Living Torah Archives

During the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, known as the ten days of repentance, every individual has the power of a minyan, a quorum of ten: That which at any other time of year requires the combined effort of ten, can be achieved by the individual during these ten days.

“Fill the world and conquer it.” This commandment is directed to every Jew: Do not think that only when you’re in the synagogue or Yeshiva are you on a mission from G-d, to study Torah and fulfill Mitzvos...

Chassidim sing a lively Niggun.

The Rebbe asks the children to sing the Tzivos Hashem anthem.

Thank you to all who conveyed their good wishes for the New Year. May G-d’s promise be fulfilled: "I will bless those who bless you." It is difficult to answer individual questions during these months of Elul and Tishrei. But when a person truly connects with his inner Divine Soul, G-d illuminates his mind and heart with the wisdom to make the right decision.

Our Sages extol the virtue of “Teshuva and good deeds.” But why do they praise the path of repentance before the path of purity? Shouldn’t repentance for misdeeds be enumerated after we speak of doing good deeds?

“My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You; (as one) in a desolate and dry land without water, so (I thirst) to see You in the Sanctuary, to behold Your might and glory.” (Psalms 63:2, 3) This song was first taught by the Rebbe on 28 Nissan, 5714 – 1954.

Teshuva requires that a person make an honest assessment of his spiritual standing. To do this, it would seem ideal to isolate oneself from all distractions, to focus on one’s past deeds. Why do we see, that on Yom Kippur – the main day for Teshuvah of the whole year – we spend the entire day in a public place, in synagogue, together with so many others?

This melody was often sung by the Chassidim of the Mitteler Rebbe as they traveled to Lubavitch to visit him. The words allude to their hopeful yearnings. When they reach Lubavitch, they will drink from “the well of Torah and Chassidism,” and will lack nothing. The Rebbe taught this song during the Festival of Simchas Torah 1956.

After the passing of his mother, Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, in 1964, the Rebbe began holding a farbrengen, chassidic gathering and public address, on the date of her yahrzeit. This gathering would be dedicated to her legacy, and to the mission of the Jewish woman.