ESSAYS| 2020

ESSAYSss| Winning Essays

A Soul; A Flame

Shaina Rochel Goldstein

Creative 2020 / Finalists

LEARNING a FOUNDATIONAL LESSON in CHASSIDUS from BEREAVEMENT  After my father’s passing at a young age, darkness seemed to surround me from all sides. For me, his neshama seems to have left this world too soon, even though I know his soul is content because he has joined his infinite source on high. This sudden

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“Just Not Feeling It”

Chani Herzog

Essays 2020 / Finalists

In a generation heavily plagued by the desire for instant gratification, there is something everyone is still fighting for – Happiness. That elusive word so often spoken about, and so often misunderstood.  On a global scale, millions of dollars are spent on various methods in the pursuit of happiness. For so many, these are all

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A Journey from Fear and Suffering to Control and Serenity

Countess Rivka Elkaim

Essays 2020 / Finalists

In this essay, we will explore OCD, first from a medical vantage point and then as illuminated by the teachings of Chassidus, specifically the Tanya and Igros (letters) of the Rebbe. As a disclaimer, the author is neither a therapist nor a licensed medical professional, and the contents of this essay are not intended to

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The Power of Imagery

Yehuda Shmotkin

Essays 2020 / Finalists

Yetzias Mitzrayim Yetzias Mitzrayim in Chasidus means to leave our own personal Meitzar and Gvul. Leave our boxes. Get out of our comfort zones and enter a space of Merchav. Broadness. Expansiveness. How do we attain this? One way is to simply do those things that are difficult. Getting out of ourselves. Doing the hard,

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