“Tatty, what does it mean to be a chossid?”
My 7-year-old son caught me by surprise when he ran over to me with his big, curious eyes after a long day at school. I stumbled over my words to respond in a way that he could understand.
He was waiting. I realized that I didn’t really know what to say or how to say it. “Do I truly understand the answer to this question?” I asked myself silently.
I wasn’t so sure. I responded halfheartedly, offering the best explanation I could. My son was satisfied, but I wasn’t.
Being a chossid is something I can’t really explain. I know it because I grew up with people who represented it. My father spoke of farbrengens with a twinkle in his eye. His Shabbos tables were filled with Divrei Torah, and he prioritized learning above all else. My mother brought an environment of chassidishkeit to our home, and she was always involved in different initiatives for the community. My older siblings didn’t miss a day without saying chitas.
But me? I was just a regular kid.
I breezed through the system and scored decently on tests. I always liked learning, but there were other distractions catching my attention that seemed more compelling. At a young age, I dabbled in my own start-up, which eventually grew to become a lucrative business, and I moved off to Atlanta, where my wife and I could start our own family.
But here I was today, speechless. How could I translate hiskashrus to my son if I didn’t even know how to translate it to myself? I knew I had to make a change in my life. My son’s question shook me up, and I wanted to give him the example of a chossid that he deserved.
That evening, I called up an old friend from my Oholei Torah days. “Project Likkutei Sichos,” he immediately responded. “It will give you exactly what you’re looking for.”
The next day, he and I became chavrusas again, just like we had in the past. Not only did the project rekindle an old friendship, it completely changed my life. Learning the weekly sicha with Project Likkutei Sichos transformed my routine and gave me a new perspective on yiddishkeit. My Shabbos table was now enhanced with the Rebbe’s words, and the environment of my home was infused with insight.
My son and I developed a new relationship since we began watching the children’s sicha of the week together. There were so many things I didn’t know about him, like his love for turtles, his difficulty with math, and his favorite teacher who left school mid-year. I was connecting with my family on a different level, and it was all because of my learning.
This week, I finished 5 volumes of Likkutei Sichos. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I could possibly accomplish something like this. With the help of Project Likkutei Sichos and their accessible platform, I discovered something bigger than myself.
“Tatty, you’re my role model,” my now 10-year-old son announced as he looked to me with admiration. My eyes welled up with tears. If only he knew that it was all thanks to one simple question he had asked 3 years prior.
This 10 Shvat, join me and hundreds of others for a Siyum celebrating hiskashrus.
Hiskashrus isn’t just a word. It’s a lifestyle. Learning Likkutei Sichos gave me the perspective I needed to be the example of a chossid for my children, and even more importantly, for myself.
The truth is, you can do it too! Whether it’s through a podcast, a weekly chavrusa, or a community shiur, Likkutei Sichos will transform your life, enhance your relationships, and infuse your home with the Rebbe’s words.
There’s no better time to start than now! Next Motzei Shabbos, join an evening of inspiration for the entire Anash community, with renowned speakers, musical accompaniment, and a light buffet served.
The Siyum will be held in honor of Yud Shvat, featuring Rabbi Ari Shishler from South Africa, Rabbi Shloimy Greenwald and Rabbi Fishel Oster of Crown Heights, and Rabbi Moshe Gourarie, shliach in Toms River. In addition, Mr. Aaron Sputz and Mr. Yosef Adler will share their personal experiences mastering 5 full volumes of Likkutei Sichos.
Mark the date in your calendars. Mark the change in your life.
Is this siyum only for men?
Been following the project since it began!
I want to join .
Can you post the info to sign up for the learning?
Pls has changed so many lives the last few years
Ty to the wonderful staff