Text-Based Study- SoulWords

As we conclude the maamar with the study of the ninth and final chapter, we delve even more deeply into the true nature of Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people. Even at the loftiest levels where there is no compelling reason for Hashem to choose one way or another, the Jewish people are essential to […]

Based on what we have learned so far, we understand that the randomness of a lottery allows for the possibility of Haman's wicked plot succeeding. We now explain why it didn't actually work by introducing a new way of understanding G-d's "choice" in choosing the Jewish people. Chapter 8 of the discourse.

Having left off with the question of why Haman's evil plot was unsuccessful, the maamar now turns its focus to King Achashverosh. We learn that the level of divinity symbolized by Achashverosh refers to a transcendent plane where the categories of ends and beginnings lack any practical distinction. Consequently, the rule of Achashverosh was characterized […]

The idea of a lottery represents a level of reality that transcends not only intellect but even will. This is the level of G-dliness known as "Ba'al HaRatzon" which means the master of the will. On that level, atonement for violation of G-d's will is possible. After understanding this, however, we are left with the […]

The name Purim refers to the "pur" or the lottery cast by Haman to choose the month in which to carry out his evil plan. Why is the name of the holiday connected with attempted tool of destruction? We begin to explain that the idea of a lottery, which features both on Purim as well […]

In this class, we give a review of the main themes covered so far in the previews chapters and we study the final chapter which explains the paradox of how the levels we have learned about called "ohr" (light) and "shem" (name) can coexist. We discuss two main ways in which we can perceive Hashem's […]

The Divine energy that is referred to as "shem" (name) is hidden more deeply in creation than other kinds of Divine energy, however, it also reveals a deeper level of Divinity. The most deeply hidden G-dliness is closer to the actual Essence of the Creator than forms of creative energy that are more revealed. Chapters […]

Having previously discussed the Divine creative energies known as ohr (light), chayus (life), and koach (power), we now introduce the category of shem (name) which refers to the idea that Hashem "speaks" the world into being. Chapter 5 of Basi LeGani 5744.

Since the time of their leaving Egypt, the mission of the Jewish people has been to refine the sparks of Divine energy that are hidden in this world. But is the Divine light really so concealed or is it in fact everywhere we look and in everything we see? This class covers Chapters 3-4 of […]

Text-based study of the Rebbe's yearly 10 Shvat "Basi LeGani" maamar recited on the anniversary of the passing of his father-in-law and predecessor. The maamar from the year 5744 (1984) corresponds to the present year 5784 (2024.) This class covers Chapters 1-2 of the maamar.

Chapters 7-10 of the maamar explain the role of the soul's essence in the alignment and integration of all soul levels as well as its ability to transform darkness into light.

Our connection to the mitzvos--even those that have reasons that we can understand--is ultimately suprarational. It is this level of devotion to Hashem's will that the Hellenists sought to eradicate as symbolized by their purposely defiling the oil in the Temple. Chapters 4-6 of the maamar Tanu Rabanan Mitzvas Ner Chanukah 5738.

Chapters 1-3 of the Rebbe's discourse Tanu Rabanan Mitzvas Ner Chanukah 5738 are studied in this text-based class. We examine the meaning of the number eight and its connection to transforming darkness to light.

In the final chapter of the discourse Mayim Rabim we learn about how ordinary mundane life actually contains tremendous spiritual potential. The return to our everyday lives after the excitement of the High Holidays is compared to the soul's embodiment on the physical plane following its having been in the spiritual realms.

Previously we explained that although the mayim rabim (worries about making a living) are from a lofty spiritual source, the soul is from an even higher source, ie the Essence of G-d. However, we also said that the purpose of the descent into embodiment was so that the soul can have an even greater ascent. […]

The soul descends from a place of spiritual perfection and is plunged into the harrowing conditions of embodiment. All of this is actually a descent for the sake of a subsequent ascent. The soul in heaven is a "tzadik" but the embobied soul can become a "baal teshuvah," an incomparably greater level in closeness with […]

The flood waters of financial worries are rooted in the lofty spiritual level known as Tohu. Yet the source of the G-dly soul is ultimately even higher. The G-dly soul's love of G-d is likened to the fire that is hidden inside of a coal or on an even higher level, the potential spark that […]

Studying the Rebbe's discourse Mayim Rabim 5738, which metaphorically compares financial worries to a flood, inundating us like raging waters. Despite their overwhelming nature, these concerns not only fail to extinguish our spiritual passions but, unexpectedly, end up fueling and strengthening them. Chapters 1 and 2 of the discourse.

Chapters 6-9 of the discourse.

Chapters 4-5 of the discourse.

Chapters 2-3 of the discourse.

Text-based study of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's inaugural discourse. Lesson 1 of 4, this class covers chapter one of the text.

What do you do when you've broken free from your limits? Break free again. Text-Based Study of Maamar Lehavin Inyan Pesach Sheni, 5738 with Rabbi Shais Taub. This discourse was recited by the Rebbe on 13 Iyar, 5738 in honor of the yahrzeit of his brother, R' Yisroel Aryeh Leib, and published in edited form […]

The Rebbe’s discourse Matzah Zu 5749 on the spiritual significance of the matzah we eat on Pesach. The maamar (discourse) begins with this well known passage from the Haggadah: “This matzah that we eat--for what reason? Because the dough of our fathers did not have time to become leavened before the King of the king […]

The Rebbe’s discourse Matzah Zu 5749 on the spiritual significance of the matzah we eat on Pesach. The maamar (discourse) begins with this well known passage from the Haggadah: “This matzah that we eat--for what reason? Because the dough of our fathers did not have time to become leavened before the King of the king […]