Once again we reach an important milestone in the dissemination of Chassidus — the publication of another volume of Sichos In English. As in the past, in this case too, we will invoke the gematria of 33 — G’aL’ — and find special significance in this number. Our stated goal in Sichos In English is to spread the wellsprings of Chassidus far and wide and with the publication of this volume 33 a new wave (gal) of Chassidic teaching is being launched and disseminated.

The publication of another volume of the Rebbe’s discourses is a momentous event and we are thankful to the Almighty for having been given the ability and opportunity to make this a reality.

The importance of this publication is increased, and our appreciation and thanks are intensified, by the fact that this volume is being published in conjunction with the 87th birthday of the Rebbe Shlita, on the 11th of Nissan, 5749. In a sense we are dedicating this volume as a birthday present to the Rebbe Shlita.

This volume covers the period from Rosh Hashanah 5747 until the 19th of Kislev of that year. It includes the English translations of the discourses delivered by the Rebbe Shlita at all the Farbrengens held during that period. We have also included the special blessings given by the Rebbe Shlita on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Erev Yom Kippur and Erev Sukkos, as well as the talks delivered during all the days of Sukkos after Maariv. The Rebbe viewed the themes of Sukkos in a new light by citing the daily Psalms in these talks.

Several essays on important subjects based on the Rebbes discourses are also included, as well as the communal letter sent by the Rebbe Shlita on the first day of MarCheshvan.

The free-style translations of the Sichos are structured to appeal to the English-speaking reader who has some basic familiarity with the teachings of Chassidus. The original contexts of the Sichos are generally maintained, and the form and style in which they were said is adhered to. Only slight adaptations or omissions have been permitted, when they facilitate the smooth flow of the translation. As always, great effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the translations; however, they carry no official authorization. As in all works of this nature the possibility of inadvertent error exists, for which we humbly apologize.

During the period covered in this volume the Rebbe on several occasions spoke on the importance of designating a Rav/teacher. This theme was first given prominence by the Rebbe in the closing months of 5746, and with the advent of the year 5747 the Rebbe again reiterated these vital issues.

But here the theme of the Rav/teacher took on a new dimension and perhaps evolved into another theme of Chabad Houses. For the Rebbe placed great emphasis on the role of Chabad Houses and the importance to establish Chabad Houses everywhere. In the essays Chabad Houses — Everywhere and Chabad Houses — II the Rebbe spoke of the Chabad House as a center of Torah, Prayer and acts of loving kindness which would serve as powerhouses to generate these good practices to all Jews everywhere.

As a fitting corollary to the subject of Chabad Houses the role of Shluchim — emissaries — was clearly delineated. A Shaliach must devote his life to the mission of teaching and must be sensitive to the spiritual needs of every individual. In this role the Shaliach must also empower others to spread the word of Shlichus and to bring Mashiach closer.

To the convention of Shluchim the Rebbe emphasized that a Shaliach is an ambassador of Torah and he represents the Nasi of the generation. Shluchim should devote all their efforts to inculcate Torah, righteousness, Yiddishkeit and uprightness in local Jewish communities.

Our hope is to spread the fountains of Chassidus to the outside. May this volume 33 start a powerful wave of increased study of Chassidus qualitatively and quantitatively in the English speaking Torah community and may this usher in the era of Mashiach — Now.

Sichos In English

11th Day of Nissan, 5749
87th Birthday of the Rebbe, 40th Year of Nesius of the Rebbe Shlita