This class presents chapters 29-31 out of order in order to provide clarity. In chapter 30 the Alter Rebbe introduces us to a novel possibility of self- criticism in which one considers conforming to a standard expected of someone else! At the beginning of chapter 31 breaking one’s own spirit is justified as a means of reinvigorating oneself. He also introduces us to the idea of merirus – bitterness as opposed to depression. At the conclusion of chapter 29, the Alter Rebbe, surprisingly, explains the effectiveness of mussar – the emergence of the neshama and real clarity. Chapter 31 continues discussing the idea of focusing on the positive in our lives and drawing joy from it rather than focusing on the negative and being depressed by it. This is achieved through teshuvah – the constant performance of Torah and mitzvos to return to G-d. The class includes an interlude to discuss a landmark ma’amar of the Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson) (“Mar’gla b’pumei diRava”, Kislev 5746 – 1985 or ’86) that addresses the practical application of the material presented in Chapters 30 and 31 specifically for the post-Holocaust generation. MP3
