"How could Chabad lose the legacy of Baal Shem Tov and declare war on the middle part of the human body?"

As soon as the Alter Rebbe started ignoring distracting thoughts during davening instead of binding them to their source, the Baal Shem Tov's legacy was already cast aside.
yoseph leib | Homepage | 05.27.07 - 4:31 pm | #

The Alter Rebbe didn't "start ignoring distracting thoughts instead of binding them to their source." All he said (in ch. 28 of Tanya) was that this method (as described by the Baal Shem Tov) is a formula for tzadikim.

Since I am sure that you're not so presumptious as to believe that you know the context of the Baal Shem Tov's instructions better than the student of his student, then I'll ask you -- what is your source that the Alter Rebbe's qualification of the method for elevating the emotional component of stray thoughts constituted a departure from The Besht's true intentions?
Tony Montana | 05.27.07 - 7:46 pm | #

what is your source that the Alter Rebbe's qualification of the method for elevating the emotional component of stray thoughts constituted a departure from The Besht's true intentions?
Tony Montana

You are 100% correct! See Rabbi Shochet's lengthy note on this subject in the new edition of Keser Shem Tov, sect. 39, where he quotes the Baal Shem Tov and other hasidic leaders sayinge xactly what the Alter Rebbe says!
AM | 05.28.07 - 4:22 pm | #

I cannot be correct because I didn't make any statement. All I did was ask a question that since nobody would be ridiculous enough to think he understands what the Baal Shem Tov meant better than his student's student - then where is the source for saying that the Alter Rebbe was saying different than the Besht?

I wasn't looking for the source to argue the opposite - that this is what the Besht also meant. A reasonable person doesn't NEED a source! If the Alter Rebbe said it, you should be able to take it at face value that he is accurately conveying the teachings of his teacher's teacher.

So, AM, while I honestly do appreciate your archival support, ein kan mekeimei, since my point never was to discuss chasidus with the arrogant dip-shit who said that the Alter Rebbe broke from the Besht, but rather to put him on the spot for being exactly what he is, dehaynu, an arrogant dip-shit.

Thanks.
Tony Montana | 05.28.07 - 6:23 pm | #