Likutei Sichos: Sefer Bereishit

The Rebbes of Chabad taught: how one starts the year on Shabbos Bereishis affects the entire year. What is so unique about Shabbos Bereishis?

“Enter the Ark” – teivah, the ark, also means the “words” of Torah and Prayer. Bringing oneself, ones family and every Jew into the words of Torah and tefillah guarantees survival from the flood waters of the world.

The journey of Lech-Lecha from above and from within – the miraculous birth of Yitzchak and its lesson in Jewish education.

Why Abraham didn’t circumcise before he was commanded; the specialty of the mitzvah of milah—circumcision.

The story with the Rebbe Rashab, as a young child, whence he cried over G-d not appearing to him like by Abraham. The significance in Yitzchak being born after Avraham’s circumcision.

"Greater is the receiving of guests than receiving the Divine Presence "; Abraham's planting of an Aishel (tree) and its lesson in supporting Yeshivos.

Topics discussed: Avraham and Sarah – body and soul; the reason why the journey of Eliezer was miraculous; the talk of the servants of the patriarchs is better than the Torah of their children and its connection to the marriage of Yitzchok.

Topics discussed: why an oath requires holding a holy item; Avraham’s purchasing land in Israel – the beginning of redemption.

Topics discussed: The spiritual path of Avraham enabled strong progeny; Yitzchok in Gan Eden; Shmirah before a wedding; Receiving semicha before chasuna; The ten utterances corresponding to the ten commandments; The blessings of yitzchok.

Jacob raises a righteous family specifically outside of Israel whilst dealing with swindlers. How does he manage?

1) Parents must have self sacrifice for the education of even a single child; 2) There was always the presence of yeshivahs throughout our history and students should learn Torah without thinking about how they may make a living; 3) Outreach without compromise