Chabad Rebbes

Introduction In the sichah that follows, the Rebbe focuses on the custom that young children begin their Torah study with the Book of Vayikra, which features the laws of sacrificial offerings. The Mid­rash explains this custom, stating, Vayikra Rabbah, th...

Introduction In the sichah that follows, the Rebbe analyzes Rashi’s commentary on the phrase, “a pleasing fragrance to G‑d,” which is mentioned numerous times in this Torah reading in connection with the sacrifices and the laws pertaining to them. Regardi...

Introduction When trying to develop a child’s awareness of self, parents and educators face a dilemma. Obviously, they do not want children to grow up self-centered, with inflated egos, thinking the world revolves around them. However, they also do not wa...

Leviticus, the third book of the Torah, contains very little “action”; it is primarily devoted to the rules governing the relationship of G d with the Jewish nation and with each person as an individual. The first two-and-a-half sections describe the proc...

Among the sacrifices mentioned in this Torah reading is the conditional guilt-offering. A sin-offering is brought when one definitely knows that he has committed an inadvertent sin. A conditional guilt-offering, however, is brought when one is in doubt wh...

The mother of the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, died when he was very young and he was raised by his grandfather, R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi. When the child was three, R. Shneur Zalman brought him to cheder [school] for the first time. As is...

When Napoleon invaded Russia, the Alter Rebbe sided with the Russian Czar — not so much because he appreciated the Czar’s policies, but because he feared what would happen if Napoleon would be victorious. “If the Czar prevails, it will continue to be diff...

I. (At a Pesach farbrengen,Sichos Yom Shevi’i Shel Pesach, 5700 (Sefer HaSichos 5700, p. 68). ) the [Previous] Rebbe related the manner in which the Alter Rebbe brought his grandson, the Tzemach Tzedek, to cheder [for the first time]. Among the points the...

Likkutei Sichos, Vol. VII, p. 20ff. I. In many years,[I.e., whenever there is a leap year.] Parshas Vayikra is read on a Shabbos which is close to Purim. This leads to the conclusion that the significance and positive quality of Purim is alluded to in thi...

The Sidra of Vayikra is about sacrifice: The offerings that were made in the Sanctuary, and the procedure that surrounded them. What does it mean to us today, when there is no Temple? Two Temples were destroyed. But many millions were not, and could not b...