The Essence

The essential teaching of Chassidus, from the Baal Shem Tov:

Be simple, be earnest, and spread that simplicity throughout everything you do. Simplicity is a receptacle for G-d's simple Oneness.

Simplicity

Besides simplicity and purity, you should understand that there is no need to search for specially strict practices to take upon yourself. To think that you should is an illusion: it is simply one of the devices of the Evil One to deter you from serving G-d. Such practices are not part of serving G-d. As our Sages said: `The Torah was not given to the ministering angels' (Kiddushin 54a). It was given to men of flesh and blood. These exaggerated practices can put you off completely. The greatest wisdom of all is not to be wise at all. It is simply to be pure and straightforward.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

I offer up this quote in part because I feel as though many observant Jews participate implicitly if not explicitly in a sort of game of one-upmanship with their observances, and it becomes a badge of honor to be stricter in observance. But being more machmir (strict) does not necessarily mean anything in fact if you read the words of the Rebbe it might even be a bad thing, it might prevent us from getting closer to ha kadosh baruch hu, instead of drawing us nearer.

It’s okay to say you know what, I’m not so strict about this, I’m in fact mekel (lenient) on this mitzvah. This is especially important to remember when one is taking on new mitzvoth; one of the worst things to do is to feel bad about ones observance (or lack thereof) when it’s not necessary. Those feelings are a burden that doesn’t need to be carried. So learn to serve god with simplicity and sincerity and don’t let yourself get to caught up in all the hype.

L’Shalom