Chayenu English Chitas Gets Even More Accessible 

When Chayenu first announced the publication of a Chitas with a full English component, many were skeptical that such a project was even possible. Now, Chayenu is taking it a step further with the release of a new compact edition, making Daily Studies in Chitas even more accessible.

Despite its 2,836 pages, the compact edition measures just 5 × 7.5 inches, slightly smaller than an iPad mini and slightly larger than a Kindle Paperwhite. It fits comfortably into a car glove compartment, backpack, or small tote, while offering everything found in the full-size 6 × 9 edition.

“The Rebbe encouraged not only the study of Chitas, but also keeping those seforim on hand, in a car, in a child’s bedroom, and in general,” says Rabbi Yossi Pels, Chayenu’s Executive Director. “The compact edition makes that possible, while still allowing full use of everything Daily Studies in Chitas offers.”

The compact edition was dedicated by David and Eda Schottenstein, who also dedicated the full size edition. They dedicated the new edition in memory of Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar of Bal Harbour.

“When we went into his office during the shiva after his passing, we saw his Daily Studies in Chitas, which we had gifted him, was well used, with all the bookmarks at the right places,” David shares.

He also notes that in his role leading Aleph Institute, Rabbi Lipskar oversaw the delivery of many Daily Studies in Chitas to incarcerated Jews and Jews in the military. This new compact edition will make that process more efficient, and as such, the dedication is a fitting tribute to his memory. 

As in the full size edition, the compact edition offers:

• A comprehensive foreword on the value of studying Chitas, its development and history, and practical guidance on how and when to study it
• A Chumash with English translation from the acclaimed Chumash – Synagogue Edition (Chabad House Publications / Kehot)
• A brand-new English translation of Rashi based on the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings
• Onkelos, included in accordance with the Rebbe’s instruction regarding the original Chitas
• Haftarot according to Chabad custom
• Ohel Yosef Yitzchak Tehillim, with chapter headers in both Hebrew and English
• Tanya with an English translation adapted from Lessons in Tanya
• Hayom Yom with English translation

Unique to Daily Studies in Chitas is Chayenu’s translation and explanation of the many Hayom Yom entries that contain textual corrections to foundational Chassidic discourses by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

The volume also features a redesigned Siddur Tehillat Hashem – Annotated Edition, with clear headers, detailed guidance on the mechanics of prayer (such as when to sit or stand), and relevant halachic notes.

“The publication of the full-size edition of Daily Studies in Chitas was a major step in making Chitas shaveh lechol nefesh – suitable for everyone,” says Rabbi Itzik Yarmush, Chayenu’s Editor-in-Chief. “The compact edition makes it shaveh lechol zeman as well – suitable for any time, and any place.”

Published by Chayenu in collaboration with Kehot Publication Society and Chabad House Publications, the compact edition offers a practical companion wherever one may be.

To learn more about Chitas, visit Chitas.org 

To purchase the compact edition, visit: Kehot 

Chayenu is grateful to the co-sponsors of the compact edition: Shloime & Chaya Nelken, Howard & Robin Anne Schwartz, Dovie & Ruthie Sperlin, Alan & Lori Zekelman, A. Richard Parkkoff, Chaim & Faigie Drizin, Zev Yaakov & Xenia Devorah Alexander and Brett & Mark Levy.