Textual Study of Chassidic Works

Classes on Tanya; divided according to the daily study schedule.

Speaks to one who feels comfortable with materiality while struggling to access spirituality. No matter how much one may be flooded with physicality, the flame of the soul forever burns. Thus, there is no reason to despair or lose hope, G-d forbid, for nothing can extinguish the soul`s fiery love of G-d.

A textual study of a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe describing the essence of Chassidic teaching and culture (from a talk delivered on the 19th of Kilev, 5726).

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 its remedy.

Textual study of the maamar basi l’gani, the last Chassidic discourse of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, R. Yosef Yitzchak, which is customarily studied each year on his yahrtzeit—the tenth of Shevat.

Textual study of the maamar basi l’gani, the last Chassidic discourse of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, R. Yosef Yitzchak, which is customarily studied each year on his yarhtziet—the tenth of Shevat.

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.

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).

A series of classes based on a chassidic discourse of the Rebbe which explains the mystical significance of the verse (Deut. 6:2) "When tomorrow your child will ask you, "What are the testimonies, the statutes and the laws... [of Pesach]?"

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."

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

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.

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)

Learn a maamar on Pesach from Likkutei Torah titled “Sheishes Yamim”, which explains the deeper dimension of matzah as the ‘bread of faith’.

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.

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

A magnificent exploration of two dueling dynamics of the human condition: knowledge and faith. You'll learn about the secrets of the universe, examine where knowledge ends and faith begins, and discover how to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. This series is based on the English rendition of the Chassidic discourse “VeYadata Hayom” in Likkutei Torah.

"The Majestic Bride" is a breathtaking exploration of Kabbalistic wisdom on men, women, and relationships. It examines the mystical energies of love, relationships, masculinity, femininity, intimacy, and giving and receiving. Learn the deepest secrets of the cosmos and how they apply to our most physical of human relationships. This series is based on the English rendition of the Chassidic discourse for a wedding titled “Lecha Dodi”.

The Rebbe would say a Maamar (chassidic discourse) 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 5720 (1960), focuses on the tenth chapter.

Study the Rebbe’s foundational essay on “what is chassidus”, titled “Inyanah shel Toras HaChassidus”, which explores the underlying contribution of Chassidus in relation to the soul, the Torah and divine reality. Learn this chasidic masterpiece with Rabbi Zushe Winner and enrich your understanding and appreciation of chassidus.

A text-based series on the Rebbe’s insights into “Olam Haba”, the post-Messianic period of resurrection of the dead. (Maamer, L’hovin inyan techiyas hameisim, 5746)

The Chassidic discourse “BeYom Ashtei Asar Yom” was recited by the Rebbe on his birthday, the 11th of Nissan, in 1971. The maamar focuses on a passage from the Midrash “I Choose the King” and brings new meaning to this phrase that express a Jew’s unique relationship with Hashem.

This treatise was written in 1903 by the fifth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn. The book looks deeply into the age-old challenges of overcoming one’s natural impulses and attain spiritual growth. Join Rabbi Dubov to learn the original text of Kuntres U’Maayon.