Chassidic Leader Explains Key Educational Secret on Anniversary of Baal Shem Tov and Tanya Author

Ahead of the 18th of Elul, marking the birthdays of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya, Rabbi Asher Farkash elucidates a fundamental distinction in spiritual education and service to God. He draws on teachings from the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Rashab, who described the Baal Shem Tov as the "head of educators" and the Alter Rebbe as the "head of guides." This distinction highlights two complementary forces in religious growth: the Baal Shem Tov infused vitality, joy, and love into divine service, awakening the internal feeling that one must serve God. In contrast, the Alter Rebbe added a higher level of introspection and intellectual engagement, making it possible to understand and work with one's own mind and emotions in serving God.

Rabbi Farkash explains that this principle also applies to education: an educator provides warmth, light, and abundance, while a guide enters the student's world, understands their strengths and challenges, and shows them how to grow and change independently. He emphasizes that mere giving and love without personal guidance cannot create deep internal transformation. The shift from "must serve God" to "can serve God" reflects the transition from external motivation to accessible, personal empowerment.

This teaching is presented as a special lesson for the 18th of Elul, connecting the spiritual legacy of these two great leaders with practical insights into education, Chassidut, and self-driven spiritual work.