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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. -
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. -
The 7 Laws of the Children of Noah
The 7 Laws of the Children of Noah 1. With respect to God's commandments, all of humanity is divided into two general classifications: the Children of Israel and the Children of Noah. 2. The Children of Israel are the Jews, the descendants of the Patriarch Jacob. They are commanded to fulfill the 613 Commandments of the Torah. 3. The Children of Noah comprise the seventy original nations of the world and their branches. They are commanded concerning the Seven Universal Laws, also known as the Seven Laws of the Children of Noah or the Seven Noahide Laws.[1] These Seven Universal Laws pertain to idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual relations, eating the limb of a living animal, and establishing courts of law. 4. All Seven Universal Laws are prohibitions. Do not wonder at this. Negative commandments are of a higher order than positive commandments, and their fulfillment, which takes more effort than positive commandments, earns a greater reward. 5. Men and women are equal in their responsibility to observe the seven commandments.[2] 6. It is a matter of dispute as to when a person becomes responsible for his or her actions under these laws. One opinion holds that it depends on the intellectual development of the individual.[3] According to this opinion, as soon as a child has attained the maturity to understand the meaning and significance of the Seven Universal Laws, he is obligated to the fullest extent of the law. The other opinion is that a boy reaches the age of legal responsibility at his thirteenth birthday and a girl at her twelfth birthday.[4] 7. -
Chabad- Lubavitch and the Digital Sphere Sharrona Pearla a University of Pennsylvania Published Online: 09 Sep 2014
This article was downloaded by: [University of Pennsylvania] On: 11 September 2014, At: 10:53 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Journal of Media and Religion Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/hjmr20 Exceptions to the Rule: Chabad- Lubavitch and the Digital Sphere Sharrona Pearla a University of Pennsylvania Published online: 09 Sep 2014. To cite this article: Sharrona Pearl (2014) Exceptions to the Rule: Chabad-Lubavitch and the Digital Sphere, Journal of Media and Religion, 13:3, 123-137 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15348423.2014.938973 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. -
English, ‘Priority’ – to the ‘Demands of the Times’ That They Not Be Delayed Until Tomorrow, and Not Delayed Even for Later the Same Day If It Can Be Done Immediately
Farbrengen With The Rebbe כז 11 Nissan 5742 פארברענגען עם הרבי Free Translation Sicha 3 It is expected of every person since God has given him years of life, to always grow. Primarily to grow in matters of the soul – spiritual pursuits, which comes together with growing a year older. The Alter Rebbe emphasizes in Tanya that “the body is secondary and the soul is primary.” The primary growth must be that of the soul, and as a result, the body grows as well. Many ask about retirement. Unfortunately there are those who don’t even ask, but come to their own conclusions – although, in fact, the question has a proper answer. They say that since one has become a year older – and he is no longer as strong and energetic as he was a year earlier – this gives him the right to yield and decrease in his activities which are relevant to his mission in life. How can this be in this country which was founded upon an energetic work ethic, and where it has been turned into an ideal to exert oneself with vigor? -At times this goal is exaggerated and taken to an extreme – when the object of the pursuit is limited to financial and bodily matters, and that becomes the primary purpose in life.- By contrast, this same country has developed the custom, that when a person becomes forty-some years old, surely when he turns fifty, and certainly when he’s fifty-something, he “earns” the privilege to think about retirement, to decrease his activities which benefit humanity – the true purpose for which he was created. -
Making the Most of Yud Tes Kislev What Can We Do to Harness the Power of Yud Tes Kislev in Our Own Lives?
22 MAKING THE MOST OF YUD TES KISLEV WHAT CAN WE DO TO HARNESS THE POWER OF YUD TES KISLEV IN OUR OWN LIVES? COMPILED BY N’SHEI CHABAD NEWSLETTER STAFF December 2016 23 24 nsheichabadnewsletter.com THE FOLLOWING hear Padah B’sholom sung by Shmulik Listvand, go to nsheichabadnewslet- ter.com home page. IS A COLLECTION Yud Tes Kislev is a powerful day, when the Alter Rebbe was freed from imprisonment in a manner that was above nature yet within nature. The OF LOOSELY whole world had to concede that it was an open miracle. After the salvation of Yud Tes Kislev, the Alter Rebbe stated that the day would be established TRANSLATED as a Yom Tov for generations. It is a time when the hearts of the Jewish EXCERPTS FROM people are aroused to do teshuvah and to strengthen their avodas Hashem. The Alter Rebbe promises to repay those who rejoice in his simchah. There THE REBBE’S are three versions of this promise: He will take them out of the straits into ease, out of the material into the spiritual, and out of gehinnom. The Tzemach SICHOS REGARDING Tzedek quotes all three versions and says they are all correct. Just like Rosh Hashanah is the source of spiritual energy for the year to APPROPRIATE come, Yud Tes Kislev is a source of spiritual energy for the entire year specif- ically in our study and avodah of Chassidus. It is the day when the heavenly HACHLATOS TO kitrug, accusation, against the study of Chassidus was lifted. When the Alter Rebbe was exonerated, his teachings were exonerated as well. -
Reagan Assassination Attempt President's Letter to the Rebbe in Honor of the Rebbe's Birthday
Reagan Assassination Attempt On March 30, 1981 President Reagan was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington. He suffered a punctured lung. A number of Secret service agents and others were shot as well. The Shooter was John Hinckley, 25, who was later found not guilty by reason of insanity. John W. Hinckley Jr. is the son of John Warnock Hinckley, Sr., who was Chairman and President of the Vanderbilt Energy Corporation, and the family owns Hinckley Oil Company. The family is also well connected with the Bush family, they had given “a lot of money” to the Bush (41) Campaign. During his grade school years, he played football, basketball, and was elected class president twice. President’s Letter to the Rebbe in honor of the Rebbe’s Birthday April 15, 1981 Dear Rabbi Schneerson: I am delighted to join with your many friends and followers in wishing you а very Happy Seventy-Ninth Birthday . Your dedication and devotion to the spiritual and intellectual well-being of the Jewish people are an inspiration to all Americans. For more than two centuries, the Chabad- Lubavitch Movement has been а vital force in Jewish life and culture and а source of hope and sustenance during many difficult and tragic moments in Jewish history. With your emphasis on moral and ethical values and your interest in education, you have contributed greatly to both the intellectual and spiritual development of our nation. You have my deep-felt respect and admiration. With best wishes, Sincerely, Ronald Reagan The Rebbe’s Response Letter (The Rebbe mentions the Farbrengen in his letter). -
WE WANT MOSHIACH NOW! MOSHIACH WE WANT Nanna Rosengård: Messiah.”
“When the Rebbe was alive, just about every Lubavitcher (---) was confident that he was the Nanna Rosengård: WE WANT MOSHIACH NOW! MOSHIACH WE WANT Nanna Rosengård: Messiah.” Is this sort of a belief a new phenomenon in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement or is there more to the story? Chabad-Lubavitch is a Jewish movement that has become well known both for its active outreach campaigns, bringing life to Jewish communites around the world, and their expectant belief in the Messiah. This belief is often WE WANT associated with Rabbi Schneerson, who MOSHIACH is said to be the Messiah by some NOW! Lubavitchers, and by scholars to have created a messianic fervor among his Understanding the adherents. The thesis at hand pinpoints Messianic Message the most important messianic beliefs put in the Jewish forward by the last two generations of Chabad-Lubavitch leaders in Chabad-Lubavitch, relating Movement them back to the first generations of the movement in the 1700s. Åbo Akademi University Press ISBN 978-951-765-514-9 Nanna Rosengård 2009 Photo: Ville Kavilo Ville Photo: Nanna Rosengård, was born 1978 in Stockholm, Sweden and grew up in Dagsmark, Kristinestad in Finland. She received a Masters of Theology from Åbo Akademi University 2005 and enrolled in the doctoral program of Jewish Studies the following year. Photo on front page taken by Nanna Rosengård in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York 2006. Design: Laura Karanko Åbo Akademi University Press Biskopsgatan 13, FIN-20500 ÅBO, Finland Tel. +258-20 786 1468 Fax +358-20 786 1459 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.abo.fi/stiftelsen/forlag Distribution: Oy Tibo-Trading Ab P.O.Box 33, FIN-21601 PARGAS, Finland Tel. -
Chabad Chodesh Shevat 5777
בס“ד Shevat 5777/2017 SPECIAL DAYS IN SHEVAT Volume 27 Issue 11 Shevat 1/January 28/Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Shevat Plague of locusts started. Moshe Rabbeinu began the review of the Torah, the Mishneh Torah, for thirty-six days, until his death, (Devarim 1:3) [2488]. Jews expelled from Genoa, Italy, 5358 [1598]. Yartzeit of R. Moshe Shick, “the MaHaRaM Shick”, Talmudist, 5639 [1859]. Shevat 2/January 29/Sunday Death of King Alexander Yanai, opponent Yartzeit of R. Meshulam Zusia of Annipoli, au- of the Chachamim, 3690 [76 BCE]. thor of Menoras Zahav, student of the Me- “...Yanai arrested seventy Elders of Israel zeritcher Magid, 5660 [1800]. He was one of and told the jail keeper, “If I die, kill these two people chosen by the Alter Rebbe to write Sages so that if Israel rejoices over me, they a Haskamah to the Tanya; in fact the Alter Reb- will mourn over their Teachers”... His be agreed to print the Tanya, only on condition righteous wife Shalamin took off his signet that it be with R. Zusya’s Haskamah. (Kitzurim ring when he died and sent it to the jail ViHaaros L’Tanya). keeper and said, “Your master released them.” They went home and she an- Shevat 3/January 23/Monday nounced that Yanai died. They made that First printing of the Alter Rebbe’s Torah Or, by day a holiday” (Megilas Taanis). the Tzemach Tzedek, Kopust, 5597 [1837]. Yud Shevat Sunday Night - Monday / February 5-6 TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PARK “...In reply to the many questions about a the Maftir should be the most respected detailed schedule for the Tenth of Shevat, member of the congregation, as deter- the Yartzeit of my revered father-in-law, mined by the majority of the congregation; the Rebbe, I suggest the following: alternatively, the choice should be deter- mined by lot.