One of the CUSTOMS of Purim is costumes

 Their external selves

It's in their egos . 

They make a big deal out of themselves. 

 Follow Rebbe Nachman's instructions. Make light of yourself. Joke around . This is also a big motif of Purim . Why do angels fly? Because they take themselves lightly . Make jokes ..... Not about other people, but about your own idiosyncrasies.

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The Power to Rule Part 14: Delusions of Grandeur – The Royal Masquerade

In this episode of Living Aligned, Baruch Gartner dives into the deeper meaning behind Purim costumes and the Hasidic teachings on honor, ego, and true leadership:

Explores why we dress up on Purim and the spiritual secrets behind costumes

Discusses the masquerade of royalty by villains in the Purim story and what it reveals about narcissism and ego

Connects the stories of Yosef’s coat and Mordechai’s royal garments, revealing lessons on true merit and honor

Shares practical tools from the Hasidic masters on living authentically and filling our inner emptiness with purpose instead of fantasy

Highlights the importance of humility, self-awareness, and using our unique gifts for the honor of Hashem

Discover the true essence of leadership, honor, and connection—plus how to avoid delusions of grandeur in your own life!

Subscribe now for more deep wisdom and actionable insights from the Hasidic masters.

The Power to Rule Part 13 – Lead With Compassion: Honor the Guy You Dislike

Join Baruch Gartner from Jerusalem as he dives deep into the timeless Hasidic wisdom on compassionate leadership, unity, and true honor. Inspired by classic teachings and Gemara, this episode explores:

The secret power of the Holy Temple (Beit Hamikdash) and its connection to unity and God’s honor.

Why genuine leaders prioritize God’s honor over personal glory, and how this transforms their impact.

The mitzvah (commandment) of helping even those you dislike, focusing on love, mercy, and finding good in everyone.

How compassion and God-consciousness strengthen community, heal divisions, and foster spiritual growth.

Practical lessons from Likutei Halachot and Tanya on overcoming baseless hatred and building bonds of brotherhood.

What leaders, parents, and anyone seeking positive change can learn about treating others with dignity—even when it isn’t easy.

Don’t miss out—subscribe for more vital teachings on living with connection, purpose, and honor.

#LivingAligned #HasidicWisdom #Leadership #Unity #Compassion #Honor #BaruchGartner

The Riziner one Motzy Shabbos told the following story. Once the Holy Baal Shem was davening and the corner of his Talis slipped out of his gartle and touched the floor. The Great Magid picked it up and tucked it back into place. And then all of the sudden, as if he had stuck by lightning, he fainted. Seeing that his life was in danger they interrupted the prayers of the Besht and he revived him. About this said the Riziner, The Baal Shem, was very holy but he wasn’t G-d, and my Zaide the Magid wasn’t exactly a simple wagon driver! BUT!, when he touch his GARMENT look what happened. It’s a wonder to me, how can we daily through our eating,   working,   living, so to speak TOUCH the Garments of the KING OF KINGS and not have the proper reverence to honor the sparks of Godliness in creation   And that’s our topic for today…

The Power to Rule part 12 – Honor For The Garments Of The King

In this episode of the Living Aligned podcast, Baruch Gartner delves into deep Hasidic teachings about the concept of honor—both our own and the ultimate honor of the Divine.

Discover a fascinating story about the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid, and the hidden power in the "garments of the King."

Learn why recognizing and honoring the sparks of godliness in everything elevates our lives and fulfills our purpose.

Explore how honoring parents connects directly to honoring God, and why this is the foundation of human greatness.

See how the value of honor reveals itself in marriage, raising children, and even the challenges of the world today.

Uncover the secret of true leadership: achieving honor not by seeking it, but by honoring others and emulating God’s compassion and kindness.

Hear about the legacy of Yosef and how his actions brought honor to himself and the entire Jewish people.

Tune in for practical spiritual guidance inspired by Hasidic masters, and discover how to live with more vitality, connection, and true honor.

Subscribe now to Living Aligned for wisdom that transforms daily life!

We are wired for connection

The Power to Rule part 11 – Cords of Love OR Chains of Iron (Living Aligned Podcast with Baruch Gartner)

Explore teachings from the Hasidic masters on living with vitality, connection, and joy

Understand the duality of our spiritual souls and physical bodies—how we elevate the everyday back to its divine source

Discover key insights from Rabbi Nachman and Rabbi Nassen about living in exile versus redemption: Are we bound by “cords of love” or “chains of iron”?

Learn why resisting reality keeps us stuck, and how following “divine directives” leads to true connection and elevation

Hear powerful explanations about exile, the elevation of sparks, and why even those who fall far from holiness have great power to return

Be inspired by the message that no matter how far you go, you’re always connected to the larger journey and purpose—your soul is invaluable

Practical takeaways on overcoming shame, breaking negative cycles, and reclaiming your spiritual power

Subscribe to the Living Aligned podcast for more transformative teachings from Jerusalem!

Listen now for practical spirituality and real-life Hasidic wisdom!

Let's keep RUNNING and JUMPING with MARIO ! 

We have to know that these are the rules of the game. You want to be Mario . You want to get the princess. You want to be effective . You want to win the game. You got to know what the game is. You got to know what the rules are. Avoid all of the enticements . All of the dragons . All of the demons .

The Power to Rule, Part 8: The Game Changer at The Burning Bush

Dive into the story of Moshe (Moses) at the burning bush and the secrets behind his seven-day reluctance to accept his mission.

Explore four key questions, including why Hashem chose a leader with a speech impediment, and what finally convinced Moshe to take on his role.

Discover insights from the Hasidic Masters and Rabbi Nachman on the power of speech (Malchus), true leadership, and the exile of “Das” (wisdom) and “Debur” (speech) in Egypt.

Learn how unity, compassion, and the ability to communicate can bring redemption and transformation—both personally and collectively.

Special announcement: New locations opening for the Jerusalem Midnight Experience at the Kotel and Beit Shemesh!

Be inspired to ask questions, seek clarity, and join a community committed to bringing divine presence into the world through unity and positive speech.

Subscribe now and share if you want to be part of a movement towards greater connection, vitality, and joy!

The Power to Rule Part 7 – And Yoseph Was In Egypt Happy Are You | Living Aligned Podcast

Discover deep teachings from the Hasidic Masters as Baruch Gartner explores the spiritual secrets behind exile, joy, and transformation through the life of Yosef HaTzadik. Drawing from core Torah ideas and Rabbi Nassen’s insights, this episode reveals:

How Yosef’s righteousness empowered the Jewish people to endure and transform exile, then and now

The eternal role of tzadikim (righteous individuals) as guides in overcoming life’s darkness and depression

The secret of “Yerida L’tzorech Aliyah” – how falling or facing hardship can lead to an even greater elevation

The power of transforming sadness into joy by connecting to tzadikim and performing mitzvot (good deeds) with happiness

Why even the smallest positive act can have cosmic significance and shake the spiritual worlds

Encouragement for anyone feeling distant, ashamed, or broken: your journey uplifts unique sparks no one else can bring back

Practical wisdom for facing everyday and existential challenges with faith, resilience, and meaning

Subscribe and stay connected for more soulful guidance!

#LivingAligned #HasidicMasters #YosefHaTzadik #SpiritualGrowth #ExileAndRedemption

On Zos Chanukah , I had the great honor of speaking in the Old City by a Yeshiva very special boys and the Rosh Yeshiva He started a song that's usually reserved for very famous, important rabbis like Chaim Kanievski 

For me, it was a joke and I had to. I had to set the record straight and let the guys know, you know, who I really am . And I told them what I've said so many times. My story about when I was a kid that my favorite toy was a Barrel of Monkeys and the object of the game was to take these monkeys and make a long chain. 

And I said, Guys, I just want you to know I am just a monkey in a chain . But I assure you that above me there are real today Tzadikim 

 Even if a person feels that he's a monkey , he's not on the same level as the Tzadikim 

The Power to Rule part 5 – Your Gratitude Is Ruining My Chanukah Party

Join Baruch Gartner in this insightful episode of the Living Aligned podcast, where he draws from the teachings of the Hasidic Masters to uncover the spiritual depth behind Hanukkah, gratitude, and the Jewish connection to the divine. Discover how ancient wisdom applies to our daily lives and the deeper meaning behind the struggle between the Greeks and the Jews.

Key Takeaways:

Explores the Hasidic perspective on elevating physical pleasure by connecting it to its divine source.

Reveals the spiritual meaning behind Hanukkah and why gratitude is central to the Jewish identity.

Unpacks the Greek exile: what the Greeks represented, their decrees, and why they wanted to break the connection between Jews and God.

Highlights the importance of the tzadik (righteous person) as the point of connection for the Jewish people.

Explains how lighting Hanukkah candles draws down spiritual light and breaks the grip of negativity in every generation.

Discusses how gratitude fills the soul, while focusing on physicality alone leaves an inner emptiness.

Shows the power of Jewish prayer, Torah study, and connection as tools to overcome spiritual "famine."

Inspires listeners to recognize their inner power and embrace the unique role gratitude plays in Jewish life.

Listen now for a fresh, soulful take on Hanukkah and the power of true gratitude!

#HasidicWisdom #Hanukkah #JewishSpirituality #Gratitude #LivingAligned #BaruchGartner