Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Rebbe's Letters

While exploring letters from the Rebbe that describe Segulos for good eyesight and spiritual cures for vision loss, we also discuss the Rebbe's position on contact lenses. And, as a bonus, we demonstrate from primary sources, photographs, and paintings that a least four Chabad Rabbeim wore glasses.

Exploring the Rebbe's attitude toward "Yira Tata", a baseline fear of G-d that is usually associated with accepting the yoke of heaven and a fundamental fear of sin.

In Chassidus, where our focus is often love and awe of G-d, is there room for this baseline fear? And in the month of Elul, when the King is in the field smiling at us, is Yira Tata still important?

Letters, Sichos, and stories from our Rabbeim on the power of Tehillim, covering three major points: 1) The history behind the Previous Rebbe's decree that psalms should be read after prayers and in Tehillim Groups. 2) The power of Tehillim as the ultimate Segulah for all of our needs. 3) The importance of dedicating Rosh Hashanah not to idle conversation or even Torah study, but the non-stop saying of psalms.

The Rebbe's campaign against family planning. In these letters, the Rebbe describes family planning, birth control, and the choice to space out children as a destructive ideology that undermines the foundations of the Jewish home and completely misunderstands what a gift children are. While allowing room for individual cases in which it is dangerous for the mother to get pregnant, the Rebbe pushes back against the trend to limit or delay having children for any other reason.

The importance of tznius is often expressed to women, but less so to men. The Rebbe explains the importance of modesty, and emphasizes that its rules apply to men just as women. Bonus: A deep-dive into the Rebbe's position on men wearing shorts.

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of a Bas Mitzvah, and often explains it in the same light as a Bar Mitzvah. But when it comes to Bas Mitzvah parties, the Rebbe is less enthusiastic.

The Rebbe refuses to issue approbations to books in many letters, routinely citing "the custom of the Rebbe's house" or lack of time to properly review the manuscript. This Shiur looks at a sample of those letters and provides a few guesses as to why our Rabbeim have the custom not to provide Haskamos, even when they clearly approve of the book being published.

This episode traces one of the most fascinating textual controversies in the history of Sifrei Torah through ancient manuscripts, famous Torah scrolls, and the words of the Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, the Friediker Rebbe, and the Rebbe.

The Rebbe's approach to space exploration, with specific attention to how his letters and Sichos addressed religious objections to the Moon landing in 1969, from those who suspected that it would contradict verses and prayers implying that the moon is unreachble, to those who worried that scientific achievements of this caliber who engender hubris. In characteristic form, the Rebbe not only solves the "problem" of the moon landing, but turns it into a lesson in the service of G-d.

The Rebbe sees no issue with the idea of extraterrestrials (and maybe even UFOs), but provides three important guidelines for how we are to think about life on other planets.

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

You may have heard the expression: "if you're going to drive on Shabbos anyway, you may as well drive to shul" or the memorable quote attributed to a great Tzadik: "Come however you want, whenever you want." While the underlying message of love is certainly valuable, this Shiur demonstrates that the position itself is contrary to the Rebbe's Shita, against his explicit instructions, and almost certainly against Jewish law.

Benedictine, a sweet and complex brand of liqueur, was present on the Rebbe's Farbrengen table for years until complaints about its Kashrus led to its removal. This Shiur tells the story of the rise and fall (and, perhaps, resurgence?) of Benedictine in Lubavitch through letters, Sichos, and stories. L'Chaim!

Letters, Sichos, and private conversations reveal the Rebbe's clear position on alcohol consumption: With very few exceptions, we are not to get drunk, drink more than 3 or 4 small cups of hard liquor (Mashke) at one sitting, or make Kiddush on Mashke. The Rebbe asks that we not come up with excuses to dodge these rules, and goes so far as to say that those who do so are not his Shluchim and should not participate in his Peulos. Most importantly, the Rebbe emphasizes that we do not need Mashke.

Cheshbon HaNefesh--an honest accounting of our deeds--is central to the service of G-d, but only under the right circumstances. In these letters the Rebbe cautions that, when done at improper times and without joy, a Cheshbon HaNefesh can do more harm than good.

The walls of our homes absorb what happens inside them and, in this series of letters and Sichos, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of managing that by building a home imbued with holiness that serves as a haven from outside influences.

Chabad is apolitical. And while the Rebbe sees room for Jewish organizations focused on political activism, he insists that the goal of reaching every single Jew without alienating anyone due to politics overrides even the noblest political goals.

Rambam's philosophical work, Moreh Nevuchim (the Guide for the Perplexed) was initially decried as heretical and kicked off the Maimonidean Controversy that pitted rationalism against tradition. Although few truly oppose The Moreh nowadays, it is still apprached with caution in many Jewish circles. What is the Rebbe's Shita regarding Moreh Nevuchim? Should we study the Guide for the Perplexed and, if so, how and when should we learn it?

The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.

Unlike prior discussions of superstition and anxiety, in these letters the Rebbe answers people concerned about what appears to be a legitimate concern—Ayin Hara, the Evil Eye.

A brief history of the Rebbe's distribution of coins and dollars, and an exploration of letters and Sichos that explain what the Rebbe intends to accomplish through this unique Peulah.

Predicting the "Ketz" (end of our exile and the coming of Moshiach) is apparently forbidden, but sages throughout history have done so. This episode explores the Rebbe's position on these predictions, and whether they have a place in our lives today.

In this Special Episode (reposted from 5783), we explore the custom to refrain from making Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Shiur includes the origins of the custom; lenient opinions; the precise time; what to do in Israel; potential Heterim for Shalom Bayis, Guests, and Children.

The Rebbe's suggestions on how to curb talking during prayer and Torah reading. Plus: Unusually harsh primary sources.

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of learning the entire weekly portion Torah Or and Likkutei Torah every week, and finishing these books every year--going so far as to equate it with the Takana of learning Rambam.

When individuals asked the Rebbe about getting a license to drive, the Rebbe's answers in letters and private audiences ranged from clear enthusiasm to unqualified refusal.

How can we grow in our Yiddishkeit step by step without appearing hypocritical? Is it not hypocrisy to take on Mitzvos, or to study the inner dimensions of the Torah, before one is living as a completely observant Jew?

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Whether in matters of Chassidus or Torah observance itself, the Rebbe insists that we don’t debate—we demonstrate, and let truth speak for itself.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Letters discussing segulos for preventing nightmares; Interpretations for disturbing dreams; When to ignore dreams; What to do if you see the Rebbe in a dream.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

The Rebbe offers logical and scientific evidence of the mass revelation at Sinai, and explains how Judaism differs from every religion in its unique ability to prove its foundational principles—namely, that the Torah was given directly by G-d to the Jewish people.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Sermons citing Shakespeare and Kosher books with less-than-kosher footnotes: an exploration of the Rebbe's responses to writers and speakers who chose to back up their Torah thoughts with non-Jewish, non-Torah sources.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

The colorful history of Chabad Rabbeim and lotteries/raffles, along with a review of letters and other statements that shed light on the Rebbe's perspective on playing the lottery and Divine Providence.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

In honor of the upcoming election, a series of letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about the importance of voting and what to look for when deciding on a candidate.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

A two-part special episode on Calabria or Yanaver Esrogim, explaining why this particular type of Etrog is preferable even to those grown in the Land of Israel from the same seed line, and why everyone should make it a priority to use an Italian Esrog.

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Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

The Shulchan Aruch obligates sleeping in the Sukkah, but the longstanding Chabad custom is not to do so. Through letters and Sichos, we explore the origins of the custom and its justification in Halacha. (Reposted from 5784)

We have a firm custom not to hang decorations on the Sukkah (known as "Noi Sukkah"). An explanation, in letters and Sichos. (Reposted from 5784)

A simple reading of the Talmud and Code of Jewish Law would suggest it is inappropriate to sit in the Sukkah when it's raining. The Rebbe's novel approach explains the Chabad custom. (Reposted from 5784)

Letters, Sichos, Maamarim, and even table conversations about the Chabad custom to say Selichos during the month of Elul, but not during the Ten Days of Repentance.

A letter from the Rebbe about strategies to ease the fast kicks off a broader Halachic discussion about taking pills on erev Yom Kippur to aid in fasting, and whether part of the Mitzvah of fasting on Yom Kippur is feeling hunger.

In commemoration of October 7, we present a series of letters in which the Rebbe comforts the relatives of soldiers who were killed defending the Holy Land, and reflect on the themes that emerge in the Rebbe's letters of consolation.

The Rebbe's position on Jewish music within secular genres, such as Rock, Pop, or Rap, and a brief discussion of secular music and setting Torah lyrics to non-Jewish melodies.

In 1981, a shooter tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. The Rebbe wrote a letter wishing the president a speedy recovery, and then delivered a powerful Sicha that explains why people harm others and how an education instilled with faith can prevent future attempts.

Fourty three years later the U.S. is grappling with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, and the Rebbe's message could not be more timely.

A deep dive into the Rebbe's involvement in the construction of 770 replicas in Kfar Chabad, Milan, and Los Angeles, and a discussion of the Rebbe's position on building 770s around the world.

The Rebbe responds to a question about wearing Tzitzis in a dirty workplace, which leads to a discussion of whether men should be wearing a Tallis Katan while playing sports, working out, or boiling in the heat of summer. We end with a Sicha, and the overall implications for Tznius and strict Halachic adherence in the summer months.

The Rebbe believes in the power of the public school system to civilize the nations of the world, but recognizes the shortcomings of the system. In these letters and Sichos, he highlights some of the biggest issues and strongly advocates prayer, G-d, and morality in public school classrooms.

The Rebbe strongly supported (and according to some Washington insiders, was instrumental in founding) the U.S. Department of Education. Today we look at letters and Sichos in which the Rebbe supports the creation of a federal Department of Education, and begin to explore the Rebbe's position on the importance of strong public schools.

Guidance from the Rebbe on how to celebrate a birthday, with a handful of surprising letters about specific practices.

In honor of Shavuos, please enjoy this episode from last year (5783). In this special episode, we departed from our usual 1973 letter repertoire to discuss several letters about the international dateline—specifically focusing on how the Rebbe wanted those who traveled to/from Australia during Sefiras HaOmer to celebrate Shavuos.