The Chasidic movement started by the Ba'al Shem Tov in the mid-1700's harnessed the powerful ideas of Kabbalah to create a spiritual and psychological revolution in that has changed the lives of millions of people.
In this course, taught by Rabbi Daniel Silverstein, we will study ideas, practical wisdom and accesible, step-by-step exercises that can help us to live with more joy, presence and self-awareness.
The course consists of two, six-class instalments:
In the first instalment, we explore the teachings and practices of the Ba'al Shem Tov himself, the founder of the movement, his successor the Maggid of Mezritch and the Chernobyler Rebbe (Me'or Einayim), a key student of both the Ba'al Shem Tov and the Maggid.
In the second instalment, we explore the texts and practices of the Degel Machaneh Ephraim (the grandson of the Ba'al Shem Tov), Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (the great-grandson of the Ba'al Shem Tov) and the radical Polish schools of Peshischa and Izhbitz.
Each of these has been selected to maximise our exposure the to transformative spiritual treasures of Chasidism.
These great teachers will transform how we approach everyday activities such as speaking with others, eating and drinking, studying, singing, working, studying and praying. They will also provide invaluable tools and techniques for increased insight, self-awareness and healing.
All texts are provided with clear line-by-line translations, and no prior knowledge or experience with the subject matter is necessary.
How does it work?
Revolutionary Chasidic Ideas and Practices is a twelve-class journey.
The classes are recorded (audio and video) and participants can watch or listen to the recordings of the classes at any time they like.
Each two-class module focuses on a different Master or School, with its own approach to our inner work, and includes:
1) Two recorded classes exploring the background, teachings and practices of each Master and School, providing context, close reading, critical analysis and ideas for application in our day-to-day lives. Each class is 1 hour long and participants are invited to watch or listen to the recordings at your own convenience.
2) Handouts which outline the historical, intellectual and spiritual context and background of the module's Chasidic Master.
3) Chasidic teachings providing a broad and deep perspective of each Master's unique areas of focus, key ideas and practices, provided in full translation with introductory comments and guiding questions.
4) Clear and down-to-earth instructions for that module’s spiritual practice, based on the teachings of the module's Chasidic Master.
5) An open channel to the teacher.
Registrants gain lifetime access to all of the course materials.
Click here for detailed Course Overview
Testimonials
"Thank you for a wonderful class that was informative, interesting, and well organized. Your knowledge and deep understanding of the materials, and clear and pleasant delivery made it easy to follow and remain engaged! Yishar koach!"
- Hanna Ashar, PhD
"Rabbi Daniel’s shiurim have allowed me not only to deepen my knowledge of Chasidut and Jewish spirituality broadly, they have helped me ground myself more thoroughly in the particular religious and historical contexts of each of the mekorot he brings. I appreciate both his authenticity and also his willingness to engage critically with the mekorot. Rabbi Daniel’s heart-centered wisdom, love of learning, and commitment to practice have had a tremendous impact upon me spiritually and I feel grateful to call him a teacher."
- Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
"Rabbi Daniel's knowledge and engaging teaching style has been transformative in deepening my spiritual practice in a subject dearest to my heart. He's truly fulfilling the mitzvah of Talmud Torah."
- Carmella Michals