New Book Explains Chabad Goals

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov pioneers a new genre with his creative literary work on Chassidic philosophy.

The book, What Chabad Really Believes, whose focus is the profound teachings of Chabad Chassidism, is sort of a hybrid between a novel and true philosophy, according to the author.

The Chabad Chassidic movement, the fastest growing Jewish organization in the world, is a virtual household name in Jewish (and even non-Jewish) homes across the globe. Their outreach, on a spiritual and humanitarian level, is legendary and heartwarming.

But what accounts for this improbable phenomenon? Why do so many, in a progressive world, choose the movement’s ancient teachings and principles, let alone devote their lives to spreading its message and wisdom? The answer is their timeless ideology.

What Chabad Really Believes, presents this insightful ideology in a most user friendly manner; taking its reader on a journey into the core beliefs of Chabad and its superlative philosophy.

Chassidic philosophy, known as Chassidus, is based on Kabbalah/mysticism. The mystical dimension of Torah is a portal to the soul of the world. It allows for a behind the scenes view of the mysteries of creation and its ontology, as well as the inner workings of the human psychological and emotional self.

Penned as a dialogue between two friends Danni and Jay, the narrative is infused with animated interaction and banter that accompany a dynamic background story-line. This occurs as Danni, the more devout of the two, shares Chassidic insights with his disenfranchised friend, Jay during a flight to Poland on a Federation Mission.

When Danni speaks out in Treblinka, it causes an inner shift in Jay, leaving him spiritually inspired. Yet, at the same time, he grows increasingly anxious over his seemingly religious predicament.

Danni eases Jay’s distress through the teachings of Chassidus, as it relates to our particular age and to him personally, thereby introducing the reader to the climactic nature of our present era.

The author focuses on the proclamation of the Rebbe that our generation, despite all its flaws and spiritual deficiencies, or perhaps because of them, is the era heralding the coming of Moshiach. It is we who are granted the good fortune of bringing an end to this dark and bitter exile, through the fulfillment of just a single Mitzvah.

Chabad sees a critical parallel between our unique age, dubbed, “Heel of Moshiach,” and the recent emergence of the Chassidic movement and the proliferation of its ideology. In fact, Chassidim (particularly Chabad) perceive themselves as the army, and Chassidus as the armor, in this final foray.

For more info, visit whatchabadbelieves.com