חקר הדרכות נפשיות להתמודדות עם מחשבות זרות באגרות קודש: הנהגה חסידית,פרטנית ומעשית של ר'מנחם מנדל שניאורסון

This article examines Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s (theChabad Rebbe's) psycho -educational guidance on coping with "alienthoughts" (ma ḥashavot zarot), as documented in his correspondence(Igrot Kodesh). Shifting focus from his public theology to individualpastoral care, we systematically analyze the psycho -spiritual practiceshe developed, rooted in the foundational Chabad teachings of RabbiShneur Zalman of Liadi.Schneerson broadened the definition of foreign thoughts beyondforbidden or idle concepts to encompass any mental content thatundermines an individual's spiritual mission, self -worth, or identity,framing these thoughts as external disruptions to the soul 's divineconnection. His approach draws on core Chabad principles: the dualityof the divine and animal souls, the supremacy of intellect over emotion(moach shalit al halev), and a mission -oriented consciousness.Through his letters, we reconstruct a psychological model centered on:(1) dissociating the self from intrusive thoughts, (2) cognitiveredirection over active struggle, (3) immersion in Hasidic study, (4)reflecting on the roots of alien thoughts and cultivating personalaccountability, and (5 proactive, joyous action. Ultimately, his guid ancerepresents a creative application of Chabad thought to the spiritualstruggles of the beinoni (the intermediate person).