Letters For Our Time

Rambam writes that the one who would oversee the guards of the Beis Hamikdash would hit anyone who fell asleep on the job. But isn’t it forbidden to hit someone? Learn from the great Hungarian Rov, R. Yeshaya Zilbershtein. Sources: Rambam, Maasei l’Melech, Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Tanya.

Should you sway while davening? Inspired by a doctor I met last week and the newly-discovered notes of the Rebbe Rashab on Kaf HaChaim (Palagi). Sources: Avudraham, Rama, Magen Avraham, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Sefer HaManhig, Zohar, Kaf HaChaim (Sofer), Mishna Berurah, shu”t Chavos Yair, Ya’avetz, Chida, Kaf HaChaim (Palagi), Rebbe Rashab.

Delve into a 1960 letter from the Rebbe to Rabbi Dovid Cohen AKA the Nazir of Jerusalem.

Study the last mishna in masechet Mikvaos chapter 7, according to pshat and Chassidus.

What is the source for reciting Shema before going to sleep? Learn the Halacha and uncover the story of Rabbi Abba and the anonymous man in the Zohar, as well as the history of two people who seem to have written the same book. Sources: Talmud (Berachos & Megillah), Rashi in parshas Balak; Zohar, Menoras HaMaor (may not be what you think!), Siddur HaShelah, Hemshech Ayin-Beis, Simchas Torah Farbre...

Pesach Sheini: the tension between Halacha & Chassidus . Based on Likkutei Sichos vol.33 behaalosecha sicha 1

Kehos, Levi & Gershon in the desert: then & now . Explore a talk delivered by the Rebbe on parshas Naso in 1972 (Likkutei Sichos vol.13).

When three angelic visitors arrived at Avraham’s tent, he served them dairy followed by meat. Explore the halachic and mystical significance of this curious menu, and discover how Avraham’s hospitality provided the decisive answer to the angels’ claim that the Torah belonged in heaven—and why it was given to us instead.

Through the ages, many have claimed to have received a sign from Heaven, sometimes even on a piece of paper. Explore various claims -- including one that is mentioned in halacha -- and gain some insight into an obscure topic. In memory of Reb Moshe Yehudah ben Reb Tzvi Yosef Kotlarsky, on his second yahrzeit, 27 Iyar.

How much money is one permitted to give to tzedakah? We usually say 20% -- but in one place, Rambam says it is false piety to give more than 20%, yet in another place he says you can! And the Alter Rebbe says you can give ALL your money to tzedakah! Explore the halachic side of the coin with special guests Rabbi Yaakov Emden, the Chida & the Rebbe Rashab. Featuring a cherry on top with the spiritu...

A class about what AI is demanding of us.

In Parshas Emor the Torah lists the yomim tovim in chronological order, and the mishna follows a similar pattern in Seder Moed. Yet in his Sefer Zenanim, Rambam switches the order. This shiur explores the reasons behind this change, visiting the great R. Yosef Engel and R. Yosef Rosen along the way, as illuminated by the Rebbe. Based on Likkutei Sichos vol.32 Emor sicha 1.

Family Purity & intimacy

Based on Likkutei Torah 35b

Parshas Kedoshim contains 51 Mitzvos (!). One of them is the prohibition to defraud with inaccurate weights and measures. Explore a passage in the Rambam which is echoed in the Choshen Mishpat section of Shulchan Aruch— and discover a deeper life lesson within this mitzvah. Sources: Gemora, Rambam, Tur Beis Yosef, Sefer Meiras Einayim, Prisha, Rabbeinu Bechaye, Sefer HaChinuch, Minchas Chinuch and...

Discussion of many laws and customs of the wedding.

Teaching from Sefer Yetzirah on the parsha and beyond

If someone owes you money and says, “I’ll pay you after Pesach,” how long is that? The day after? A week? Uncover an unusual Halacha in the Shulchan Aruch which just doesn’t seem to belong. Explore the writings of Rabbi Yosef Karo, the Levush, Gra, Sefer Meiras Einayim, Shach & Rabbi Yaakov Emden.

Part 2 in the JewishU course on Dating & Marriage. Today we discussed the difference in marriage before and after the Torah was given, and then read and discussed a letter by the Rebbe about priorities in marriage.

Farbrengen in honour of the Rebbe’s birthday with the shliach in Tulsa, OK

Tzav - based on Likkutei Sichos vol.1 Shabbos HaGadol - based on lku”s vol.27 Four Sons - based on Simchas HaRegel

Do I have to move the fridge to clean under it for Pesach? What do with my chametz if I’ll be at someone else’s house? Can you kasher a microwave for Pesach? And more…

Discussion about dating and marriage. Sources: The Jew & His Home by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov; letter by the Lubavitcher Rebbe (The Lettet & the Spirit vol.1, p.363.

A little bit about the parsha and Pesach.

What are some halachic issues regarding coffee? Can you drink coffee after eating the Afikoman? Sources: Gemora, Shulchan Aruch, Taz, Radvaz, Tosafos, Pri Chadash, Chida, Lubavitcher Rebbe