NEWS gucav hshnk, Happy Birthday to Efraim Lerner, Mendel Munitz, Simcha .hbun crv - ’t v,f Fisch, Sholom D. Cohen, Yisroel Gurary & Gavriel Oginskis. In honor of Rebby’s son’s birthday - Menachem cuy kzn Mendel Munitz, the class enjoyed delicious mini Limud HaTorah / vru,v sunhk Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Pinson on the birth of doughnuts and learned the purpose of being born .hcrud ksbgn - ’t 1 hrp v,f their daughter. and the valuable lesson on Ahavas Yisroel -- a chkytd ;xuh - t-’t v,f Mazal Tov to Levi Yitzchok Cohen on the Jew is only complete when uniting with another occasion of his vumn rc/ Jew! Mazal Tov! hhtcruc ovrct - c-’t v,f ’v ,utcm hsurc crv - ’d v,f .hcrud inkz ruthba - t-’c v,f This week has seen activity at the Tzivos hashem kiosk Mazal Tov to Yisroel Gurary & Kasriel Lezak for ihbue ktuna - c-’c v,f with Talmidim in the older grades, choosing prizes for the earning to take home the velvet siddur for drcbgcgk ;xuh - t- ’d v,f upcoming Tzivos Hashem Global Chinese Auction. I”YH Shabbos. Mazal Tov to Dovi Naparstek for earning .hbun ksbgn - c- ’d v,f this coming Thursday, Chof Cheshvan, we will have the their piece of the Ahavas Yisroel Puzzle. -
The Shul Weekly Magazine Sponsored by Mr
B”H The Shul weekly magazine Sponsored By Mr. & Mrs. Martin (OBM) and Ethel Sirotkin and Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz Shabbos Parshas Tazria Parshas Hachodesh Shabbos Rosh Chodesh 29 Adar 2 - 1 Nissan April 5-6 Candle Lighting: 7:21 pm Shabbos Ends: 8:14 pm The Shul - Chabad Lubavitch - An institution of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson (May his merit shield us) Over Thirty five Years of Serving the Communities of Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek and Surfside 9540 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Fl 33154 Tel: 305.868.1411 Fax: 305.861.2426 www.TheShul.org Email: [email protected] www.TheShul.org Email: [email protected] www.theshulpreschool.org www.cyscollege.org The Shul Weekly Magazine Everything you need for every day of the week Contents Nachas At A Glance Weekly Message 3 Thoughts on the Parsha from Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar The Shul Teens early morning Chassidus Celebrating Shabbos 4-5 Schedules, classes, articles and more... Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience Community Happenings 6-7 Sharing with your Shul Family A Time to Pray 8 Check out all the davening schedules and locations throughout the week Inspiration, Insights & Ideas 9 -15 Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE Get The Picture 16-19 The full scoop on all the great events around town French Connection 20 Reflexions sur la Paracha Latin Link 21 Reflexion Semanal In a woman’s world 22 Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman Networking 23-24 Effective Advertising Numbers To Know 25 Contacts at The Shul Daily Study 26 A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul Get The Picture The full scoop on all the great events around town 27-28 Quotable Quote When in doubt, pause and say this acronym to yourself: WAIT, which stands for: Why Am I Talking? Just as we use the gift of speech for the good, let’s learn to use the gift of silence Thoughts on the Parshah from Rabbi Sholom D.