Shows
The Rebbe's LettersShavuos & International Dateline (5783)In honor of Shavuos, please enjoy this episode from last year (5783). In this special episode, we departed from our usual 1973 letter repertoire to discuss several letters about the international dateline—specifically focusing on how the Rebbe wanted those who traveled to/from Australia during Sefiras HaOmer to celebrate Shavuos.
2024-06-1123 minThe Rebbe's LettersLag B'Omer Without The RebbeNote: This is a repost of a prior Shiur, given in 5783 in preparation for Lag B'Omer.
The Rebbe only missed one Sunday Lag B'Omer parade ever: in 1973, the year that we are studying. We know that The Rebbe refused to attend, and we know that he delivered a Sicha describing his reasons, but the details remain opaque. In this letter The Rebbe responds to a Chosid protesting his decision, with guidance deeply applicable to modern Lag B'Omer parades. The class reviews the Sicha in question, and provides a brief history of the parades.
2024-05-2618 minThe Rebbe's LettersYud Shvat (Previous Shiur from 5783)In honor of Yud Shvat, this class features a letter from the Friediker Rebbe (Iggros of the Friediker Rebbe Vol 1 Pg 604) and its powerful backstory.
2024-01-1813 minThe Rebbe's LettersChanukah Gelt (5783)Is giving gifts on Chanukah a Jewish custom? What can we learn from the long-standing custom to specifically give money ("Gelt")? Reposted from 5783.
2023-12-2517 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow to make a Cheshbon Nefesh (Part 1)The days between 18 Elul and Rosh Hashanah are set aside for Cheshbon Nefesh—a serious accounting of our past deeds and, perhaps more importantly, our capabilities. Through letters and Sichos, we delve into how and when this accounting is done.
2023-09-0625 minThe Rebbe's LettersDo I really need a Chavrusa?Unfortunately, many of us haven't learned Torah with a consistent study partner (Chavrusa) since our yeshiva days. Several letters from the Rebbe highlight the importance of working men and women bucking this trend.
2023-08-2418 minThe Rebbe's LettersDoctors and faith healingThe Rebbe often instructs doctors to not only involve themselves in physically healing their patients, but to also pushing spiritual cures. Today we'll explore the contours and limits of that advice, with practical lessons for both spiritual and physical healing.
2023-08-2326 minThe Rebbe's LettersRaising DaughtersPractical guidance from the Rebbe on how to educate Jewish girls, including: what themes to emphasize, what teachers to hire, and what subjects to teach in girl's schools.
2023-08-2226 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Rebbe and the Western WallMillions of Jewish tears have been spilled at the Kotel for 2,000 years, but how significant is it as a Jewish holy site? An exploration of letters from the Rebbe Rashab, Friediker Rebbe, and Rebbe, drive home the importance of the Western Wall today--provided it is used properly.
2023-08-2125 minThe Rebbe's LettersOn short engagementsAn exploration of the Rebbe's well-known position that young couples should have the shortest possible engagements, minimizing the time between the decision to get married and the wedding itself.
2023-08-1719 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow to choose a MashpiaThe Rebbe wants everyone to have a Rabbi/Mashpia, but the Talmud suggests one is only allowed to learn from a uniquely righteous person "similar to an angel". How, then, are we to practically pick Mashpiim? Today's letter addresses this point, and we'll also look at a few Sichos that give more guidance on the issue.
2023-08-1624 minThe Rebbe's LettersUnwinnable situations"The footsteps of man are directed by G‑d". From this verse our Rabbeim learned that G-d preordains the time, place, and situation in which we find ourselves. Practically, as today's letters demonstrate, this means there is no such thing as a truly unwinnable situation--and that those who blame the time and place for their lack of success are simply incorrect.
2023-08-1524 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhen to take chargeWe often have big ideas that would further Torah and Mitzvos, and those are great. But the Rebbe consistently demands that, before launching a new initiative, someone take responsiblity for its success. Otherwise, the Rebbe explains in today's letters, the initiative is doomed to fail.
2023-08-0916 minThe Rebbe's LettersMoshiach's Torah ScrollIn 1942, the Previous Rebbe launched a campaign to write a Sefer Torah to welcome (and hasten the coming of) Moshiach. Almost 30 years later, it remained unfinished until a woman in Kfar Chabad rallied for its completion and the Rebbe agreed. This is the story of Moshiach's Sefer Torah, and the practical lessons that our Rabbeim drew from it.
2023-08-0821 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhy is Torah so theoretical?Today's letter addresses a fundamental question: if the whole goal of Judaism is action, why is there so much theoretical and philosophical material in the Torah? And why do the Ten Commandments begin with a theological statement of truth, instead of some call to action?
2023-08-0815 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: Reb LevikIn honor of 20 Av, a letter by the Rebbe's father, R. Levi Yitzchok. This letter contains precisely 101 words, and meant so much to Reb Levik that, in a subsequent letter, he asked the Rebbe to "safeguard it at all times" and described it as "written from the depths of my heart and soul".
2023-08-0716 minThe Rebbe's LettersDancing in the VineyardsThe women who danced in the vineyards on Tu B'Av extolled the virtues of "Fear of Heaven" above all else. Here's what modern men and women can learn from their example.
2023-08-0321 minThe Rebbe's LettersA Rosh Hashanah for DiligenceAlthough the Talmud gives many historical reasons for celebrating 15 Av, the Rebbe emphasizes one essence of the day: recommitting to dedicated, focused Torah study and performance of Mitzvos with Hiddur.
2023-08-0319 minThe Rebbe's LettersComforting MournersIn honor of Tisha B'Av, a Special Episode featuring two letters from the Rebbe on Nichum Aveilim—the first, with a class approach from the Alter Rebbe, Mittler Rebbe, and Tzemach Tzedek, and the second with a very novel approach from our Rebbe.
2023-07-2725 minThe Rebbe's LettersOn the Maamar Heichaltzu (Part 2)We continue our exploration of unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help solve marriage problems, remind us to judge others favorably, emphasize the power of group resolutions and Mitzvos, and (perhaps) help win court cases.
2023-07-2720 minThe Rebbe's LettersOn the Maamar Heichaltzu (Part 1)We begin to explore the Rebbe's unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help promote (and even solve) community strife, as well as influence our devotion to prayer.
2023-07-2720 minThe Rebbe's LettersPraying with the mother's nameWhen we pray for better health or write a Pan to the Rebbe, we have the custom to use the mother's name instead of the father's name. In today's letter the Rebbe strengthens the custom, and brings sources to support it.
2023-07-2024 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhen to refuse surgeryThe Rebbe's view on surgical procedures: When to listen to the surgeon; When to look for a second (or third) opinion; What types of surgeries to avoid; When to schedule an inpatient procedure.
2023-07-2028 minThe Rebbe's LettersIs Chassidus Therapy?Special Episode: What is the relationship between Tikun HaMiddos and Chassidus? Is the point of Chassidus to help me become a better person? Can Chassidus be used to fix base Middos, or is decency a prerequisite? This class looks at letters from the Rebbe and Previous Rebbe to address these questions (and resolve apparent contradictions).
2023-07-1825 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhat you owe your hometownWhen idealistic young people would write to the Rebbe about their dreams of saving the world (or "finding themselves" abroad) the Rebbe often encouraged them to instead focus closer to home. In this compilation of letters, the Rebbe reminds would-be international heroes of their pressing local obligations.
2023-07-1731 minThe Rebbe's LettersA Shochet is a MashpiaThe Rebbe almost always welcomes new Shochtim (ritual slaughterers) to the profession with the expression "אין ושחט אלא ומשך". We'll explore the origins of this expression in the Talmud, and the Rebbe's deeper intent.
2023-07-1324 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow Chinuch won a warThe Rebbe's letters from the summer of 1973 have an unmistakable theme—they are almost invariably about Chinuch and Tzedaka, with a strong emphasis on very young children. This is atypical, and the significance of this unexpected push was only appreciated months later, when the Yom Kippur War broke out.
2023-07-1321 minThe Rebbe's LettersExponential growthOne of the Rebbe's most oft-repeated phrases is "He who has 100 desires 200"—usually as a gentle nudge for someone reporting good news to work harder and do even more. Today's letter includes the phrase, and the class explores its origins and applications in the Rebbe's work and beyond.
2023-07-1125 minThe Rebbe's LettersDropping out of collegeThe Rebbe is not a fan of college under most circumstances, but what does he think about dropping out? What if a student wants to leave college to learn in Yeshiva or make more time for Yiddishkeit? A review of two letters and seven interviews reveals the Rebbe's consistent position on the subject.
2023-07-1022 minThe Rebbe's LettersChild Prodigies of JerusalemCiting Midrash Eicha, which describes the wisdom of the children of Jerusalem before the Destruction, today's letter encourages modern children to aspire to those same heights and describes how children can, through intense Torah study and commitment to Mitzvos, transform the Three Weeks, Nine Days, and Tisha B'Av itself into a time of joy.
2023-07-0619 minThe Rebbe's LettersPrizes for childrenShould we be giving children prizes for learning Torah, doing Mitzvos, or attending Shul? What does the Rebbe say about contests, raffles, etc—and are certain prizes inappropriate? In today's letter the Rebbe strongly opposes giving out a soccer ball as a prize. The class focuses on appropriate prizes (and the possible issues with a soccer ball in particular).
2023-07-0521 minThe Rebbe's LettersCelebrating 12-13 TammuzWhen the Rebbe spoke about the anniversary of his predecessor's liberation (and salvation from certain death), he invariably quoted a letter written by the Previous Rebbe on the first anniversary of the miracle. Here we read the original letter, and explore how the Rebbe used quotes from it throughout the years to drive home various important messages.
2023-06-2924 minThe Rebbe's LettersBoxing, Wrestling, and Martial ArtsIn today's letter someone asks the Rebbe for his blessing to pursue a career in professional wrestling (which will make him quite wealthy and allow him to better support Chabad institutions). The class examines the Halachic implications of such activities, and reviews a letter from the Rebbe about teaching karate and martial arts in high schools.
2023-06-2921 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow to teach ChassidusIs there something inauthentic (or worse—does it show a lack of deference to the Rebbe) to explain Chassidus in your own words, with explanations in the vernacular? In today's letter the Rebbe takes a strong opinion on the issue, and our class reviews several other letters and Sichos that demonstrate the Rebbe's well-defined position on the matter.
2023-06-2925 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhere to liveHusbands and wives often argue over where to lay down roots and raise their families—and Chassidim often brought these family disputes to the Rebbe. This shiur looks at several letters that capture the Rebbe's overarching view on where Chasidim should live, and what a couple should do when they cannot agree.
2023-06-2913 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: The Rebbe is GezuntIn honor of Gimel Tamuz, this class looks at letter that the Rebbe wrote in response to some Chasidim who continued to refer to the Previous Rebbe as "Der Rebbe Zol Gezunt Zayn" ("The Rebbe, May He Be Healthy") even after his passing on Yud Shvat.
2023-06-2218 minThe Rebbe's LettersJoint Distribution Committee and LubavitchIn this letter the Rebbe mentions the long-standing, half-century-old relationship between the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Lubavitch. Our class explores that history in depth, revolving around JDC's role in funding the Previous Rebbe's clandestine activities in Soviet Russia.
2023-06-2019 minThe Rebbe's LettersChoosing a school for your childRoughly 50 years ago today the Rebbe responded to a letter from R. Nachman Yosef Twersky, regarding his family's continued opposition to him learning in 770. The class explores several other letters and Sichos demonstrating that the Rebbe had a very consistent answer to this sort of question: children must learn where they wish, whether their parents like it or not, for the physical and spiritual welfare of the children and their parents alike.
2023-06-2024 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhen women want to singWhen the Jewish Agency wanted to bring thousands of tourists to a Chabad in Jerusalem for summer Farbrengens, some were concerned that the women in attendance might sing in front of the men. The Rebbe's stance on Kol Isha is the subject of this letter, and the class discusses some of the Halachic and Hashkafic implications.
2023-06-1518 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin (Part II)Once only Chassidim and Sefardim wore Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and Chabad Chassidim seldom wore them before age 18—a custom that the Rebbe overturned in 1966 with a landmark Sicha that called on every Jewish man from any background to begin wearing Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin starting from Bar Mitzvah. This two-part series explores the factors that contributed to this shift and its modern implications, through letters and Sichos.
Part II: The Rebbe's 1966 Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin initiative; Responding to those who claim it is not their custom; Reb Moshe Feinstein joins the initiative
2023-06-1425 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin (Part I)Once only Chassidim and Sefardim wore Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and Chabad Chassidim seldom wore them before age 18—a custom that the Rebbe overturned in 1966 with a landmark Sicha that called on every Jewish man from any background to begin wearing Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin starting from Bar Mitzvah. This two-part series explores the factors that contributed to this shift and its modern implications, through letters and Sichos.
Part I: The Halachic and Kabbalistic implications of Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin; The Rebbe's answers to individuals who asked to start wearing RT before marriage; The Rebbe grapples with th...
2023-06-1422 minThe Rebbe's LettersDon't quit your day jobThe Rebbe's advice across more than ten letters is consistent—do not leave your current job until you have another gig lined up. Here we review these letters, and propose a potential reasons for the Rebbe's strong opinion on the subject.
2023-06-1219 minThe Rebbe's LettersYeshiva Torah Vodaath and LubavitchThe Rebbe wrote a very warm letter to the Mashgiach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in 1973, but this was just one sign of the very close relationship the Rebbe (and the Previous Rebbe) had with the storied non-Chassidic Yeshiva.
2023-06-0815 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Rebbe shuts down a magazineThe quarterly magazine "Bitaon Chabad" (1952-1973) was widely seen as the successor of HaTomim—and when the publication's editorial standards began to slip, the Rebbe noticed. In this letter the Rebbe addresses glaring errors and omissions in a recent edition, and the class describes how these critiques culminated in the Rebbe issuing an ultimatum: find a meticulous editor, or cease publication.
2023-06-0718 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: Tosefes ShabbosIn this class we depart from the year 1973 to explore the Rebbe's position on bringing in Shabbos early, with letters and Sichos.
2023-06-0719 minThe Rebbe's LettersIdeologies and -ism'sIn this letter the Rebbe discusses the pitfalls of modernity (including Modern Judaism) and "-isms" of all kinds, and the class delves into a Michtav Klali and Sicha that explain the futility and failure of the many ideologies that Jews cling to instead of Torah and Mitzvos.
2023-06-0526 minThe Rebbe's LettersYou are no MisnagidThe famed Yiddish writer Chaim Grade described himself as a "Modern" Jew who comes from "Misnagdim". In this letter, the Rebbe explains why the term "Misnagid" is outdated, and the class unpacks what the Rebbe means when he says Misnagdim no longer exist.
2023-06-0523 minThe Rebbe's LettersDictators and IndependenceThose who put their hearts and souls into institutions are often fiercely defensive of their ability to run their Mosdos by fiat. But the Rebbe does not tolerate dictators, and demands that every head of a Chabad institution consult with an advisory board before making major decisions. This class looks at multiple letters from the Rebbe that push a collaborative model—and which harshly censure individuals who make unilateral decisions.
2023-06-0116 minThe Rebbe's LettersSecular StudiesThis is Part 2 of a two-part series. Here we review both letters and Sichos to determine what the Rebbe wants schools that teach secular subjects to look like. The class highlights four key features that every dual-curriculum school must have in order to meet the Rebbe's expectations.
2023-05-2322 minThe Rebbe's LettersEducation in the SummerThis is Part 1 of a two-part series covering the Rebbe's perspective on secular studies. This first episode highlights the Rebbe's wish—expressed in many letters from Shavuos and the summer months—that children not engage in any secular studies over the summer, instead dedicating this time exclusively to immersion in Torah. We also discuss a letter that encourages schools with secular curricula to open Torah-only tracks.
2023-05-2323 minThe Rebbe's LettersFixing SinsIn this letter, the Rebbe outlines a path of atonement and penitence (Tikkun) for someone who forgot to put on Tefillin. The class will explore the Rebbe's overarching philosophy about crafting Tikkunim, and present sample Tikunim the Rebbe gave for a number of sins.
2023-05-2316 minThe Rebbe's LettersIntermarriageIntermarriage is one of the most pressing Jewish concerns of our era, and thinkers across the religious spectrum have their opinions on how to respond to this challenge. The Rebbe's approach is utterly unique, difficult to swallow, and ultimately effective.
2023-05-2329 minThe Rebbe's LettersPrison ReformThis letter captures The Rebbe's unique take on the prison system and the need for criminal justice reform. The class looks at a Sicha that describes The Rebbe's vision for prisons that rehabilitate offenders, and discusses what progress has been made since the Rebbe called for prison reform 50 years ago.
2023-05-1820 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhat is a Jew?Judaism is clearly not a religion, race, or nationality. In this letter The Rebbe describes exactly what a Jew is, and the class reviews a handful of letters in English that address similar points, arming us all with a definitive answer to this central question.
2023-05-1819 minThe Rebbe's LettersMarrying Before An Older SiblingBy request of one of our regular listeners, this episode explores the Rebbe's position on siblings getting married out of order (eg, a younger sibling before an older sibling). Rebbe has many letters on this subject, and the answers are quite nuanced. The class explores the Halachic parameters of the question, and demonstrates that the Rebbe's responses to each scenario line up perfectly with the established Halachic approach.
2023-05-1823 minThe Rebbe's LettersShazar and The RebbeThe Rebbe had a long and close relationship with Zalman Shazar, former president of Israel. This letter, one of the last that they exchanged, discusses the end of Shazar's final term as president. The class provides an overview of this unique relationship and some of the historical highlights.
2023-05-1827 minThe Rebbe's LettersGiving and Receiving BlessingsThis letter includes the classic phrase כל המברך מתברך (all who give a blessing are, themselves, blessed), and the class explores the source for this expression.
2023-05-1818 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Mazal of A Big MoveWhenever someone new moves into town, Hasidism traditionally greet them with the well-known adage: משנה מקום משנה מזל לטובה (one who changes location changes his luck, for good). Where did this expression come from, how and when does The Rebbe use it, and do we sometimes misuse it?
2023-05-1815 minThe Rebbe's LettersB"H or BS"D at the Top of a PageIn this letter the Rebbe gently reminds the writer that there should be a B"H or BS"D at the tops of all letters and written materials. The class explores the source of this custom and the extent of the instruction, along with its potential Halachic pitfalls. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 353
2023-05-1819 minThe Rebbe's LettersSpecial Episode: Can You Ever Leave Israel?Requested by one of our regular listeners, this special episode analyzes several letters from the Rebbe to determine the circumstances under which one is allowed to leave the land of Israel.
2023-05-1819 minThe Rebbe's LettersParents and Children Sharing MeritIn this letter, the Rebbe describes how a child's Mitzvos can provide Zchus for his or her parents. From there, the class launches into an analysis of the limitations and practical implications of shared merits between parents and children, both living and deceased. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 29
2023-05-1815 minThe Rebbe's LettersJournalism and JournalistsThe Rebbe took particular interest in journalists and inspired them to use their platforms for good. This letter is one such example. The class explores other examples, with an eye toward learning how everyone can use their platforms for spreading Torah and Mitzvos.
2023-05-1820 minThe Rebbe's LettersPhotography and PhotographersFrom the preponderance of pictures of The Rebbe, one wouldn't necessarily expect that the Rebbe had a complication relationship with photography and photographers. Although the Rebbe compliments an artist who painted his likeness in this letter, the class explores the Rebbe's varied reactions to others trying to capture his likeness throughout the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 187
2023-05-1817 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Power of DistractionIn this letter, the Rebbe advises a woman struggling with anxiety to try "Hesech Daas"—putting unpleasant thoughts out of her mind, and distracting herself with other thoughts and activities. In the class, we trace this strategy back to a letter from the Tzemach Tzedek and discuss how distraction can help with Teshuva, defend us from Ayin Hara, and bring Moshiach. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 131
2023-05-1815 minThe Rebbe's LettersOrigins of Mivtza MezuzahThe Rebbe was always vague about why he chose to launch the Mezuzah campaign. In Sichos, he'd say he felt "compelled" or that he himself wasn't sure why it felt so urgent. This letter may be the earliest record of the Rebbe grappling with the Mivtza, and may be part of the mysterious circumstances that led to its launch. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 207
2023-05-1815 minThe Rebbe's LettersEvery Jew Must Have MatzahThese two letters from 1972 discuss an initiative near and dear to the Rebbe's heart: Mivtza Matza. The class explores other letters and Sichos that drive home the importance of ensuring our colleagues and neighbors have Shmura Matza for Pesach. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 152 and Pg 160
2023-05-1818 minThe Rebbe's LettersLearning in KollelDoes the Rebbe support learning in Kollel? Who, if anyone, should be learning Torah full-time? And which institutes of Torah learning meet the Rebbe's standards—and which might be better off closed down? In this letter the Rebbe lays out his vision for a productive Kollel, and the class explores the Rebbe's exacting standard when it comes to what sort of Kollel—and what sort of students—the Rebbe wants to see in his institutions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 176
2023-05-1819 minThe Rebbe's LettersOn Studying MussarThe Rebbe often encouraged the study of Chovos HaLevavos (specifically the Gate of Trust), but that's not the only ethical work he references. This letter, which mentions Chovos HaLevavos, serves as a launching point for a class that collects the various non-Chabad, non-Hadisic "Mussar" Sefarim that the Rebbe suggests we learn. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 217
2023-05-1818 minThe Rebbe's LettersOvercoming WorryThe month of Nissan is a time of freedom from not only physical slavery but also emotional turmoil, and this letter from Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1973 captures the connection between Pesach and liberation from worry and doubt. The class discusses strategies the Rebbe shared over the years to remove worry from our lives. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 175
2023-05-1819 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow to RebukeWhat's the right way to tell someone they're totally wrong? In this letter the Rebbe responds to complaints about aggressive Farbrengen tactics and, in light of this, the class collects advice from our Rabbeim on how and when to apply Chassidishe rebuke to our neighbors. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 79.
2023-05-1817 minThe Rebbe's LettersVegetarianism and DietingIs there a problem with becoming a vegetarian or adopting other restrictive diets? In this letter the Rebbe addresses this question, and the class discusses the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of both eating and abstaining from meat. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 210
2023-05-1813 minThe Rebbe's LettersAdoptionThe Rebbe's opinion on adoption is controversial, subtle, and ultimately unclear. Starting from two letters written in 1973, this class launches into a broad survey of the Rebbe's written opinions on adoption, with the intent of creating a more comprehensive understanding of his Shita. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 21, Pg 80.
2023-05-1822 minThe Rebbe's LettersFreemasons, Illuminati, and CultsThe Rebbe writes to a Chosid interested in joining the freemasons, and explains his opinion on secret societies at large. The class explores the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of participation in various cults, secret societies, and modern practices (such as yoga) that derive from other religions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 159
2023-05-1824 minThe Rebbe's LettersHow to Write to the RebbeIn this letter the Rebbe teaches a Chosid how to write a letter to him. The class explores possible reasons for the Rebbe's instructions, surveys other bits of letter-writing advice that the Rebbe gave out over the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 137.
2023-05-1815 minThe Rebbe's LettersLong-Distance HiskashrusDo Chassidim need to see or speak with the Rebbe physically in order to have a relationship with him? Today's letter hints at an answer to this pressing question, and the class explores the Rebbe's overarching opinion on how a Chosid can connect with a Rebbe without meeting in-person. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 15
2023-05-1816 minThe Rebbe's LettersInducing LaborIs it permissible to induce labor in non-life-threatening circumstances? When is induction Halachically (and medically) indicated, and when might it be dangerous? This letter reflects the Rebbe's conservative view on labor induction, and the class reviews the approaches of contemporary Poskim and medical professionals on the subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 46
2023-05-1716 minThe Rebbe's LettersDoing Mitzvos TogetherThis letter describes the power of multiple people joining together to do a Mitzvah and the reward that awaits them, in light of the Rebbe's analysis of the "Shnayim Uchzin" passage in the Talmud. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 172
2023-05-1718 minThe Rebbe's LettersMishloach ManosA unique insight from the Rebbe into the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manos, just in time for Purim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 161
2023-05-1713 minThe Rebbe's LettersPregnancy CustomsThis letter discusses some of the Chabad customs during pregnancy. The class explores additional customs and the reasons behind them.
2023-05-1716 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Library InitiativeIn the Rebbe's brief biography printed in HaYom Yom, the year 1973 is defined as the year of the Rebbe's "library initiative". This letter is the one that began the initiative to create libraries of Sifrei Kodesh around the world. The class explores the historical context and far-reaching ripple effects of the Library Initiative. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 8
2023-05-1712 minThe Rebbe's LettersTalent and How to Use ItDo we believe in natural talent? How can we identify talent so it will be utilized most productively? What is the cost of wasted talent? This letter captures the Rebbe's deep interest in individual talents, and the class collates the Rebbe's talent-related advice from many different letters.
2023-05-1721 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Secret of Jewish SurvivalThis Purim-themed letter describes the various "Haman" characters who have tried to harm us throughout the generations, and the secret of our survival—with practical guidance for facing the challenges of today. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 156.
2023-05-1713 minThe Rebbe's LettersExhuming a Body for Burial in IsraelThis letter hints at the Rebbe's fluency with the Halachic intricacies of disinterment, a subject that touched the Rebbe's personal life in a way that was not fully appreciated until the publication of the Rebbe's Reshimos.
2023-05-1722 minThe Rebbe's LettersCan a Rabbi Make Aliyah?Are Rabbonim and community leaders ever allowed to leave their flock to move to Israel? This letter reflects the Rebbe's well-known stance on the subject, with a shiur that explores just how far-reaching that stance may be. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 138
2023-05-1720 minThe Rebbe's LettersDating Someone Less ReligiousShould a Bochur consider a Shidduch with a girl who is less religious than he is? What if she promises to increase her observance over time? Today's letter reflects the Rebbe's often-stated position on such Shidduchim, the shiur explores other letters on the same subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 22
2023-05-1721 minThe Rebbe's LettersTerm Limits for RabbisIs it forbidden for the Israeli Rabbinate to have term limits? Can pulpit rabbis be fired? This letter addresses the Rebbe's controversial position on the subject, with background describing the Halachic implications of hiring and firing a rabbi. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 11
2023-05-1715 minThe Rebbe's LettersChabad and the KotelIn this brief letter (and a related Sicha), the Rebbe reminds visitors to the Kotel that the Western Wall must not merely remind us of our past, but an inspire us to be better in the future. In the shiur, we explore Chabad's approach to the Kotel and its proper place in prayer and pilgrimage.
2023-05-1710 minThe Rebbe's LettersOrganization for Jewish ScientistsThis letter advocates the establishment of an Organization of Religious Scientists From Eastern Europe, and the class explores the Rebbe's interest in this project and his repeated attempts to get such an organization off the ground.
2023-05-1713 minThe Rebbe's LettersAutopsiesIn this letter the Rebbe highlights the Halachic complexities of performing an autopsy, and we explore the major opinions in Poskim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 142
2023-05-1717 minThe Rebbe's LettersNursing HomesThe Rebbe discourages an investor from getting involved in the Nursing Home business, citing reports that such institutions often provide residents with less food or heat in order to cut operating costs. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133
2023-05-1708 minThe Rebbe's LettersWhen A Child Becomes FrumThe Rebbe writes to a father who is upset that his son has adopted many religious stringencies. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133.
2023-05-1716 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Primacy of Kitzur Shulchan AruchA review of the Rebbe's particular interest in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and its central place in the life of a Jew. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 98.
2023-05-1715 minThe Rebbe's LettersSupporting a Sefardic YeshivaThe Rebbe advocates for a struggling Sefardic Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, and the ripple effects are not fully felt until 2006. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 17
2023-05-1715 minThe Rebbe's LettersMiracle MikvehIn honor of a Mikveh built in Miami in 1972, the Rebbe discusses whether one is permitted to use a Mikveh created via an open miracle and, indeed, whether it is permissible to do Mitzvos with miraculous objects. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 23.
2023-05-1712 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Real Job of Jewish JudgeThe Rebbe writes to the author of a book featuring little-known Medieval commentaries on tractate Sanhedrin, and calls on the author to embrace the key task of the Sanhedrin itself: spreading Torah far and wide, and not limiting their influence to academia. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 123
2023-05-1714 minThe Rebbe's LettersWomen in ChabadA brief history of various women's movements in Chabad (Agudas Noshim, Achos Temimim, Nshei), culminating in a letter from our Rebbe about the unique power of Jewish women and the Friediker Rebbe's dedication to them. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 97
2023-05-1716 minThe Rebbe's LettersChassidim vs MisnagdimA letter to Norman Lamm (Rosh Yeshiva, President, Chancellor at Yeshiva University for 60 years) regarding a book that he had written contrasting the approaches of the Alter Rebbe and R. Chaim Volozhiner. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 41.
2023-05-1717 minThe Rebbe's LettersA Plea to RepentWhat prompted the Rebbe to send an Israeli politician a five-page letter beseeching him to repent immediately? This letter comes with a powerful and miraculous backstory—one of those rare glimpses behind the curtain that keeps you up at night.
2023-05-1616 minThe Rebbe's LettersIllegitimate children in IsraelThe Rebbe weighs in on the "Langer Affair" (and R. Shlomo Goren's role in it), one of Israel's most politically-charged debates of 1973, with ripple effects that will ultimately shape the Rabbinate. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 99.
2023-05-1617 minThe Rebbe's LettersThe Jew who wanted to be a priestThe Rebbe's approach to missionaries, and how he approached one Jewish boy who wanted to convert to Christianity and join the clergy. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 157
2023-05-1611 min