ESSAYS| 2020

ESSAYSss| Finalists

The World Around Us through the Lens of Chassidus

Fraida Raskin

Creative 2020 / Finalists

The word for glasses in Hebrew is (משקפיים) Mishkafayim.  This shares a root with the word in Hebrew for outlook or perspective, (השקפה) Hashkafa.  Hashkafa also refers to our worldview and guiding philosophy. It is a perspective and outlook on life that works in conjunction with Halacha, the laws and commandments derived from Torah that

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What is Within

Naomi Deitsch

Creative 2020 / Finalists

כי קרוב אליך הדבר מאד בפיך ובלבבך לעשותו Because it is very close to you in your mouth and in your heart to observe it… This pasuk is in Devarim (chapter 30, pussuk 14). Moshe is speaking to Bnei Yisroel, and he tells them to observe the Mitzvos. The Alter rebbe quotes the pasuk קרוב

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A Magical Meeting with the Master of the Good Name

Sylvia (Sarah Esther) Tillman

Creative 2020 / Finalists

The concept being addressed is the nature of “Tzimtzum,” the means by which Hashem contracted his infinite divine essence in order to express his creativity. Contemplation of this concept can help us express our highest level of creativity and achieve peaceful harmony with those around us. Although we can no longer meet the historical Hassidic

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Loneliness

Chaya Mushka Stern

Essays 2020 / Finalists

When was the last time you’ve picked up the phone and called a friend just to chat? Technology has made us self-sufficient, independent individuals. Although we know more people than any time in  history, with contacts and social networks ever growing, our interactions have become less sincere and  meaningful.  This is the irony nowadays. As

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Peeling Away the Mask: The Chassidic Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Mallory Rosten

Essays 2020 / Finalists

You’re faking it, right? You’re successful, you’re good at your job, and you’re talented. At least, that’s what people say. But you have a secret suspicion that you’re not talented at all. All your success is some twisted mistake and it’s not too long before you’re found out. You’re a fraud. An imposter. I know

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