Rabbi M. M. Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek

Saying the Unsayable “What constitutes the difference between Chassidus and the works of medieval Jewish philosophy (Chakirah) that preceded it?” R. Yechezkel Feigin, the personal secretary of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and a ma...

Prologue The Tzemach Tzedek begins with the question: Is faith in G‑d considered one of the 613 mitzvos or not? In resolution, the Tzemach Tzedek quotes Rambam, who defines faith in G‑d as a mitzvah, citing as a prooftext, the verse, “I am G‑d, your L‑rd....

R. Shlomo Freides’ daughter was married to a son of the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, known as the Tzemach Tzedek. R’ Freides had fallen ill and was consumed with worry over his health. It seems likely that this letter followed a respons...

From Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the third rebbe of Lubavitch, to his in-law, Rabbi Shlomo Freides, around the year 1829.Printed in Igrot Kodesh Admur Hatzemach Tzedek, pp. 24-25 (Igeret 16). Rabbi Freides was suffering from an illness to which he...

Introduction This section explains the Fourth Principle of Faith, which states that G‑d’s existence does not have a beginning in time. Indeed, time itself is a creation and G‑d is above that framework entirely. Clarification is given regarding our Sages’ ...

Introduction This section explains the Third Principle of Faith, which states that G‑d “is not a body, nor any bodily power,” emphasizing that it is obvious that He does not have a body in a material sense. Instead, the intent of this principle is that He...

Introduction This section focuses on the issue of changes in G‑d’s will. Here, too, it can be explained that a change in His will does not involve a change within Him, only within His light. It outlines the differences between G‑d’s will and mortal will, ...

Introduction This section focuses on the questions: If G‑d is the source of all existence, what could possibly motivate Him to emotive activity? What could cause Him to be happy or angry, as it were? It is explained that even though there is no change wit...

Introduction This section explains in detail the issue of the association of G‑d with different attributes and emotive states, stating that these expressions of Divine energy come as a result of the interaction between the oros and the keilim of the Sefir...

Introduction When G‑d desired to create the world, He caused His infinite light to undergo tzim­tzum (contraction), for a limited world could come into being only after the light was withdrawn and an empty cavity (the reshimu) brought into existence. Afte...