Chitas-Part 2-Segulos and who should learn it

Chitas-Part 2:[1]

B. It’s greatness and blessings:

The life of one soul:[2] The purpose of the daily study of Chitas is much more than just a regular session of Torah study which is part of one’s mitzvah of learning Torah, but rather touches upon the very life of one’s soul. The study of the Chumash with Rashi touches upon the life of the external aspects of one soul, while the study of Tanya touches upon the life of the internal aspects of one’s soul.

Segulos: The Rebbe stated that the recital of Chitas contains many Segulos.[3] It is the channel for bringing down much blessing from heaven and creates a receptacle to hold that blessing.[4] In general, the Torah states “Im Bechukosaiy Teileichu,” which refers to Torah learning, and that it brings about God’s blessing. Now, through learning the daily studies of Chumash and Tanya one ends up learning a portion of both the revealed aspects of Torah and the concealed aspects of Torah each day, which serves as a receptacle for God’s blessing.[5]

Unity of the Jewish people:[6] The daily recital of Chitas unites the Jewish people and learning the same subject in Torah daily, in both the written and oral Torah, as well as the inner dimensions of the Torah. Now, since the Torah itself unites with those who study it, it is found that all the Jewish people are united together through them learning Chitas daily.

Tikkun for souls of this generation:[7] In every generation, the leader and Moses of that generation, establishes customs that are necessary for the fixing of the souls of that generation. In our generation, the Rebbe Rayatz established the recital of Chitas for this purpose.

Brings fear onto the gentile nations:[8] Through the daily study of Chitas, one brings fear and trepidation of God onto the gentile nations, as the verse[9] states “Vayehi Chitas Elokim Al Harim Asher Sevivoseihem.” Accordingly, during the Yom Kippur war the Rebbe encouraged all Jews to study the daily Chitas cycle.[10]

Unites one with the Alter Rebbe:[11] The study of a few lines of Tanya each day according to the Chitas cycle, each person according to his mental capacity, affects a deep connection with the Alter Rebbe who contained a new soul, as he entered himself into the Tanya.

Encompasses all time cycles:[12] The study of Chitas encompasses all the time cycles, as one studies from the weekly Parsha which is split to seven parts corresponding to the seven days of the week, and one completes the recital of Tehillim each month, corresponding to each day of the month, and completes the study of Tanya annually corresponding to the year.

Chitas is a membership of the Rebbe’s Shul:[13] In response to an individual who asked the previous Rebbe how he can become a member of his synagogue, the previous Rebbe replied, that in addition to the membership fee as set by the president of the shul, every member is required to fulfill the following institutions: 1) To study each day a portion of the weekly Parsha together with the commentary of Rashi. 2) To guard the institution to recite tehillim each day after prayer, and to recite the entire tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim. 3) to read the talks printed in the newsletter called Hakeria Vehakedusha.

C. Who:

The Rebbe encouraged the saying of Chitas for all Jews, even those not affiliated with Chabad, and even those who are just beginning their journey of observance for Torah and Mitzvos.[14]

One does not have time:[15] Even a person who claims to not have time, and to be too busy with learning other subjects of Torah or other activities, are to study the daily Chitas cycle. The learning the Chitas cycle is for the benefit of the learner, and hence freeing one of this responsibility also means freeing them of all the benefits. The concept of not having enough time is all dependent on one’s choice of how to make best use of his time. Now, without divine assistance, it is possible for an activity to take a lot more time to accomplish. The daily recital of Chitas elicits the divine assistance necessary to help one accomplish his actions in as little time as necessary. Likewise, in learning Torah, it is possible for           it to take a long time for one to understand a certain idea, and the study of the daily Chitas helps one achieve a lot more in his learning.

Saying Beli Neder:[16] Upon taking upon oneself the resolution of recital of the daily Chitas, one is to state that he’s doing so “Beli Neder,” as is the law regarding all resolutions of Torah learning.

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[1] See Hiskashrus Nitzutzei Rebbe Vol. 167-217 p.69 in Otzer Hachochmah print; Shulchan Menachem Vol. 1:102; Likut of Rav Slonim in Chitas

[2] Likkutei Sichos 28:268

[3] Sefer Hamamarim 5732:44; Heichal Menachem 3:62

[4] Heichal Menachem 3:62; Igros Kodesh 15:385

[5] Igros Kodesh 15:385

[6] Sefer Hamamarim 5732:44

[7] Toras Menachem 5710 p. 55

[8] Igros Kodesh Rayatz 4:268; Sefer Hasichos 5696 p. 158; Sichos Kodesh 5716 p. 263; Likkutei Sichos 2:307-308

[9] Bereishis 34:5

[10] Michtav Kelali of 5734

[11] Sichos Kodesh 5713 p. 139

[12] Sichos Kodesh Parshas Bereishis 1981

[13] Igros Kodesh 13 p. 359

[14] See Igros Kodesh 10:178; Sefer Hasichos Parshas Bereishis 5752 Vol. 1 p. 56

[15] Igros Kodesh 14:289 and 435

[16] Igros Kodesh 6:341; 8:197; Heichal Menachem 3:62; M”B 238:5; See Michaber Y.D. 213:2; Rambam Nedarim 1:29