“Those who put their hope in the L‑rd shall renew their vigor [koach]” (Yeshayahu 40:31). With the publication of volume 28 — koach — of Sichos In English we express our thanks and gratitude to the Almighty and we draw new strength and vigor to continue to disseminate the fountains of Chassidus and to expand our work of spreading Torah to an ever-widening audience.
Volume 28 covers the period from the second day of Rosh Hashanah, 5746, through the 20th of MarCheshvan, 5746, and includes the English translations of the discourses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shlita, delivered at all the Farbrengens held during that time.
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.
This period under study included the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana o.b.m., the Rebbe’s mother, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash and the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab. On the 6th of Tishrei the Rebbe, Shlita, spoke of his mother’s self-sacrifice while in Siberian exile — to ensure the transcription of her husband’s writings in Torah and Kabbalah for posterity. On 13 Tishrei he spoke of the call to action of the Rebbe Maharash to “always go above,” and on 20 MarCheshvan he noted that the Rashab’s name indicates the peaceful coexistence of opposing forces.
The children of Tzivos Hashem participated in two gatherings during this period and were urged by the Rebbe to bring the good resolutions of the new year into action (8th day of Tishrei), and to turn the hearts of adults back to G‑d (4th day of Sukkos).
As he does each year, on Erev Yom Kippur the Rebbe bestowed his blessings on the community, and noted that by Divine Providence the study section of Rambam dealing with the laws of Yom Kippur would be studied on Yom Kippur. He also explained that in the laws under discussion the Rambam infers the unity of the mundane and the sublime.
It was during the Farbrengen of Shabbos Haazinu, 5746 that the Rebbe first mentioned several classic writings which make reference to the importance to request Mashiach. This topic was later supplemented by a long detailed discussion of the subject on the 7th of MarCheshvan when he cited the Midrash, Radak and Chida, who all emphasize our obligation to demand of G‑d that He bring the redemption. The Rebbe went on to urge everyone to send ten “chain letters” with this information and to start a “chain reaction” for Mashiach.
In the series of Sichos delivered on the consecutive nights of Sukkos, the Rebbe developed the common aspects of the theme of Ushpizin, both classic and Chassidic. The holiday week approached its conclusion with a Sichah on the eve of Simchas Torah in which the Rebbe told everyone to “turn over their cups,” which would precipitate greater benevolence from above.
From time to time during the year, the Rebbe discusses topics which have special significance to the general Jewish public in areas of current Jewish events, Torah study, philosophy, or the enhanced observance of Jewish life. In this volume we have included two inspiring and fundamental essays which were based on Sichos delivered during this period. The first — Shaliach/Mashiach — deals with the role of the emissaries of Lubavitch and in the second essay — Moment of Silence the Rebbe exhorts the educational leaders to ensure the future of morality and justice by allowing a “moment of silence” at the beginning of the school day.
While this volume marks an important step forward in our goal of disseminating the printed word of Chassidic philosophy we have also made great strides in recent months in the area of audio Torah tapes. With the English tapes of Mishneh Torah and Sefer HaMitzvos already completed, we will very soon complete the first cycle of Tanya tapes, as well as the first full year of Parshas Hashavua tapes. These tapes may be heard by calling one of the call-in telephone lines (in New York, and in many major cities around the globe) and they are also available for sale to the general public.
We are also proud of our work, in conjunction with Kehot Publications, in the publication of Volume I of Likkutei Dibburim in English, as well as Volume I of Lessons In Tanya.
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
13th Day of Tishrei, 5748
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