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In chapters 7 and 8 of the maamar we continue to contrast the way that Torah was accessible to the Patriarchs and the way in which we are able to access it now after Matan Torah. In the words of the Midrash, before Matan Torah, the Torah was like the fragrance of the oil whereas after Matan Torah it is like the oil itself.

We begin Chapter 7 which introduces the idea of the Higher and Lower Unities (yichuda ilaah and yichuda tataah.) The first concept discussed is that it is Hashem's attribute of Malchus (corresponding to the Divine Name of A-D-N-I) that relates to the inherent limitations of time and space.

In chapters 5 and 6 of the maamar we learn about the way that the events of Matan Torah permanently changed reality and how this is reflected in three aspects: 1) the Giver of the Torah, 2) the recipients of the Torah, and 3) the Torah itself.

In chapter 6, we are finally able to understand the statement in the verse with which we began chapter 1. "Know today and take it upon your heart that Hashem is Elokim; there is no other." Because the Divine Names of Hashem and Elokim are really one, therefore, even the concealment that makes creation appear to exist independently is also G-d. As such, there is truly nothing but Him.

Chapter 5 is very short but very challenging. Based on the Rebbe's explanations, we try to unpack the basic message of the chapter which is to obviate misunderstandings regarding tzimtzum that may arise from Chapter 4.

Chapter four of the maamar explains the meaning of the four letters of Hashem's name and describes how they are expressed not only in the soul but in the body as well.

Chapter 4 answers the question that was asked at the end of the previous chapter. How it is that creation is not nullified out of existence before Hashem? The answer is that Hashem's restraining power allows His creative power to conceal itself in a way that created beings can retain a sense of independent selfhood.

This maamar was originally delivered by the Rebbe on the second day of Shavups 5729 (1969.) In this class, we cover the first three chapters of the maamar in which the Rebbe begins to analyze a maamar of the Rebbe Maharash of the same name that was delivered 100 years earlier. The central theme is the idea of Hashem's words at Sinai being directed to the individual.

Rabbi Shais Taub visits Avi Fishoff's support group for parents in crisis, to present the valuable life lessons he learned while winning the trust of a couple of frightened stray cats. He draws parallels between putting these cats at ease and similar behaviors in interpersonal relationships that convey safety and security especially to those experiencing emotional dysregulation due to trauma.

In Chapter 3, the Alter Rebbe illustrates how, based on what we have learned in chs 1-2, it is a logical conclusion that all of created reality is non-existent relative to the Divine energy that constantly brings it in to being,

Torah is the wisdom of Hashem while mitzvos are His will. This idea will help us to understand why there are various different levels of Torah study but when it comes to mitzvah observance all Jews are placed in the same category as those who have done mitzvos and therefore will merit resurrection. In this class, we complete the study of the maamar with Chapters 4 and 5.

Rabbi Shais Taub delivers the key note address at an evening dedicated to putting an end to shame and stigma connected to anxiety and depression. The event was organized by CATCH (Creating A Team of Courage and Hope). For more information about CATCH visit: https://www.catchsupport.org/

In Chapter 2 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah, the Alter Rebbe uses the mechanics of the miraculous Splitting of the Sea to give us a logical way of understanding why creation must be constant and continuous.

Reb Menachem Ze'ev "Volf" Greenglass (1917-2010) was a unique educator and role model who raised a generation of students in Lubavitch's yeshiva in Montreal. His only son-in-law, Rabbi Dovid Cohen, joins Rabbi Shais Taub in an interview discussing Rabbi Greenglass' life and teachings.

In the third chapter of the maamar Kol Yisrael we look at the relationship between the Torah and the Mitzvos as being akin to the relationship between the soul and the body. From the revealed perspective the Torah and the soul are loftier than the Mitzvos and the body. However, in their source, the relationship is exactly reversed and the Mitzvos are greater than the Torah (which is evidenced by t...

Chapter 1 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah introduces the idea that all of created reality is composed of arrangements of the 22 letters of the Holy Tongue and that it is the Divine Speech that issues for these letters that causes all of creation to continue to exist rather than revert into nothingness.

Join Rabbi Shais Taub as he brings the mystical Ten Sefiros to life, straight from the core texts of Kabbalah and Chassidic philosophy. This session isn't just an overview—it's a deep dive into sacred writings like the introduction to Tikunei Zohar and Igeres HaKodesh, chapter 15. Rabbi Taub translates ancient wisdom into practical insights that resonate with our everyday lives. Discover how these...

The Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse Kol Yisrael begins with the Mishnah that is recited before the study of Pirkei Avos stating: "All Israel has a portion in the world to come." In this lesson, covering chapters 1-2 of the maamar, we question why even those souls that reside in the highest levels of heaven will need to come back down to the physical world in order to experience resurrection after th...

We begin the second volume of Tanya known as The Gate of Unity and Faith (Shaar HaYichud Ve'HaEmunah) which explains the oneness and unity of Hashem. In this introduction, the Alter Rebbe explains why we need to understand this subject matter as it is the foundation to developing proper love and awe of Hashem.

Rabbi Shais Taub leads a guided meditation session at the Kansas City Recovery Retreat. The focus of the meditation is on the idea of G-d's complete "Everything-ness" and how we can surrender our separate egos to that reality to experience greater serenity and, most importantly, increase our usefulness to our Maker.

Co-founder of AA, Dr. Bob, once said that the entire 12-Step program could be summed up as: 1) Trust G-d, 2) Clean House, 3) Help Others. In that spirit, Rabbi Shais Taub presents a 1-hour overview of the 12 Steps of recovery structured into "three phases of freedom" corresponding to three months on the Jewish calendar as well as three phrases in the verse (Song of Songs 1:4) "Draw me, we will run...

First we review last week's class and get into a very lively discussion of the importance of getting Jews to eat matzah on the night of Pesach. We then continue with the maamar and learn about how the matzah we eat possesses the advantages of various different spiritual levels all at once. Text-based study of the Rebbe's maamar Matzah Zo 5749. This class covers Chapters 3-4 of the maamar.

Join Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Jacob L. Freedman in a thought-provoking discussion on mental health, addiction recovery, and Pesach. Delve into the intersection of spirituality and mental well-being as they share insights and strategies for personal growth during the holiday season. Gain valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and finding inner strength amidst adversity. Whether you're seeki...

What is the reason why we eat matzah at the Seder? In the Haggadah, we say that the reason is because "our ancestors did not have time for their dough to rise before the Holy One revealed Himself and redeemed them." But is that the actual reason why we eat matzah? Is it not because we were commanded to do so? Analysis of the reason why we eat matzah leads us to understanding different spiritual le...

Modern life has disconnected us from the rhythms of the cosmos. However, during an eclipse, we collectively look up and are reminded that the universe is in motion, hinting at the existence of a Divine Creator.