Classes on Chassidus

The series of chassidic discourses affectionately known as Samach Vov, from the year 5666 by the Fifth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, are famous for their exceptionally comprehensive and deep nature. Join Dr. Yaakov Brawer for clear and profound elucidations of these discourses.

An in-depth text-based study of a mystical discourse on the metaphysics of repentance. From the book, Derech Mitzvosecha, by the third Rebbe of Chabad, R' Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch (1789-1866).

This discourse of the Alter Rebbe from Likkutei Torah explains how the animal offerings brought in the Temple symbolize the refinement of our own animal character.

The final discourse written by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe prior to his passing on the 10th of Shevat 5710 (1950).

V’atah Tetzaveh is the last maamar the Rebbe edited and personally distributed to chassidim. The discourse explains how the Jewish leader assists the Jew in strengthening, nurturing and internalizing the soul’s essential faith.

Line-by-line study of a mystical discourse delivered by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe in Lithuania in 1931. The title is taken from the verse (Kings II 4:10): "Now let us make a small walled upper chamber, and place there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp; and it will be that when he comes to us, he will turn into there."

This text-based class on a Shavuot discourse focuses on our special relationship to G-d that is metaphorically described as a faith-infused “marriage.” It's a Ma'amar (formal Chasidic discourse) that was delivered by the Rebbe in 1988, on a Shabbat afternoon just hours before Shavuot. Based on the final verse in the Haftorah: “I will betroth you to me with Faith,” it provides remarkable insights into what happened at Mount Sinai and why it’s relevant to us today. A powerful, insightful, and timely teaching about the Giving of the Torah that’ll help you better appreciate and prepare for this special holiday.

A series of classes based on a chassidic discourse of the Rebbe which explains the inner dynamics of the miraculous and the natural, by way of examining the verse (Michah 7:15) "As in the days of your Exodus from Egypt, I will show [the people] wonders." (Maamar Kimei Tzeischa 5712)

The Rebbe would say a maamar on the 10th of Shevat, commemorating the anniversary of passing of his father-in-law, the sixth Chabad Rebbe, each year expounding upon another chapter from his father-in-law’s discourse titled Basi LeGani. This maamar, recited in 5714 (1954), focuses on the fourth chapter.

Textual study of a discourse (or 'maamar') based on the verse (Isaiah 30:20) "...your Teacher shall no longer be concealed from you..." The discourse discusses the importance of action and its influence on personality.

Text-based study of Chassidic discourses of the Alter Rebbe from the sefer Torah Ohr.

Shortly after founding Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, Rabbi Shalom DovBer delivered this discourse to help his students, past and present, nourish the spiritual fire within. From the mysteries of the first days in Eden, the Rebbe extrapolates a set of standards for a student's learning goals and schedule, personal conduct, prayer, and appearance.

The text of the chassidic discourses recited by Chabad grooms during the pre-chupah reception.

Although "Love your fellow as yourself" is, as Rabbi Akiva taught, the great underlying principle of the Torah, actually achieving this love is a profound challenge for most people. Human personality is instead, often given to baseless hatred. This discourse deals with the spiritual roots of such hatred, its practical consequences, and the remedies for it.

One of the classics in Chasidic literature, "Veyadaata" is renowned for its simple yet profound explanation of the oneness of G-d, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of day-to-day living, exploring ways in which one can receive the inner G-dly light that is invested in the physical world.

Written during the turbulent years of 1941-1945, many of the discourses focus on self sacrifice, repentance, and strengthening Judaism, often speaking of the lessons to be learned from the earth-shattering events of the time and their connection to the coming of Moshiach

The first discourse delivered by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe after succeeding to the mantle of leadership in 1920. It was first heard in the midst of the bitter civil war that shook the cities of Russia in the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution and the First World War.

A trilogy of Chasidic essays by Rabbi Yosef Y. Shneersohn of Lubavitch including: Some Aspects of Chabad Chasidism, On The Teachings of Chasidus and On Learning Chasidus.

The two Ma'amarim, Ki Imcha Ha'Slicha and Ani Le'Dodi of the year 5709 put forth a three-phase process of spiritual growth, based on the tenets of Chassidic thought and practice.