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A must read for anyone who truly seeks closeness to HaShem, The Path of Life (“Derech Chaim”) is one of the most famous works of the Mittler Rebbe, Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch. First printed in 1819 (5579) during the lifetime of the author, it was subsequently reprinted many times thereafter by successive leaders of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidic dynasty. When first published, the Mittler Rebbe gave clear instructions to all members of the Chassidic community to study it on a regular basis.

Although much has been said about this incredible masterpiece, it was perhaps most aptly summarized by the great grand-son of the author, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. He said that, “To truly know what is meant by the service of the heart (prayer) one must study The Gate of Repentance ,The Gate of Prayer and The Path of Life (“Derech Chaim”) of the Mittler Rebbe.” (Sefer HaSichos 5705, p. 52).

It is no wonder then, that in 1956 the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, encouraged his followers to study it on a daily basis during the month of Elul in preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days and, at the very least, to study its first eleven chapters during the ten days of repentance between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.  This is because it is one of the clearest and most practical guides to true repentance and return to HaShem ever written.

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