Going on a Chassidic Exodus

By: Ya'akov Gerlitz

Free yourself from the limitations and constraints of the material world and you will become exceptionally productive and add tremendous value to your actions. This method of freeing yourself from the limitations and bounds of the world while remaining firmly planted upon it is called a “Chassidic exodus” and is something that happens when you live life with spiritual service (avodah). The Chassidic exodus is available to anyone willing to embark on it. You will still function within the material world, but you will transcend its limitations.These limitations include all those internally self-imposed (”I’m no good”) and those externally-imposed by society (”your idea will never work”). By going on a Chassidic exodus you become the master of nature, not its slave. Being that you are working for G-d, creation so to speak, which naturally and “organically,” serves G-d, steps aside to help you accomplish your mission. This frees up tremendous amounts of creative energy and possibilities. So, while the rest of the world may be telling you why you can’t do what it is you want to do, you simply show them your success.

While there are no hard and fast rules - other than it being an attitude and way of life - here are some suggestions and guidelines gleaned from conversations with fellow Chassidic liberators.

Rule 1: Make sure that you are working 100% for G-d.

This means doing everything for the sake of G-d, and focusing your actions on things that benefit the public. This works best when done in a manner that reveals your personal signature i.e., utilizing your individual talents and gifts. Sure you see the world in a slightly different perspective, you’re quirky and individualistic - share and express it. In the beginning the world may laugh, but you’ll be laughing all the way to the spiritual (and hopefully physical) bank. Paradoxically, this will help you negate your ego to the point of being able to perform tasks with “G-d’s signature.”

Note: Working 100% for G-d does not preclude the need to provide for yourself and your family financially.

Rule 2: Make a good environment for yourself

Our task in life is to make a good environment for G-d through meditative prayer (called “service of prayer” or “service of the heart” in Chassidus) and Torah study. Our livelihood and material needs is G-d’s job.

What is a good environment? A good house, a harmonious relationship with our spouse, and good friends. These elements make a full life, complete with love and companionship. People with a good environment are literally a breath of fresh air.

Simply being brilliant in Torah knowledge is not enough, or even necessary. A person may know a lot, but the spiritual air surrounding them may still be unclean. Chassidus does not give much credence to knowing a lot - who cares if a person is smart? They were born that way. What matters most in Chassidus is the amount of effort and toil a person puts into refined their habits and character traits, and this refinement can only come about thru spiritual service (avodah).

Rule 3: Complete trust in G-d that he will take care of all your needs.

This is achieved through meditative prayer.

Rule 4: The world will be threatening you all the time

You will constantly be tested, but you will never be abandoned. You must keep holding on to G-d as your lifeline, never letting go. There will be times you will to need to push to your maximum limit, just keep pushing until you can’t push anymore. You must be stubborn if you are going to let G-d take care of you. Never give in until there is no choice. If the bank is knocking at your door for money do not give up on G-d coming through for you until they send in the repo man. The Electric company is asking for money? Do not despair until they start to pull the plug.

Everyone is tested to the maximum of their capacity, especially in the areas were they are weakest - for some people this is finances, for others its health. We will be tested were we really feel it. G-d will make sure that our trust in Him is absolutely authentic and complete. It is fine to say “G-d, You pay my bills.” But, if you’re thinking “if G-d does not come thru for me with the rent money I’ll call Uncle Bill for the money.” Forget it. G-d will make you have to go to Uncle bill in order to pay the rent. Why? Because in this game, trust means 100% trust - which is the entire point of these tests. G-d wants to bring out the best in you. Think of it as spiritual boot camp. A good Sergeant doesn’t try to break his soldiers for the sake of torturing them, he pushes his soldiers in order to bring out strengths and attributes the solders never even knew they had.

Rule 5: Patience and Silence

The proper attidute to take while going on a Chassidic exodus in one of acceptence. Everthing comes in the right time, in the right amount. With a sense of Divine providence, there is no need to push, plead and complain. Prayer is not used as a forum to requst things, but rather as a time to connect with G-d. What usually takes the edge of difficult situations is doing a daily soul searching.

Rule 6: Do a daily soul searching

Delve deep into your higher-consciousness and soul for answers. Soul searching will be discussed more thoroughly in this website.

Rule 7: Be G-d’s “Yes Man”

Blitz the world with your stuff. Unhesitatingly, do the things you would like to do with the caveat that you must have a good time doing it. Play hard, but don’t take things too seriously; detach yourself from thinking that you’re the one making it happen - just make the vessel for G-d to fill.

Being a “Yes man” also means saying “yes” when things come your way. You’re in the middle of a big project and someone places something on your desk, do it. Someone asks you to do a particular task, say yes. That new job offer, sure. The key in saying yes is not to spread yourself too thin so that you cannot function; rather it is a recognition that G-d is sending things your way. This concept is definitely subtle and requires a strong sense of Divine providence. Which leads us to…

Rule 8: View the World through the Lens of Divine Providence

According to Chassidus man should strive to accustom himself to perceive individual Divine Providence in the world around him. He should learn to see how G-d, in His goodness, renews the universe and all creatures every moment.

The notion of Divine providence does not take away free choice nor our obligation to make correct decisions. The way to do it is to keep “one eye on the radar.” You still use your intellect, but you keep a lookout for the Divine messages in your life. Instead of being 1000% sure of your decisions, you keep a fraction of a percent open for G-d to come in and help guide you.

Rule 9: Devote your heart, mind and soul to Torah and bolstering Torah

If even a single person devotes their heart, mind and soul to Torah and bolstering Torah it can effect an entire city in all its affairs in a manner that transcends natural order. When you have such devotion, much like a soldier, G-d will assist you in a manner that manifests itself in nature - yet transcends nature.

Meditative prayer is essential to be able to truly devote one’s heart to Torah, because it is only the power of prayer that can engrave Torah into one’s heart.

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