Likkutei Sichos vol. 21

Why was it so important for the Jewish slaves to ask their Egyptian overlords for wealth before the Exodus?

A textual exploration of the idea that we are G-d's firstborn child.

A close exploration of Rashi's insight into Hashem's discussion with Moshe at the start of the Parsha, introduces us to a radical, revolutionary way to study Torah.

How a group of frogs brought down ancient Egypt.

Are good deeds worthwhile if we have inappropriate intentions? What drove Pharaoh to enslave the Jewish people? The clue to this, as well as to why we needed to suffer so much in Egypt, lies in this week’s Haftorah.

Why a tzadik's life is more about impact than inspiration.

Why did Hashem need Pharaoh to know the plague of firstborns would be at midnight? Explore Rashi’s commentary on the verse.

Examining a Talmudic debate about relatives as witnesses for sighting the new moon, illustrates two spiritual mechanisms we use to radically transform our world.

At the Exodus, we didn’t just leave Egyption bondage, but we became inherently free people. This we learn from how the Rambam connects this to remembering Shabbos. Sometimes, you have to break the old you to grow.

Should Chabadniks eat Seudah Shelishis, the third meal on Shabbos? Decoding the mystical paradox of that meal.

In the battle against Amalek, as Moshe’s hands were raised, his arms became heavy. Understanding how Moshe erred, teaches us to act with urgency when a Jew is at risk.

A deeper reading of Rashi on the Jews encampment at Sinai clarifies how Jewish unity is much more than national identity or shared ideals.

Two Jews, how many opinions? How Torah creates unique unity.

The ramp for the Mizbeiach (the holy altar) teaches us that respect for a fellow Jew is respect for G-d.

A closer look at the Torah mandate to assist your fellow with his donkey struggling under its load as interpreted by Rashi. Learn how it complements the important teaching of Baal Shem Tov that the donkey refers to our physical body and serves as the key to spiritual development.

Analysis of Rashi on the verse stating that Hashem is sending an angel to guard you on the way and to bring you to “the place that I have prepared”.

Probing what exactly Moshe wrote at that time before the giving of the Torah. Learn Rashi's insight into the unique covenant and connection we made with Hashem before receiving the Torah.

We may we feel spiritually bankrupt at times, but we always have the opportunity to manifest Hashem's presence.

The plan always included contingency for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash while keeping it eternal. The paradox of Shlomo Hamelech's plan to hide the Aron.

Two insights from the Rambam's diagram of the Menorah.

How far should we go for a fellow Jew? A lesson from Moshe's petition to be erased from the Torah, after the sin of the Golden Calf, if his people aren’t forgiven.

Examining Rashi’s commentary on the prohibition for the Kohen to serve without his full uniform. This insight teaches how we have to include every Jew to have a connection to Hashem.

Learn why we have to tackle Amalek daily.

The Mishnah begins with the Megillah reading dates for villagers, which are the exception. Discover how it’s in sync with the general theme of the megillah. Learn how Purim is all about the secret of finding Hashem's essence in the absence of revelation.

Authentic Jewish education instills a faith powerful enough to neutralize our enemies, as Mordechai learned shortly after Haman sealed his decree against the Jews.