How To Get Pulled Into Thinking Chassidus

As a twenty-two-year-old bochur, Reb Berel Lipskier received guidance from Reb Yoel Kahan in how to learn and think over a Chassidus idea.

When he went into Yechidus, he handed in a letter, describing how Reb Yoel had given him depth in his learning, which had given him satisfaction. However, when it came to thinking it over, despite Reb Yoel’s prodding, he felt that he is not drawn into it.

In the yechidus, of which the Rebbe later edited a transcription, the Rebbe gave him two pieces of advice:

• “Learn the maamorim that have more elucidation, which is found mostly in the maamorim of the Rebbe Rashab and Frierdiker Rebbe.
• And discuss the Chassidus with a friend who learns deeper than you. When you hear him talk, or when you hear others discuss ideas, this will pull you in.

“Umitoch shelo lishma ba lishma,” the Rebbe added. “When you hear someone else discuss the inyan, you will want to do better than him, or just as good...”

(Ovinu Roeinu p. 36)