Limitless Inspiration. Made Simple.
Master the stages of Seder Hishtalshelus over 12 months. A structured path that opens doors to deeper Torah study and boundless personal growth.
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Our journey to Poseach Shaar
In 2018, the Magid Shiur, Rabbi Shimon Chyrek, led an intensive training in Tanya fundamentals for the staff of Chayolei Tzivos Hashem.
The intent was clear: sharpen missions, improve “to-do” checklists for the youth, and align publications and services with those goals. The feedback we heard most was a request for something to do every day—a steady way to reinforce what was learned in the training.
From that feedback, a next step emerged: Prayer Principles — ליקוט הכנה לתפילה, prepared to the standards of Kehot and published in 2020. It’s available in the Kehot store and on Amazon.
“The Kehot Logo is a registered trademark of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch.”
Before the above, Rabbi Chyrek coordinated Dach Yomi—an acronym for דברי אלקים חיים (Divrei Elokim Chaim)—with the vision to complete the entire Torah Or and Likkutei Torah of the Alter Rebbe in about five years by learning a single column each day. To support comprehension, Rabbi Levi Gelb’s commentary was added to much of the Dach Yomi publication. Because Torah Or and Likkutei Torah are to Pnimius HaTorah what Shas is to Nigleh, the name Dach Yomi—echoing Daf Yomi—fits naturally.
Another cornerstone was accessibility—to strengthening trust in Hashem. The Magid Shiur engaged a professional voice artist to record Shaar HaBitachon (Gate of Trust) from Chovas HaLevavos in clear English. In about four hours, a listener can complete the entire Shaar HaBitachon and return to it again and again; this audio is available on Amazon. With this recording experience, he also coordinated the audio version of the Tzivos Hashem study guides for the Chidon Sefer HaMitzvos of the Rambam..
Why trust matters so much for Tefillah and Poseach Shaar: After the Avoda of Tefillah, the next stage is Simcha and Bitachon—trust that Hashem will make the Avoda effective (Likkutei Dibburim, vol. 3, p. 460). That progression sits at the heart of our approach.
All of this experience now converges in Poseach Shaar.
The training, the daily discipline, the video and audio shiurim are being brought together so participants can open the gate—building a living relationship with Hashem through structured learning, practiced trust, and heartfelt tefillah and building a rich vocabulary to communicate Chassidus.
Is this for me?
If not yet, that’s exactly what this program is for. As a Chabad chossid, knowing the seder clearly is a beautiful, appropriate standard. Join Poseach Shaar as a Chaver and you’ll know it cold—with structure, testing, and feedback.
I’m ready—make me a ChaverFaces shown above are illustrations. Authentic photos from the Israel Kollel (used with permission) appear below on this page.
Join a living movement in Chassidus learning
Real-world standard: what this looks like in Israel
In Eretz Yisroel, a Chassidus Kollel completed a rigorous year of Shaar HaYichud—with weekly shiurim, monthly tests, and formal certification for those who mastered the material. This is the level of seriousness we align with. When you join Poseach Shaar as a Chaver, you commit to the same baseline of depth, clarity, and accountability—delivered in English with our guidance and structure.
Your next step is simple: become a Chaver and start mastering Shaar HaYichud with structure, proctored assessments, and real feedback. Yes—you can do this.
Photos © Anash.org, used with permission. Source: “Chassidus Kollel Awards Members Semicha...” (Anash.org). Poseach Shaar is an independent program. We align with the Kollel’s standards and reference its materials where permitted; we are not the same Kollel.
Students worldwide are mastering Shaar HaYichud with rigorous study and formal testing. Poseach Shaar follows those same standards—so your achievement is recognized and portable.
Recognized Standards
We align our curriculum with the Israel Kollel that tested and certified learners in Shaar HaYichud. Your work is held to the same baseline.
Documented Assessment
Structured prep, proctored tests, written feedback, and a certificate on completion—so your achievement is recognized and portable.
Chaver Community & Continuity
Join as a Chaver—a committed learner upholding standards. Grow with a cohort focused on deep, text-based study.
Credited Resources
We reference and credit the Kollel’s materials and guidance where permitted, bringing authentic sources to English speakers.
Sources we stand on
Source from Chumash (via the Alter Rebbe)
Source: Tanya, Kuntres Acharon 4 — cites Deut. 4:39 & 1 Chron. 28:9
שידיעת המציאות מההשתלשלות היא ג״כ מצוה רבה ונשאה,
ואדרבה עולה על כולנה, כמ״ש וידעת היום כו׳, דע את אלקי אביך כו׳,
ומביאה ללב שלם.
“that the knowledge of the metziut (that-ness) derived from the order of hishtalshelut is likewise a great and exalted mitzvah,” i.e., clearly grasping that these spiritual levels must exist and how they relate—even if we do not claim their inner mahut, “and moreover, it surpasses them all,” because such disciplined knowledge aligns a person’s inner “program”—mind, emotions, and will—with the Divine order, “as it is written, ‘And you shall know today’ (Deut. 4:39) and ‘Know the G-d of your father’ (1 Chr. 28:9),” verses that call not just for belief but for worked-through knowledge, “and it brings to a whole heart (lev shalem).” By aligning our inner program to that order, we arrive at an undivided heart in service.
Clear guidance from the Rebbeim on learning Shaar HaYichud first—so your learning is ordered, testable, and part of a living mesorah.
Source for the value of testing — a baseline for Chassidus
Source: Likkutei Dibburim p. 709; Sefer HaSichos 5691, p. 261
אמאהל פלעגט מען ניט אראיינגלאזן יונגע צו חסידות,
מען האט פריער גידארפט וויסן לכל הפחות דעם סדר ההשתלשלות,
דיא סטאנציעס — וואס דאס איז דער ספר שער היחוד פון דעם מיטעלער רבין.
English: In earlier times, young people were not admitted to Chassidus until they knew at least Seder Hishtalshelus—the basic “stations” of the path—which is precisely what the Mitteler Rebbe’s Shaar HaYichud teaches.
Program note: the Rebbeim wanted Chassidus learned with the rigor of Nigleh—clear and accountable progress. Like a semicha track motivates effort, Poseach Shaar tests the “stations” of Seder Hishtalshelus.
Mitzvah & obligation (Rebbe Maharash)
“Who can know Seder Hishtalshelus and doesn’t—[is lacking]. Knowing it is a mitzvah and an obligation.”
Order first (Rebbe Rayatz → from his father)
“Chassidus must be learned in order—the first thing is to know Seder Hishtalshelus… the main thing is the order.”
Key & Alph-beis (HaYom Yom Shushan Purim)
“Shaar HaYichud is the key to Chassidus; Shaarei Orah is the alphabet.”
Detailed knowledge required (The Rebbe)
“One must have detailed knowledge of Seder Hishtalshelus—and of the details of Tzimtzum.”
Thorough & accessible (The Rebbe)
“Chabad’s approach is to understand matters thoroughly, in a style graspable even to the animal soul… I have seen no true beginning in this—aside from the Mitteler Rebbe’s Shaar HaYichud (brief).”
Gateway to Chassidus (Toldos Maharash)
“Beyond mapping Seder Hishtalshelus, Shaar HaYichud opens a gateway to comprehension of Chassidus itself.”
Syllabus
Serious about learning? Preview it here or open the PDF.
Limitless Inspiration. Made Simple.
Discover the experiences of our satisfied students who’ve seen the impact of the Poseach Shaar.
“You made Tanya doable – not just understandable.”
Nissim Taub
OTTAWA CANADA
“I still use the notes I wrote in the margins – you helped me truly connect the terms of Chassidus.”
Yoel Leib Silver
RAMAT GILAD
“The thinking strategies of Shaar HaYichud is something I use in business every day.”
O Rap
BROOKLYN NEW YORK
Frequently asked questions
See how just a few minutes a day with Poseach Shaar can unlock lasting inspiration, anchor the deeper learning of Shaar HaYichud, and turn it into lasting, practical growth.
About the Program
What is Poseach Shaar?
Poseach Shaar has two simultaneous lanes:
A structured program that helps you live Tanya by practicing the Alter Rebbe’s 16 motivational activities in an organized, simple way—with just a few minutes in the morning and evening.
The study of Seder Hishtalshelus, where learning the definitions of Chassidus terminology opens the gate to deeper comprehension in the study of Chassidus.
Both lanes complete each other: one grounds you in avodah, the other opens your mind to understanding. Together, they open a gateway—פותח שער—to living and learning Chassidus.
How much time does it take?
Only about 4 minutes at night before Krias Shema and 8 minutes in the morning before davening. That’s all it takes to practice the Alter Rebbe’s 16 motivational activities. The impact comes from steady consistency, not long hours—and all you need is a Tanya in print.
In addition, there are two evening classes each week on Zoom. The schedule is printed in the syllabus, and if you can’t attend live, you’ll get access to the class recording so you never miss out.
Alongside this, you’ll verbally review each chapter of the Mitteler Rebbe’s Shaar HaYichud a few times during the week. This simple practice isn’t heavy—it’s what allows the ideas to become clearer, more natural, and alive. Each review deepens your connection and makes the learning part of you.
Why does the program also include Seder Hishtalshelus?
The daily Tanya readings give you simple, repeatable tools for inspiration. The study of Seder Hishtalshelus with the words of the Mitteler Rebbe ensures that these core practices never become repetitive, but gain deeper meaning as you progress.
Practical Concerns
How do I know if this course is for me?
Ask yourself: When you said Elokai Neshama this morning, did you have the kavana described in Chapter 41 of Tanya? Most of us do some practices, but not systematically. If you want the full impact of the Alter Rebbe’s guidance, this course is for you.
What if I already do some of these practices?
That’s wonderful—but the Alter Rebbe’s intent is achieved through the cumulative impact of many small practices done together. Poseach Shaar helps you integrate all 16 activities into a daily rhythm so you can experience that full effect.
Can I just listen to the shiurim without active review?
No—the program is designed for active participation. By verbally reviewing the chapters of Shaar HaYichud multiple times, the ideas become second nature and truly internalized. This is also how Tanya’s vision of “כי קרוב אליך” comes alive.
Authenticity
Is this a new minhag?
No. Many of these practices are already familiar in Chabad life, such as reading from Tanya before davening. Poseach Shaar simply organizes what’s already there and makes it systematic, so you can experience their full impact.
Are we changing the system of the Alter Rebbe?
Not at all. We always return to the actual words of the Alter Rebbe, reading directly from a Tanya. Nothing is added or altered—only structured for daily use, exactly as intended.
Won’t reading the same passages become boring?
On the contrary. The daily Tanya passages become richer when paired with the broader study of Seder Hishtalshelus. Together, they connect the klalim (principles) with the pratim (details), making each reading fresh and meaningful.
Identity & Commitment
Why are participants called a chaver?
Joining Poseach Shaar means committing to systematically practice Tanya. A chaver is someone who has “bought in” (קנה לך חבר)—not just by paying for a course, but by joining a community of fellow learners who support one another in farbrengens and growth.
What will I gain from systematic Tanya practice?
You’ll gain accessible daily inspiration, deeper kavana in tefillah, and clarity in learning Chassidus. Instead of scattered efforts, you’ll have an organized path that saves time while ensuring long-term growth and competence.
Open the Gate. Illuminate Your World.
A practical derech—for learning Chassidus that turns study into leadership —so you teach, lead, and live with clarity.
Apply for the Next CohortIs this for me?
Melamed / Teacher (מלמד) – Turn sound bites into a system
You do Chinuch every day—but sometimes it can feel like sound bites.
- Unify the parts: See the “engine of Yiddishkeit” as an integrated system—know which component to strengthen.
- From Nigleh to Pnimiyus: Apply the derech halimud to learn inner Torah with clarity of Nigleh.
- Model growth: Even if you’re not teaching Seder Hishtalshelus, your talmidim see your ongoing growth.
Community Rabbi / Shliach – Hafatzas HaMayanos with tools
- Fluency in Tanya & Shaar HaYichud: Speak Pnimius HaTorah with clear terminology (keilim d’tikun).
- Deeper relationships: Clear language → deeper connection with baalei batim and mekusharim.
- Less wheel-spinning: Anchored in high ideas, you work with focus and calm.
Morei Hora’ah, Shochtim & Mashgichim – Inner grounding for psak & kashrus
- Grounding for judgment: Chassidus Chabad shapes the inner posture from which psak emerges.
- Gateway program: Strengthen a regular limud of Chassidus with structure.
- Visible commitment: Certificate signals standards your kehilla trusts.
Maggid Shiur – Captivate with clarity
- More ways to explain: A shared conceptual language with multiple metaphors for complex sugyos in Chassidus.
- Precision & warmth: Teach depth without fog.
- Earned stature: Students sense your ongoing avodah.
Mashpia – Systematize your hashpaa
- A clear map: Name each component of avodah and how they interlock.
- Collaborative refinement: Learn and articulate best practices with a chevra of peers.
- Pass it on: Give talmidim a framework they can transmit further.
Business Leaders & Professionals – Think with Shaar HaYichud
- Strategic thinking tools: Reasoning patterns from Shaar HaYichud for high-leverage decisions.
- Kedushah in the mundane: Recognize Hashem in business—an avodah and mitzvah.
- Clarity under pressure: See what’s essential vs. noise.
Therapists, Coaches & Social Workers – Torah-first frameworks
- Foundations first: Anchor methods in Torah’s model of the nefesh and avodah.
- Integrate wisely: Engage secular tools from a place of clarity, not replacement.
- Guide toward wholeness: Sometimes the “issue” is a soul’s longing for avodah.
Parents & Grandparents – Model lived Chassidishkeit
- From ideas to middos: As the Rebbe Rashab taught—Chassidus is for middos transformation.
- Lead by example: Show lifelong growth and refined hanhagos at home.
- Shared language: Speak about mitzvos and avodah with clarity and simchah.
Practical Concerns
Do I need prerequisites before joining?
- Tanya: You’ve gone through Likkutei Amarim (we don’t cover its basics in class).
- Dinim & Gemara: Prior experience—our derech halimud draws from Nigleh to learn Pnimius.
- Chassidus: The more the better; minimum = Tanya.
- Hebrew: Reading ability only; we translate everything into English.
Shiur
Training