Chitas

Studying Chitas vitally concerns the soul of every single person
— Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Kovetz Lubavitch, vol. 7, p. 24.

Welcome to Chitas

Each era is born with its own spiritual key, a particular observance or practice that serves more than all others as the gateway through which a generation travels. The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe thus enacted a study which is suitable for everyone, the study of ChiTas(T) (=CHumash (Bible), Tehillim (Psalms), Tanya).

The Lubavitcher Rebbe unwaveringly insisted that in the modern era, the security and success of individual Jews, as well as our collective travels, is a daily journey through a brief helping of sacred Scripture from the Torah, with their immortal commentary set by Rashi; the praises and pleas of King David in Psalms; and insights into the soul of a Jew and the soul of the Torah as elaborated in the book if Tanya.

Indeed, the Rebbe referred to Chitas as such, repeatedly throughout his many decades of voluminous correspondence with individuals and communities around the globe and across the colorful spectrum of Jewish affiliation and observance. He called upon Jews everywhere to take up the study from which they would benefit tremendously in spirit and in the concrete needs of their material lives.

 

How to Study Chitas

• The lessons of each day are strongly associated with that specific day, and it is important that the study of all the sections should be on the appropriate day.
• There is no order to study the sections of Chitas. (See the overview of each section for the most optimal time to study the section.)
• Chitas does not have to be studied all at once.
• If one was unable to study Chitas during the day, it is possible to make up for missed portions during the night that immediately follows. [On various occasions the Rebbe mentioned various make-up times: The following night, the next day, during the subsequent days, and the remainder of that week.]
• When compensating for a missed day of Chitas, the missed [yesterday’s] portion should be studied first, for it is appropriate to maintain the correct order.

No Promises

I was gratified to read that you observe the well-known three [daily] study schedules of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya that are equally applicable to all.

It is self-understood that this practice should be undertaken bli neder–as a non-binding commitment. That way, if on occasion, one is forced by circumstance to miss part of this study, he will not have broken a binding intention.

In such cases, you should certainly compensate for the missed portions during the subsequent days.

— The Lubavitcher Rebbe Igros Kodesh, vol. 8, p. 197

The “Chitas” Book

In 1980 the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged the printing of a “Chitas.” A book (sefer) that included a Chumash, Tehillim (Psalms) and Tanya.

The Rebbe suggested that this Chitas book also contain a section where the many reasons for and benefits of studying Chitas are included.

Reap the Benefits of Chitas Study

"The study of Chitas is appropriate for everyone and is a segulah [spiritual remedy] for a great many matters."
— The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, vol. 16, p. 261

"The verse says, (Bereishis 35:5) ‘And the fear of Hashem was [upon the cities].…’ The Hebrew word for ‘fear’ is ‘Chitas’ (חת״ת), which is an acronym for Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya. One who is erudite in their letters eradicates all challenges and concealments."
— Baal Shem Tov, Kitzurim V’Heoros L’Sefer Likutei Amarim, p. 127

"That which forms the channels of livelihood for each Chassid, and especially for each Tamim - a fixed schedule for the study of Chassidus… in addition to observing the study of Chitas."
— The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Vol. 4 p. 338

"The study of Chitas is a medium through which we can bond with our Nasi."
— The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Igros Kodesh vol. 3, p. 410

"In general, I see no reason for worry, and may G-d bless you with healthy children… And you should strengthen yourself in the three daily study schedules, which are appropriate for everyone."
— The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, vol. 6, p. 266