ב"ה
The Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, served as the Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav. Standing up to the Communist authorities, he fought to preserve Judaism in the Soviet Union. His efforts cost him his life, when after torture in Stalin’s prisons and exile in Kazakhstan, he passed away on the 20th of Av in 1944.
The mitzvah of mezuzah is known to provide protection for us and our homes. Discover the incredible power of the mezuzah, documented in traditional Torah sources, in bestowing security and guarding the physical welfare of our people. This class offers insight and historical context into the Rebbe’s mezuzah campaign.
The Making of a Marriage, Lesson 3
What is so special about a Jewish wedding ceremony? What makes it different from a trip down to city hall? In this week’s class we explore the mystical significance of the Jewish wedding. Join us as we look at the timeless lessons to be found in every element of the wedding ceremony, from signing the Ketuba through smashing the glass.
Smashing Idols
The famous story from the Midrash about how Abraham destroyed the idols in his father's shop. An excerpt from the full DVD “Young Abraham”.
The quest for a full appreciation of a specific comment of Rashi, once again serve as a segue into a much broader understanding of foundational Torah concepts like the meaning of Mitzvot, the Land of Israel and the nature of personal religious duties . We are introduced to a Talmudic statement about the importance of Tefillin that seems vastly exaggerated. Varying explanations are capped with an amazing mystical manuscript that remarkably clarifies the “Head-Tefillin Effect”, transformationally illuminating the spiritual achievement of putting on Tefillin – even if it just once-in-a-lifetime!
The Torah commands us to “love G-d with all your heart”. The Hebrew word for 'heart' is spelled with an extra letter: the letter 'vet' appears twice. Our Sages explain that this means that we are to love G-d with both inclinations of the heart, the good (yetzer tov) and the evil (yetzer hara). But how can one possibly love G-d with one's evil inclination?! This class offers three answers in ascending sequence and offers a parallel model for a blissful marriage.
Parsha Eikev
This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Eikev
In the verse "And now, O Israel, what does the Lord, your G-d, demand of you?" (Deuteronomy 10:12) the word for "what" (mah) can be read as "hundred" (meiah) by adding a letter alef. What does it mean that G-d asks for a "hundred" from us? Where does the extra alef come from? How are both of these connected to the fact that we read this portion about a month before Rosh Hashanah?
"And it will come to pass on that day that the great shofar will sound...” The prophecy goes on to describe the in-gathering of Jews 'lost' and 'dispersed' in exile, as they return to Jerusalem in the final redemption. This class will explore the profound meaning of the “sound of the great shofar” and will reveal the startling and exhilarating secret that the sound has already begun. (Based on the Maamar V'hayah Bayom Hahu 5728)
A Rosh Hashanah Primer
Our sages reveal that G-d's ultimate objective in creation is that the world be transformed into a home for Him, which means He desires a place of privacy and intimacy. How is this to be reconciled with the more universally expressed intent for creation—that G-d's Kingship be established on earth, when monarchy and intimacy are virtually opposite states?
The Paradox of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the day each year when we reaffirm and deepen our allegiance to G-d. The sounding of the shofar gives expression to our 'coronation' of G-d as our personal Monarch and as the Supreme King of Kings of all creation. This class will address the puzzling fact that nary a hint of this is to be found in Scripture where we are enjoined to observe this sacred day. (Based on various sources in Chassidic literature.)
Chana’s Prayer and Rosh Hashanah
On Rosh Hashana we read in the Haftorah about the birth of the prophet Samuel. Childless for many years, one year on Rosh Hashana, his mother Chana offered a prayer that elicited the Divine blessing resulting in his birth. The Talmud states that Chana's prayer is the model which all prayer aught emulate. This class will explain how to access the awesome power of prayer any time and especially on Rosh Hashana. (Likutei Sichos vol. 29, p.182)
The origin of Rosh Hashanah greeting cards and wishes
Although sharing good wishes with family and friends in the lead up to Rosh Hashanah – in word and writing – seems so natural to this season; it isn't actually legislated in primary Halachik codes—although a 14th century book of customs, instructs to also include such sentiment when sending a letter. The unusual verbiage and its absence from the Shulchan Aruch begs for clarification. A careful analysis of Elul acronyms, reveals a deeper dimension of this special month's emphasis and activities, especially as illuminated by our Rebbe's teachings.
Although surprising to some, we not only believe Satan exists – we even do things to confuse him! This is perhaps truest in the days leading up to, and on our Jewish New Year. With copious Torah-true sources establishing his existence, we go on to carefully analyze rabbinic writings detailing special timely traditions and activities – all proverbially ordained to keep the Celestial Accuser in the dark. But how in heaven can we fool an angel? Be blown away by the Rebbe's explanation of Shofar sounding and the deeper meaning of “confounding Satan!”
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