The Rebbe's Letters

What's the right way to tell someone they're totally wrong? In this letter the Rebbe responds to complaints about aggressive Farbrengen tactics and, in light of this, the class collects advice from our Rabbeim on how and when to apply Chassidishe rebuke to our neighbors. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 79.

Is there a problem with becoming a vegetarian or adopting other restrictive diets? In this letter the Rebbe addresses this question, and the class discusses the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of both eating and abstaining from meat. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 210

The Rebbe's opinion on adoption is controversial, subtle, and ultimately unclear. Starting from two letters written in 1973, this class launches into a broad survey of the Rebbe's written opinions on adoption, with the intent of creating a more comprehensive understanding of his Shita. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 21, Pg 80.

The Rebbe writes to a Chosid interested in joining the freemasons, and explains his opinion on secret societies at large. The class explores the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of participation in various cults, secret societies, and modern practices (such as yoga) that derive from other religions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 159

In this letter the Rebbe teaches a Chosid how to write a letter to him. The class explores possible reasons for the Rebbe's instructions, surveys other bits of letter-writing advice that the Rebbe gave out over the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 137.

Do Chassidim need to see or speak with the Rebbe physically in order to have a relationship with him? Today's letter hints at an answer to this pressing question, and the class explores the Rebbe's overarching opinion on how a Chosid can connect with a Rebbe without meeting in-person. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 15

Is it permissible to induce labor in non-life-threatening circumstances? When is induction Halachically (and medically) indicated, and when might it be dangerous? This letter reflects the Rebbe's conservative view on labor induction, and the class reviews the approaches of contemporary Poskim and medical professionals on the subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 46

This letter describes the power of multiple people joining together to do a Mitzvah and the reward that awaits them, in light of the Rebbe's analysis of the "Shnayim Uchzin" passage in the Talmud. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 172

A unique insight from the Rebbe into the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manos, just in time for Purim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 161

This letter discusses some of the Chabad customs during pregnancy. The class explores additional customs and the reasons behind them.

In the Rebbe's brief biography printed in HaYom Yom, the year 1973 is defined as the year of the Rebbe's "library initiative". This letter is the one that began the initiative to create libraries of Sifrei Kodesh around the world. The class explores the historical context and far-reaching ripple effects of the Library Initiative. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 8

Do we believe in natural talent? How can we identify talent so it will be utilized most productively? What is the cost of wasted talent? This letter captures the Rebbe's deep interest in individual talents, and the class collates the Rebbe's talent-related advice from many different letters.

This Purim-themed letter describes the various "Haman" characters who have tried to harm us throughout the generations, and the secret of our survival—with practical guidance for facing the challenges of today. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 156.

This letter hints at the Rebbe's fluency with the Halachic intricacies of disinterment, a subject that touched the Rebbe's personal life in a way that was not fully appreciated until the publication of the Rebbe's Reshimos.

Are Rabbonim and community leaders ever allowed to leave their flock to move to Israel? This letter reflects the Rebbe's well-known stance on the subject, with a shiur that explores just how far-reaching that stance may be. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 138

Should a Bochur consider a Shidduch with a girl who is less religious than he is? What if she promises to increase her observance over time? Today's letter reflects the Rebbe's often-stated position on such Shidduchim, the shiur explores other letters on the same subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 22

Is it forbidden for the Israeli Rabbinate to have term limits? Can pulpit rabbis be fired? This letter addresses the Rebbe's controversial position on the subject, with background describing the Halachic implications of hiring and firing a rabbi. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 11

In this brief letter (and a related Sicha), the Rebbe reminds visitors to the Kotel that the Western Wall must not merely remind us of our past, but an inspire us to be better in the future. In the shiur, we explore Chabad's approach to the Kotel and its proper place in prayer and pilgrimage.

This letter advocates the establishment of an Organization of Religious Scientists From Eastern Europe, and the class explores the Rebbe's interest in this project and his repeated attempts to get such an organization off the ground.

In this letter the Rebbe highlights the Halachic complexities of performing an autopsy, and we explore the major opinions in Poskim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 142

The Rebbe discourages an investor from getting involved in the Nursing Home business, citing reports that such institutions often provide residents with less food or heat in order to cut operating costs. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133

The Rebbe writes to a father who is upset that his son has adopted many religious stringencies. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133.

A review of the Rebbe's particular interest in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and its central place in the life of a Jew. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 98.

The Rebbe advocates for a struggling Sefardic Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, and the ripple effects are not fully felt until 2006. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 17

In honor of a Mikveh built in Miami in 1972, the Rebbe discusses whether one is permitted to use a Mikveh created via an open miracle and, indeed, whether it is permissible to do Mitzvos with miraculous objects. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 23.