Living Torah Archives

At a farbrengen marking the liberation of the Alter Rebbe, chasidim sing the nigun of Four Stanzas composed by the Alter Rebbe.

In a culture of “live and let live” you might convince yourself that another person’s religious commitments are none of your business. But ask yourself what you’d do if you truly cared about your fellow’s welfare. And why should someone’s spiritual needs be any less important than their physical needs.

Chasidim sing a song with words in Russian; “We will not drown in water, and in fire we will not burn,” as the Rebbe distributes L’chaim to Jews who have recently arrived from the Soviet Union.

The Alter Rebbe was informed of his release from prison as he was reciting the verse in Psalms, “He redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that came upon me, because of the many who were with me.”

The Alter Rebbe relates that he was informed of his release from prison as he was reciting the verse in Psalms, “He redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that came upon me, because of the many who were with me.”

Chassidim sing a lively Nigun.

“Every person should take upon himself to learn a tractate of Talmud – and learn it with joy! Begin learning it this Yud-Tes Kislev, and complete it by next Yud-Tes Kislev.”

The Rebbe distributes L’chaim to the directors of Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos from around the world, to be given out to their students.

King Solomon writes in Proverbs, “Charm is false and beauty is naught, a G-d-fearing woman is the one to be praised.” The Midrash explains that this is a parable for Torah study: The lofty Torah study of Moses and Joshua’s generations, which appear to be “charming” and “beautiful,” are considered “false” compared to the learning of those Jews who cling to Torah with “fear of G-d” in times of persecution.