Letters From the Rebbe - Personal and public correspondence of the Rebbe

Wednesday, June 22, 1955 - Tammuz 2, 5715

Tuesday, August 10, 1954 - Av 11, 5714

In view of the all above, it is my decided opinion that you have no cause for worry, and you should be quite firm in your faith in G-d that things will improve...

Special Instructions for the Tenth of Tevet

The 10th of Tevet "In View of the Situation In and Around the Land of Israel"

A special effort should be made in the areas of Torah, prayer and charity.

The King: Then and Today

5727 [1966-67]

Particularly it is the duty of everyone who is a "king", a leader, in his circle to raise the voice of the Torah and Mitzvoth, forcefully and earnestly...

Gather All of Yourself

5727 [1966-67]

Every year at this time the Jew is called upon to take account of all his thoughts, words and deeds during the outgoing year, in order to place them in one's inner "Holy Temple."

On Leaders Emigrating from their Hometown

Sunday, November 11, 1973 - Cheshvan 16, 5734

Should one move away from a post of influence in a Diaspora Jewish community in order to make Aliyah to Israel?

The Rebbe's Apology

Friday, September 05, 1986 - Elul 1, 5746

Why one should never feel that it is above their honor to apologize.

On Science and Its Truths

The whole Torah-versus-science "problem", the Rebbe maintained, is based on a popular misconception as to what science is

The Daily Sabbatical

Sunday, September 26, 1965 - Elul 29, 5725

Pre–Rosh Hashanah 5726 [1965]

Every day we have the Sabbatical elements—prayer, Torah study, mitzvot—and the mundane aspects. Are these two elements of the day mutually exclusive?

The Convergence of Two Shabbats—Part 2

Thursday, September 27, 1979 - Tishrei 6, 5740

6th of Tishrei, 5740 [1979]

The day of Shabbos—which is a “memorial to the work of Creation”—belongs to and completes the period of preparation and formation of a definite order embracing the universe, which G‑d brought into being in the days of Creation, with the day of Shabbos being the soul that animates all the days of the week, to the extent that the entire week is sometimes referred to as “Shabbos.”

The Convergence of Two Shabbats—Part 1

Monday, September 10, 1979 - Elul 18, 5739

18th of Elul, 5739 [1979]

It has been explained on many occasions that a Jew, wherever he is, is expected in his everyday life, especially in his spiritual life, to transform his environment—his home as well as his surroundings—into a (spiritual) “Eretz Yisroel.”

Pastoral Shemitah Messages

A selection of public letters issued by the Rebbe in preparation for several Shemitah (Sabbatical) years.

The Obligation to Illuminate the World

Tuesday, December 02, 1980 - Kislev 24, 5741

Chanukah, 5741

The Chanukah Lights are expressly meant to illuminate the “outside,” symbolically alluding to the duty to bring light also to those who, for one reason or another, still walk in darkness...

Mezuzah Protection

Friday, August 27, 1976 - Elul 1, 5736

The present situation calls for the protection of every Jewish home. True protection is that which only G-d provides, as it is written, "G-d guards the city." To ensure this Divine guardianship, the home has to be conducted in all aspects according to G-d's will.

Egyptians' Sudden Stop

Sunday, November 11, 1973 - Cheshvan 16, 5734

The greatest miracle was that the Egyptians stopped their invasion for no good reason only a few miles east of the Canal.

The Miracle of Entebbe

One cannot fail to note the extraordinary aspects at both ends of the hijacking. On the one hand, the ease with which the four terrorists hijacked the airbus in Athens, and on the other hand, the extraordinary success of the rescue operation.

On Jewish Mysticism

Tuesday, April 14, 1981 - Nissan 10, 5741

Jewish mysticism teaches that the purpose of the soul’s descent to earth is to reveal the harmony that is inherent in the created world, beginning with the “small world,” namely, man—a creature of Nigleh and Nistar, of a body and a soul.

Condolence Letter to Ariel Sharon

Tuesday, October 17, 1967 - Tishrei 13, 5728

I was deeply grieved to read in the newspaper about the tragic loss of your tender young son, may he rest in peace... During a time of war and peril you were saved - indeed, you were among those who secured the victory for our nation, the Children of Israel, against our enemies.

Mourning a Death

Tuesday, December 23, 1969 - Tevet 14, 5730

Letter to a teenage girl who lost her mother. Reconciles contradiction in our sages’ mourning laws; discusses the departed soul’s ascent and how to keep close to it.

To Be Motivated By Sorrow

Friday, December 05, 1969 - Kislev 25, 5730

At this time the soul "departs from the body," in the sense that it abandons the bodily needs, inclinations and lusts. This is a fitting time to reflect upon the opportunities which have been given to the soul to "return" to its Source

The Soul's Journey

Whatever the direct cause of the separation of the soul from the body, whether a fatal accident or a fatal illness, it could affect only any of the vital organs of the physical body, but could in no way affect the spiritual soul.

A Message to a Yartzeit Gathering

The Yartzeit should not call forth any feeling of sadness, but rather a feeling of earnest reflection, introspection and self-examination. With a view to attuning one’s life on this earth to the life-path of the soul Above, which is constantly on the ascent

The Significance of a Rebbe's 10th Yahrtzeit

Thursday, February 04, 1960 - Shevat 6, 5720

A Rabbi’s privilege and responsibility

Sunday, January 17, 1943 - Shevat 11, 5703

Letter No. 52

The difference of opinion between the School of Shammai and the School of Hillel regarding the kindling of Chanukah lamps

Letter No. 50

Release Time Education Programs in Public Schools;

Wednesday, January 13, 1943 - Shevat 7, 5703

Letter No. 49

The necessity for establishing schools and educational programs for girls; spiritual charity

Friday, January 01, 1943 - Tevet 24, 5703