Shivchei & Sichot Haran

88: Rabeinu explains why we turn the tables over on Shabbat Hagadol. He connects this with the idea of speech and how the main idea of leaving Egypt was redeeming dibur/speech from the exile 89: Rabeinu delves into the pattern of one sin leading to another, creating a bundle of sins. He explains that each sin leads to another sin that is related to it, creating a bundle of sins all in the same cat...

Rabeinu explains the deeper meaning behind the common saying that every fool has a beautiful wife. He connects this with the deeper intentions behind the etrog and the species of the holiday of Sukkot. Rabeinu also connects this in turn with the high holidays, the way the body transfers wisdom, and how a person merits a beautiful etrog…

Rabeinu mentions many different customs we perform at a wedding and the deep significance behind every one.

84: One is not safe from pain in the grave. Even when one passes, he can hear the maggots crawling and feel the pain of their bites. There’s nothing that could distract you from the pain in there… 85: Rabeinu explains why a person should not stubbornly refuse to travel to a certain place. Sometimes G-d arranges for a person to travel somewhere in order for him to rectify something in that place, j...

Most of the things people are afraid of cannot harm them whatsoever. The main reason they fear from that thing or person is simply because there’s something within you that makes you feel that way, even if your mind can completely and clearly understand why that phobia is foolish. The same applies to the desires of this world…

81: Rabeinu goes into great length about the dangers of philosophy and those who ridicule holy endeavors. Sometimes, these sophistications can stem from people who seem to be upright and religious… The main thing is to be simple, upright, to have fear of G-d, and to remove yourself from evil! 82: Rabeinu gives us a beautiful secret behind verse 12 of Tehillim/Psalms chapter 41.

79: Rabeinu explains why a person encounters confusions and foreign thoughts when he begins to serve G-d and draw close to the true tzadik. He also answers why a person can’t just be directly purified the second he draws close and why it takes time… 80: A person can prevent another from serving G-d even more than the evil inclination…

Fairness can be found anywhere and in any single person, it just depends when that fairness will be revealed. For some, that fairness is brought it relatively quickly, and for others it can take a very long time for that fairness to come out.

Rabeinu discusses the meaning behind strife and the wars that take place in the world, both at a general and personal level.

Rabeinu studied the entire 4 sections of Shulchan Aruch 3 times in his childhood, one time understanding the simple meaning, the next time understanding each law and how it’s sourced in the Gemara, and the third according to the secrets of the Kabbalah. Rabeinu emphasizes the importance of studying with speed, and in order. Even if we don’t understand a subject, move on and you’ll understand it la...

Rabeinu studied the entire 4 sections of Shulchan Aruch 3 times in his childhood, one time understanding the simple meaning, the next time understanding each law and how it’s sourced in the Gemara, and the third according to the secrets of the Kabbalah. Rabeinu emphasizes the importance of studying with speed, and in order. Even if we don’t understand a subject, move on and you’ll understand it la...

In one of Rabeinu’s most beautiful conversations about prayer, Rabeinu discusses the importance of encouraging oneself in prayer… to pray with total simplicity, paying attention to the simple meaning of the words / to pray like a child in school. Rabeinu also said that one does not need to pray with the Kavanot (Kabbalistic meditations) of the Arizal at all. Rabeinu teaches us that prayer is highe...

74: Rabeinu explains why it’s important for one to pretend/to do as if, when it comes to anything holy and specifically prayer. Sometimes a person needs to pretend to be enthusiastic, or fiery, to bring out that fire or eagerness to serve G-d. 75: Rabeinu gives us a beautiful teaching about praying with total simplicity…

72: Rabeinu says not to put too much attention on the foreign thoughts and false motives that distract us while praying. 73: Rabeinu explains why certain Tzadikim don’t have the ability to keep their visions and perceptions to themselves while others do…

69: We must constantly try to conquer G-d by being persistent in drawing close to Him even though it seems He doesn’t want us because of our many sins. 70: We must not allow G-d to bring down evil decrees to the world. We must continue to pray to HASHEM and converse with Him in order to distract him from bringing down these decrees… 71: Rabeinu quotes the Zohar Parashat Vayechi 219b which states t...

67: Rabeinu explains that insanity mainly exists because people are unwilling to listen to the words of those who are wiser than them… 68: Rabeinu guarantees that doing hitbodedut for at least an hour a day will eventually draw you close to G-d in the most genuine way possible.

64: Pride and Prestige don’t prove anything. Sometimes a person merits greatness just because of one thing, and yet someone who does many good things might not merit any rank. 65: Joy subdues the klipa responsible for killing young children. 66: One must put all his force in his prayers. The easiest way to do so is to concentrate on the words of prayer and your energy will automatically follow alo...

Rabeinu explains how each and every country respects different things. Depending on what a certain country finds important, it will determine whether a person will be successful in whatever endeavor he decides to begin…

61: There’s a reason why the Gemara uses the phrase “Hadrei Bi”-“I reversed myself…” 62: A person can use his thoughts to create a reality!

Rabeinu discusses the dangers of construction, and how this can lead to harm/poverty (Rabeinu in Likutei Moharan explains how to avoid this). He also discusses certain channels that exist under the earth which determine the type of fruits which grow in certain regions. Rabeinu connects this with the foundation stone through which the world was created. Rabeinu finishes off the lesson with a discus...

57: Rabeinu was scared of death during his youth, but that didn’t stop him from praying to G-d asking Him to allow him to sacrifice his life to sanctify His Name. 58: One must ponder and constantly review the words of Torah you’re trying to create novelties in. Sometimes flashes of wisdom escape us, and we must run after them until we get them back. 59: One must be careful not to be overly attenti...

54: In connection with the concept of reincarnation, Rabeinu explains how G-d never does the same thing twice. 55: The World to Come cannot be adequately described… not even by the adjective “tov” - “good.” 56: Someone might be so entrenched in an evil desire that it completely renders other desires, even desires that are bigger than the one you’re currently stuck in, unimportant in your eyes…

52: G-d’s glory calls out from all things. Even amongst the stories of the goyim, G-d’s glory is present. One also needs to pray at all times, even if G-d distances Himself from you. 53: Faith is what gives a person a true and happy life. Even when things go wrong, because of this person’s faith, he is happy because he knows the outcome will be for his benefit.

In one of Rabeinu’s most important lessons of Sichot Haran, we dive into several crucial principles: to renew oneself constantly, not to run excessively after money, not to be a fanatic, to stay simple yet intelligent, increasing our da’at, defeating our desires, searching for the greatest tzadik, being humble before G-d’s immeasurable greatness, etc…

In one of Rabeinu’s most important lessons of Sichot Haran, we dive into several crucial principles: to renew oneself constantly, not to run excessively after money, not to be a fanatic, to stay simple yet intelligent, increasing our da’at, defeating our desires, searching for the greatest tzadik, being humble before G-d’s immeasurable greatness, etc…