To this extent, Rabbi Ginsburgh has developed thousands of systems for analyzing phenomena in the natural world within a greater system called the Torah Academy. This is not now the place elaborate on specific teachings or initiatives (e.g., the Torah-based mathematics curriculum, the school of Jewish psychology), but as explained in the article referenced above, instead of a Torah Umadda (Torah and natural sciences) paradigm of Torah subjects in the morning, and secular in the afternoon, there should be a unification between the two. This is what the Zohar terms the “kissing” of the higher waters [of the wisdom of the Torah] with the lower waters [of the wisdom of the natural sciences]..
This is a Messianic vision, and the Chassidic movement is unabashedly a movement that came to inspire and awaken the world to the imminent coming of Moshiach. But this intensity, this fervor and light, needs to be contained. As mentioned in the Jewish Action article, dedicated study very much should remain a central part of Jewish life. And as Chassidic teachings are full of light, the challenge is to contained these lights into what are called “rectified vessels;” the dedicated study of Jewish law and tradition.
I understand where the neo-Chassid motivation comes from as I was in a similar mindspace fourteen years ago in Yeshiva University. I was learning whatever interested me, and it was all nice and good, but my outlook and perspective on the world was a mix of a bunch of divergent thoughts and ideas. Since then, since becoming Chabad, I find it hard to read a new headline without thinking how it relates to the Chabad perspective on reality. For those who have followed my articles over these past few years, I’ve written on everything from last year’s Polar Vortex, to TED videos, to currents events in Israel. Being a Chassid of one rebbe doesn’t limit a person, it grounds so that the world can then be perceived through the Chassidic lens appropriate for your soul-root.
For those looking for options beyond Chabad and Breslov, in the NY-area, two Chassidic rebbes that I feel a personal connection to, two very warm and open English-speaking tzaddikim, are the Nikolsburg Rebbe of Monsey and the Biala Rebbe of Boro Park. I encourage you to ask your Chassidic friends for other wonderful rebbes both in the NY-area and abroad.
This does not mean that you are expected to become a chassid in a day. To adhere to all the directives and practices of a particular rebbe and dynasty overnight. But the journey begins by seeing where you feel most comfortable, where your soul-root is most drawn to. And then once you have a firm foundation under one rebbe, to explore from there to the full gamut of the Chassidic spectrum.
To Reiterate:
It is wonderful that Jewish youth and adults are interested in learning Chassidus. It is wonderful that these individuals wish to become inspired from a more eclectic blend of the holy rebbes and tzaddikim in Chassidic tradition. But to begin formulating one unified perspective on reality takes adherence to one tradition. The adherence to one rebbe serves as the “home base” from whence to view all other Chassidic teachings, all other Torah teachings, and the world around.
Adherence to a rebbe is called hitkashrut (connecting), and like the “tying the knot” terminology used to refer to getting married, becoming a chassid takes commitment and devotion to one specific rebbe. We should learn from all rebbes and Chassidic dynasties, but to be a chassid means to be connected to one.