Having completed the cycle of three tens (10’s) with volume 30, and having gained renewed strength in the process, we now embark on ever-expanding endeavors with new commitment and inspiration. We express our thanks to the Almighty for enabling us to reach this milestone and we pray for further Divine Providence and strength to continue our work of publishing the works of Chassidic philosophy in English.

Volume 31 covers the period from Shabbos Kedoshim to the 15th of Tammuz, 5746. This volume includes the English translations of the discourses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita, delivered at all the Farbrengens and yechidus during this time period, as well as special essays on important subjects.

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.

In connection with Lag BaOmer the Rebbe emphasized the importance of outings and rallies for children as well as the teachings of Rashbi. It was during the Farbrengen of Lag BaOmer that the song Ad Mosai — “We want Mashiach” was sung for 1 1/2 hours!

In preparation to Shavuos the Rebbe spoke of the importance of unity and love among the Jewish people. This discussion is covered in the Essay “Unity and Love” as well as in the sichos of Shabbos before Shavuos.

The Rebbe’s sichah to the Convention of N’shei uBnos Chabad dealt with the special role and abilities of women, urging them to reach out to other Jewish women.

During Shavuos the Rebbe mentioned that it is important for women to study Chassidus, and to the graduates of Beis Rivkah and the staff of the girls’ summer camps the Rebbe urged the young women to use their talents and innate abilities to train and educate the young.

During this period on several occasions the Rebbe spoke of establishing new Chabad Houses in every locality. He used the occasion of the dedication of the new Beis Chabad in Kfar Chabad, Israel, which took place on the 15th of Tammuz, to speak again of the importance of establishing Chabad Houses all over the world and the need to demand Mashiach now. The new Chabad House in Kfar Chabad is a replica of “770” Eastern Parkway and is also called “770.”

In the essay “Rabbinic Appointments” the Rebbe’s advice to Rabbis and communities is carefully presented and the role of Rabbis and teachers is made very clear.

In the essay “Dry Bones” the Rebbe Shlita touched on the story of the “Dry Bones” of the prophet Yechezkel to emphasize that we must even reach out to Jews who seem to be “dry bones” and reinvigorate them with the lifeforce of Yiddishkeit.

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

12th Day of Tammuz, 5748