Don’t. You need a teacher and a guide. It would be irresponsible for anyone to lead you on this journey under the impression that it’s possible without guidance. However, these are unusual times of chaos and need. We are not necessarily able to wait until everything is in alignment. If anyone knows even a part of the True Theology of Judaism (that is, the Kabbalah of the Ari Za”l and the Chassidus of the Baal Shem Tov)$^1$ they are obligated to share that part. The world, including non-Jews, is obligated to study it.$^2$ But a study guide for the serious, intelligent prospective English-speaking student leveraging the Internet's copious (and exponentially growing) free resources has remained a desideratum. Until now.
<aside> ☝ Bizbuz Ha’Otzros (n.) the “wasting of the treasure stores,” tactic of a king who must win the war at any cost. He takes those treasures that were too precious and secret to be seen, and in desperation, he openly arrays them against the enemy. A parable used to characterize the tactic of holiness required by the last generation before the Future Redemption.
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-Favorites-
-How to use this guide-
-the Chassidic discourse is the main thing. irreplaceable. but today thank G-d there are many supports for the experience of the Chassidic discourse. You can’t replace the experience of studying and contemplating the discourse. Discourses are also the most sparsely available in English. Let’s try.
-Shiurim, Study Programs, and Active Teachers-
Videos of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
The Chassidic Discourse
The Chassidic Story
The Chassidic Nigun