Lawyer Yigal Ben Chaim Makes Chabad Hasidic Teachings Accessible Through Parables

Yigal Ben Chaim, a lawyer and rabbi specializing in family law for nearly 30 years, has dedicated himself to making the complex teachings of Chabad Hasidism accessible to a broader audience. Recognizing that many find the foundational texts of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe) intellectually challenging due to their abstract Kabbalistic concepts and intricate philosophical discussions, Ben Chaim authored the book "Life as a Parable - To Taste, Understand, Live."

In this work, he uses the Alter Rebbe's parables to bridge the gap between lofty spiritual ideas and everyday life. Ben Chaim explained to Channel 7 that his goal was to bring these treasures down to the "mosaic street of humanity," making them relevant to people dealing with daily struggles, whether in courtrooms or personal crises. Rather than simplifying the teachings, he aims to clarify them by focusing on the parable as a central tool used by the Alter Rebbe to demonstrate that divinity is not distant from human experience.

The book presents a series of parables drawn from core Chabad texts such as "Torah Ohr" and "Likutei Torah," illuminating fundamental Jewish themes like faith, prayer, repentance, love, fear of God, humility, and character refinement. Ben Chaim’s approach reflects his unique personal journey, balancing a demanding legal career with spiritual devotion, and underscores that Chabad Hasidism is accessible to all, not just scholars or insiders.

"When a person understands the parable, they realize that Hasidic ideas address their own challenges, dilemmas, and joys at home and work," he said. This literary initiative aims to open the door for many to engage deeply with Chabad philosophy in a practical and meaningful way.