Through the years since the inception of Sichos In English we have diligently and devotedly worked at translating and publishing the sichos — discourses and talks — of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita. For us this has always been a labor of love, and now that we have reached the publication of volume 32 whose gematria in Hebrew forms the world lev — heart — we take the opportunity to express the feelings of our heart.

Coming from the year of Tismach, Tesamach with the firm intention to “increase matters of holiness” we must first state that we publish this volume with hearts filled with emotions of happiness and gladness. We joyously express our thanks and gratitude to the Almighty for His blessings which gave us the ability to reach this landmark and we further commit ourselves, with the help of the Almighty, to continue this vital work to bring the teachings of Chassidus to the English-speaking world.

Volume 32 covers the period from the 17th of Tammuz, 5746 through the last day of the year 5746 — Erev Rosh Hashanah. This volume includes the English translation of the discourses delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita at all the Farbrengens held during this time period. We have also included the translation of talks to the children at the gathering for the returning campers of Gan Yisrael and Emunah as well as several essays based on the Rebbe’s sichos on timely and important subjects. This volume also includes the pre-Rosh-Hashanah communal letters issued by the Rebbe Shlita on Chai Elul and on the third day of Selichos.

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.

The teachings of Pirkei Avos to “provide yourself with a teacher” was given new meaning by the Rebbe in several Sichos during this period, and the essay which sets down the Rebbe’s ideas on this subject is included in this volume. The Rebbe’s explanation of the role and responsibilities of the Rav-teacher has added an important facet to the everyday lives of Chassidim all over the world, and the Rebbe frequently refers to the importance of the role of teacher.

The Seven Noachide Laws were again a topic in the Rebbe’s talks and they were put into the context of “spiritual charity” to the nations of the world.

In his inimical way the Rebbe expounded on why the Messianic time would need additional cities of refuge and his profound insight in this matter cleared up a troubling paradox.

In his talk to the camp children the Rebbe urged them to apply themselves diligently to their studies and to conduct themselves as young “princes” and “princesses.” This would help them observe Torah and mitzvos.

On Shabbos Mevarchim Elul the Rebbe suggested a surefire way to overcome all obstacles. Those who saw the Previous Rebbe in his lifetime should picture his likeness in their mind — and others should concentrate on his likeness based on clear photographs — the mental image will help overcome all problems.

At the close of the 89th year since the founding of Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch the Rebbe urged new vigor and diligence in the role of the students of Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch to be victorious in the battle to bring Mashiach.

The Rebbe spoke about his grandfather R. Meir Shlomo Halevi Yanovsky, who studied in the Beis Midrash of the Rebbe Maharash, and of his accomplishments.

Why did the water of the Red Heifer pollute the one who sprinkled it at the same time that it purified the tameh person? To help another Jew you must feel his pain!!

As every year the Rebbe spoke at a special gathering for women on the 26th of Elul. There were also several talks on the preparations to be made before the coming year which would be a Shemitah year, e.g. help to farmers in Eretz Yisrael and the writing of a Pruzbul.

Our fervent hope is to make the light of Torah accessible to a much wider circle of Jewish readers, to disseminate the wellsprings of Chassidus and to bring new inspiration and spiritual vitality into the daily lives of English-speaking Jews. The accomplishment of this goal will be our greatest satisfaction and reward.

Sichos In English

Erev Sukkos, 5749