Living Torah Archives

12 Tammuz marks the anniversary of the Previous Rebbe’s release from Soviet prison where he was jailed for the “crime” of promoting Judaism. Far from retreating under pressure from the Communist regime, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak fought the Jews’ oppressors and with a small group of devoted Chassidim, succeeded in keeping Judaism alive in Russia. But his amazing and inspiring story raises a fundamental question: How is it that one solitary individual was able to stand against a tyrannical world power?

There is a school of thought that in order to bring close “alienated” Jews we must go to them with an abridged and reformed version of Torah. But others have tried this approach before them.

The twelfth and thirteenth days of Tammuz mark the release of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, from Soviet imprisonment, which was the result of his efforts in strengthening Torah and mitzvah observance among Soviet Jewry.

For children, summer vacation is a welcome break from school. For parents and those responsible for their Jewish education, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

On the 50th Anniversary of the Previous Rebbe’s liberation from Soviet incarceration, the Rebbe is presented with various new Torah publications.

There is a school of thought that in order to bring close “alienated” Jews we must go to them with an abridged and reformed version of Torah. But others have tried this approach before them...

Rashi states on Torah’s very first verse: “It could happen that gentiles will claim the Jews stole the Land of Israel from them. Therefore, G-d related His mighty works in the Book of Genesis to show that it was He Who created the Land of Israel and gave it to the Jewish People.”

The events of the Previous Rebbe’s liberation on the 12th of Tammuz raise a fundamental question: How is it that one solitary individual was able to stand against a tyrannical world power?

As Chassidim sing a Nigun, the Rebbe signals to two people to shake hands and make peace.

Chassidim sing a Niggun traditionally sung on the anniversary of the Previous Rebbe’s release from prison in 1927.

From the moment G-d took possession of the Jewish People at Sinai, never again can a Jew be enslaved to another’s rule. The Jewish spirit can never be subjugated as it was in Egypt. My father-in-law, the Rebbe declared: "Only our bodies, not our souls, were sent into exile."

Summer vacation must be utilized to grow in one’s Judaism.

“Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot, but it will not materialize, for G-d is with us…” From the daily prayers

A Lively Chassidic Niggun atributed to Reb Michoel Dvorkin.

A lively Chassidic Niggun.