Likkutei Sichos vol. 16

Analyzing Pharaoh: What is worse, disregarding G-d or disregarding people? Examining Rashi’s commentary on a new king, and the two overarching views of Rav and Shmuel.

There's a Pharaoh narrative that threatens Jewish continuity in every generation. We have to reveal our inner Moses to overcome it.

How old was Moshe when taken back to Pharaoh’s palace? Rashi’s clarifies the two stages of his development, which will correlate to two aspects of his spiritual greatness.

If you want to know what's wrong with focusing solely on your own spiritual growth, just ask Pharaoh. A spiritual reading of Pharaoh insisting that Moshe and Aaron return to their own affairs.

The Alter Rebbe's passing on Motzei Shabbos Shemos offers a stunning insight into the power of Chassidus and the radical impact of Jewish commitment in the toughest times.

Why the Alter Rebbe addressed lowly souls and simple good deeds before his passing.

Contrasting Moshe’s complaint to the acceptance of the Avos (the Forefathers) in Rashi’s commentary. Learn how we are born with innate faith in Hashem; and Chabad Chassidus trains us to experience this faith deeply and personally.

Rashi explains how Moshe and Aharon share the Exodus mission equally, yet each plays a unique role in making it happen. Their partnership offers a profound insight into how we reveal Hashem in our world.

Why did Moshe speak to Pharaoh directly but not to the Jews?

Explore Rashi’s commentary on how the plague of frogs happened. Should you start a mitzvah you can't finish? A lesson from Aharon and the frogs.

Analysis of Rambam’s approach in the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh on the synthesis of the solar and lunar cycle, which points to the spiritual and scientific alignment of the Jewish calendar.

The Pesach sacrifice comprises two distinct mitzvahs (both bringing the offering and eating it), and this teaches us the key steps to meaningful spiritual growth.

An incredible insight into Rashi on why in Egypt they needed to take the Pascal lamb on the tenth of Nisan—three days prior to the Exodus. Learn how the Jews needed circumcision to get out of Egypt and a Pesach lamb to get Egypt out of them.

Did they eat the same matzah as us before leaving Egypt? Two types of matzah. Two ways to serve Hashem. Two stages of Exodus.

A story with the Rebbe Rashab as a young boy sheds light on why we don't sell chametz food-stuff received from the Rebbe.

Two key practical steps the Frierdicke Rebbe taught us to realize Hashem's purpose for Existence.

How do you explain Rashi's suggestion that even a good Egyptian deserves to be killed?

Two similar commentaries of Rashi in the narrative of the Jews complaining for food, indicates how there are two different elements at work. Learn and discover when complaining against G-d is an act of faith.

The teaching of Shabbos in the Manna narrative signifies a commonality. Learn a revolutionary perspective on how a Jewish person should approach earning a living.

Two perspectives on what an Eruv Tavshillin achieves, which is a means to allow cooking on Yom Tov for Shabbos, teaching us two stages of personal spiritual growth.

Explore the innovation of that monumental day and discover how a blind Talmudic rabbi taught us to appreciate Judaism.

A profound analysis of how the holiness of Shabbos impacts the time before and after it.

Why is the "Jewish servant" the first lesson after the Giving of the Torah?

Rashi offers two approaches for the Torah law that a thief who steals an ox or sheep must pay four or five times the value. Discover how it’s possible that we delude ourselves that we can hide our behavior from G-d.

We learn a beautiful lesson in how to live life to the fullest from a spiritual understanding of an interesting law in monetary disputes, where Torah mandates the claimant first present his case—before hearing from the defendant.

Delve into Rashi on Moshe entering the cloud on the mountain, and by extension learn how we elevate the world.

Analysis of two different sources brought in the Rambam, and understanding the three steps to inviting Hashem into your life.

An in-depth look at a debate on how the Mizbeiach (altar) in the Beis Hamikdash didn’t become impure. A fascinating take on the diverging views of Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel.

Were the lamp-holders of the Menorah in the Temple actually part of the Menorah?

A deeper look into the two opinions of Rashi and Rambam on the bells and pomegranates on the hem of the Kohen Gadol’s robe. Discover why all the noise wherever the High Priest went and a beautiful lesson about the power of Teshuvah.

Learn the unique spiritual power of the seventh of Adar, the birth and passing of Moshe, and its connection to parshas Tetzaveh.

Is Purim about physical salvation or spiritual connection?

On Purim, the Jews upheld their earlier commitment to Torah at Sinai, which is expressed in the nature of the mitzvahs of the day. Explore how the real Purim joy lives outside of your personal life.

Torah learning or communal responsibility, the debate between Mordechai and other Sanhedrin members.

The nuclear power of a Jewish soul, as reflected in the incredible story of the half shekel.

Does Judaism focus more on the now or on the future? Examining the two divergent views of Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Meir and their unique applications.

Why the leaders of the Tribes delayed donating to the Mishkan. A fundamental lesson in leadership.