The Rebbe's Letters

The Rebbe sees no issue with the idea of extraterrestrials (and maybe even UFOs), but provides three important guidelines for how we are to think about life on other planets.

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

You may have heard the expression: "if you're going to drive on Shabbos anyway, you may as well drive to shul" or the memorable quote attributed to a great Tzadik: "Come however you want, whenever you want." While the underlying message of love is certainly valuable, this Shiur demonstrates that the position itself is contrary to the Rebbe's Shita, against his explicit...

Benedictine, a sweet and complex brand of liqueur, was present on the Rebbe's Farbrengen table for years until complaints about its Kashrus led to its removal. This Shiur tells the story of the rise and fall (and, perhaps, resurgence?) of Benedictine in Lubavitch through letters, Sichos, and stories. L'Chaim!

Letters, Sichos, and private conversations reveal the Rebbe's clear position on alcohol consumption: With very few exceptions, we are not to get drunk, drink more than 3 or 4 small cups of hard liquor (Mashke) at one sitting, or make Kiddush on Mashke. The Rebbe asks that we not come up with excuses to dodge these rules, and goes so far as to say that those who do so are not his Shluchim and s...

Cheshbon HaNefesh--an honest accounting of our deeds--is central to the service of G-d, but only under the right circumstances. In these letters the Rebbe cautions that, when done at improper times and without joy, a Cheshbon HaNefesh can do more harm than good.

The walls of our homes absorb what happens inside them and, in this series of letters and Sichos, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of managing that by building a home imbued with holiness that serves as a haven from outside influences.

Chabad is apolitical. And while the Rebbe sees room for Jewish organizations focused on political activism, he insists that the goal of reaching every single Jew without alienating anyone due to politics overrides even the noblest political goals.

Rambam's philosophical work, Moreh Nevuchim (the Guide for the Perplexed) was initially decried as heretical and kicked off the Maimonidean Controversy that pitted rationalism against tradition. Although few truly oppose The Moreh nowadays, it is still apprached with caution in many Jewish circles. What is the Rebbe's Shita regarding Moreh Nevuchim? Should we study the Guide for the Perple...

The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.

Unlike prior discussions of superstition and anxiety, in these letters the Rebbe answers people concerned about what appears to be a legitimate concern—Ayin Hara, the Evil Eye.

A brief history of the Rebbe's distribution of coins and dollars, and an exploration of letters and Sichos that explain what the Rebbe intends to accomplish through this unique Peulah.

Predicting the "Ketz" (end of our exile and the coming of Moshiach) is apparently forbidden, but sages throughout history have done so. This episode explores the Rebbe's position on these predictions, and whether they have a place in our lives today.

In this Special Episode (reposted from 5783), we explore the custom to refrain from making Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Shiur includes the origins of the custom; lenient opinions; the precise time; what to do in Israel; potential Heterim for Shalom Bayis, Guests, and Children.

The Rebbe's suggestions on how to curb talking during prayer and Torah reading. Plus: Unusually harsh primary sources.

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of learning the entire weekly portion Torah Or and Likkutei Torah every week, and finishing these books every year--going so far as to equate it with the Takana of learning Rambam.

When individuals asked the Rebbe about getting a license to drive, the Rebbe's answers in letters and private audiences ranged from clear enthusiasm to unqualified refusal.

How can we grow in our Yiddishkeit step by step without appearing hypocritical? Is it not hypocrisy to take on Mitzvos, or to study the inner dimensions of the Torah, before one is living as a completely observant Jew? -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Whether in matters of Chassidus or Torah observance itself, the Rebbe insists that we don’t debate—we demonstrate, and let truth speak for itself. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

Letters discussing segulos for preventing nightmares; Interpretations for disturbing dreams; When to ignore dreams; What to do if you see the Rebbe in a dream. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

The Rebbe offers logical and scientific evidence of the mass revelation at Sinai, and explains how Judaism differs from every religion in its unique ability to prove its foundational principles—namely, that the Torah was given directly by G-d to the Jewish people. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQK...

Sermons citing Shakespeare and Kosher books with less-than-kosher footnotes: an exploration of the Rebbe's responses to writers and speakers who chose to back up their Torah thoughts with non-Jewish, non-Torah sources. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing

The colorful history of Chabad Rabbeim and lotteries/raffles, along with a review of letters and other statements that shed light on the Rebbe's perspective on playing the lottery and Divine Providence. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing