The Rebbe's Letters

The Rebbe's position on investing in the stock market, with particular attention to short-term investments.

Letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about eclipses, horoscopes, and whether we worry about heavenly signs.

Letters and Sichos about how and where to make a Siyum HaRambam, the importance of Siyumim in general, and why you should participate even if you don't learn Rambam (yet).

Letters and Sichos describing the Rebbe's position on drinking until drunk on Purim. Should we rely on Heterim to drink less or nothing at all? Should we worry about causing harm to others through drinking? Does the Rebbe's "Gezeira" limiting alcohol intake apply on Purim?

Letters and Sichos reflecting the Rebbe position on sports in schools, professional sports, contact sports, the Olympics, how to talk to your kids about sports, and more.

Letters and Sichos describing the importance of Cholov Yisroel, and the dangers of using non-Kosher or less Kosher dairy products, particularly when it comes to small children.

A collection of letters and Sichos that clarify the Rebbe's position on reincarnation (Gilgul) and past lives, tailored to answer questions about past life regression therapy and individuals who claim knowledge of their past lives.

The Rebbe's position on expensive weddings (not to mention the Rebbe's opinion on materialism itself) is widely misunderstood. This series of letters captures the Rebbe's nuanced position on wedding expenses, and sheds light on the Chassidic attitude toward spending.

Multiple letters addressing those who resist learning Chassidus due to a 200-year-old ban, issued by some of the greatest scholars of the time.

The Rebbe's no-nonsense approach to Christian Missionaries in the Land of Israel, and his response to the claim that there are political realities that obligate the Israeli government to tolerate it. Bonus: The Rebbe's advice on debating/delegitimizing missionaries.

Letters and Sichos describing the damage that mixed dancing causes to marriages, the clear Halachic issues, and how to explain all of this to less receptive audiences.

A series of letters on the subject of influencing your surroundings, and always be a Mashpia while only rarely being a Mikabel.

The Rebbe often celebrates the unique advantages of Yiddish. But when it comes to the Cheder classroom, the Rebbe's letters and private conversations reveal a more nuanced approach to teaching in Yiddish, especially when the students are non-native speakers.

Although the Rebbe advocates discipline and disagrees with modern notions of permissive parenting, letters, Sichos, and anecdotes suggest the Rebbe would oppose corporal punishment for children and students in all but the most extreme scenarioes.

A survey of several letters and Sichos capturing general principles about when the Rebbe apologizes, how he says sorry, and when and how he demands apologies from others in unique situations.

The Rebbe describes an artist's job as revealing the inner nature of all things and breathing life into the inanimate. He also celebrates the potential of the visual arts in inspiring divine service--the Previous Rebbe praised the potential of landscape paintings, and the Rebbe Rashab was inspired by his visit to the Louvre.

Exploring whether the Rebbe considers mental health professionals "doctors". Plus, responses to patients with specific conditions including: OCD, Schizophrenia, Suicidal Ideation, and Addiction.

When is debt worth it? Today we explore Sichos and letters, some which almost gleefully promote taking out loans, and others that express hesitation or outright forbid going into debt.

The Rebbe writes an FAQ responding to claims against Mivtza Tefillin, providing us with compelling answers to those who oppose the project and believe, mistakenly, that it is forbidden to put Tefillin on Jews who are not yet observant.

The Rebbe offers advice and general guidance constantly, but when it comes to specific situations he often defers to local authorities. Today we explore the reason for that, expressed in many letters (mostly regarding teachers and schools): "one can only judge based on what one can see with one's own eyes."

A deep dive into the Rebbe's firm position against women being drafted into or voluntarily joining the military. Plus: a discussion afterwards about whether the Rebbe's letters written 30-40 years ago apply in modern Israel, where recent initiatives have made the IDF more hospitable to observant Jews.

In response to those who want to help the situation in Israel by violating a Torah law, the Rebbe gives one consistent answer: you're right that there's a fire, but you're trying to put it out with kerosene.

In honor of 22 Shvat, the Yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (wife of the Rebbe and daughter of the Previous Rebbe), we look at several letters from the Previous Rebbe, written to and about her.

Several letters emphasizing the Rebbe's substantial interest and investment in Kosher restaurants around the world.

The Rebbe wrote several letters to famed physicist Dr. Herman Branover--at times complimenting his work, and at times offering a gentle critique. We explore several of these letters, as well as the story of how Dr. Branover escaped the USSR to make his mark in America, Israel, and the world at large.