Shows
The daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 18 Teves - Yaakov's best 17 years were in Egyptגַּם הָעוֹלֶה לַתּוֹרָה אוֹמֵר חֲזַק חֲזַק וְנִתְחֲזֵק[Like all the other congregants,] the person who receives the [final] aliyah [at the end of any of the Five Books of the Chumash] says Chazak, chazak, venis’chazek.בַּאֲמִירַת וִיהִי נוֹעַם בְּמוֹצָאֵי שַׁבָּת קוֹדֶשׁ כּוֹפְלִים פָּסוּק אוֹרֶךְ יָמִים גו[At Maariv] on Motzaei Shabbos, when reciting the passage that begins Viy’hi noam [and continues with the following chapter of Tehillim, which begins Yoshev beseiser], we repeat the final verse, which begins Orech yamim.אֲבָל לֹא בִּתְּפִלַּת שַׁחֲרִיתThat verse is not repeated [when this chapter is recited] in the [Shabbos] morning prayers.בִּהְיוֹת הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק יֶלֶדWhen the Tzemach Tzedek was a child וְלָמַד אֶת הַכָּתוּב וַיְחִי יַעֲקֹב בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם שְׁבַע עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָהand learned the verse, “And Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt for seventeen years,” תִּירְגֵם...2025-01-1707 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 27 Kislev - The Alter Rebbe's second incarcerationבַּמַּאֲסָר הַשֵּׁנִי שֶׁל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן — בִּשְׁנַת תקס"א During the Alter Rebbe’s second incarceration, in 5561 (1800), לֹא יָשַׁב בִּתְפִיסָא וּמַאֲסָר כָּבֵד כְּבָרִאשׁוֹנָהthe conditions of his confinement were not as harsh as they had been the first time. אֲבָל הַמַּלְשִׁינוּת הָיְתָה כְבֵדָה יוֹתֵרThe slanderous charge, however, was far more severe, כִּי עִקָּר הַהַלְשָׁנָה הָיָה עַל תּוֹרַת הַחֲסִידוּת, וְהַהִתְנַגְדוּת הָיְתָה גְּדוֹלָה בִּמְאוֹדfor it focused [not on himself personally but] on the teachings of Chassidus, and the opposition was intense. "הָיָה תָּפוּס בּ"טַיינעֶ סָאוועֶטHe was imprisoned in the Tainy Soviet prison, יוֹם שֶׁיָצָא לְחֵרוּת: נֵר ג' דְּחַנוּכָּהand was released on [the day of] the third Chanukah light.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2024-12-2704 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 26 Kislev - Shabbos Mevarchim and Shabbos Chanukahמְבָרְכִים רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת. אֲמִירַת כָּל הַתְּהִלִּים בְּהַשְׁכָּמָה. יוֹם הִתְוַעֲדוּת[On Shabbos Mevarchim, it is our custom] to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early in the morning and to hold a farbrengen on that day.טַל וּמָטָר[From this date forward, we begin requesting] tal u’matar (“dew and rain”) [in the weekday Shemoneh Esreh].נֵר חֲנוּכָּה אַחַר הַבְדָלָה וְקוֹדֶם אֲמִירַת וְיִתֶּן לְךָ[On Saturday night, at home,] we kindle the Chanukah lights after Havdalah, before reciting VeYiten Lecha. בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת נֵר חֲנוּכָּה קוֹדֶם הַבְדָלָהIn the synagogue, the Chanukah lights are kindled before Havdalah.בְּיוֹם שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ שֶׁמְּבָרְכִים הַחֹדֶשׁOn Shabbos Mevarchim, הַשְׁכֵּם בַּבֹּקֶר יִתְקַבְּצוּ אַנְשֵׁי שְׁלוֹמֵינוּ לְבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת לְהַגִּיד כָּל הַתְּהִלִּיםthe members of the chassidic brotherhood should rise early in the morning and gather in the synagogue to recite the entire Book of Tehillim. אַחַר הָאֲמִירָה יִלְמְדוּ כְּשָׁעָה מַאֲמָר שֶׁל חֲסִידוּת שֶׁיִּהְיֶה מוּבָן לַכֹּל, וְאַחַר כַּךְ תְּפִלָּהFollowing that, for about an hour, they should study a maamar of Chassidus that everyone can unders...2024-12-2606 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 25 Kislev - Chabad customs to light Chanukah candlesאַאַמוּ"ר הָיָה מַדְלִיק נֵרוֹת חֲנוּכָּה בֵּין מִנְחָה לְמַעֲרִיבMy revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], would kindle the Chanukah lights between the Afternoon Service and the Evening Service. וְלֹא הָיָה מְדַיֵּיק בְּפֶתַח שֶׁיִּהְיֶה מִדָּרוֹם לְצָפוֹן אוֹ מִמִּזְרָח לְמַעֲרָבHe was not particular about whether it was placed in the doorway from north to south or from east to west. הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ — אַחַר הַדְלָקַת כָּל הַנֵּרוֹת[He would recite the hymn] HaNeiros Halalu after all the lights were kindled.וְהָיָה יוֹשֵׁב בְּסָמוּךְ לְהַנֵּרוֹת חֲצִי שָׁעָהHe would sit near the lights for half an hour [every evening], לְבַד מֵעֶרֶב שַׁבָּת קוֹדֶשׁ שֶׁלֹּא הָיָה מִתְעַכֵּב חֲצִי שָׁעָה —except for Friday afternoon when he would not wait that long. מְדַיֵּיק שֶׁיִּדְלְקוּ הַנֵּרוֹת חֲמִשִׁים מִינוּט לְכָל הַפָּחוֹתHe would see to it that the lights should burn for at least 50 minutes.מִנְחָה, נֵר חֲנוּכָּה, נֵר שַׁבָּת[On the eve of Shabbos during Chanukah, the sequence is:] the Afternoon Service; Chanukah lights; Shabbos candles.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2024-12-2505 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 24 Kislev - Making Shabbos(הֶמְשֵׁךְ)(In continuation: [of yesterday]) בֵּאוּר ג' הַפְּסוּקִים — לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה — עַל פִּי מִדָּה מְמוּצַּעַת מִדַּת כָּל אָדָםTo explain the three verses beginning Lechu neranenah in a way that is meaningful to everyone:מִיטְוואָך, אַז מעֶן הוֹיבְּט אָן טְראַכְטעֶן וואוּ וועֶט מעֶן נעֶהמעֶן אוֹיף שַׁבָּתOn Wednesday, a person begins to wonder where he will get his Shabbos needs, — הֵן בְּפַּשְׁטוּת אוּן הֵן מִיט וואָס וועֶט מעֶן שַׁבָּת'ן —- both in a literal sense and also, how he will “make” his Shabbos in a spiritual sense — יעֶדעֶר אִיד אִיז דאָך שַׁבָּת גאָר אַנאַנדעֶרעֶרfor on Shabbos, every Jew becomes a very different person. וועֶרט מָרָה שְׁחוֹרָה'דִיג[Knowing that he is inadequately prepared,] he may become depressed. אִיז דִי עֵצָה, לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה, בִּטָּחוֹןThe solution is Lechu neranenah: “Let us go and sing joyously” — let us have trust [in G‑d].וועֶן עֶס קוּמט דאָנעֶרשְׁטאָגWhen Thursday arrives, עֶס וועֶרט נעֶהנְטעֶר צוּ שַׁבָּת, אוּן עֶס אִיז נאָך אַלְץ נִיטאָShabbos has drawn closer and he is still empty-handed; אִיז יעֶמאָלט נְרַנ...2024-12-2403 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 23 Kislev - Wednesday starts preparations for Shabbosמִשִּׂיחוֹת אַאַזְמוּ"ר — אֱלוּל תּרל"הFrom a talk of my revered grandfather, the Rebbe [Maharash], in Elul, 5635 (1875):ג' יָמִים קוֹדֶם הַשַׁבָּת הוּא הֲכָנָה לְשַׁבָּתThe three days preceding Shabbos are a preparation for Shabbos. אוֹיף שַׁבָּת זאָגט עֶר אִין זֹהַר דְּמִינֵּיהּ מִתְבָּרְכִין כּוּלְהוּ יוֹמִיןWith regard to Shabbos, the Zohar states: “All of the days are blessed from it.” כּוּלְהוּ יוֹמִין אִיז כָּל שֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַשָּׁבוּעַ“All of the days” refers to the six weekdays, וואָס אוֹיף דעֶם האָט דעֶר אוֹיבּעֶרשְׁטעֶר געֶגעֶבּעֶן אַ בְּרָכָה כְּלָלִית for which G‑d granted a comprehensive blessing: וּבֵרַכְךָ ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה“And G‑d your L‑rd will bless you in all that you do.”אִיז דִי בִּרְכַּת הַשַּׁבָּת מִלְּפָנָיו וּמִלְּאַחֲרָיוThe blessing of Shabbos extends to the days that precede it and follow it. דִי הֲכָנָה צוּ שַׁבָּת אִיז מִיּוֹם דThe preparations for Shabbos begin on Wednesday, אוּן דעֶר אָנְזאָג אִיז דעֶר קְלֵיינעֶר לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה, וואָס אִיז ג' פְּסוּקִיםand are heralded by the brief Lechu neranenah, the three verses [recited at the end of Wednesday’s Song of the Day].Text and2024-12-2304 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 22 Kislev - Saying the daily Tehilimמִתַּקָנוֹת כְּבוֹד קְדוּשַׁת אַדְמוּ"ר שְׁלִיטָ"אOne of the practices instituted by the Rebbe [Rayatz] לֵאמֹר בְּכָל בֹּקֶר אַחַר הַתְּפִלָּהis the recitation of the daily portion of Tehillim every morning after davenen, וְגַם בְּשַׁבָּת וְיוֹם טוֹב, רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה וְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִיםincluding Shabbos, festivals, Rosh HaShanah, and Yom Kippur. תְּהִלִּים כְּפִי שֶׁנֶּחֱלַק לִימֵי הַחֹדֶשׁfollowing the division of its 150 psalms according to the days of the month — וְאַחַר אֲמִירָה בַּעֲשָׂרָה — קַדִּישׁ יָתוֹםWhen this portion is recited with a minyan, it is followed by a Mourners’ Kaddish.בְּחֹדֶשׁ שֶׁל כט יוֹם אוֹמְרִים בְּיוֹם כט הַשִּׁעוּר דִּשְׁנֵי הַיָּמִיםIn a month of 29 days, the portions for both the 29th and the 30th days should be recited on the 29th day.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2024-12-2205 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 21 Kislev - Mishnayos by heart and study of Chassidusמעֶן זאָל זִיך אוֹיסלעֶרנעֶן מִשְׁנָיוֹת בְּעַל-פֶּה Everyone should study mishnayos by heart, כָּל חַד לְפוּם שִׁיעוּרֵיהּ דִילֵיהּaccording to his ability, אוּן געֶהן אִין גאַס אוּן חַזֶרְ'ן מִשְׁנָיוֹתrepeating them while walking in the street. דעֶרמִיט וועֶט מעֶן זוֹכֶה זַיין צוּ מְקַבֵּל זַיין פְּנֵי הַמָּשִׁיחַThrough this, we will merit to greet Mashiach.חֲסִידִים דאַרפעֶן לעֶרנעֶן חֲסִידוּתChassidim must study Chassidus. סְתַּם חֲסִידִים — יוֹם שֵׁנִי, יוֹם חֲמִישִׁי וְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּתChassidim in general should do so on Monday, Thursday, and Shabbos. תְּמִימִים — שָׁעָה אַחַת בְּכָל יוֹםTemimim should do so for an hour every day.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2024-12-2202 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 20 Kislev - History of the publication of the Tanyaהַדְפָּסַת סֵפֶר שֶׁל בֵּינוּנִים — תַּנְיָא — בַּפַּעַם הָרִאשׁוֹנָה The first printing of Sefer Shel Beinonim — Tanya נִגְמְרָה יוֹם ג' כ' כִּסְלֵו תקנ"ז בִּסְלאַוִויטאַwas completed on Tuesday, 20 Kislev, 5557 (1796), in Slavita. וְכוֹלֵל: חֵלֶק רִאשׁוֹן — סֵפֶר שֶׁל בֵּינוּנִים, חֵלֶק שֵׁנִי — חִנּוּךְ קָטָן וְשַׁעַר הַיִּחוּד וְהָאֱמוּנָהIt comprised: Part I — Sefer shel Beinonim,and Part II — Chinuch Katan and Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah.אִגֶּרֶת הַתְּשׁוּבָה — מַהֲדוּרָא קַמָּא — נִדְפְּסָה לָרִאשׁוֹנָה: זאָלקוִוי תקנ"טThe first edition of Iggeres HaTeshuvah was originally printed in Zholkva in 5559 (1799). מַהֲדוּרָא בַּתְרָא — נִדְפְּסָה לָרִאשׁוֹנָה: שׁקלאָוו תּקס"וThe second edition was first printed in Shklovin 5566 (1806).אִגֶּרֶת הַקֹּדֶשׁ — בַּפַּעַם הָרִאשׁוֹנָה — שׁקלאָוו תּקע"דIggeres HaKodesh was first printed in Shklovin 5574 (1814). תּוֹצָאָה מְתוּקֶּנֶת שֶׁל כָּל ד' הַחֲלָקִים — וִוילנאָ ראָם תּר"סThe revised edition including all four parts was printed in Vilna at the Romm press in 5660 (1900), וְחָזְרָה וְנִדְפְּסָה כַּמָּה פְּעָמִיםand has since been reprinted numerous times.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2024-12-2005 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 19 Kislev - Yud Tes Kislev is a day for farbrengensהפטורה: חֲזוֹן עוֹבַדְיָThe haftarah [for Parshas Vayishlach] begins Chazon Ovadiah (Ovadiah 1:1-21). אֵין אוֹמְרִים אָב הָרַחֲמִים וְצִדְקָתְךָ[Whenever Yud-Tes Kislev falls on Shabbos], the passage beginning Av HaRachamim is omitted [after the Torah Reading] and, [in the Afternoon Service,] the passage beginning Tzidkas'cha is omitted.אֵין הַשְּׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר מִתְעַטֵּף בְּטַלִּית לְמִנְחָה אוֹ לְמַעֲרִיבThe sheliach tzibbur should not wear a tallis for the Afternoon or Evening Services. לֹא בְּשַׁבָּת וְיוֹם טוֹב וְלֹא בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה[This applies throughout the year, including] Shabbosos, the festivals, and Rosh HaShanah.הִלּוּלָא שֶׁל הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד — מִמֶּעזרִיטשׁ — ג' וַיֵּשֶׁב תקל"ג, וּמְנוּחָתוֹ כָּבוֹד בְּאַנאָפּאָלִי[Yud-Tes Kislev] is the yahrzeit of the Maggid of Mezritch, [who passed away] on Tuesday of the week in which Parshas Vayeishev is read, 5533 (1772). His resting place is in Hanipoli.אַדְמוּ"ר הַזָּקֵן יָצָא לְחֵרוּת מִמַּאֲסָרוֹ הָרִאשׁוֹן — יט כִּסְלֵו, ג' וַיֵּשֶׁב, תקנ"ט, לִפְנוֹת עֶרֶבThe Alter Rebbe was liberated from his first imprisonment on Yud-Tes K...2024-12-1907 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom - 19 Kislev Introductionממכתב אאמו"רFrom a letter by my father:*… יט כסלו … החג אשר פדה בשלום נפשנו ואור וחיות נפשנו ניתן לנוThe 19th of Kislev...the festival on which "He redeemed our soul in peace," and our soul's illumination and vitality were given to us, היום הזה הוא ראש השנה לדא"חthis day is Rosh Hashana for Chassidus אשר הנחילנו אבותינו הקדושים זצוקלל"הה נ"ע זי"עbequeathed us by our sacred forebears, והיא היא תורת הבעש"ט ז"לidentical with the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov.זה היום תחלת מעשיך"This day is the beginning of Your works,"שלימות הכוונה האמיתית בבריאת האדם עלי ארץthe fulfillment of the true intention behind the creation of man on earth, להמשיך גילוי אור פנימיות תורתינו הקדושהwhich is to call forth revelation of the light of the inward part of our holy Torah.אשר נמשך ביום הזה בבחי' המשכה כללית על כללות...2024-12-1908 min
Homesick for LubavitchEp. 44 // "Rosh Hashana 5785" w/ Rabbi Yosef KatzmanRabbi Yosef Katzman grew up and lives in Crown Heights, where for many years he hosted the "Cable to Jewish Life" television show.
In this episode, Rabbi Katzman reflects on different pivot points through the years and how these relate to the community's changing attitude towards asking questions.
He also reflects on Rosh Hashana "back in the day" and where this leaves us going into this new year.
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Homesick for Lubavitch began a year ago as a small passion project and has grown into an important conversation in the Lubavitch community.2024-09-292h 45The daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom - OverviewThe text of this essay is a compilation of letters from the Frierdiker Rebbe, and some commentary. Please enjoy the listen as it will enhance your study of the Hayom Yom.2023-12-0109 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 18 Kislev - One desires nothing other than G‑d Himselfבְּמִנְחָה אֵין אוֹמְרִים תַּחֲנוּןIn the Afternoon Service, Tachanun is not recited.הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק כּוֹתֵבThe Tzemach Tzedek writes: אַהֲבָה דִבְחִינַת וְעִמְּךָ לֹא חָפַצְתִּי (הַיְינוּ) שֶׁלֹּא לַחְפּוֹץ שׁוּם דָּבָר זוּלָתוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְThe love [of G‑d at the level] indicated by the verse, “Beside You, I desire nothing,” is such that one desires nothing other than G‑d Himself. וְלֹא אֲפִילוּ שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ שֶׁהֵם גַּן עֵדֶן עֶלְיוֹן וְתַחְתּוֹן, כִּי רַק בְּיוּ"ד נִבְרָא כוOne does not even desire “heaven” or “earth,” which allude here to the Higher Gan Eden and the Lower Gan Eden, for they were created only through the letter yud. אֶלָּא תִּהְיֶה הָאַהֲבָה רַק לוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְ לְבַד, דְהַיְינוּ לִמְהוּתוֹ וְעַצְמוּתוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְ מַמָּשׁRather, one’s love is directed solely to G‑d, to His very Essence.וְכַךְ הָיָה נִשְׁמָע הַלָּשׁוֹן מִמּוֹרִי וְרַבִּי נִשְׁמָתוֹ עֵדֶן, רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵןAnd indeed, these were the words that used to be heard from our mentor and master (the Alter Rebbe),בִּדְבֵקוּתוֹ, שֶׁהָיָה אוֹמֵר בְּזֶה הַלָּשׁוֹןwhen he entered a state of dveikus: אִיך וִויל זעֶ גאָר נִיסט“I...2023-12-0107 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 17 Kislev - How to serve G-d with intellect and feelingחֲסִידוּת חַבַּ"ד פּוֹתַחַת שַׁעֲרֵי הֵיכְלֵי חָכְמָה וּבִינָהChabad Chassidus opens the gates of the halls of Chochmah and Binah, לֵידַע וּלְהַכִּיר אֶת מִי שֶׁאָמַר וְהָיָה הָעוֹלָם בְּהַשָּׂגָה שִׂכְלִיתenabling one to know and recognize, with an intellectual grasp, “the One Who spoke, and the world came into being.” מְעוֹרֶרֶת רִגְשֵׁי הַלֵּב לְהִתְפָּעֵל בְּאוֹתָהּ מִדָּה שֶׁבַּלֵב הַמְחוּיֶּבֶת מֵהַשְׂכָּלָה זוּIt arouses corresponding feelings in the heart that spring from the particular G‑dly concept that one has understood. וּמוֹרָה דֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד לְפוּם שִׁעוּרָא דִילֵיהּ Moreover, it guides every individual — according to his own level — יָכוֹל לָגֶשֶׁת אֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ לַעֲבוֹד אֶת הֲוָיָ' בְּמוֹחוֹ וְלִבּוֹalong the path by which he can draw near to holiness, enabling him to serve G‑d with his mind and heart.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-3003 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 16 Kislev - Foundational principle of Chabadיְסוֹד עִיקָּרִי בְּשִׁיטַת חַבַּ"ד הוּאA main foundation of the Chabad approach is אֲשֶׁר הַמּוֹחַ הַשַּׁלִיט עַל הַלֵּב בְּתוֹלָדְתּוֹfor the mind, which naturally rules over the heart,יְשַׁעְבֵּד אֶת הַלֵּב לַעֲבוֹדַת ה' יִתְבָּרֵךְto enlist the heart in the service of G‑d מִתּוֹךְ הַשְׂכָּלָה הֲבָנָה וְהַעֲמָקַת הַדַּעַת בִּגְדוּלַּת בּוֹרֵא הָעוֹלָם בָּרוּךְ הוּאthrough abstraction, understanding, and a deepening awareness of the greatness of G‑d.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2901 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 15 Kislev - Self-sacrifice to love a Jewבְּתּוֹרָה אוֹר, דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל וַיֵּשֶׁב"וְאֵינָהּ יְכוֹלָה לִרְאוֹת בְּאַהֲבָה" צָרִיךְ לִהְיוֹת "וְאֵינָה יְכוֹלָה לִהְיוֹת בְּאַהֲבָה"[In the above note, the Rebbe makes an emendation to the Hebrew text of Torah Or that has since been incorporated in all of its editions.]רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן סִפֵּר לִבְנוֹ אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִיThe Alter Rebbe told his son, the Mitteler Rebbe: דעֶר זֵיידעֶ (הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב) זאָגט My [spiritual] grandfather, (the Baal Shem Tov,) once said אַז מ'דאַרף האָבּעֶן מְסִירַת נֶפֶשׁ אוֹיף אַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵלthat one must have mesirus nefesh for ahavas Yisrael — אֲפִילוּ צוּ אַ אִידעֶן, וועֶלכעֶן מ'האָט קֵיינמאָל נִיט געֶזעֶהןeven for a Jew whom one has never seen.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2803 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 14 Kislev - Four levels: Tzaddik, Yashar, Tamim, Chassidמְבָרְכִין בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן בְּכוֹס שֶׁל בְּרָכָה, אַף שֶׁאֵין עֲשָׁרָהThe Grace after Meals is recited over a cup of wine even if a quorum of ten is not present. הַכּוֹס עַל כַּף הַיַד וְהָאֶצְבָּעוֹת זְקוּפוֹתThe cup is placed on the palm of the hand with the fingers upraisedאוֹחֵז הַכּוֹס מֵאֲמִירַת "רַבּוֹתַי מִיר וועֶלעֶן בּעֶנטשעֶן" עַד אֲחַרֵי סִיוּם בְּרָכָה שְׁלִישִׁיתThe cup is held from the recitation of the phrase Rabosai, mir veln bentshen until the end of the third blessing.שֶׁאָז מַעֲמִידוֹ עַל הַשֻלְחָןAt that point, it is placed on the table.בְּאַחַת מִשִּׂיחוֹתָיו בִּאֵר אַאַמוּ"ר וְתוֹכֶן דְּבָרָיוIn one of his talks, my revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], explained [the following concept]. To sum up his words:יֵשׁ צַדִּיק יָשָׁר תָּמִים חָסִידThere are [four levels]: tzaddik (a righteous man), yashar (an upright man), tamim (an earnest person), and chassid. צַדִּיק עַל שֵׁם קִיּוּם מִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה— מַמְשִׁיךְ גִּלּוּיִים דְּסֵדֶר הַהִשְׁתַּלְשְׁלוּת2023-11-2709 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 13 Kislev - The essence of the soul is the essence of G-dאָמַר אַאַמוּ"רMy father, the Rebbe [Rashab], once said: חֲסִידוּת מְשַׁנָּה אֶת הַמְּצִיאוּת וּמְגַלָּה אֶת הַמַּהוּתChassidus transforms one’s existence, and reveals one’s essence.וְהַמַּהוּת שֶׁל הָאִישׁ הַיִשְׂרְאֵלִי אֵין לְהַעֲרִיךְ וּלְשַׁעֵרThe inner nature of a Jew can be neither appreciated nor fathomed, כִּי הוּא חֵלֶק מִן הָעֶצֶםfor it is part of [G‑d’s] Essence,וְהַתּוֹפֵס בְּמִקְצָתוֹ כְּאִלּוּ תּוֹפֵס בְּכוּלּוֹand when one grasps part of the Essence, it is as if one has grasped it in its entirety. וּכְשֵׁם שֶׁהָעֶצֶם אֵין לוֹ שִׁעוּר כַּךְ הַחֵלֶק אֵין לוֹ שִׁעוּרJust as [G‑d’s] Essence has no limits, so too, this “part” has no limits. עַל דֶרֶךְ הַכָּנָף מִין כָּנָףIt is like tzitzis, which must be made of the same material as the corner of the garment [to which they are attached].עֶס אִיז מעֶהר נִיט וואָס עַצְמוּת האָט בּוֹרֵא געֶוועֶן אַ נְשָׁמָה אַז זִי זאָל זַיין אַ נִבְרָאIt is only that G‑d’s essence created the soul as a created being — 2023-11-2605 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 12 Kislev - Distress over hearing a negative reportבִּרְכַּת שֶׁפְּטָרַנִי מְבָרְכִים בְּלֹא שֵׁם וּמַלְכוּתThe blessing Baruch ShePtarani should be recited without mentioning G‑d’s Name or Kingship. וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָהּ גַּם בְּיוֹם ב', ה', בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, וְלַאו דַּוְקָא בְּשַׁבָּתIt is customarily recited also on Monday, Thursday, or Rosh Chodesh, and not only on Shabbos.מְקוּבָּל בְּיָדֵינוּ בְּשֵׁם מוֹרֵנוּ הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹבWe have received the following tradition from the Baal Shem Tov: כְּשֶׁשּׁוֹמְעִים דָּבָר לֹא טוֹב עַל אֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵלIf one hears an unfavorable report about another Jew, גַּם אִם אֵין מַכִּירִים אוֹתוֹ, צָרִיךְ לְהִצְטַעֵר צַעַר רַבeven a stranger, one should be deeply distressed, כִּי אֶחָד מֵהֶם הוּא בְּוַדַּאי לֹא טוֹבfor either of two undesirable factors is true: אִם אֱמֶת הַדָּבָר שֶׁמְּסַפְּרִים עַל פְּלוֹנִי, הֲלֹא הוּא לֹא טוֹבIf the unfavorable report is true, that is undesirable. וְאִם אֵינוֹ אֱמֶת הֲלֹא הַמְּסַפֵּר נִמְצָא בְּמַצָּב לֹא טוֹבAnd if it is untrue, the person conveying it is in an undesirable situation.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2405 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 11 Kislev - Emendations to the Alter Rebbe's Siddurמֵהֲגָהוֹת אַאַמוֹּ"ר עַל הַסִּדוּר "סֵדֶר הַתְּפִלָּה" (עִם הַדִּבְרֵי אֱלֹקִים חַיִּים)חֵלֶק א' דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל בָּרוּךְ שֶׁאָמַר וְהָיָה הָעוֹלָם (לט. ד)"משא"כ בְּחִינַת רדל"א", נִתְקַן "וּמֵעַתָּה יוּבָן פֵּרוּשׁ וְעִנְיַן בְּחִינַת רדל"אחֵלֶק ב' דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל עֵד הַגַּל (דש. ד)"לְרַבָּנָן וַהֲלָכָה כר"י שֶׁבַּיֶּרֶךְ", נִתְקַן "לְרַבָּנָן אִם בַּיֶּרֶךְ"שָׁם: "דַּעַת ר"י וְכֵן הָאֱמֶת" הֶעֱבִיר קוּלְמוּס עַל "וְכֵן הָאֱמֶת"שָׁם (שה. א): "הַתֹּהוּ דִּנְקוּדִּים" נִתְקַן "הַתֹּהוּ דַעֲקוּדִּים[In the above text, the Rebbe Rayatz cites several emendations of the Rebbe Rashab to the Hebrew wording of the Alter Rebbe’s mystical commentary on the Siddur.]Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2408 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 10 Kislev - The liberation of the Mitteler Rebbeאַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִי יָצָא לְחֵרוּת — תקפ"ז — מִמַּאֲסָרוֹ בְּעִיר וִויטעֶפּסק[On 10 Kislev,] 5587 (1826), the Mitteler Rebbe was released from his confinement in Vitebsk.בְּחוֹל הַמּוֹעֵד סוּכּוֹת נוֹדַע אֲשֶׁר הִלְשִׁינוּ אֶת אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִיWord had arrived on Chol HaMoed Sukkos that informers had denounced him to the authorities. בְּיוֹם א' פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ כח תִּשְׁרֵי נָסַע בְּלִוְיַת פְּקִידִים מִלּיוּבּאַוִויטשׁOn the first day of Parshas Noach, the 28th of Tishrei, he was duly escorted by several officials from Lubavitch. בַּצָּהֳרַיִם בָּא לְדָאבּרָאמִיסל, אָמַר שָׁם דִּבְרֵי אֱלֹקִים חַיִּים מַיִם רַבִּים גוIn the afternoon, he arrived in Dobromisl and delivered the maamar entitled Mayim Rabim. יוֹם ב' נָסַע מִשָּׁם עַד לִיאָזנאָ, אָמַר שָׁם דִּבְרֵי אֱלֹקִים חַיִּים רְשָׁפֶיהָ רִשְׁפֵּי גוOn Monday he proceeded to Liozna, where he delivered the maamar entitled Reshafeha Rishpei Esh. יוֹם ג' מִשָׁם לְוִויטעֶפּסק, וְיָשַׁב שָׁם תָּפוּס עַד יוֹם א' וַיִשְׁלַח י' כִּסְלֵוOn Tuesday he reached Vitebsk and remained there in confinement until the Sunday of Parshas Vayishlach, 10 Kislev.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2306 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 9 Kislev - Date of birth and passing of the Mitteler Rebbeיוֹם הוּלֶדֶת אֶת אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִי — תקל"ד The birthday of the Mitteler Rebbe in 5534 (1773) וְיוֹם הִסְתַּלְקוּתוֹ — תקפ"חand the anniversary of his passing in 5588 (1827). וּמְנוּחָתוֹ כָּבוֹד בְּניעֶזשִׁיןHis resting place is in Niezhin.ט' בְּכִסְלֵו תקנ"ד אָמַר רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן מַאֲמָרOn 9 Kislev, 5554 (1793), the Alter Rebbe delivered a maamar וְהוּא חֵלֶק פֶּרֶק נ"ג מִסֵּפֶר שֶׁל בֵּינוּנִים (תַּנְיָא) הַמְדַבֵּר עַל דְּבַר בַּיִת רִאשׁוֹןthat was [later to appear as] part of chapter 53 of Tanya, which discusses the First Beis HaMikdash. לְמָחֳרָתוֹ אָמַר חֲסִידוּת עוֹד הַפַּעַם — סִיּוּם פֶּרֶק הַנִּזְכָּר לְעֵיל עַד גְּמִירָאOn the following day he taught Chassidus again, concluding [what later constituted] the end of that chapter [and the entire book]. כִּי הַמַּאֲמָרִים מֵרֹאשׁ הַשָׁנָה תק"ן עַד י' כִּסְלֵו תקנ"ד For from the maamarim he delivered from Rosh HaShanah, 5550 (1789) until 10 Kislev, 5554 (1793), (אֲשֶׁר בָּהֶם נִכְלְלוּ לִקּוּטֵי עֵצוֹת מִשָּׁנִים הַקוֹדְמוֹת)which include selected words of counsel from earlier years.מֵהֶם נִסְדְרוּ נ"ג פִּרְקֵי סֵפֶר שֶׁל בֵּינוּנִיםthe 53 chapters of Sefer shel Beinonim (the first part of Tanya) were constructed 2023-11-2205 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 8 Kislev - Tiny man causes delight to the great G-dאַ מעֶנְטשׁ זאָל זִיך מִתְבּוֹנֵן זַיין, וִוי גְרוֹיס חַסְדֵי הַבּוֹרֵא בָּרוּךְ הוּא זַיינעֶןWhen a person contemplates the great kindness of the Creatorאַז אַזאַ קָטָן שֶׁבִּקְטַנִים וִוי דעֶר מעֶנטשׁ אִיזin that the tiniest of insignificant beings, man, קעֶן עֶר מאַכעֶן אַ נַחַת רוּחַ גָּדוֹל צוּם גָדוֹל הַגְּדוֹלִים can bring satisfaction to the most eminent of the great, G‑d, וּכְמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב וְלִגְדוּלָּתוֹ אֵין חֵקֶרof Whom before it is said that “His greatness cannot be fathomed” דאַרף דעֶר מעֶנטשׁ זַיין תָּמִיד בּאַגַייסטעֶרט אוּן טאָן דִי עֲבוֹדָה בְּלֵב וְנֶפֶשׁ חֲפֵצָהhe should always be high-spirited and carry out his Divine service with an eager heart and spirit.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-2102 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 7 Kislev - Three thinking's; Mussar, Chakirah and Chassidusהפטורה: וְעַמִי - תַּלְמֵי שָׂדַי. וַיִּבְרַח יַעֲקֹב - וּבְאִשָּׁה שָׁמָר. וּבְנָבִיא הֶעֱלָה - וּבְנָבִיא נִשְׁמָרThe haftarah begins with Ve’ami until talmei sadai, and continues [with the following two verses] until uvenavi nishmar (Hoshea 11:7-12:14).שָׁלֹשׁ חָכְמוֹת הֵןThere are three schools of thought:חָכְמַת בִּטּוּל הַחוֹמֶר, עַל יְדֵי הוֹרָאַת שִׁקּוּץ וְתִעוּב כָּל עִנְיָנִים הַגּוּפְנִיִּים וְהַחוּמְרִיִּים (a) The school of thought that negates [preoccupation with] materiality by pointing out the disgusting and abhorrent nature of all bodily and material things.חָכְמַת הַמּוּסָרThis is the approach of Mussar.חָכְמַת הֲכָּרַת מַעֲלַת הַצּוּרָה וְהָרוּחָנִי בְּמִדּוֹת וּבְמוּשְׂכָּלוֹת וְהוֹרָאַת אוֹפַנֵּי הַקֵּרוּב אֲלֵיהֶם (b) The school of thought that recognizes the greatness of the spiritual essence of the emotions and the intellect and indicates how one can draw close to [this kind of awareness]. חָכְמַת הַחֲקִירָהThis is the approach of Chakirah.חָכְמַת הַגְבָּרַת הַצּוּרָה עַל הַחוֹמֶר(c) The school of thought that makes Form dominate Matter,הוֹרָאָה בְּמַעֲלַת חוֹמֶר מְזוּכָּךְ demonstrating (i) the unique quality of Matter when it is refi...2023-11-2006 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 6 Kislev - Reciting Shema before retiring at nightאַאַמוּ"ר אָמַרMy revered father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] once said: קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שֶׁעַל הַמִּטָּה The recitation of the Shema before retiring at night אִיז, אִין זְעֵיר אַנְפִּין, וִוי דעֶר וִוידּוּי וואָס קוֹדֶם צֵאת הַנֶּפֶשׁ מֵהַגּוּףis a miniature version of the confession a person makes before his soul departs from his body. נאָר יעֶמאָלט גֵייט מעֶן שׁוֹין אִינגאַנצעֶן אַוועֶק פוּן יְרִידAt that time, however, one leaves the fair forever; אוּן עֶס עֶנדִיגט זִיך שׁוֹין דעֶר מִסְחָר פוּן הַיּוֹם לַעֲשׂוֹתָםthat puts an end to the transactions that can be undertaken “today, [which is the time] to perform them.” אוּן אִין קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שֶׁעַל הַמִּטָּה פוּן יעֶדעֶר נאַכט When we recite the Shema before retiring every night, האַלט מעֶן נאָך אִין מִיטן יְרִיד, אוּן מעֶן קעֶן נאָך אוֹיפטאָןwe are still in the midst of the fair — we can still achieve something.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1903 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 5 Kislev - The ladder that is prayerוְהִנֵּה סוּלָּם מוּצָּב אַרְצָה“Behold, a ladder was standing on the ground.”תְּפִלָּה הִיא סוּלָּם הַהִתְקַשְּׁרוּת שֶׁל הַנְּשָׁמָה בֵּאלֹקוּתPrayer is the ladder by means of which the soul is bound to G‑dliness. וַהֲגַם שֶׁהוּא מוּצָּב אַרְצָהThough it “stands on the ground,” הַתְחָלַת הַתְּפִלָּה הִיא בְּהוֹדָאָה לְבָדfor prayer begins with a simple acknowledgment of G‑d, אֲבָל וְרֹאשׁוֹ מַגִּיעַ הַשָּׁמַיְמָה“its top reaches up to Heaven:” בִּבְחִינַת בִּיטוּל עַצְמִי [it brings a person to] utter self-nullification (bittul atzmi). אֲבָל בָּא לָזֶהOne arrives at this עַל יְדֵי הַקְדָּמַת הַהַשָּׂגָה וְהַהֲבָנָה בִּפְסוּקֵי דְזִמְרָהby first attaining an understanding of Pesukei DeZimra,בִּרְכוֹת קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע וּקְרִיאַת שְׁמַעthe blessings that frame the Shema, and the Shema.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1705 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 4 Kislev - Washing Mayim Achronim after the mealלְמַיִם אַחֲרוֹנִים נוֹטְלִים קְצֵה הָאֶצְבָּעוֹתFor mayim acharonim [before the Grace after Meals], water is poured over the fingertips. וְאַחַר כָּךְ מַעֲבִירִים אוֹתָם, כְּשֶׁהֵם לַחִים עֲדַיִין, עַל הַשְּׂפָתַיִםThen, while they are still moist, they are passed over the lips.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1703 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 3 Kislev - The BeShT traveled, the Maggid stayed homeמֵהַהֶפְרֵשׁ בֵּין הַנְהָגַת הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב לְהַנְהָגַת הַמַּגִּידOne of the differences in conduct between the Baal Shem Tov and [his successor,] the Maggid [of Mezritch], כִּי הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב הָיָה עָסוּק בִּנְסִיעוֹת שׁוֹנוֹת, וְהַמַּגִּיד יָשַׁב בְּבֵיתוֹwas that the Baal Shem Tov traveled widely, whereas the Maggid remained at home. עוֹד זֹאתMoreover, בִּימֵי נְשִׂיאוּת הַמַּגִּיד, כְּבָר הָיָה מְפוּרְסָם עִנְיַן הַחֲסִידוּת גַּם בְּמֶרְחַקִּיםduring the period of the Maggid’s leadership, Chassidus was already widely known, even in distant communities, עַל יְדֵי נְסִיעוֹת הַחֶבְרַיָּא קַדִּישָׁאdue to the extensive journeys of the “holy brotherhood,” [the inner circle of his disciples]. וְרַבִּים מִבַּעֲלֵי בָּתִּים בֵּינוֹנִים נִתְקַשְּׁרוּ לְתוֹרַת הַחֲסִידוּת וְהָיוּ נוֹסְעִים לְמעֶזרִיטשMany common people had already established a connection with Chassidus and were visiting Mezritch.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1605 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 2 Kislev - Importance of giving charity before prayerאַאַזְמוּ"ר בִּאֵר פַּעַם בְּמַאֲמָרIn the course of a maamar, my revered grandfather, [the Rebbe Maharash,] once commented הָא דְרַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר יָהִיב פְּרוּטָה לְעָנִי וְהָדַר מַצְלֵיon a statement of the Sages: “R. Elazar would give a coin to a poor person and then pray.” כִּי הֲרֵי הַתְּפִלָּה צְרִיכָה לִהְיוֹת בְּחַיּוּת[He explained:] “Prayer should be energetic. וְעַל יְדֵי שֶׁנּוֹתְנִים צְדָקָה לְעָנִי קוֹדֶם הַתְּפִלָּה וּמְחַיִּים אוֹתוֹGiving tzedakah to a poor person and enlivening him before praying נִתּוֹסַף חַיּוּת הַרְבֵּה בִּתְּפִלָּהgreatly increases one’s own vitality while praying.” וְנִעֲנַע בְּיָדוֹ מִמַּטָּה לְמַעְלָה לְרַמֵז שֶׁהָרִבּוּי בְּהַפְלָאָהAnd as my grandfather said these last words he waved his hands upward, to indicate a truly wondrous increase.וְכַמָּה פְּעָמִים קוֹדֶם הַתְּפִלָּה הָיָה אַאַמוּ"ר מְחַזֵּר אַחֲרֵי עָנִי לִתֵּן לוֹ לֶאֱכוֹלBefore my father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] began to daven, he would often search for a poor person to whom to give something to eat.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1504 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 1 Kislev - Shachris Mincha and Maariv without a breakבּאַ ר' יְקוּתִיאֵל ליעֶפלעֶר (דעֶם אַלטעֶן רֶבִּי'ס אַ חָסִיד) אִיז געֶוועֶן צַייטעֶןThere were times when R. Yekusiel Liepler, a chassid of the Alter Rebbe, וואָס עֶר האָט געֶדאַוועֶנט שַׁחֲרִית מִנְחָה אוּן מַעֲרִיב אֵיינֶע נאָך דִי אַנדעֶרעֶwould daven the morning, afternoon, and evening services one right after the other. עֶס אִיז נִיט געֶוועֶן קֵיין זְמַן מַפְסִיק זַייןThere was simply no time for breaks between them.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1403 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 29 Cheshvan - The great merit of saying Tehilimמְבָרְכִים רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ כִּסְלֵוWe bless the month of Kislev.אֲמִירַת כָּל הַתְּהִלִּים בְּהַשְׁכָּמָה[On Shabbos Mevarchim, it is our custom] to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early in the morning יוֹם הִתְוַעֲדוּתand to hold a farbrengen on that day.עֲבוֹדָה הַקְּדוֹשָׁה בַּאֲמִירַת תְּהִלִּים בְּצִבּוּר, אֵין דֵּי בַּאֵר גּוֹדֶל הַזְּכוּת שֶׁל הַמִּשְׁתַּתְּפִים בָּזֶהNo words can describe the great merit accruing to those who participate in the holy task of reciting Tehillim as part of a congregation, וְגוֹדֶל הַנַּחַת רוּחַ שֶׁל מַעְלָה כִּמְבוֹאָר בְּסִפְרֵי קוֹדֶשׁnor the great pleasure this arouses Above, as is spoken of in the sacred literature. וְאֶפֶס קָצֵהוּ בְּקוּנְטְרֵס תַּקָּנַת אֲמִירַת תְּהִלִּים בָּרַבִּים (קוֹבֶץ מִכְתָּבִים, א)A mere sliver of this is recorded in [the booklet entitled] Kuntreis Takkanas Amiras Tehillim BeRabbim (Kovetz Michtavim).וְאַשְׁרֵיכֶם יִשְׂרָאֵלFortunate are you, O Israel. וּבִגְלַל זֹאת תִּתְבָּרְכוּ אַתֶּם נְשֵׁיכֶם בְּנֵיכֶם וּבְנוֹתֵיכֶם, ה' עֲלֵיהֶם יִחְיוּBy virtue of these endeavors, may you, your wives, sons, and daughters, b...2023-11-1303 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 28 Cheshvan - Divine Providence is absoluteעִנְיַן הַהַשְׁגָּחָה פְּרָטִית הוּאThe concept of hashgachah peratis דְּלֹא זוּ בִּלְבַד דְּכָל פְּרָטֵי תְּנוּעוֹת הַנִּבְרָאִים לְמִינֵיהֶם הֵם בְּהַשְׁגָּחָה פְּרָטִיתmeans not only that every particular movement of the various created beings is controlled by Divine Providence, וְהִיא הִיא חַיּוּת הַנִּבְרָא וְקִיּוּמוֹwhich also determines the vitality and ongoing existence of that created being; אֶלָּא עוֹד זֹאת דִּתְנוּעָה פְּרָטִית שֶׁל נִבְרָא יֵשׁ לָהּ יַחַס כְּלָלִי לִכְלָלוּת כַּוָּנַת הַבְּרִיאָהit also means that each particular movement of every being is directly related to the overall intent underlying the creation…. דִּבְצֵרוּף וְאִחוּד כָּל הַפְּעוּלוֹת הַפְּרָטִיוֹת... נִשְׁלְמָה כַּוָּנָה הָעֶלְיוֹנָה בְּסוֹד הַבְּרִיאָה כּוּלָהּFor through the combination and synthesis of all the particular activities…, the sublime mystical intent underlying all of creation is consummated.וְיִתְבּוֹנֵן הָאָדָםA person should consider: וּמַה אִם תְּנוּעַת עֵשֶׂב בָּאָה בְּהַשְׁגָּחָה פְּרָטִית וְנוֹגַעַת לְהַשְׁלָמַת כַּוָּנַת הַבְּרִיאָהIf the movement of a blade of grass is prompted by Divine Providence and has a role to play in fulfilling the intent of creation, מִין הַמְּדַבֵּר בִּכְלָל וְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַם קְרוֹבוֹ בִּפְרָט עַל אַחַת כַּמָּה וְכַמָּהhow much more so with2023-11-1206 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 27 Cheshvan - Love a Jew and G-d will love youר' אַייזִיק הַלֵּוִי מִהָאמְלִי סִפֵּרR. Aizik HaLevi of Homil related: כְּשֶׁבָּאתִי לְליאָזנאָ מָצָאתִי מִזִּקְנֵי הַחֲסִידִים “When I came to Liozna, I met elder chassidim שֶׁהָיוּ מֵחֲסִידֵי הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד וְהָרַב הַקָּדוֹשׁ הָרַב מְנַחֵם מֶענדְל מֵהָארָאדָאקwho had been disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch and R. Menachem Mendel of Horodok.וַהֲוָה מַרְגְּלָא בְּפוּמַייהוּThey would frequently repeat the adage: האָבּ האָלט אַ אִידעֶן, וועֶט הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ דִיר האָלט האָבּעֶן“Love a fellow Jew, and G‑d will love you. טוּ אַ טוֹבָה אַ אִידעֶן, וועֶט הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ דִיר אַ טוֹבָה טאָןDo a favor for a fellow Jew, and G‑d will do a favor for you. זַיי מְקָרֵב אַ אִידעֶן וועֶט הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ דִיר מְקָרֵב זַייןBefriend a fellow Jew, and G‑d will befriend you.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1003 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 26 Cheshvan - Recognize your true essenceהַדֶּרֶךְ הָאֲמִתִּי הוּא שֶׁצְּרִיכִים לָדַעַת מַהוּת עַצְמוֹThe true path demands that one recognize his essential nature, בְּהַכָּרָה אֲמִתִּית בְּחֶסְרוֹנוֹת עַצְמוֹ וּבְמַעֲלוֹת עַצְמוֹwith a genuine acknowledgment of one’s shortcomings and virtues.וְכַאֲשֶׁר יוֹדְעִים אֶת הַחֶסְרוֹנוֹת — לְתַקְּנָם בַּעֲבוֹדָה בְּפוֹעַלAnd when one is aware of his shortcomings, he should correct them with actual work, וְלֹא לָצֵאת יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ בַּאֲנָחוֹת בִּלְבַדand not discharge his obligation by merely sighing.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-1004 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 25 Cheshvan - Plow and sow things will growהַשְׁגָּחָה הָעֶלְיוֹנָה בּרֵיינגט יעֶדעֶן אִין זַיין וואוֹינאָרט צוּלִיבּ חִזּוּק הַיַּהֲדוּת וְהַרְבָּצַת הַתּוֹרָהSupernal Providence brings every Jew to his dwelling place in order to strengthen the practice of Yiddishkeit and disseminate the study of Torah. וועֶן מעֶן אַקעֶרט אוּן מעֶן פאַרזֵייט — וואַקסטAnd when one plows and sows, things grow.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0902 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 24 Cheshvan - Material matters and spiritual mattersבָּעִנְיָנִים הַגַּשְׁמִיִּים צָרִיךְ לְהִסְתַּכֵּל בְּמִי שֶׁהוּא לְמַטָּה מִמֶּנּוּIn material matters, a person should look at someone lower [i.e., less fortunate] than himself, וּלְהוֹדוֹת לְה' יִתְבָּרֵךְ כִּי טוֹב עַל חַסְדוֹ אִתּוֹ עִמּוֹand thank G‑d, Who is gracious, for His kindness to him.בָּעִנְיָנִים הָרוּחָנִיִּים צָרִיךְ לְהִסְתַּכֵּל בְּמִי שֶׁהוּא לְמַעְלָה מִמֶּנּוּIn spiritual matters, a person should look at someone who is on a higher level than himself, וּלְהִתְחַנֵן לְה' שֶׁיִתֵּן לוֹ דֵעָה טוֹבָה לְהִתְלַמֵּד מִמֶּנּוּ and petition G‑d to grant him the proper understanding to learn from that person, וְכֹחַ וְעוֹז שֶׁיוּכַל לַעֲלוֹת בְּעִלּוּיand the strength and fortitude to elevate himself, level after level.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0802 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 23 Cheshvan - Death of the body, or death of the soul?צְוֵויי אוּן צְוואַנצִיג מאָל האָט מעֶן אַרעֶרסטִירט דעֶם צֶמַח צֶדֶק The Tzemach Tzedek was placed under [house] arrest twenty-two timesאוֹיף דעֶר אֲסִיפַת הָרַבָּנִים אִין פּעֶטעֶרבּוּרג, תר"גIn the course of the Rabbinical Conference in Petersburg in 5603 (1843),פאַר זַיין אַנטקעֶגעֶנשׁטעֶלעֶן זִיךְ דעֶר פאָדעֶרוּנג פוּן דעֶר מְלוּכָה וועֶגעֶן שִׁנּוּיִם בְּחִנּוּךְ וכוfor firmly resisting the czarist government’s demand for changes in the [traditional Jewish] educational system, and the like. דעֶר מִינִיסטעֶר האָט אִים געֶפרעֶגט: דאָס אִיז דאָךְ מְרִידָה בְּמַלְכוּתThe Minister protested that such a stance constituted a rebellion against the king.דעֶר צֶמַח צֶדֶק האָט געֶעֶנטפעֶרטThe Tzemach Tzedek replied: מוֹרֵד בְּמַלְכוּת אִיז חַיָּב מִיתָה בְּגוּף“A person who rebels against a king becomes liable for physical death. אָבּעֶר מוֹרֵד בְּמַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם אִיז חַיָּב מִיתָה בְּנֶפֶשׁOne who rebels against the Kingdom of Heaven is liable for spiritual death. אִיז וואָס אִיז גרעֶסעֶרWhich is more serious?”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0705 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 22 Cheshvan - Soul superiority over loftiest emanationsאַחַת מִתּוֹרוֹת הַמַּגִּיד מִמֶּעזְרִיטשׁ שֶׁשָׁמַע רַבֵּנוּ הַזָקֵן בִּהְיוֹתוֹ שָׁם בַּפַּעַם הָרִאשׁוֹנָהThe following is one of the teachings that the Alter Rebbe heard during his first visit to the Maggid of Mezritch, שִׁלְהֵי קַיִץ תקכ"ד עַד אַחֲרֵי חַג הַפֶּסַח תקכ"הfrom late in the summer of 5524 (1764) until after Pesach of 5525 (1765).אָנֹכִי עָשִׂיתִי אֶרֶץ וְאָדָם עָלֶיהָ בָרָאתִי[The teaching is based on a verse from the prophet Yeshayahu.] "I (Anochi) made the earth and I created man upon it.” אָנֹכִי מִי שֶׁאָנֹכִי, שֶׁהוּא נֶעְלָם וְנִסְתָּר גַּם מִנֶּאֱצָלִים הַיוֹתֵר עֶלְיוֹנִיםThis means that… Anochi, [a term signifying the One] Who is hidden and concealed from even the highest emanated beings, הִלְבִּישׁ עַצְמוּתוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְ בְּכַמָּה צִמְצוּמִים לְהַאֲצִיל הַנֶאֱצָלִים וְלִבְרוֹא הַנִּבְרָאִיםenclothed His Essence in numerous self-screening contractions in order to radiate forth the emanated beings, and to produce the created beings,שְׂרָפִים חַיּוֹת וְאוֹפַנִים מַלְאָכִים וְעוֹלָמוֹת עַד אֵין מִסְפָּר[including] seraphim, as well as chayos and ofanim — angels and worlds beyond number. וּבְצִמְצוּמִים עַד אֵין שִׁעוּר עָשִׂיתִי אֶרֶץ הַלֵּזוּ הַגַּשְׁמִיתMoreover, with an infinite number of co...2023-11-0607 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 21 Cheshvan - Intellect and emotions serving Hashemעֲבוֹדַת הַתְּפִלָּה הִיא הַמֵּבִיאָה הֲשָׂגַת הַמּוֹחַ בְּהַרְגָּשַׁת הַלֵּבServing G‑d through prayer brings one’s intellectual comprehension into the emotions of the heart, וּשְׁנֵיהֶם יַחַד בַּעֲבוֹדָה בְּפוֹעַל הַמִּצְוֹת בְּיִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם וְקִנְיַן מִדּוֹת טוֹבוֹתand both [heart and mind] unite in the actual observance of mitzvos with a fear of Heaven and with the acquisition of positive character traits.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0505 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 20 Cheshvan - Birthday of the Rebbe Rashabיוֹם הוּלֶּדֶת אֶת אַדְמוּ"ר מְהוּרַשַ"בּ נִשְׁמָתוֹ עֵדֶןOn this day the Rebbe Rashab was born, in the year 5621 (1860). שְׁנַת כִּתְרָ"א, כִּלְשׁוֹן הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶקThe Tzemach Tzedek would refer to that year as כתר"א (kisra), which is Aramaic for “crown.” נִקְרָא עַל שֵׁם אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִי וַחֲצִי שֵׁם אָבִיו שֶׁל הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶקThe Rebbe Rashab was given the name of the Mitteler Rebbe and half of the name of the Tzemach Tzedek’s father.בְּכָל שָׁנָה בְּיוֹם הוּלַדְתוֹ הָיָה אַאַמוּ"ר אוֹמֵר דִּבְרֵי אֱלֹקִים חַיִּיםEvery year, on his birthday, my revered father [the Rebbe Rashab] would deliver a maamar, אֶלָּא שֶׁהָיָה בַּחֲשָׁאִי, מִלְבַד כְּשֶׁאֵרַע בְּשַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁbut unless the day fell on Shabbos, it was delivered in private.בְּיוֹם הַהוּלֶדֶת הָאַחֲרוֹן בְּעָלְמָא דֵין On his last birthday in this world,אָמַר מַאֲמָר נָתַתָּ לִירֵאֶךָ נֵס לְהִתְנוֹסֵס מִפְּנֵי קוֹשֶׁט סֶלָהhe delivered a maamar based on the words, Nasata Liyreiecha Nes [Tehillim 60:6.].כְּשֶׁסִיֵּם אָמַר לִי בְּיוֹם הוּלֶּדֶת צָרִיךְ לוֹמַר חֲסִידוּתWhen it ended, he told me: “On one’s birthday one should deliver a discourse 2023-11-0307 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 19 Cheshvan - Chassidus is Shema Yisrael, higher and higherמַעֲנֵה רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן לִיחִידוּתIn response to a question at yechidus, the Alter Rebbe once gave the following response: חֲסִידוּת איז שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל“Chassidus is Shema Yisrael. שְׁמַע אִיז רָאשֵׁי תֵּיבוֹת שְׂאוּ מָרוֹם עֵינֵיכֶםThe word Shema (שמע) is an acronym for the words, ‘Raise your eyes on high’ (שאו מרום עיניכם) — וְאוֹמֵר מָרוֹם וְלֹא שָׁמַיִם‘on high,’ not ‘heavenward.’ מָרוֹם אִיז העֶכעֶר אוּן העֶכעֶרThat means higher and higher, לְהַגִּיעַ לְמַעְלָה מִן הַשֵּׂכֶלreaching beyond the intellect. וְזֶה גוּפָא לְהָבִינוֹ בְּשֵׂכֶלYet [we should] understand this very [non-intellectual] dimension with our minds as well — וּכְמוֹ שֶׁאוֹמֵר וּרְאוּ מִי בָּרָא אֵלֶּהas the verse continues, “and behold Who created these.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0305 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 18 Cheshvan - Emendations to the Torah Orבְּתּוֹרָה אוֹר פָּרָשַׁת חַיֵּי שָׂרָהסוֹף דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל לְהָבִין מַה שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַזַ"ל יָפָה שָׁעָהיֵשׁ טָעוּת הַדְּפוּסוְכָךְ צָרִיךְ לִהְיוֹתוְיִהְיֶה בִּבְחִינַת בִּטּוּל אֲבָל עַכְשָׁיו.. הַיְנוּ בְּחִינַת אִיסָר )(וְעַיֵּן מַה שֶׁכָּתוּב לְקַמָּן בְּפֵרוּשׁ אוֹסְרִי לַגֶּפֶןשֶׁהוּא בְּחִינַת חֵפֶץ וּכְתִיב הוֹדוֹ.. תּוֹךְ כָּל עָלְמִיןאֲבָל תַּכְלִית הַכַּוָּנָה[In the above note, the Rebbe makes emendations to the Hebrew text of Torah Or that have since been incorporated in all of its editions.]Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0206 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 17 Cheshvan - Quality value of timeמ'דאַרף הִיטעֶן דעֶם זְמַןWe must carefully watch our time. מ'דאַרף מְקַבֵּל זַיין עוּלָּהּ שֶׁל תּוֹרָהWe have to accept the yoke of the Torah. יעֶדעֶר זְמַן, יעֶדעֶר טאָג וואָס גֵייט אַוועֶק, אִיז דאָס נִיט נאָר אַ טאָג נאָר אַ עִנְיָן אִין לעֶבּעֶןEvery moment and every day that passes is not only a day, but a chunk of life. דִי טעֶג גֵייעֶן The days pass by, כְּמַאֲמַר (יְרוּשַׁלְמִי בְּרָכוֹת פֶּרֶק א' הֲלָכָה א') as our Sages say (Talmud Yerushalmi, Berachos 1:1): יוֹם נִכְנָס וְיוֹם יוֹצֵא שַׁבָּת נִכְנָס כו' חֹדֶשׁ כו' שָׁנָה כו“A day arrives and a day departs; a week arrives…, a month…, a year….”דעֶר טאַטעֶ האָט געֶזאָגט בְּשֵׁם רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵןMy father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] used to say in the name of the Alter Rebbe: אַזוּמעֶרדִיגעֶר טאָג אוּן אַוִוינטעֶרדִיגעֶ נאַכט אִיז אַ יאָהר“A summer day and a winter night is an entire year.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-11-0104 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 16 Cheshvan - Thought needs desired contentהַמַּחֲשָׁבָה הִיא לְבוּשׁ וּמְשָׁרֵת הַשֵּׂכֶל וְהַמִּדּוֹתThought is a garment and a servant for the mind and the emotions. בְּשָׁעָה אֲשֶׁר אֵין לָהּ שֵׁרוּת בְּשֵׂכֶל אוֹ בְּמִדּוֹתWhen it is not assigned a task by the mind or the emotions, גַּם אָז פּוֹעֶלֶת פְּעוּלָתָהּ לַחֲשׁוֹב וּלְהַרְהֵרit still remains active, thinking and imagining. אֲבָל פְּעוּלָתָהּ לֹא לְבַד שֶׁאֵינָה תּוֹכְנִית, אֶלָּא הִיא גַּם פְּרוּעָה לְשִׁמְצָהHowever, not only does this activity lack substance, it is uncontrolled and decadent....וּמְבוּאָר כִּי סִבַּת הַמַּחֲשָׁבוֹת זָרוֹת אוֹ רָעוֹת הוּא דִי פּוּסטקַייט פוּן קאָפּAs is explained elsewhere, the cause of alien thoughts (machshavos zaros) and evil thoughts (machshavos ra’os) is an empty mind. דְּכַאֲשֶׁר הַשֵּׂכֶל עָסוּק אָז יֵשׁ לְהַמַחֲשָׁבָה מַה לְשָׁרֵת When one’s mind is busy, thought has a purpose to serve, וְאֵין מָקוֹם לְמַחֲשָׁבוֹת שֶׁל שְׁטוּת וְהֶבֶל שֶׁאֵין בָּהֶם מַמָּשׁand there is no place for foolish and worthless thoughts that lack substance.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-3103 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 15 Cheshvan - Do not delay having true delight with G-dהפטורה: וְאִשָּׁה - בְּנָהּ וַתֵּצֵאThe haftarah [for Parshas Vayeira] begins Ve’ishah and ends bnah vateitzei (II Melachim 4:1-37).דִי נְשָׁמָה וואַרט אוֹיבּעֶן In the spiritual realm, the soul awaits אוֹיף דעֶם זְמַן, וועֶן זִי וועֶט זוֹכֶה זַיין אַראָפּגעֶהן אִין אַ גוּףthe time when it will be granted the merit of descending into a body, וַוייל דִי נְשָׁמָה פִילט, וואָס זִי קעֶן אוֹיפטאָן זַייעֶנדִיק דאָ לְמַטָהbecause the soul appreciates what it can accomplish down here [on the material plane]. זִי קעֶן קוּמעֶן צוּ דעֶם לְהִתְעַנֵג עַל הֲוָיָIt can arrive at a true delight in G‑dliness. אִיז אוֹיף וועֶן לֵייגט מעֶן עֶס אָפּHow long, then, are we going to postpone this delight?1Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-3005 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 14 Cheshvan - Pursuing a spiritual livelihoodמֵה' מִצְעֲדֵי גֶבֶר כּוֹנָנוּ“A man’s footsteps are made firm by G‑d, [and He desires his way].”לְכָל אֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל יֵשׁ לוֹ תְּעוּדָה רוּחָנִית בַּחַיִיםEvery member of the Jewish people has an assigned spiritual mission in life — וְהוּא לְהִתְעַסֵּק בַּעֲבוֹדַת הַבִּנְיָן לַעֲשׂוֹת דִּירָה לוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְto build a dwelling place for G‑d.וְכָל אֶחָד בַּאֲשֶׁר הוּא וּבְכָל מָקוֹם שֶׁהוּא Moreover, every individual, whoever and wherever he may be, צָרִיךְ לְהִתְעַנְיֵן בְּכָל מַאֲמַצֵי כּוֹחוֹ לְחַפֵּשׁ בְּחֵפֶשׂ מְחוּפָּשׁ must make great efforts to seek out and find לִמְצוֹא אֵיזֶה פַּרְנָסָה רוּחָנִית כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוּא מְחַפֵּש אַחַר פַּרְנָסָה גַּשְׁמִיתa “spiritual livelihood,” just as he seeks out ways of earning his material livelihood. וְהוּא לְפִי שֶׁדַרְכּוֹ — שֶׁל הקב"ה — יֶחְפָּץThis is because “he desires His way” — G‑d’s path — כְּדִכְתִיב בְּאַבְרָהָם כִּי יְדַעְתִּיו גוֹ' וְשָׁמְרוּ דֶּרֶךְ הas is stated of Avraham, “For I have known him, [because he commands his children and his household after him,] that they should observe the way of G‑d (Havayah).”כִּי יֵשׁ שְׁנֵי דְרָכִיםFor there are two paths, דֶּרֶךְ הַטֶּבַע וְשֶׁלְּמַעְלָה מִן הַטֶּבַעthe...2023-10-2905 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 13 Cheshvan - The severity of evil speechדעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב פלעֶגט לעֶרנעֶן מִיט זַיינעֶ תַּלְמִידִים אַ שִׁעוּר גְּמָרָאThe Baal Shem Tov conducted a regular study session in Gemara with his disciples, דעֶר אוֹפֶן פוּן דעֶם לעֶרנעֶן אִיז געֶוועֶן מִיט גרוֹיס חֲרִיפוּת אוּן גְּאוֹנוּתcombining acumen and erudition. אוּן מ'האָט געֶלעֶרעֶנט דעֶם רַמְבַּ"ם אַלְפַס רָא"שIt embraced the writings of Rambam R. Yitzchak Alfasi, and Rabbeinu Asher, אוּן אַנדעֶרעֶ מְפָרְשִׁים פוּן דִי רִאשׁוֹנִים and other commentaries of the Rishonimוועֶלכעֶ זַיינעֶן שַׁיָּךְ געֶוועֶן צוּ דעֶר גְּמָרָא וואָס מ'האָט געֶלעֶרעֶנטthat were relevant to the passage under discussion.דעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב פלעֶגט אָפטַייטשׁעֶן דִי וועֶרטעֶר אִין אִידִישׁThe Baal Shem Tov, [to introduce his explanation of each passage of the Gemara,] would translate its words into Yiddish. אַז מ'האָט געֶלעֶרעֶנט עֲרָכִין When they were studying Tractate Arachin, אוּן געֶקוּמעֶן צוּם מַאֲמַר רַזַ"ל (טו ב) לָשׁוֹן תְּלִיתָאי קָטִיל תְּלִיתָאיthey reached the statement of the Sages (on p.15b) that “threefold speech kills three people.”האָט דעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב דאָס אוֹיסגעֶטַייטשׁטThe Baal Shem Tov explained: לָשׁוֹן הָרָע הַרג'ט אַלעֶ דְרַיי“Evil speech kills all three people — דעֶם אוֹיסטראַכטעֶר דע2023-10-2703 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 12 Cheshvan - A Jew hears that his life transcends natureאַחַת מִתּוֹרוֹת הָרִאשׁוֹנוֹת שֶׁל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵןOne of the Alter Rebbe’s first teachings, "וְנִקְרְאוּ אָז בְּשֵׁם "וועֶרטעֶרwhich in those [early] days were known as verter, was the following mystical interpretation of the opening verse of the Shema:שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל — אַ אִיד דעֶרהעֶרטShema Yisrael (lit., “Hear, O Israel”) — a Jew hears deeply thatהֲוָיָ' אֱלֹקֵינוּ — אַז כּוֹחֵנוּ וְחַיּוּתֵינוּ אִיז דאָס לְמַעֲלָה מִן הַטֶּבַעHavayah Elokeinu — our strength and vitality transcend nature, אוּן — הֲוָיָ' אֶחָדand that Havayah Echad — Havayah is One.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2706 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 11 Cheshvan - Emendations to Torah Orבְּתּוֹרָה אוֹר דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל פָּתַח אֵלִיָּהוּ (פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּרָא) "בִּסְעִיף הַמַּתְחִיל וְהִנֵּה הַצִּמְצוּם: "שֶׁבְּחִינַת עֵינַיִם הִיא מְקוֹר בְּחִינַת כֵּלִים"צָרִיךְ לִהְיוֹת "שֶׁהֵם בְּחִינַת עֵינַיִם וּמְקוֹר בְּחִינַת כֵּלִיםשָׁם דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל אֵרְדָה נָאבַּסְּעִיף הַמַּתְחִיל וְהִנֵּה בְּזֹהַר“דְּפֵרוּשׁ מְשׁוֹטְטִים" צָרִיךְ לִהְיוֹת "דְּפֵרוּשׁ מְשׁוֹטְטוֹת"[In the above note, the Rebbe makes emendations to the Hebrew text of Torah Or that have since been incorporated in all of its editions.]לְדִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל פָּתַח אֵלִיָהוּ יֶשְׁנָם הַגָּהוֹת מֵאַאַמוּ"ר שֶׁהִתְחִיל לְכָתְבָם בְּחוֹרֶף רנ"בThere are notes by my father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] on the discourse entitled Pasach Eliyahu, which he began writing in the winter of 5652 (1901).Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2607 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 10 Cheshvan - The Alter Rebbe's exhilaration from Atzilusדעֶר רֶבִּי (רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן) פלעֶגט זאָגעֶן אוֹיף אֲצִילוּת "אוֹיבּעֶן". מעֶן דעֶרצֵיילט אַז אִין כְּתָב פלעֶגט עֶר פוּן הִתְרַגְשׁוּת, מעֶר וִוי "אֲצִי" נִיט קעֶנעֶן אָנשׁרַייבּעֶן.The [Alter] Rebbe used to refer to the World of Atzilus (אצילות) as “above.” As is related, writing about this concept would bring him to such exhilaration that he could write no more than its first three letters — אצי.2023-10-2501 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 9 Cheshvan - G-d reveals Himself to a circumcised Jewבִּהְיוֹת אַאַמוּ"ר בֶּן ד' אוֹ ה' שָׁנִים When my revered father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] was four or five years old, נִכְנָס אֶל זְקֵנוֹ הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק בְּשַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ פ' וַיֵּרָא he came to his grandfather, the Tzemach Tzedek, on Shabbos Parshas Vayeira וְהִתְחִיל לִבְכּוֹת בְּאָמְרוֹand began to cry. מִפְּנֵי מַה נִרְאָה ה' אֶל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ וְלָנוּ אֵינוֹ נִרְאֶה“Why did G‑d reveal Himself to Avraham, but does not reveal Himself to us?” he complained.וַיַעֲנֵהוּ הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶקThe Tzemach Tzedek answered: אַז אַ אִיד אַ צַדִּיק, צוּ נַיין אוּן נַיינְצִיק יאָר אִיז מַחְלִיט אַז עֶר דאַרף זִיךְ מָל זַיין“When a Jew who is a tzaddik decides at the age of ninety-nine that he must circumcise himself, אִיז עֶר וועֶרט אַז דעֶר אוֹיבּעֶרשׁטעֶר זאָל זִיךְ בַּאוַוייזעֶן צוּ אִיםhe is worthy of having G‑d reveal Himself to him.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2403 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 8 Cheshvan - A Mitzvah connects the person with G-dמִצְוָה לְשׁוֹן צַוְתָּא וְחִבּוּרThe word mitzvah is related to the word tzavsa, meaning “connection.”וְהָעוֹשֶׂה מִצְוָה מִתְחַבֵּר עִם הָעַצְמוּת בָּרוּךְ הוּאA person who performs a mitzvah forges a connection with the Essence of G‑d — שֶׁהוּא הַמְצַוֶּה אֶת הַצִּוּוּי הַהוּאwith the One Who gives that command.וְזֶהוּ שְׂכַר מִצְוָה מִצְוָהThis is the meaning of the teaching of the Sages that “the reward for a mitzvah is a mitzvah.” דְּזֶה מַה שֶׁנִּתְחַבֵּר עִם עַצְמוּת אוֹר אֵין סוֹף מְצַוֶּה הַצִּוּוּי, זֶהוּ שְׂכָרוֹThe reward for a mitzvah is the connection it makes with G‑d’s Essence.וְיוּבָן בְּמָשָׁל גַּשְׁמִיBy way of analogy: אִישׁ פָּשׁוּט בְּיוֹתֵר יֵשׁ לוֹ בִּטּוּל פְּנִימִי A simple person feels innately humble, אֶל הַחָכְמָה וּמַעֲלַת חָכָם, בְּבִטּוּל דְּהֶעְדֵּר תְּפִיסַת מָקוֹם לְגַמְרֵיutterly insignificant, before the wisdom and greatness of a sage. וְכֵן גַם בְּהֶרְגֵּשׁ הַחָכָם הֲרֵי אִישׁ הַפָּשׁוּט אֵינוֹ נִכְנָס אֶצְלוֹ בְּגֶדֶר אֱנוֹשִׁי כְּלָלSimilarly, from the...2023-10-2308 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 7 Cheshvan - Stages before and after Matan Torahהַסֵּדֶר לְאַחַר מַתַּן תּוֹרָה הוּאIn the era since the Giving of the Torah, the stages [in our Divine service] are: הֲסָרַת עָרְלַת הַגּוּף, הַלָּשׁוֹן, הַלֵּב — מַעֲשֶׂה דִּבּוּר מַחֲשָׁבָהfirst, removing the foreskin of the body, then of the tongue, and then of the heart — action, speech, and thought. אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ שֶׁהָיָה קוֹדֶם מַתַּן תּוֹרָהAvraham Avinu, who lived before the Giving of the Torah, הֲרֵי בַּתְּחִילָה הִכִּיר אֶת בּוֹרְאוֹ — מַחֲשָׁבָהfirst “recognized his Creator” — thought; אַחַר כַּךְ פִּרְסֵם אֱלֹקוּתוֹ — דִּבּוּרthen publicized G‑d’s existence — speech; וְאַחַר כַּךְ מִילָה — מַעֲשֶׂהthen performed the circumcision — action.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2204 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 6 Cheshvan - Wealth and peasant yearsכְּשֶׁרָצָה רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן לְבָרֵךְ אֶת ר' יְקוּתִיאֵל לֶיעפּלֶער בַּעֲשִׁירוּתWhen the Alter Rebbe wished to bless R. Yekusiel Liepler with wealth, אָמַר שֶׁאֵינוֹ חָפֵץ בָּזֶהthe latter replied that he had no desire for it, שֶׁלֹּא תַּטְרִידוֹ הָעֲשִׁירוּת מִלִּמּוּד הַחֲסִידוּת וְהִתְעַסְּקוּת בַּעֲבוֹדָהlest it interfere with his study of Chassidus and involvement in Divine service.וּכְשֶׁרָצָה לְבָרְכוֹ בַּאֲרִיכוּת יָמִים When the Alter Rebbe then sought to bless him with long life, אָמַר: אָבּעֶר נִיט מִיט פּוֹיעֶרשׁעֶ יאָהרןhe replied: “But not peasant years. וואָס עֵינַיִם לָהֶם וְלֹא יִרְאוּ אָזְנַיִם לָהֶם וְלֹא יִשְׁמָעוּNot years of those ‘who have eyes, but do not see; who have ears, but do not hear’ — מעֶן זעֶהט נִיט קֵיין גֶ-טלִיכקַייט אוּן מעֶן העֶרט נִיט קֵיין גֶ-טלִיכקַייטwho neither see nor hear G‑dliness.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2004 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 5 Cheshvan - Jews are like shinning starsיִשְׂרָאֵל נִמְשְׁלוּ לַכּוֹכָבִים הַמִּתְנוֹצְצִים בִּשְׁמֵי רָקִיעַThe Jewish people are likened to stars that sparkle in the heavens. אֲשֶׁר לְאוֹרָם לֹא יִתְּעֶה גַּם הַהוֹלֵךְ בְּמַחֲשַׁכֵּי הַלַּיְלָהThanks to their light, even a person walking in the darkness of night will not err.כָּל אֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל, בֵּין אִישׁ וּבֵין אִשָּׁהEvery Jew, man or woman, יֵשׁ בּוֹ דֵּי כֹּחַ מוּסָרִי וְרוּחָנִיhas the moral and spiritual power to become a source of influence לְהַשְׁפִּיעַ לְהַעֲמִיד גַם אֶת מַכִּירָיו וּמְיוּדָעָיו בְּקֶרֶן אוֹרָהfor his friends and associates, and to situate them in a ray of light.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-2001 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 4 Cheshvan - Daily Torah study is critical for the soulלִמּוּד הַתּוֹרָה בְּכָל יוֹם וָיוֹם נוֹגֵעַ בִּנְפָשׁוֹת מַמָּשׁStudying Torah every day critically affects our very lives: לֹא לְבָד בְּנֶפֶשׁ הַלּוֹמֵד, כִּי אִם גַּם בְּנַפְשׁוֹת בְּנֵי בֵּיתוֹnot only the soul of the person studying, but the souls of his household as well, שֶׁאָז אֲוִיר הַבַּיִת הוּא אֲוִיר תּוֹרָה וְיִרְאַת שָׁמַיִםfor then the atmosphere in the home is one of Torah and the fear of G‑d.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1902 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 3 Cheshvan - A happy week living with Avraham Avinu(הֶמְשֵׁךְ שִׂיחָה הַנִּזְכָּר לְעֵיל)In the above-mentioned talk, the Rebbe Rashab continued: בְּרֵאשִׁית אִיז אַ פרֵיילִיכעֶ סִדְרָה, אֲפִלּוּ דער סוֹף אִיז נִיט גאָר אַזוֹי געֶשׁמאַק“Bereishis is a happy parshah, even though its conclusion is not so pleasant. נֹחַ אִיז דעֶר מַבּוּל, אָבּעֶר אַ פרֵיילִיכעֶר סוֹף וואָךְ — געֶבּאָרעֶן געֶוואָרעֶן אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּNoach is [the parshah of] the Flood, but the end of the week is cheerful: our Patriarch Avraham is born.דִי אֱמֶת פרֵיילִיכעֶ וואָךְ אִיז פָּרָשַׁת לֶךְ לְךָ“The really joyful week is Lech Lecha, אַלעֶ טעֶג פוּן דעֶר וואָךְ לעֶבּט מעֶן מִיט אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּfor throughout that entire week we live with Avraham, דעֶר עֶרשׁטעֶר וועֶלכעֶר האָט זִיך מוֹסֵר נֶפֶשׁ געֶוועֶן who was the first to utterly devote his life אוֹיף מְפַרְסֵם זַיין ג-טלִיכקַייט אוֹיף דעֶר וועֶלטto proclaiming G‑d’s existence in the world. אוּן זַיין מְסִירַת נֶפֶשׁ האָט אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ אִיבּעֶרגעֶגעֶבּעֶן בִּיְרוּשָׁה צוּ אַלעֶ אִידעֶןAnd this mesirus nefesh he bequeathed as an inheritance to all Jews.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1804 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 2 Cheshvan - Live with the times, the daily Torah portionמִשִּׂיחַת אַאַמוּ"ר מוֹצָאֵי שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁלֶךְ לְךָ תרנ"אIn the course of a talk that my revered father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] delivered on Motzaei Shabbos [Parshas] Lech Lecha, 5651 (1890), he said: אִין דִי עֶרשׁטעֶ יאָהרעֶן פוּן זַיינעֶ נְשִׂיאוּת “Once, in his first years as Rebbe, האָט דעֶר אַלטעֶר רֶבִּי געֶזאָגט בָּרַבִּים the Alter Rebbe declared in public: "מעֶן בּעֶדאַרף לעֶבּן מִיט דעֶר צַייט"‘We must live with the times.’דוּרךְ זַיין בּרוּדעֶר מַהַרִי"ל האָבּעֶן זִקְנֵי הַחֲסִידִים אוֹיסגעֶפוּנעֶן, אַז דעֶר רֶבִּי מֵיינט “Through his brother, R. Yehudah Leib, the elders of the chassidic community discovered the Rebbe’s intent: אַז מ'דאַרף לעֶבּעֶן מִיט דעֶר פָּרָשַׁת הַשָּׁבוּעַ We must live with the Torah portion of the week אוּן פָּרָשַׁת הַיּוֹם פוּן דעֶר סִדְרָה פוּן דעֶר וואָךְand, more specifically, of the current day.נִיט נאָר לעֶרנעֶן דִי פָּרָשַׁת הַשָּׁבוּעַ יעֶדעֶן טאָג, נאָר לעֶבּעֶן מִיט אִירIt is not enough to study [a segment of] the weekly Torah portion every day; we must live with it.”Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1703 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 1 Cheshvan - Journey to the destination of life's missionבְּמִנְחָה - וְכֵן בַּשֵּׁנִי וּבַחֲמִישִׁי דְשָׁבוּעַ הַבָּא עָלֵינוּ לְטוֹבָה[In the Torah Reading] at the Afternoon Service, and likewise [at the Morning Service] on Monday and Thursday of the following week, קוֹרִין לְיִשְׂרָאֵל מִפָּסוּק וַיֵרָא ה' אֶל אַבְרָם גוthe third aliyah begins with the verse, “And G‑d appeared to Avram.”כְּבוֹד קְדוּשַׁת אַאַמוּ"ר אָמַר לְאֶחָד עַל יְחִידוּתMy revered father, [the Rebbe Rashab,] once told a chassid at yechidus: מֵאָז שֶׁאָמַר הקב"ה לְאַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם, לֶךְ לְךָ מֵאַרְצְךָ גו“From the time the Holy One, blessed be He, told Avraham, ‘Go forth from your land,’ וּכְתִיב וַיִסַּע אַבְרָם הָלוֹךְ וְנָסוֹעַ הַנֶּגְבָּהand thereafter ‘Avram journeyed on, continuing to travel southward,’הוּתְחַל סוֹד הַבֵּרוּרִיםthe mystical mission of beirurim began. [This term signifies the task of sifting materiality, and elevating the Divine sparks that are embedded within all permissible entities and activities, by using them with spiritual purpose.]וְעַל פִּי גְּזֵירַת הַהַשְׁגָּחָה הָעֶלְיוֹנָה הָאָדָם הוֹלֵךְ לְמַסָּעָיו “Propelled by the decree of Sublime Prov...2023-10-1605 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 30 Tishrei - Customs in saying Hallelהַלֵּל: כּוֹפְלִין הוֹדוּ לה' אַחַר כָּל אֶחָד מֵהַג' פְּסוּקִים יֹאמַר נָא, וְגַם כְּשֶׁמִּתְפַּלְלִים בְּיָחִידIn Hallel, even when praying alone, one should repeat the verse beginning Hodu l’A-donai [ki tov] after the verse beginning Yomar na, and likewise after each of the next two verses. וְאַבְרָהָם זָקֵן גו' זְבַדְיָ' יִשְׁמְרֵנִי כו' - ג' פְּעָמִיםThe verse beginning VeAvraham zakein and the request beginning Zevadiah yishmereini should be recited three times.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1503 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 29 Tishrei - The effect of speechמְבָרְכִים בִּרְכַּת הַקֶּשֶׁת, וְלֹא כְּיֵשׁ מְפַקְפְּקִים בָּזֶה[Our custom is] to recite the blessing over a rainbow, unlike the view of those authorities who question whether this blessing should be recited.אֵיינעֶר פוּן דִי מעֶזִיבוּזשעֶר בַּעֲלֵי בָּתִּים האָט געֶהאַט אַ מַחֲלוֹקֶת מִיט נאָך אַ בַּעַל הַבַּיִתOne of the householders in Mezhibuzh had a running argument with a fellow townsman. אוּן זַייעֶנדִיג אַמאָל בַּא דעֶם בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב אִין שׁוּהל Once, while he was in the shul of the Baal Shem Tov,האָט עֶר געֶשׁרִיעֶן, אַז עֶר וואָלט זַיין בַּר פְּלוּגְתָּא קוֹרֵעַ כַּדָּג זַייןhe cried out that he would tear apart his adversary like a fish.דעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב האָט געֶהֵייסעֶן דִי תַּלְמִידִים געֶבּעֶן אֵיינעֶ דִי אַנדעֶרעֶ דִי העֶנטHearing this, the Baal Shem Tov told his disciples to hold each other’s hands אוּן זִיך שׁטעֶלעֶן לעֶבּעֶן אִים מִיט צוּגעֶמאַכטעֶ אויגעֶןand stand near him in a circle with their eyes closed. דעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב האָט אַרויפגעֶלֵייגט זַיינעֶ הֵיילִיגֶע העֶנט He then closed the circle by resting his own hands אויף דִי אַקסלעֶן פוּן דִי צוֵויי תַּלְמִידִים, וועֶלכעֶ זַיינעֶן געֶשטאַנעֶן לעֶבּעֶן אִיםon the shoulders of the two disciples nearest to him. פּלוּצלוּנג האָבעֶן דִי תַּלְמִידִים אָנגעֶהויבּעֶן שׁרַייעֶ...2023-10-1305 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 28 Tishrei - G-d's wedding ring with the Jewsאִם בְּחוּקֹּתַי תֵּלֵכוּ גו' וְנָתַתִּי גִשְׁמֵיכֶם בְּעִתָּםIt is written: “If you walk in the path of My statutes… I will grant your rains in their season.” לִמּוּד הַתּוֹרָה וְקִיּוּם הַמִּצְוֹת הֵם טַבַּעַת הַקִּדּוּשִׁין The study of the Torah and the observance of the mitzvos are the wedding ring שֶׁבָּהֶם קִדֵּשׁ הקב"ה אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהִתְחַיֵּב לָזוּן אוֹתָם וּלְפַרְנְסָםwith which the Holy One, blessed be He, consecrated the Jewish people, obligating Himself to provide them with their sustenance and livelihood.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1303 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 27 Tishrei - Torah an Mitzvos the path to fortunate lifeהַתּוֹרָה וְהַמִּצְוֹת מַקִּיפוֹת אֶת חַיֵּי הָאָדָם מִיּוֹם גִּיחוֹ מִבֶּטֶן אִמּוֹ עַד עֵת פְּקוּדָּתוֹThe Torah and its mitzvos encompass a person’s life from the day he emerges from his mother’s womb until the day he is summoned [from Above]. וּמַעֲמִידוֹת אוֹתוֹ בְּקֶרֶן אוֹרָה בְּשֵׂכֶל בָּרִיא וּבְקִנְיַן מִדּוֹת נַעֲלוֹת וְהַנְהָגוֹת יְשָׁרוֹת The Torah and the mitzvos stand him in a ray of light, with a sound mind, lofty emotions, and upright conduct — לֹא רַק בֵּין אָדָם לַמָּקוֹם אֶלָּא גַּם בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹnot only between man and G‑d, but also between man and man. כִּי הַמִּתְנַהֵג עַל פִּי הַתּוֹרָה וְהוֹרָאוֹת חַזַ"ל הוּא חַי חַיִּים מְאוּשָּׁרִים בְּגֶשֶׁם וּבְרוּחַFor a person who acts according to the Torah and the directives of our Sages lives a happy life, both materially and spiritually.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1205 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 26 Tishrei - Remember the Baal Shem Tov on Mondaysהָעִנְיָן עַל פָּסוּק לְעוֹלָם ה' דְּבָרְךָ נִצָּב בַּשָּׁמָיִםThe Alter Rebbe quotes the verse “Forever, O G‑d, Your word stands in the heavens” מֵבִיא רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן (שַׁעַר הַיִּחוּד וְהָאֱמוּנָה פֶּרֶק א', אִגֶּרֶת הַקֹּדֶשׁ כ"ה) בְּשֵׁם הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹבand cites a classic teaching based on it. [The teaching: Each of the Ten Creative Utterances (“G‑d’s word”) in the Six Days of Creation, such as “Let there be heavens,” is eternally present in the universe and continuously, at every instant, recreates all of existence, such as the heavens, ex nihilo.] However, the Alter Rebbe cites this teaching (both in Tanya — Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, ch. 1, and in Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 25) in the name of the Baal Shem Tovהֲגַם שֶׁיֵּשׁ עִנְיָן זֶה בְּמִדְרַשׁ תְּהִלִּיםeven though the same teaching appears [much earlier] in Midrash Tehillim.וּכְמוֹ שֶׁנִתְבַּאֵ...2023-10-1105 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 25 Tishrei - The Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe's songsעֲשָׂרָה נִגּוּנִים — מֵהֶם תְּנוּעוֹת בִּלְבָד — מְיוּחָסִים לְרַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן שֶׁהוּא בְּעַצְמוֹ חִבְּרָםThere are ten melodies, some of them merely melodic phrases, whose composition is ascribed to the Alter Rebbe.הַמְיוּחָסִים לְרַבֵּנוּ הָאֶמְצָעִי, הַיְנוּ שֶׁנִּתְחַבְּרוּ בִּזְמַנּוֹ וְהָיוּ מְנַגְּנִים אוֹתָם לְפָנָיוThose ascribed to the Mitteler Rebbe were composed in his time and were sung in his presence. אֲבָל לֹא שֶׁהוּא מְחַבְּרָםHe was not their composer, however. "וְהָיְתָה אֶצְלוֹ קְבוּצַת אַבְרֵכִים מְנַגְּנִים — וִידוּעָה בְּשֵׁם "דעֶם מִיטעֶלעֶן רֶבִּי'ס קאַפּעֶלעֶHe had a group of musical young men who were known as "the Mitteler Rebbe’s choir,” — וְנֶחְלְקָה לִשְׁתֵּי פְּלוּגוֹת: בַּעֲלֵי שִׁיר — בְּפֶה, וּבַעֲלֵי זִמְרָה — בְּכֵלִים שׁוֹנִיםwhich comprised singers and various instrumentalists.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-1003 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 24 Tishrei - How to conduct a Farbrengenמְבָרְכִים רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ מַרְחֶשְׁוָןWe bless the month of Marcheshvan.אֲמִירַת כָּל הַתְּהִלִּים בְּהַשְׁכָּמָה[On Shabbos Mevarchim, it is our custom] to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early in the morning יוֹם הִתְוַעֲדוּתand to hold a farbrengen on that day.הפטורה: כֹּה אָמַר - וְיַאְדִּירThe haftarah begins with Ko amar and ends with veyadir.הַהִתְוַעֲדוּת — פאַרְבְּרֵיינגעֶן — בְּרַבִּים בִּכְלַל, וּבְשַׁבָּת אוֹ בְּמוֹצָאֵי שַׁבָּת בִּפְרַטHolding public farbrengens in general, but especially on Shabbos or Motzaei Shabbos, הִיא אַחַת הַיְסוֹדוֹת בְּדַרְכֵי הַחֲסִידִים וְהַחֲסִידוּתis one of the foundations of the path of chassidim and Chassidus. וּפֶתַח וּמָבוֹא לַמִּצְוָה הַיְסוֹדִית דְּאַהֲבַת יִשְׂרָאֵלIt is a portal to the observance of the fundamental mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael, the obligation to love one’s fellow Jew.רוּבָּא דְּרוּבָּא הִנֵּה בְּכָל הִתְוַעֲדוּת הֲרֵי רָאשֵׁי הַמְדַבְּרִים תּוֹבְעִים מֵאֵת הַמְסוּבִּים In most cases, the main speakers at each farbrengen entreat the participants שֶׁיֵּטִיבוּ הַנְהָגוֹתֵיהֶם וְד...2023-10-0907 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 23 Tishrei - Customs and meaning of Simchas Torahאֵין קוֹרְאִים בַּתּוֹרָה בַּלַּיְלָהThere is no public Torah Reading at night.נְשִׂיאַת כַּפַּיִם בְּשַׁחֲרִיתThe Priestly Blessing is recited [only] at the Morning Service.אֵין נוֹהֲגִים לִפְרוֹשׂ טַלִּית עַל רָאשֵׁי הָעוֹלִים לְחָתָן תּוֹרָה אוֹ לְחָתָן בְּרֵאשִׁיתIt is not our custom to spread a tallis as a canopy over the head of the Bridegroom(s) of the Torah or the Bridegroom(s) of Bereishis.גַּם הָעוֹלֶה לַתּוֹרָה אוֹמֵר חֲזַק חֲזַק וְנִתְחַזֵּקThe person who is called to the reading of the concluding passage of the Torah says the words Chazak, chazak, venis’chazeik together with the rest of the congregation.בְּשִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה תק"מ אָמַר רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵןOn Simchas Torah, 5540 (1779), the Alter Rebbe declared: עֵץ חַיִּים הִיא לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ — אֵלּוּ בַּעֲלֵי הֲשָׂגָה הַלּוֹמְדִים תּוֹרָה“It [i.e., the Torah] is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it” — this phrase refers to “masters of understanding,” the intellectual schol...2023-10-0608 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 22 Tishrei - Customs and meaning of Shemini Atzeresמְקַדְּשִׁים וְאוֹכְלִים וְשׁוֹתִים בַּסּוּכָּה בֵּין בַּלַּיְלָה וּבֵין בַּיּוֹםWe recite Kiddush and eat and drink in the sukkah, both at night and during the day.הַקָּפוֹת בְּלֵיל שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶתHakkafos are held on the eve of Shemini Atzeres.הפטורה: וַיְהִי כְּכַלּוֹת - וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַמּוֹThe haftarah begins with Vayehi kechalos and ends with u’leYisrael amo.אֵין אוֹמְרִים הַיְהִי רָצוֹן בִּיצִיאָה מִן הַסּוּכָּהWhen taking leave of the sukkah [for the last time during the festival],we do not recite the Yehi ratzon [that appears in some Siddurim].שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת וְרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה מִשְׁתַּוִּים בְּכַמָּה עִנְיָנֵי כַּוָּנוֹת וְיִחוּדִים עֶלְיוֹנִיםShemini Atzeres and Rosh HaShanah are similar in terms of certain mystical intentions (kavanos) and Supernal Unifications (yichudim).אֶלָּא שֶׁבְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה הֵם בְּעִנְיַן הָעֲלִיָּה On Rosh HaShanah, however, they are framed in terms of ascent, וּבִשְׁמִינִי עַצֶרֶת הֵם בְּעִנְיַן הַהַמְשָׁכָהwhereas on Shemini Atzeres, the thrust is on drawing G‑dliness downward. בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה הָעֲבו2023-10-0606 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 21 Tishrei - Customs for Hoshana Rabbaבְּתִקּוּן לֵיל הוֹשַׁעֲנָא רַבָּה גַּם פַּרְשָׁה בְּרָכָה אוֹמְרִים רַק פַּעַם אַחַת מִקְרָא1 When reciting the Tikkun of Hoshana Rabbah night, Parshas Berachah is read only once. הָיוּ יְחִידִים שֶׁאַאַמוּ"ר צִיוָּם לְאוֹמְרָהּ בְּהוֹשַׁעֲנָא רַבָּה עִם פֵּרוּשׁ רַשִׁ"י There were specific individuals whom my revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], instructed to read it on Hoshana Rabbah together with the commentary of Rashi. וְאֵינָהּ הוֹרָאָה לְרַבִּים This, however, is not a general directive. וּבְעֶרֶב שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה אוֹמְרִים אוֹתָה שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּםOn the day before Simchas Torah it should be recited [verse by verse] twice in the original and once in its Aramaic translation.קוֹדֶם הַלֵּל מְסִירִים שְׁתֵּי הַכְּרִיכוֹת שֶׁעַל הַלּוּלָב, [On the morning of Hoshana Rabbah], before Hallel, one removes the two upper bands around the lulav itself, וְנִשְׁאָרִים רַק הג' מְאַגְּדִים ג' הַמִּינִים יַחַדleaving only the three bands that bind it together with the hadassim and the aravos.עֵרוּב תַּבְשִׁילִיןAn Eruv Tavshilin is made. [This is required only when Hoshana Rabbah falls on Wednesday, on the eve of two s...2023-10-0608 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 20 Tishrei - The Lulav and feeling contriteבְּעֵת הַנַּעֲנוּעִים צָרִיךְ לְהַגִּיעַ עַד הֶחָזֶה מָקוֹם שֶׁמַּכִּים בַּאֲמִירַת אָשַׁמְנוּ[Between each of] the movements (naanuim), [the base of] the Four Species should be brought back to touch the chest, at the place one strikes during the confessional beginning Ashamnu.אָמַר אַאַמוּ"ר בְּאַחַת הַהִתְוַעֲדוּתMy revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], once said at a farbrengen שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹמַר שֶׁזֶּהוּ כְּמוֹ הָעִנְיָן שֶׁעַל יְדֵי הַכּוֹבֶד רֹאשׁ שֶׁקּוֹדֶם הַתְּפִלָּהthat this practice reflects the concept that as a result of having experienced earnest submission before praying,שֶׁמִּתְמַרְמֵר בְּנַפְשׁוֹand feeling contrite [on account of one’s sins], עַל יְדֵי זֶה דַוְקָא יָכוֹל לִהְיוֹת אַחַר כָּךְ הִתְפַּעֲלוּת הַמִּדּוֹת בַּתְּפִלָּהa person can then reach spiritual exuberance when he prays.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-0503 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 19 Tishrei - Pray for wheat for Matza and the Esrogאִיתָא שֶׁכָּל הַשָּׁנָה בְּאָמְרוֹ בִּשְׁמוֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה It is stated that throughout the year, when asking in Shemoneh Esreh וְאֵת כָּל מִינֵי תְבוּאָתָהּ לְטוֹבָה[that G‑d bless this year] “and all the varieties of its produce for good,”צָרִיךְ לְכַוֵּן לְחִטִּים לְמַצָּה וְאֶתְרֹגwe should have in mind the wheat to be used for matzah, and the esrog. בְּמָקוֹם אֶחָד נִזְכָּר מִלְּבַד הַנִּזְכָּר לְעִיל גַּם יַיִן לְקִדּוּשׁOne source adds the wine used for Kiddush. וְאָז בְּמֵילָא תִּהְיֶה כָּל הַתְּבוּאָה לְטוֹבָהThen, as a matter of course, “all of the varieties of its produce” will prosper.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-10-0402 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 18 Tishrei - Customs saying Hoshanosאוֹמְרִים אוֹם אֲנִי חוֹמָה וְגַם אָדוֹן הַמּוֹשִׁיעַ, אֲבָל אֵין מַקִּיפִים אֶלָּא פַּעַם אַחַת[On this day, Sunday,] we recite both the hymn beginning Hoshana Om Ani Chomah and the hymn beginning Hoshana Adon HaMoshia, but we circle [the reader’s dais] only once.אוֹמְרִים תֵּיבַת "הוֹשַׁעֲנָא", הֵן בְּרֹאשׁ וְהֵן בְּסוֹף[Every day,] we add the word Hoshana at the beginning and end בְּאוֹתָם הָאוֹתִיּוֹת שֶׁאוֹמְרָם הַשְּׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר בְּקוֹל רָםof each of the phrases that the sheliach tzibbur chants aloud. בְּהַשְּׁאָר אוֹמְרִים רַק פַּעַם אַחַתFor the other phrases, the word Hoshana is said only once."מִנְהָגֵנוּ לְהַתְחִיל בְּקוֹל רָם מֵאוֹת "ס" אוֹ "עAccording to our custom, the sheliach tzibbur begins to chant aloud from the phrases that begin with the letter samech or ayin."מְדַיְּקִים לַעֲשׂוֹת הֶקֵּף שָׁלֵם וּמַשְׁלִימִים בְּאוֹת “תOne should make a point of fully circling [the reader’s dais], completing the circuit as one reaches the phrase that begins with the [last] letter, taf.Text and Translation c2023-10-0304 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 17 Tishrei - Self sacrifice reveals the essence of the soulגַּם בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְצָהֳלָה[In the last stanza of Lechah Dodi] we say gam besimchah u’vetzahalah.שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם, אֵשֶׁת חַיִל, מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד, דָּא הִיא סְעוּדָתָא, וְיִתֶּן לְךָ אוֹמְרִים בְּלַחַשׁThe hymn beginning Shalom aleichem, the passage beginning Eishes chayil, the psalm Mizmor leDavid, and the pronouncement Da hi seudasa, are recited in a whisper. The same applies to VeYiten Lecha [on Motzaei Shabbos].בְּמוּסַף - וּמִנְחָתָם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם אַחֲרֵי פְּסוּקֵי כָּל יוֹם וְיוֹםIn the Mussaf Service, the sentence beginning U’minchasam veniskeihem is recited after the verse that details each day’s sacrifices.בְּשַׁבָּת אֵין אוֹמְרִים הוֹשַׁעֲנוֹתOn Shabbos, no Hoshanos hymn is recited.עַל יְדֵי הָעֲבוֹדָה דְּנִסְיוֹנוֹת מִתְגַּלָּה בְּחִינַת יְחִידָה שֶׁבַּנֶּפֶשׁBy serving G‑d in the face of challenges, the yechidah in the Divine soul becomes revealed. כְּמַאֲמַר An allusion to this may be perceived [through a mystical interpretation of the following phrases from the Hoshanos prayers]:חֲבוּקָה וּדְבוּקָה בָּךְ — הִתְקַשְׁרוּת הַנְּשָׁמָה בֵּאלֹקוּתClinging and...2023-10-0212 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 16 Tishrei - An infinite revelation from a Maamarבְּקִדּוּשׁ הַלַּיְלָה: שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְאַחַר כָּךְ לֵשֵׁב בַּסּוּכָּהWhen reciting Kiddush at night, the blessing Shehecheyanu precedes the blessing leishev basukkah.בְּמִנְחָה אֵין אוֹמְרִים הוֹדוּ, אֲבָל אוֹמְרִים פָּתַח אֵלִיָּהוּBefore the Afternoon Service we do not recite the psalm beginning Hodu, but we do recite the passage beginning Pasach Eliyahu.הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק סִפֵּרThe Tzemach Tzedek related: תּקס"ט האָבּעֶן מִיר געֶהעֶרט פוּן זֵיידעֶן “In 5569 (1808), for the sixth time, we heard my grandfather [the Alter Rebbe] דעֶם זעֶקסטעֶן מאָל דעֶם וּשְׁאַבְתֶּם מַיִם — הָרִאשׁוֹן — פון לִקּוּטֵי תּוֹרָהdeliver the first of the [two] maamarim in Likkutei Torah that are entitled U’She’avtem Mayim (“And you shall draw water [in joy from the wellsprings of deliverance]”). אוּן עֶס אִיז געֶוועֶן עַל דֶּרֶךְ וִוי דִי גְמָרָא זאָגט (יְרוּשַׁלְמִי סוּכָּה פֶּרֶק ה' הֲלָכָה א')The experience was reminiscent of the comment of the Sages (Talmud Yerushalmi, Sukkah 5:1), שֶׁמִשָּׁם שׁוֹאֲבִים‘From there they drew [ruach hakodesh].’יוֹנָה האָט מְקַבֵּל געֶוועֶן בְּשִׂמְחַת בֵּית הַשּׁוֹאֵבָה גִּלּוּי הַנְּבוּאָהAt Simchas Beis HaShoevah, Yonah received prophetic revelation. 2023-09-2907 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 15 Tishrei - Customs of Sukkosכְּשֶׁנּוֹתְנִים הַד' מִינִים לְאַחֵר לְבָרֵךְ עֲלֵיהֶםWhen handing someone the Four Species so that he can recite a blessing over them, אוֹמְרִים בְּפֵרוּשׁ שֶׁהוּא בְּמַתָּנָה עַל מְנָת לְהַחֲזִירone should say explicitly that it this “a gift on condition that it is returned.”וּבִפְרַט בְּיוֹם רִאשׁוֹןThis practice applies especially on the first day, וְהוּא תּוֹעֶלֶת לַנּוֹתֵן וְלַמְּקַבֵּלand it is of benefit both to the donor and to the recipient.הוֹרָה אַאַמוּ"ר שֶׁיַּתְחִילוּ בִּרְכַּת שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ כְּשֶׁהַלּוּלָב בְּיָדוֹ אַחַת וְהָאֶתְרוֹג בַּשְׁנִיָּהMy revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], directed that one should begin reciting the blessing Shehecheyanu while holding the lulav in one hand and the esrog in the other.הַפְּסוּקִים כִּי אָמַרְתִּי גו' - רַק בְּהוֹשַׁעֲנָא רַבָּה[When reciting the Hoshanos, we say the verses and phrases that appear in the Siddur after each day’s reading, such as] Ki Amarti..., only on Hoshana Rabbah.גַּם בַּיּוֹם מְבָרְכִים לֵשֵׁב בַּסּוּכָּ...2023-09-2907 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 14 Tishrei - Binding the Lulavעֵרוּב תַּבְשִׁילִין[Today] an Eruv Tavshilin is made. [This is required only when Sukkos falls on Thursday and Friday (as in 5704/1943, the year of publication).]אֵין מוֹסִיפִין עַל שְׁתֵּי עֲרָבוֹת, מַה שֶׁאֵין כֵּן בַּהֲדַסִיםNo more than two willow twigs are taken. One may, however, take more than three myrtle twigs.מְהַדְּרִים לֶאֱגוֹד הַלּוּלָב בַּסּוּכָּה וּבְעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹבTo perform the mitzvah in its optimum manner, one makes a point of binding the lulav [with the hadassim and aravos] in the sukkah on erev Sukkos.עַל הַלּוּלָב שְׁתֵּי כְּרִיכוֹתTwo rings [made of leaves of the lulav] are bound around the lulav alone, [higher than the other three rings that will bind the lower ends of the hadassim and aravos to its base]. וּמִשְׁתַּדְּלִים שֶׁשְׁתֵּיהֶם תִּהְיֶינָה מְכוּסוֹת בַּהֲדַסִים וַעֲרָבוֹת...2023-09-2905 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 13 Tishrei - Beginning and end of Igeres Hakodesh 22הִסְתַּלְּקוּת אַדְמוּ"ר מַהֲרַ"שׁ — תּרמ"ג — וּמְנוּחָתוֹ כָּבוֹד בְּליוּבַּאוִויטְשׁ[This date is] the anniversary of the passing1 of the Rebbe Maharash in 5643 (1882). His resting place is in Lubavitch.תְּחִלַּת אִגֶּרֶת סִימָּן כב וְסוֹפָהּ — לֹא בָּא בִּדְפוּס בְּאִגֶּרֶת הַקּוֹדֶשׁThe beginning and end of Epistle 22 were not published in Iggeres HaKodesh [in the Tanya]. (נִדְפַּס בְּקוֹבֶץ הַתָּמִים חוֹבֶרֶת שְׁנִיָּה)(They were, however, printed in the journal entitled HaTamim, Issue 2.)Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2803 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 12 Tishrei - Every endeavor yields positive resultsבְּרִית כְּרוּתָה לְתַעֲמוּלָה וַעֲבוֹדָהOne may rest assured, as by a covenant, that endeavors and toil [for the dissemination of Yiddishkeit], בְּמוֹעֲצוֹת חָכְמָה וּבְקִרוּב הַדַּעַת in a spirit of wise consultation and comradely openness, שֶׁאֵינָהּ חוֹזֶרֶת רֵיקָםwill not be expended in vain.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2702 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 11 Tishrei - The essence of the soul and the essence of G-dבְּמוֹצָאֵי יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים תּקנ"ו בְּלִיאָזנאָ אָמַר רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן תּוֹרָה בְּרַבִּיםOn the night following Yom Kippur, 5556 (1795), in Liozna, the Alter Rebbe publicly delivered a teaching — כַּנָּהוּג אָז דְּרוּשִׁים קְצָרִיםbriefly, as was his custom in those years — עַל פָּסוּק מִי כְּהַשֵּׁם אֱלֹקֵינוּ בְּכָל קָרְאֵנוּ אֵלָיו, אֵלָיו וְלֹא לְמִדּוֹתָיוon the verse, “Who is… like G‑d, our L‑rd, whenever we call unto Him?” [And on the latter phrase the Sages specify:] “Unto Him, and not unto His attributes.”The Alter Rebbe’s teaching follows: דעֶר פַּרְדֵּס זאָגטThe Pardes [Rimonim] states אֵלָיו אִיז אוֹרוֹת הַמִּתְלַבְּשִׁים בְּכֵלִים דְּעֶשֶׂר סְפִירוֹת דַּאֲצִילוּתthat “unto Him” refers to the oros (the Divine “lights”) that are enclothed in the keilim (“vessels”) of the Ten Sefiros of the World of Atzilus. דעֶר רֶבִּי דעֶר בַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב זאָגט The Rebbe, the Baal Shem Tov, states אֵלָיו אִיז דעֶר אֱלֹקוּת וואָס אִין כֵּלִים דְּעֶשֶׂר סְפִירוֹת דַּאֲצִילוּתthat “unto Him” refers to the G‑dliness in the vessels of Ten Sefiros of the W...2023-09-2608 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 10 Tishrei - Chabad Yom Kippur customsלֵיל יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים מַתְחִילִים ה' מָלָךְ תָּגֵל גוThe Evening Service1 of Yom Kippur opens with the psalm beginning A-donai malach tagel.פָּסוּק אוֹר זָרוּעַ — פַּעַם אַחַת וּבְקוֹל רָםIts second-last verse, beginning Or zarua, is said once, aloud. עַל דַּעַת הַקָּהָל כו' ג' פְּעָמִים וּבְקוֹל נָמוּךְThe statement beginning Al daas HaMakom is recited three times, quietly.אֵין כּוֹפְלִים הֶחָרוּז כִּי הִנֵּה כַּחוֹמֶרThe opening stanza of the liturgical hymn beginning Ki hinei kachomer is not repeated as a refrain [at the end of each of the subsequent stanzas].קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע שֶׁעַל הַמִּטָּה כְּמוֹ בְּשַׁבָּת וְיוֹם טוֹבKerias Shema, the Prayer before Retiring at Night, follows the same order as on Shabbos and Yom-Tov.אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ זְכוֹר רַחֲמֶיךָ כו' — בְּכָל תְּפִלּוֹת הַיּוֹםThe passage beginning Avinu Malkeinu zechor rachamecha is recited in all the daytime prayer services.בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה וְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים אוֹמְרִים י"ג מִ...2023-09-2409 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 9 Tishrei - Customs of Yom Kippur Eve and Yom Kippurכַּפָּרוֹת: "בְּנֵי אָדָם - וּלְשָׁלוֹם" שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִיםIn [the expiation ceremony known as] Kaparos,1 the passage from Bnei adam until u’leshalom is recited three times. וּבְכָל פַּעַם מְסַבֵּב ג' פְּעָמִים, סַךְ הַכֹּל מְסַבֵּב ט' פְּעָמִיםThe chicken is circled above one’s head three times after each recitation, for a total of nine times.עַד סוֹף תִּשְׁרֵי אֵין אוֹמְרִים תַּחֲנוּן[From this day] until the end of the month of Tishrei, Tachanun is not recited.מַלְקוּת: הַמַּלְקֶה וְהַנִּלְקֶה שְׁנֵיהֶם אוֹמְרִים וְהוּא רַחוּם שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים[Accompanying the 39 stripes of the nominal flogging called] malkos, the verse beginning Vehu Rachum is recited three times by both the person administering the lashes and the one receiving them.בְּעֶרֶב יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים הָעֲבוֹדָה הִיא חֲרָטָה עַל הֶעָבָר, בְּיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים — קַבָּלָה עַל לְהַבָּאOn the eve of Yom Kippur, one’s avodah should focus on regret over the past; on Yom Kippur itself, it shoul2023-09-2404 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 8 Tishrei - Teshuva by being humble and inconspicuousקִצּוּר בִּאוּר אוֹפֶן ההAn explanation [by the Rebbe Rashab] of the fifth approach, abridged: ה, הַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶת עִם הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָ“Walk humbly with G‑d your L‑rd.”זְהִירוּת שֶׁלֹּא תְהִי שׁוּם בְּלִיטָהThis means carefully avoiding all conspicuousness. וּכְמַאֲמַר לְעוֹלָם יְהֵא אָדָם עָרוּם בְּיִרְאָהAs the Sages expressed it, “A person should always be sly in his fear [of G‑d].” וְעִנְיַן הָעַרְמוּמִית הוּא שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה נִכָּר כְּלַלThis “slyness” means ensuring that [one’s fear of G‑d] is utterly unnoticeable. יָדוּעַ דְּכַמָּה מֵחֲסִידִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים הָיוּ מַסְתִּירִים עַצְמָם וְאִם הִתְגַּלּוּ הָיוּ מִצְטַעֲרִיםAs is well known, some early chassidim would conceal their [spiritual achievements], and were distressed if they were revealed.וְזֶהוּ עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה הַבָּאָה מֵהַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶתThis is the kind of teshuvah that comes from walking humbly.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2202 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 7 Tishrei - Teshuva by seeing Divine Providenceקִצּוּר בִּאוּר אוֹפֶן הדAn explanation [by the Rebbe Rashab] of the fourth approach, abridged: ב, בְּכָל דְּרָכֶיךָ דָּעֵהוּ“Know Him in all your ways.”הָאָדָם הַשָּׂם לִבּוֹ וְדַעְתּוֹ עַל כָּל הַנַּעֲשֶׂה עִמּוֹ וּמִסָּבִיב לוֹA person who sets his heart and mind on everything that happens to him and around him רוֹאֶה הוּא אֱלֹקוּת בְּמוּחָשׁactually perceives G‑dliness. וּכְמוֹ שֶׁאָמַר אַדְמוּ"ר הָאֶמְצָעִי As the Mitteler Rebbe said, בְּיִתְרוֹן הַבַּעֲלֵי עֲסָקִים עַל הַיּוֹשְׁבֵי אֹהֶל בְּעִנְיַן רְאִיַּת אֱלֹקוּת בְּמוּחָשׁbusinessmen have an advantage over Torah scholars, for businessmen actually perceive G‑dliness.עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה הַבָּאָה מִרְאִיַת הַשְׁגָחָה פְּרָטִיתThis is the kind of teshuvah that comes from seeing Divine Providence.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2202 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 6 Tishrei - Teshuva by loving your fellowקִצּוּר בִּאוּר אוֹפֶן הגAn explanation [by the Rebbe Rashab] of the third approach, abridged: ו, וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ“Love your neighbor as yourself.”כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמַר רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן, אֲשֶׁר זֶהוּ כְּלִי לִוְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָAs the Alter Rebbe explained, fulfilling this mitzvah is a medium for [attaining the level at which one can] “love G‑d your L‑rd.”וּבִאוּר בַּמַּאֲמָר כָּל שֶׁרוּחַ הַבְּרִיוֹת נוֹחָה הֵימֶנּוּ רוּחַ הַמָּקוֹם נוֹחָה הֵימֶנּוּIt also underlies the principle that “anyone with whom his fellowmen are pleased, G‑d is pleased with.”עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה בְּסִבַּת לֵב טוֹבTo “love your neighbor as yourself” is the path of teshuvah that comes from a good heart.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2103 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 5 Tishrei - Teshuva by envisioning creation all the timeקִצּוּר בִּאוּר אוֹפֶן הבAn explanation [by the Rebbe Rashab] of the second approach, abridged: שׁ, שִׁוִּיתִי הוי' לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד“I have placed G‑d (Havayah) before me at all times.”הוי' מוֹרֶה עַל הִתְהַוּוּת הָעוֹלָם וְהִתְהַוּוּת הַנִּבְרָאִיםThe Divine Name Havayah [lit., “being, becoming”]denotes the bringing into existence of the world and the created beings. אֲשֶׁר הִתְהַוּוּת הַבְּרִיאָה כּוּלָהּ וְחַיּוּתָהּ הוּא בְּדֶרֶךְ אֵין עֲרוֹךְ מֵאַיִן לְיֵשׁThe manner in which all existence is created and granted vitality is such that, as it comes into being from nothingness, it has no appreciation of its incomparably [distant Creator].וְהִיא עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה הַבָּאָה עַל יְדֵי זֶה The act of teshuvah based upon this approach means אֲשֶׁר תָּמִיד לְנֶגֶד עֵינָיו עִנְיַן הַהֲוָיָ' שֶׁל הָעוֹלָם וּמְלוֹאוֹhaving the creation of the world and its fullness always in mind.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-2002 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 4 Tishrei - Teshuva by way of earnestnessצוֹם גְּדַלְיָה נִדְחֶהThe Fast of Gedaliah, postponed [from yesterday], is observed today. [The year 5704, 1943 when Rosh Hashana fell on Thursday and Friday]אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ[The “long”] Avinu Malkeinu is recited [at Shacharis and Minchah].סְלִיחוֹתSelichos [are recited on this day].קִצּוּר בִּאוּר אַאַמוּ"ר בְּאוֹפֶן הָאAn explanation [by the Rebbe Rashab] of the first approach, abridged: ת, תָּמִים תִּהְיֶה עִם הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָ“Trust G‑d your L‑rd with simple faith.”עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה הַבָּאָה עַל יְדֵי הַתְּמִימוּתThis refers to the Divine service of teshuvah that comes through temimus, כַּמָּה בְּחִינוֹת וּמַדְרֵגוֹת בְּעִנְיַן הַתְּמִימוּתa quality that comprises several aspects and levels. וּבְיַחַס אֶל הַתְּשׁוּבָה הָעוֹלָה עַל כּוּלָּנָה הִיא תְמִימוּת הַלֵּב — הַנִּקְרֵאת עֶרנסְטְקַייטWith regard to teshuvah, the most important among them is temimus — earnestness — within the h2023-09-1903 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 3 Tishrei - Teshuva has 5 pathsמַתְחִילִין מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד וְלֹא לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה וְכֵן בְּכָל שַׁבָּת מוֹצָאֵי יוֹם טוֹב[In the Kabbalas Shabbos Service,] we begin with Mizmor LeDavid instead of Lechu Neranenah. This applies whenever a festival ends on Friday evening.הפטורה: שׁוּבָה - יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָם. מִי אֵל כָּמוֹךָ - מִימֵי קֶדֶםThe haftarah [for Shabbos Teshuvah] begins with Shuvah… yikashlu vam and concludes with Mi E-l kamocha… mimei kedem.בִּיחִידוּת הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק אֵצֶל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן ב' תֵצֵא בְּשִׁשִּׁי בֶּאֱלוּל תּקס"דDuring a yechidus of the Tzemach Tzedek with the Alter Rebbe, on Monday of Parshas Ki Seitzei, 6 Elul, 5564 (1804), סִפֵּר לוֹ רַבֵּנוּthe Alter Rebbe told him: שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת תָּבוֹא תּקכ"ח אָמַר מוֹרִי וְרַבִּי (הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד מִמּעֶזְרִיטְשׁ) — תּוֹרָה “On Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo, 5528 (1768), my mentor and master (the Maggid of Mezritch) delivered a teachingוְהַתְחָלָתָהּ וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָthat opened with the verse, Veshavta ad HaShem Elokecha — ‘You shall return to Havayah (G‑d), Elokecha (your L‑rd).’וּבִאֵר כִּי עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה צְרִיכָה לִהְיוֹת עַד אֲשֶׁר הוי', שֶׁהוּא לְמַעְלָה מֵהָעוֹלָמוֹת“The Maggid [understood this verse as imply...2023-09-1808 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 2 Tishrei - Shofar and the prayer of Ana Bechoachלְאֵל עוֹרֵךְ דִּין - בִּתְפִלַּת מוּסָףThe liturgical hymn, LeE-l Orech Din, is recited in the Mussaf service. בְּמִנְחָה אֵין אוֹמְרִים הוֹדוּ, אֲבָל אוֹמְרִים פָּתַח אֵלִיָּהוּBefore the Minchah Service, we do not recite the psalm beginning Hodu, but we do recite the passage beginning Pasach Eliyahu.מַה שֶׁכָּתוּב בַּסִּדּוּר, שַׁעַר הַקְּרִיאַת שְׁמַעIt is stated in the Siddur — under the heading Shaar HaKerias Shema, דִּבּוּר הַמַּתְחִיל לְהָבִין הַהֶפְרֵשׁ (ע"ד עָמוּד א')in the maamar entitled LeHavin HaHefreish (p. 74a ff.) — שֶׁקּוֹדֶם תְּקִיעַת שׁוֹפָר אוֹמְרִים אָנָּא בְּכֹחַthat before sounding the shofar we recite the passage beginning Ana BeCho’ach.פֵּרוּשׁוֹ: בְּדֶרֶךְ כְּלַל הֵם הַכַּוָּנוֹת מֵהַפְּסוּקִים שֶׁרָאשֵׁי תֵּיבוֹת שֶׁלָּהֶם שֵׁם שֵׁנִי מִשֵּׁם מ"בGenerally speaking, the [intent of this instruction is that one should have in mind] the mystical significance of the verses [recited before the sounding of the shofar], whose words form an acronym for the second [component] of G‑d’s Name of 42 Letters.אָמְנָם יֵשׁ שֶׁמְּכַוְּנִים הַתֵּיבוֹת אָנָּא בְּכֹחַ כו' בְּמַחֲשָׁבָהSome individuals, however, picture the words of Ana BeCho’ach in their mind...2023-09-1505 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 1 Tishrei - Some Chabad customs on Rosh Hashanaבִּרְכַּת הַדְלָקַת הַנֵּרוֹת: שֶׁל יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן. שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּThe blessings recited over candle-lighting are asher kidshanu… lehadlik ner shel Yom HaZikaron, and Shehecheyanu.אֵין כּוֹפְלִין "לְעֵילָּא" בְּקַדִּישׁ, לְבַד מִנְּעִילָהThe word le’eila is not repeated in Kaddish, except at Neilah.לְדָוִד גו' הָאָרֶץ וּמְלוֹאָהּ גו' — קוֹדֶם עָלֵינוּThe psalm beginning LeDavid… haaretz u’meloah is recited [in the Evening Service] before Aleinu. [Editors note: This directive is superseded by a later one — to recite this psalm before Kaddish Tiskabel]בְּקִדּוּשׁ הַיּוֹם: תִּקְעוּ, כִּי חֹק. וְאֵין אוֹמְרִים אֵלֶּה מוֹעֲדֵי וְאַתְקִינוּIn [the daytime] Kiddush, we say the verses that begin, Tiku... and Ki chok. The verse that begins Eileh moadei and [the introductory Kabbalistic sentence beginning] Askinu seudasa are not recited.לְתַשְׁלִיךְ: מְנַעֲרִים שׁוּלֵי הַטַּלִּית קָטָן[After] Tashlich, one shakes the hem of one’s tallis katan.יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁעַל הַתַּפּוּחַ — אַחַר הַבְּרָכָה וְקוֹדֶם הָאֲכִילָה2023-09-1506 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 29 Elul - The Jewish body is dearly preciousסְלִיחוֹת בְּאַשְׁמוֹרֶת הַבּוֹקֶר [The penitential prayers called] Selichos are recited “at the morning watch.”וְאֵין נְפִילַת אַפַּיִםOn this day, Tachanun is omitted.הַתָּרַת נְדָרִים וּבַעֲשָׂרָה[In the morning,] the Annulment of Vows is carried out with ten [listeners who serve as an ad hoc court].עֵרוּב תַּבְשִׁילִיןAn Eruv Tavshilin is made. [This is required only when Rosh HaShanah falls on Thursday and Friday (as in 5704/1943, the year of publication)]יוֹם הֻלֶּדֶת אֶת הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק — שְׁנַת תקמ"טThe Tzemach Tzedek was born on this date in 5549 (1789).מִפִּתְגָמֵי רַבֵּינוּ הַזָּקֵןA saying of the Alter Rebbe: מעֶן האָט גאָר קֵיין הַשָּׂגָה נִיט, וִוי עֶס אִיז טַייעֶר בּאַ הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ דעֶר גּוּף פוּן אַ אִידעֶןWe have no comprehension of how dearly G‑d cherishes the body of a Jew.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-1503 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 28 Elul - G-d's blessing brings wealthבִּרְכַּת ד' הִיא תַעֲשִׁיר, בִּכְלַל “It is G‑d’s blessing that brings wealth.” This applies universally, וּבִפְרַט לְהַנּוֹתֵן מֵעִתּוֹ וּמִזְּמַנּוֹ לַעֲסוֹק בְּצָרְכֵי צִבּוּר בְּעִנְיָנֵי צְדָקָה וְחִזּוּק הַיַּהֲדוּתbut particularly to a person who devotes his time to communal needs, such as matters of tzedakah and strengthening the practice of Yiddishkeit. וּכְמַאֲמַר: דעֶר אוֹיבּעֶרשׁטעֶר בָּרוּךְ הוּא בְּלַייבּט נִיט קֵיין בַּעַל חוֹבAs the familiar adage expresses it, “G‑d does not remain a debtor.” פאַר יעֶדעֶר גוּטעֶר זאַךְ וואָס אַ אִיד טוּטFor every good deed that a Jew does, צאָלט עֶר בְּמֵיטַב מִיט בָּנֵי חַיֵּי וּמְזוֹנֵי רְוִיחֵיG‑d repays him generously — with children, vitality, and abundant sustenance.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-1405 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 27 Elul - The Jewish nation makes G-d's Oneness on earthמִדִּבְרֵי קֹדֶשׁ רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵןThe following are the holy words of the Alter Rebbe, יִשְׂרָאֵל גּוֹי אֶחָד בָּאָרֶץ[commenting on the phrase,] “Israel, one nation in the world:”דעֶר עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹיך אִין דעֶר עֶרדִישׁעֶר וועֶלט אִיז פאַרבּוּנדעֶן מִיט ה' אֶחָדThe nation of Israel, even as it exists in this earthy world, is connected with the one G‑d.הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרֵךְ מאַכט פוּן רוּחָנִיּוּת גַּשְׁמִיּוּתG‑d creates materiality out of spirituality,אוּן דעֶר עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל מאַכט פוּן גַּשְׁמִיּוּת רוּחָנִיּוּתand the people of Israel make spirituality out of materiality.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-1303 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 26 Elul - Removing your materialistic bloodסֵדֶר הֶכְשֵׁר בָּשָׂר לַאֲכִילָה לְהוֹצִיא מִמֶּנּוּ דַּם הָאָסוּר הוּאTo make meat fit for consumption, the forbidden blood must be removed by the following procedure: שְׁרִיָּה, מְלִיחָה, הֲדָחָה[First the meat is] soaked, then salted, and then rinsed. עִנְיָנָם בָּעֲבוֹדָהThe parallels in our Divine service are: הֲדָחָה — נִגּוּןSoaking — which means immersing oneself in the words of one's Rebbe; מְלִיחָה — יְחִידוּתsalting — which means [meeting him at] yechidus; שְׁרִיָּה — וֵוייקעֶן זִיךְ אִין דִּבְרֵי הָרַבrinsing — which means [singing a] niggun.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-1203 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 25 Elul - G-d blesses the seventh monthאֲמִירַת כָּל הַתְּהִלִּים בְּהַשְׁכָּמָה. יוֹם הִתְוַעֲדוּת[On this Shabbos, too, it is our custom] to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early in the morning and to hold a farbrengen on that day.סְלִיחוֹת — אַחַר חֲצוֹת לַּיְלָה וּבְסָמוּךְ לָהּ[On Saturday night,] Selichos should be begun after midnight, but close to it. אֲבָל בִּשְׁאַר הַיָּמִים — בְּאַשְׁמוֹרֶת הַבּוֹקֶרOn the other days, [these prayers] should be recited “at the morning watch.”כַּאֲשֶׁר נִצָּבִים וַיֵּלֶךְ נִפְרָדוֹת When the parshiyos called Nitzavim and Vayeilech are read on separate weeks, מַתְחִילִין לְמַפְטִיר וְכֵן לִשְׁבִיעִי — שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת נִצָּבִים — רְאֵה נָתַתִּי לְפָנֶיךָ גוboth the maftir and the shevi’i reading of Parshas Nitzavim begin Re’eh nasati lefanecha.אַדְמוּ"ר הַזָּקֵן סִפֵּרThe Alter Rebbe related: בְּמעֶזְרִיטְשׁ שָׁמַעְתִּי מִמּוֹרִי וְרַבִּי הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד בְּשֵׁם מוֹרוֹ רַבּוֹ הַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב, נִשְׁמָתוֹ עֵדֶןWhen I was in Mezritch, I heard the following teaching from my revered master, the Maggid, in the na...2023-09-1107 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 24 Elul - Every word is a teachingאַמאָל אִיז יעֶדעֶר וואָרט וואָס מ'האָט געֶהעֶרט געֶוועֶן אַ תּוֹרָהThere was a time when every word that one heard was a teaching, אוּן יעֶדעֶר זאַךְ וואָס מ'האָט געֶזעֶהן — אַ הוֹרָאָה אִין עֲבוֹדָה אוּן הַדְרָכָהand every event that one saw was a directive for one’s Divine service and personal guidance.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-1001 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 23 Elul - Study of Torah and good character traitsר' מֹשֶׁה, בְּנוֹ שֶׁל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן בְּלָמְדוֹ — וְהוּא אָז כְּבֶן ח'-י"א שָׁנָהThe Alter Rebbe’s son, R. Moshe, who was between eight and eleven years old at the time, הַסּוּגְיָא בְּשִׁבְחָן שֶׁל חֲכָמִים בְּגִטִּין (ס"ז א)was studying the passage in Tractate Gittin (p. 67a) that praises our Sages, נִסְתַּפֵּק בְּמַאֲמַר רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן יוֹחָאי שָׁם: שְׁנוּ מִדּוֹתַיand was uncertain about the meaning of R. Shimon bar Yochai’s statement: “Study midosai.” שֶׁיֵשׁ בָּזֶה שְׁנֵי פֵּרוּשִׁים: לִמְדוּ תוֹרָתִי (רַשִׁ"י) אוֹ מִדּוֹתַי כִּפְשׁוּטוֹThere are two interpretations of this: “Learn my teachings” (as Rashi comments), or “Learn my character traits,” according to the simple meaning of the term middos.בְּתוֹךְ כַּךְ נִכְנַס רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן וְאָמַר — בְּנִגּוּן, כְּדַרְכּוֹ בַּקֹּדֶשׁAs he was deliberating, the Alter Rebbe entered the room and said the following words melodically, as was his holy practice: תּוֹרָה שֶׁנִּתְּנָה לָנוּ כּוּלָּהּ מִדּוֹת טוֹבוֹת“The Torah that was given to us consists entirely of exemplary character traits. אֲפִלּוּ הָעוֹנָשִׁין שֶׁבָּהּ הֵם בֶּאֱמֶת חֶסֶד וָטוֹבEven its punishments are really kindness and goodness...2023-09-0804 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 22 Elul - Do not to sting your fellow cut your nailsתּוֹרַת הַחֲסִידוּת דּוֹרֶשֶׁתThe teachings of Chassidus demand כִּי תְחִלָּה לְהוֹכָחָה צְרִיכִים לְהָסִיר אֶת הַצִּפָּרְנַיִםthat before rebuking one’s fellowman, one should “cut one’s nails,” נִיט שְׁטעֶכעֶן זִיךְso that people will not scratch each other — כִּי בְּטוּפְרְהָא אֲחִידָןfor [the forces of kelipah] cling to the nails.יעֶדעֶר שְׁטאָך אִיז קְלִיפָּה וְסִטְרָא אַחֲרָאEvery prick [unleashes] kelipah and sitra achra.וְאַחַר נְטִילַת הַצִּפָּרְנַיִם צָרִיךְ לִהְיוֹת נְטִילַת יָדַיִםThen, after cutting the nails, one must perform a ritual washing of the hands. כִּמְבוֹאָר עִנְיָנָהּ בְּדִבְרֵי אֱלֹקִים חַיִּים, הַמְשָׁכַת הַמּוֹחִין לְמִדּוֹתIn [the metaphorical language of] Chassidus, this signifies the drawing down of intellectual influence into the emotions.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-0806 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 21 Elul - Every Jew is able to self sacrifice for Torahאָבִינוּ הָרִאשׁוֹן אַבְרָהָם בִּגְלַל עֲבוֹדָתוֹ בִּמְסִירַת נֶפֶשׁBecause of the self-sacrificing labors of our first father Avraham לְפַרְסֵם אֱלֹקוּתוֹ יִתְבָּרֵךְ — אֵל אֶחָד — לְכָל בְּנֵי הָעוֹלָםin making the oneness of G‑d known to all the inhabitants of the world, זָכָה לְהַנְחִיל לְזַרְעוֹ עַד סוֹף כָּל הַדּוֹרוֹת אֶת הָאֱמוּנָה הַטְּהוֹרָה בַּה' וּבְתוֹרָתוֹhe was found worthy of endowing his descendants with a pure faith in G‑d and His Torah, as an eternal inheritance. וְכָל אִישׁ וְאִשָּׁ.ה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל יֵשׁ לָהֶם הַכֹּחַ וְהָעוֹז לִמְסוֹר נַפְשָׁם עַל הַתּוֹרָה הַקְּדוֹשָׁהEvery Jewish man or woman has the strength and fortitude to absolutely devote his or her life for the sake of our holy Torah.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-0702 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 20 Elul - If you are inferior and coarse you won't get itדעֶר וואָס אִיז נִידעֶרִיג אוּן גְראָבּ העֶרט נִיט אָן דִי אֵייגעֶנעֶ גְראָבּקַייט אוּן נִידעֶרִיקַייטA person who is spiritually low and coarse is insensitive to his own coarseness and lowness.Text and Translation courtesy of Sichos in English2023-09-0602 min