Reimagining Chazaras Dach: Making Chassidus Come Alive
Op-Ed: Shabbos afternoon in Chabad communities worldwide, a familiar scene unfolds. A group gathers in shul for chazaras dach—the traditional review of a maamar (Chassidic discourse). The intent is beautiful: reinforcing the deep teachings of Chassidus and ensuring they are absorbed into our minds and hearts. Yet, if we’re honest, the way this is often done leaves much to be desired • Full Article
Shabbos afternoon in Chabad communities worldwide, a familiar scene unfolds. A group gathers in shul for chazaras dach—the traditional review of a maamar (Chassidic discourse). The intent is beautiful: reinforcing the deep teachings of Chassidus and ensuring they are absorbed into our minds and hearts. Yet, if we’re honest, the way this is often done leaves much to be desired.
Too often, chazaras dach becomes a monotonous, rushed, or mechanical recitation. The chozer (reviewer) reads the words, but the meaning doesn’t always penetrate. Some listen, others zone out, and many simply wait for it to be over. Instead of an inspiring experience, it can feel like an obligation to endure.
But what if we reimagined chazaras dach? What if, instead of a word-for-word review, we used this time to present a powerful Chassidic idea in a clear and engaging way?
Chassidus is meant to be understood, internalized, and lived. The Alter Rebbe himself emphasized that Chabad—Chochma, Bina, Daas—is about intellectual clarity, not rote learning. Instead of simply reviewing the maamar, what if we distilled its core message, explained it in relatable terms, and demonstrated how it applies to daily life? Imagine if, instead of people half-listening, they were engaged, asking questions, and walking away with a real sense of inspiration.
This shift wouldn’t be a departure from tradition; it would be a return to its true purpose. The Frierdiker Rebbe once said that a maamar is only fully reviewed when it is understood. The Rebbe himself encouraged explaining Chassidus in a way that reaches people where they are.
Practically, this could mean choosing a key concept from the maamar, breaking it down with examples, and linking it to a real-life lesson. It could mean opening the floor for discussion or asking thought-provoking questions. Most importantly, it would mean ensuring that those who participate leave with something tangible—an idea that excites them, challenges them, or elevates their perspective.
If the goal of chazaras dach is to deepen our connection to Chassidus, then we must do it in a way that speaks to the minds and hearts of those listening. Let’s not just repeat words—let’s bring Chassidus to life.
Shabbos afternoon can be transformed from a routine obligation into a time of true growth. It’s in our hands.
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I beg to disagree. one can see what goes on in eretz yisroel and learn from them. in the shikunim shul in kfar chabad, for example, the guy saying the maamer sits fright at the entrance to the huge shul. the place is silent and they make sure the guy has a loud and clear voice, and it’s just unbelievable. the same in nachlas Har Chabad. it’s wonderful.
yes we need a remake, but not by changing things Chas v’sholom. one thing is unnecessary. the niggun of the maamer. on the contrary, the rebbe writes that the maamer should be said in the song of a speech what will cause people to focus.
but Chas vsholom to change this holy minhag, and to make a shiur chassidus or a message based off chassidus or even a farbrengen. no the holy minhag is to say chassidus. believe me, if someone with a loud clear voice that actually learned the maamar properly four times before chazzering (as the Rebbe quotes from the midrash) and repeats the maamer itself, believe me it’s very very interesting and life changing.
Moshiach now