is a special presentation delivered to honour CHOF BAIS SHEVAT, the Yahrzeit-Hilula of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, Soulmate of the internationally revered Lubavitcher Rebbe of Righteous Memory. Backgrounder: In 1992, in the days following Yartzeit-Hilula of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe and leading up to the Rebbetzin’s fourth Yartzeit-Hilula, the Rebbe delivered a series of ground-breaking addresses on Female empowerment in the Torah Perspective. Rather than the typical modern-day accommodations and adjustments, they comprised an unapologetic presentation of eternal Yiddishkeit values. To summarize (at the risk of gross oversimplification) this is the Timeless Torah-True Take on Female Empowerment. The ideas are ground-breaking. Shattering glass ceilings with concepts that are at once copiously sourced, yet entirely novel. Its an insightful, and uplifting presentation that provide us a powerful and inspirational Torah viewpoint on Jewish Femininity and our Modern Era. Ultimately our Mesorah and Torah traditions are Eternal, if your seeing anything new it's because we’re simply going Back to the Future. Sounds intriguing, watch, listen, and see for yourself! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

We the Jewish People have been observing a Rosh Hashana for Trees – in the middle of the winter -- since arriving in the Israel more than 32 centuries ago and beginning to work the land. So, to be sure, Tu B'Shvat is clearly an ancient Torah tradition that's as old as Eretz Yisrael itself. Yet as Israel is better known today for High Tech Start-ups than Agriculture should it still occupy that much space on our National Hard Drive? To explain why we persist in marking this date, many invoke a Talmudic teaching on a verse in Deuteronomy (20;19) protecting trees from destruction in warfare. Our Sages saw it as (in effect) likening a human being to a tree. However, instead of clarifying our seemingly inexplicable obsession with this minor anniversary, it only serves to exacerbate the question: Why indeed would the Torah Compare People to Trees?! This deeply insightful, and emotionally evocative presentation will offer a lucid overview of what this holiday is (and isn't) about, as it answers the questions and provides powerful lessons about life, and life-long learning. Here you will discover invaluable information on Tu B'shvat, as well as an effective strategy to identify truly ethical and inspirational spiritual leadership and guidance -- perhaps more relevant than ever in our confusing day and age! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Holiness & Healing III Maimonidean Medieval Nutrition as a Torah Truth? Eternal Halacha vs. Dated Wellness Advice? Understanding the Rambam’s inclusion of Hippocratic Medicine in Halacha!

Holiness & Healing Part 2 Dated Medicine vs Eternal Mitzvot, Rabbinic Remedies & Lasting Relevance Crises of Faith? squaring seemingly non-relevant Talmudic Medical Advice with the notion of Torah’s eternity and lasting meaning! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Holiness & Healing - Part 1 Rabbis’ Remedies and Relevance Talmudic Medicines and Modernity; Can sacred, yet ancient medical advice still be meaningful in today’s day and age?!

Hope And Healing - Inspiration From The Teachings And Wisdom Of The Rambam

Seeing The Big Picture Discovering how each of us plays a critical role in putting G-d's global peace puzzle together.

Coping Strategies for our Challenging Times!

Making Good Better Revealing layers of Torah truth and Kabbalah secrets that will ignite your imagination, and open your eyes to amazing new vistas! ! — ? The original Half-Shekel contribution is presented as a relationship repair medium with G-d (famously framed in terms of a cosmic marriage), which was weakened by the tragic (adulterously defined) Golden Calf debacle. This annual event is thusly portrayed as an annual envelope to nurture continued connection; shedding light on the hallmark of healthy marriages. Yet, although gift-giving is a logical commonly employed remedial strategy, the unusual limitations imposed seem entirely out of place. Ensuing Kabbalah-based elucidation of the subject also reveals secret recipes to marriage enhancement and realization of Shalom in the home!

Vegetative Virtue: Torah states that a human being is like a tree. The Talmud ask how this is possible. Its intriguing answer is a springboard for growth and development!

Jewish Custom & Convention! Learning the How and Why of our Cherished Traditions Shabbat’s Signature Dish Hot Cholent! Current Time 0:02 / Duration 52:48 1x Why We Eat Hot Cholent on Shabbat 0 Autoplay Why We Eat Hot Cholent on Shabbat Hands down, it’s the long-simmering stew of Shabbat morning that is its signature staple. A surprisingly strong statement from a 12 century luminary – incorporated into the menu of the Shulchan Aruch, Judaism’s proverbial “Set Table” of Torah Law – gives us a taste of just how important serving and eating this traditional delicacy really is! Another medieval manuscript thickens the consistency of its mysterious prominence, as numerous other ideas further stir the pot. Finally, a bag of beans added to the mix, concludes this delightfully flavored offering!

Jewish Custom & Convention! Learning the How and Why of our Cherished Traditions Shabbat Foods - Kugel and Company! Beyond its ubiquitous presence at Shabbat tables in virtually every (Ashkenazic) community – there are numerous astounding statements attributed to outstanding Chassidic Masters attaching extraordinary prominence and importance to the proverbial Shabbat staple known as “Kugel.” Our voyage into the past to discover the origin and meaning, sails from an ancient harbor, unfolds dinner napkins and Talmudic recipes to link us back to the miraculous Manna of old – culminating with uniquely propitious properties associated with “Lokshin Kugel”!

THE YUD SHEVAT ADDRESS: Why it had to be a Ma'amer. The ONLY Change we Can Believe In! The Central Yud Shevat Farbrengen 5782 Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Custom and Conventions: Second Course Traditional Shabbat Food- Why the Chicken Noodle Soup?!

Jewish Custom & Convention First Course: “Why Gefilte Fish?” There are copious Talmudic references to fish on the Shabbat menu, yet, despite its apparent deep history something seems fishy as it virtually disappears from Torah literature for over 1000 years – only to reappear with regularity in Halachik codes and Responsa of the late modern period! A fascinating thesis is introduced to solve this seeming mystery, prominently placing kosher seafood on the Shabbat table. Rhyme and reason for the development of European “Gefilte” and its cousin “Schmaltz” are richly introduced and garnished with tantalizing insight and clarity!

Custom and Convention! "Parshat HaChodesh!" The fourth and final seasonal Torah Reading highlights our first foundational and recurring, national ritual endeavor – the proverbial Paschal Offering. Yet, as a voice from Jerusalem suggests, there seems to be more than roasted lamb on the menu. This lecture presents a smorgasbord of sources, peppered with nuanced commentary and flavored with mystical insight that brings forth the rich flavor of this unique climatic reading and provides heaping inspirational “food for thought” with enough to satisfy heart, mind and soul!

Custom and Convention: The Parshat Para Purity Reading (Red Heifer Purity) Following Purim, comes the third seasonal Torah Reading – this time focused on ritual purification for the severest level of impurity engendered by contact with death. Heralding the requisite preparation for the key Paschal Offering, the rhyme and reason for this annual public reading is easily understood. However, multiple early sources indicate it to be biblically mandated – a notion difficult to understand. Copious sources, detailed analysis, and deep spiritual insight provide rationale as to why this unique tradition might hail from the Torah itself!

Custom and Convention! () There’s lots of hoopla attached to the Shabbat prior to Purim, as it's host to a special Torah reading said to be biblically mandated. Yet, it's common knowledge that public Torah readings are rabbinically ordained – so how could it possibly be an actual biblical mitzvah? After documenting the earliest sources for this idea; we go on to establish its legal definition and jurisprudence, attaining a better understanding of its unique rhyme and reason. This class provides an understanding of its underlying purpose as an annual reading that is supposed to influence our psyche all year long! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Custom and Convention! "Parshat Shekalim" The introduction of a well-documented, but little-known new beginning on the Jewish calendar serves to place this unique Torah Reading in its proper context. Once establishing its origins in the Temple eras of antiquity, we move on to analyse its function in our post-Temple reality. Competing philosophies and jurisprudence are framed by practical differences. We conclude with a mystical and spiritual elucidation of deeper messages and the inspirational motifs being conveyed.

“Volumes of Goodness” Fascinating facts, remarkable rules and enduring etiquette relating to handling sacred manuscripts and books. Can they influence you even if you don’t read them? Is possession alone meaningful?

Judaism’s ✡️ Pathway towards a Better World The Seven Universal Laws with a group of Ontarian Catholic High Schoolers

Aftermath: Finding Comfort after — a Torah perspective on faith in the face of suffering. On Shabbat, the 18th of the Jewish month of Mar-Cheshvon (October 27, 2018) we witnessed the deadliest massacre of Jews ever on North American soil in which 11 of our brothers and sisters were brutally cut down for no other reason than being Jewish, cold-bloodily murdered as they gathered together in prayer. Understandably, many are feeling frightened, vulnerable or even angry. Inevitably, when struck by such tragedy, we may hear a inner voice saying: “where is G-d,” or “how could a loving G-d abandon us and allow this to happen?” Our sacred Torah teachings offer wide-ranging insights in this area. Please join me to discover a Torah-true view about G-d’s response to human suffering and tragedy, as well as what our response should be in gut wrenching moments like these. This lecture is dedicated in memory of those who lost their lives in the horrific Pittsburgh shooting, and for the full and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack. May we know no more sorrow and tragedy, and may Hashem comfort, shield and protect His children from all harm - in Israel and wherever our brethren may be.

"Black Boxes II" 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! (Part Two of Three)

Rosh Chodesh Nissan. -’ . , . Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

“Black Boxes” Analysis of Rashi’s (seemingly superfluous) elucidation of the verse on Tefillin, quickly leads into broader exploration presenting a profound understanding of this foundational mitzvah. Discover defining differences between the hand and head set; and a fascinating duality of dimensions encoded into it. Revealing eye-opening legal, philosophical and mystical insights, this rumination will forever change the way you view the mitzvah of Tefillin! (Part One of Three)

The Seven Step Plan for World Peace: An overview of the proverbial Seven Noahide Laws A how-to presentation on effectively communicating the 7 Noahide Laws with profound clarity; illuminating foundational principles of Torah Judaism with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Learn how you can become an inspiration; fulfilling our age-old sacred calling of being a “light onto the nations” and doing your part to catalyze world peace. What Are the Seven Noahide Laws? https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/62221/jewish/The-7-Noahide-Laws-Universal-Morality.htm

“Birthday in Afterlife” (last episode of 3-part series) We’ve learned that both birthday observance and celebrations are Torah truisms. Now we explore if birthdates have meaning after our terrestrial passing onto our eternal rewards.

“Are Birthday Parties Kosher?” (Episode 2 in the 3 part series) Having established multiple Torah sources regarding the significance and potency of one’s birthday, we now move on to look at parties and formal celebrations. Is there an authentic Jewish tradition for such get-togethers, and is the anniversary of birth a cause for joy or sobriety? This frank and honest rumination attempts to present a clear picture of the historic reality, and the rationale the Rebbe shared with us in explaining his calling to observe and celebrate the date of our terrestrial birth!

Observing Birthdays: A Torah Tradition or Pagan Aberration? (Episode 1 in the 3 part series) This in-depth excavation digs deeply into scripture and Talmudic teachings about the observance of birthdays by both royals and regulars alike. Should ancient associations of birthdays and idolatrous rites disqualify us from marking the anniversary of our terrestrial arrival, or did they actually appropriate Torah truisms. Drawing from a wide range of traditional sources, this class pulls no punches in demystifying the subject – stridently leading you to unmistakably clear conclusions about its Torah-true origins.

The Noahide Code with students of St Thomas Aquinas of Tottenham, Ontario.

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan speaks to students: The Torah’s Universal Code of Morality ~ Sheva Mivtzahs B’nai Noach!

An in depth analysis of the Rambam's unique contribution.

The Kabbalah on Blood, Fat and Cheeseburgers!: Judaism’s Food Obsession, Part 4 This concluding class of the series sets out to further the fascinating thesis developed over the previous lectures. Here you'll find a compelling and inspiring explanation as to why and how matter from a perfectly kosher animal are in fact absolutely un-Kosher. This rumination draws on a wide range of classical early sources that, on the surface, do not seem to jibe with the Lurianic ideas of Tikkun Olam— however in the end everything is brilliantly reconciled as per a little-known and illuminating teaching of the Rebbe! Once the blood and guts fall into place, the thesis lends itself perfectly in explaining why and how kosher milk and meat too become totally toxic when fused together!

According to a cryptic Talmudic passage, the 15th day of Menachem-Av is considered one of the happiest days in the year!

Pre-Shabbat Mivarchim Parshat Yitro - Mivarchim Chodesh Adar Sermon. !

Join me for the inspirational study of an incredible letter penned by The Rebbe on occasion of the 400th anniversary (1972) of the Hilula - to discover "The Three Keys" to unlocking the Arizal’s lasting spiritual legacy!

Jews & Food Part Three Sacred Consumption! From Passover’s Bread of Faith to Friday Night’s Kiddush Cup, some food and drink seem to somehow uniquely nourish our souls. But isn’t eating just a medium to rarefy the material reality, why would consuming food or drink in and of itself be an act of holiness?

Kosher has defined Judaism for millennia - but is it still important? Kosher-style almost as good? Part two of four

“Judaism’s Food Obsession.” When did the obsession begin... what behind it?! Be amazed to discover why food plays such a central role in our sacred tradition and often defines our religious experiences. Part One of Three.

Seder of Fruit: What up with this Passover/Tu B'Shevat Mashup? by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Open Forum Q&A - Yiddishkeit Matters by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Just took a few minutes to share snippets of today's Shabbat Sermon on Chabad.org's official Facebook page. It's entitled "The Other Inauguration" in light of the much spoken of event held in Washington DC, Erev Shabbat... But it's not what you think it is! I think you'll find it informative and inspirational regardless of wherever you are on the political landscape... Let know what you think... and if you enjoy please share https://www.facebook.com/ChabadOrg/videos/10154875692965883/

Studying today's portion of Chumash I was struck by the incredibly obvious relevance to today's events as our enemies gathered in Paris to condemn us. The stunning concert of multiple messages linking it all together seemed to be a mighty beacon of light in dark night... Thought it was worthy of being shared - so did just that once again LIVE on Chabad.org's Facebook. Seems more than 1,500 viewers joined us from around the globe... Please If you find it illuminating or inspiring please share it with your friends too!

Just went LIVE on Chabad.org's Facebook page to share some of the points made in today's Shabbat sermon about the challenges the people and land of Israel are facing tomorrow and in the next few days... Please take the time to watch, listen and share. These are fateful times, and HaShem will surely protect His children... yet the responsibility to mobilize in an urgent wave of spiritual renewal now falls to us! We must all intensify our prayers, enhance our Torah study and increase our Tzedakah-acts of living kindness!! The Guardian of Israel Neither Sleeps nor Slumbers... Now is the time to reach out to HaShem in love and loyalty of Yiddishkiet -- and the Best of Times will, bezrat HaShem hopefully, soon be upon us as we see merit to see the long-awaited coming of Moshiach, AMEN!!! https://www.facebook.com/ChabadOrg/videos/10154855651500883/

Sayings of Sobriety - 10 Tevet, 5777 by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

An Inspirational Presentation: “The New Year for Trees in the Age of Corona”

Are Elul & Re'ah Most Natural of Bedfellows? by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

A Torah Teaching From Rebbe Levi Yitzchak Schneerson zt"l Av 20 is the yahrtzeit (anniversary of the passing) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (1878-1944), in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (currently Dnepropetrovsk), and was arrested and exiled to Kazakhstan by the Stalinist regime as a result of his work to preserve Jewish life in the Soviet Union.

Shabbat Nachamu: Vignettes of Solace by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Rambam: Mechirah - Chapter Fourteen 18. Verbally abusing a person is more severe than taking unfair advantage of him financially. For the latter can be repaid, while the former can never be repaid. The latter involves only the person's possessions, while the former involves his person. And with regard to verbal abuse, Leviticus 25:17 states: "And you shall fear your God," for the matter is one of feelings. With regard to all matters of feeling, the Torah states: "And you shall fear your God." Whenever a person cries out because of verbal abuse, he is answered immediately, as implied by the conclusion of the above verse: "...I am God."