Likkutei Sichos vol. 20

The narrative of creation is in essence a radical introduction to Torah, which is an instruction for mitzvah observance and Jewish engagement.

Following the flood, Hashem permitted the consumption of meat. Learning Rashi’s on the verse clarifies why is the human diet so important in the story of creation.

G-d is a rational idea, but belief is super-rational. Analysis of the Rambam’s codification of the evolution of idolatry and the innovation of faith introduced by Avraham, sheds light on why Noach is excluded from the ‘generation of Avraham’ even though their years overlapped.

When the Torah enumerates the years of Noach’s life, it seems to leave out the year of the flood. In resolving this discrepancy, we learn why is it important to know how old the world is.

Does Hashem run our world strictly or compassionately? A fascinating study of Rashi’s commentary in the narrative of Hashem’s covenant with Noach.

How was Avraham willing to hand over Sarah to Pharaoh just to get gifts? A lesson in how much the soul needs the body.

The Torah seems to suggest that Avraham was concerned with reward. How does that fit with the expectation to not serve Heshem for personal gain?

The seventh of Cheshvan marks when the last Jew returned home after visiting Jerusalem for the holidays. It always coincides with the parsha of Lech-Lecha when Avraham went to the Land of Israel. How do these two themes fit together?

The Rebbe Rashab cried as a young boy that Hashem hadn't revealed Himself to him, as He did to Avraham. Surely, he knew how great Avraham was?

The message in how Rashi explains differently how the Torah describes the years of Sarah, Avraham and Yishmael.

Explore different levels of teshuvah corresponding to different timeframes.

Children typically resemble their parents, why is it such a big deal for Hashem to make Yitzchak resemble his father?

There are two models of serving Hashem represented by Yaakov and Eisav. Discover what Eisav teaches us about spiritual development.

Learning Rashi’s commentary explains why Hashem's blessing to Avraham only manifested to Yaakov.

We learn from Yaakov how to be joyous in the darkest times.

How sincere was Eisav's emotion when he reunited with Yaakov? A fascinating exploration of Rashi’s commentary.

What do you do if you run out of oil in the middle of Chanukah? A fascinating analysis of the reasoning behind the views of how we should light the Chanukah menorah.

The question of having a family at a time when the world is in crisis.

Why did Yaakov want to divulge when Moshiach is coming? And why wouldn't Hashem allow it?

A deeper understanding of who among Yaakov’s children carried his coffin for burial in Israel and how it sheds light on the two dynamics of the Jews being enslaved and also transcending the Egyptian exile.