Chicken Soup: The traditional, rich golden broth coveted by every generation. Like penicillin, it is a powerful remedy that cures all ailments. Several spoonfuls warm the body and the neshama, soul.

This can serve as an analogy for the effects of a potent and powerful story, parable, insight or saying.

Chassidim spread the Torah’s teachings through story-telling, a universal language. A concise statement packs a wealth of meaning into a few, frugal words. A memorable quotation jump-starts the brain. It may capture the essence of a whole Torah lesson. A short story or one-liner can, when internalized, warm the body and soul.

This is the revised edition of the book that was originally distributed in honor of our wedding, 11 Tammuz 5761 (July 2, 2001). It includes some of our favorite stories, insights, and sayings, containing life-long lessons.

These stories and quotations were collected and heard from the Rebbe, teachers, parents, family and friends. We also selected them from books, advertisements, classes, lectures, articles, e-mails, and even tea boxes. We threw in some original insights and observations as well.

Whenever possible, the source is acknowledged at the end of the story. A reference may indicate the individual from whom we heard the story, not the original author. For acknowledgments for previously published stories, please refer to the “Permissions” section at the end of this book.

Although we would like to credit each author, many of these stories have become part of us, and thus, by being told and retold, we have forgotten the source. We thank them for this, because more than being a source for the stories, they have become a source for the lessons!

The quotations following a story often complement the story’s theme. Sometimes, however, they may offer a different insight.

These stories and insights contain broad implications. We have sorted them according to categories, yet they may have other implications. Sometimes morals are offered; others are left for the reader to draw his own conclusions.

Please don’t understand this compilation as absolute truth; rather, consider it as a handy starting point. It is only a means to an end.

At a farbrengen, the Rebbe told a story of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe. During the story, the Rebbe paused and said, “I have not heard this story from my father-in-law, so I cannot vouch for its authenticity. I assure you, though, that the moral of the story is true!”

The stories presented here stem from Chassidic teachings, true-life experiences, and fiction. The common denominator is the everlasting lessons they contain.

Someone once showed the Rebbe a book written by a German philosopher, in which the author explained that he reached the conclusion that every Jew has two souls.

The Rebbe commented, “Once Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi revealed this in the Tanya, it has been revealed to the world, including this author.” (Kfar Chabad Magazine #917)

Some of the stories, insights and quotes do not appear to stem from Chassidic sources. However, in reality, these thinkers found several good words to sum up a rich Chassidic concept…

We fervently hope that the inspiration gained from these stories will inspire deeds of goodness and kindness – “the deed is the main thing” – that will usher in the arrival of Moshiach!

Pesach & Chana