A Call to Return at Besht Center

Over 50 young men and women gathered this past Motzei Shabbos at the Besht Center in Crown Heights.

The event in honor of Chof Beis Shevat featured guest speaker Rabbi Shais Taub, renowned author of The Map of Tanya (Kehot Publication Society) and Soul Maps (Jewish Learning Institute).

Titled “Returning to Chabad Through Meditation,” Rabbi Taub spoke with humor and clarity about the necessity of taking the learning of chassidus to the next level.

“It is not enough to simply learn chassidus,” Taub explained, “if you really want to make it count, ask yourself – what does this information mean to me? How do I feel about what I’ve just learned? And if you don’t have an answer, it’s time to sit and think about it until you do. Hisbonenus is not only for famous chassidim.”

Rabbi Taub was introduced to the crowd by Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson, the Rabbi of the Besht Center. Rabbi Kalmenson opened the evening sharing inspirational stories about the Rebbetzin and the lessons we can learn from her relationship with the Rebbe.

Mr. Daniel Wolf, a talented artist living in Crown Heights whose artwork currently adorns the walls of the Besht Center, also had a few short words to say.

“My artwork,” he explained, “is inspired by everyday objects tinted with a hue of chassidus.”

The event, organized by Sruli Clapman, featured a full buffet leaving everyone satisfied in mind and stomach.

This melava malka is the first in a series of events to be held by The Besht Center, an organization in Crown Heights founded by Rabbi Yehoshua Werde and dedicated to providing the Chabad community of young working professionals, with stimulating programming.