Likkutei Sichos vol. 17

Know your strengths, but remain humble.

The laws of sacrifices teach us that we really want to do what Hashem says, even when we don't.

The best thing for a society is a spiritually sensitive leader. A detailed reading of Rashi on the sin offering of the leader.

Analysis of Rashi on the verse reveals how sometimes greater physical quantity is the secret to spiritual quality.

You can't sustain your own spiritual fire without helping others to ignite theirs.

Pesach has three names, to represent the three key stages of revolutionary spiritual growth.

How can we celebrate Pesach if we still experience antisemitism, assimilation and apathy? This question is addressed as we probe many questions on the Pesach haggadah. Ultimately, we learn how the miracles of the Exodus is a work in progress.

When Erev-Pesach coincides with Shabbos, the fast of the firstborn is moved earlier to Thursday. Is the fast displaced or replaced?

The Shabbos before Pesach is called the "Great Shabbos” because it commemorates a great miracle, which gets to the heart of what makes Shabbos so special.

The goal of Judaism is to make the most infinite Divine a comfortable, relatable reality.

Rashi offers a fascinating insight into how Moshe dealt with the passing of Aaron's two sons. The Rebbe derives a powerful lesson from it on what it means to be dedicated to Hashem.

Understanding Rashi’s commentary on how Moshe conceded to Aaron’s argument, underscores how they represent two conflicting approaches that are both valid, namely truth and kindness. We learn that you should aspire for consistent spiritual connection, but appreciate the inconsistent efforts of others.

Before they left Egypt, G-d got the Jews to break the laws of Torah to circumcise themselves at night. It was a momentous introduction to a completely supernatural Exodus.

Tzaraas is a spiritual malady from being in an unhealthy spiritual state. An interesting law in the Mishnah related to tzaraas, alludes to the special power of Shabbos to protect us spiritually and illuminate the world.

Exuberant prayer can be misguided and we learn this from Rashi's insight into the anatomy of the ear.

A magnificent forum on tractate Yoma, which teaches about the unique status of the Kohen Gadol and a powerful insight into being Jewish.

What constitutes proper confession as part of Teshuvah? Learn about the different dimensions of Teshuvah.

Our choices, for positive or negative, impact the whole world.

Can you really love every Jew like yourself? Explore two similar statements on Ahavat Yisrael by Rabbi Akiva and Hillel.

Judaism divides life into two time zones, "body time” when we're meant to work within the world, and "soul time" when we're meant to transcend the world.

The law of the new grain teaches that spiritual growth starts with speaking your body's language and progresses to stimulating your soul.

Analysis of the way the Rambam describes the special joy on Sukkos accentuates how doing Judaism with joy is a big deal.

Examine the words of the Rambam and uncover the different levels of Simcha on Sukkos. Doing Judaism with joy is a big deal.

How a person can unravel spiritually and what we can do to help them.

The link between the two sides of the book of Vayikra illustrate why our actions are even more potent than Divine inspiration.

Rashi’s commentary teaches that when we invest our all in Torah, Hashem connects us to His essence.

Why spiritually advanced people have to learn not to "devour" their fellow Jews.

From the mishnah stating to run to do a mitzvah we learn three levels of enthusiasm for mitzvahs we should all aspire to.

Why G-d created the original tongs—a lesson in spiritual growth.

Why the best person to advise you about life is someone fully immersed in Torah study.