Torah Deep-Dive with Rabbi Levi Dubov

Sinai and Civics Lesson 1: The Founders of the Covenant Why has America been so welcoming to Jews, more than any other country in our 2,000 year Diaspora? In this opening lesson of Sinai and Civics , we trace the answer back to America's founding, and to a covenant made long before that, at Sinai.

What is Jewish mysticism? Why was Kabbalah kept hidden for centuries? And why do Chassidic teachings and the Tanya consider these ideas essential for every Jew today? In this in-depth conversation with JLI, Rabbi Levi Dubov explores the origins of Jewish mysticism, tracing its roots back to Mount Sinai, the teachings of the Zohar, the revelation of Kabbalah, the Baal Shem Tov's spiritual revol...

For All Humankind Lesson 4: It Will Get Better Why be good if the world never gets better? Is history just an endless loop — or is there a destination? And if Judaism carries a message for all of humanity, can we really afford to keep it to ourselves? In this episode, we break the cycle, reclaim hope, and explore what it means to be a light unto the nations — not just in theory, but right now.

For All Humankind Lesson 3: Educating ChildrenAre we raising good people — or just successful ones? In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable gap between achievement and character, ask whether morality can exist without a Divine foundation, and explore why a simple moment of silence might be one of the most powerful tools in moral education. If you've ever wondered what we truly owe the nex...

For All Humankind Lesson 2: Is Morality Obvious? We all agree murder is wrong. We all agree stealing is wrong. But why? In Lesson 2, we're putting logic, conscience, and social norms on trial — and finding out why none of them can actually hold the line. What does the Torah say morality is really rooted in? And what does that mean for how we're obligated to treat each other? Is morality ob...

For All Humankind Lesson 1: The Message of Abraham What is Judaism's message to the world? It's not "be Jewish." What does it mean to be a light unto the nations? From Abraham's radical vision of ethical monotheism to seven foundational values given at Sinai for all of humanity — this first session uncovers a dimension of Judaism that is fascinating. Join us in lesson 1 as we...

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 6: Forging Forward Will AI replace rabbis? That’s just one question today’s technology is challenging us to answer. Lab-grown meat. Surrogacy. Space travel. All of these raise important questions for Jewish practice.  We’ll uncover the decisive answer to the highest-stakes question of them all:  Now that we’ve seen what it takes to answer a question of...

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 5: The Fifth Factor In our fifth lesson, we’ll see cases where taking a question at face value would mean missing the point. These are cases where rabbis had to look past the question to see the questioner: You know your  tefillin  will be incinerated if you bring them to the hospital—so what are you really asking? You know this man isn’t the messiah—s...

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 4: Counterweights Considered You’ve probably heard a lot of loose talk about “loopholes” in Jewish law.  In Lesson 4, we’re putting those rumors to rest. Why do rabbis sometimes rule in unexpected ways?  Turns out, there are values hardwired into Jewish law to protect things.

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 3: Precedent in Practice New inventions, dangerous new historical realities, or just people doing new things—how is the Torah able to guide us through it all?  Dive into more fascinating cases to explore the Torah’s model for applying existing precedent to new and novel situations. 

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 2: The Quest for Facts Do sages make assumptions about how reality works, or do they investigate the facts? Follow rabbis as they conduct five fascinating investigations worldwide. Cases: Cairo, 1548; Altona, 1709; Hamburg, 1772; Jerusalem, 1866; Brooklyn, 1958

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Lesson 1: The Questions and the People who asked them What do these questions reveal about our ancestors? What did they think, feel, and value? Explore five fascinating stories to find out. Cases: Barcelona, 1300; Algiers, 1450; Modena, 1530; Spain, 1450; Auschwitz, 1944

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 6: I Mean Something, Therefore I Am Before you do anything, you are worthy. Discover Judaism’s empowering understanding of your inherent worth as an individual and as a Jew, and how it calls us to even greater achievement.

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 5: Meaning in the Unchosen Some things are clearly meaningful, but what if everything is? Explore a vision of life where every event and circumstance catalyzes growth and leads to greater purpose.

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 4: Meaning in the Rhythms of Time As time flies by, is it just more of the same? Discover the rich texture of Jewish time, and how attuning ourselves to each moment’s message enables profound spiritual purpose.

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 3: Meaning in the Mundane If existence has a purpose, then what is it? Discovering that purpose uncovers the mystery of life's details. Even if it happens every day, daily life needn’t feel ordinary. See how every part of the day can be as significant as your highest aspirations.

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 2: To Make or Not to Make Meaning When life lacks luster, should we invent a more meaningful way of seeing things? Or is there already a purpose hiding in plain sight?

The Kabbalah of Meaning Lesson 1: The Meaning We Seek When we have it all, we still need something more: purpose. Discover four fundamental human qualities that provide lasting fulfillment.

Is a Mitzvah worth anything if the doer had no understanding or intention? Does a transgression not count if it was done unintentionally? In this fascinating teaching of the Rebbe, we will explore the fascinating dynamic interplay between action and intention, and the special message it holds for every Jew.

The Jewish people have traditions dating back thousands of years that outline the specific form and format of our traditions. But what happens if archeologists find contradictory evidence? What is a rational approach to the tension between tradition and modern discoveries?

Over the generations, the Tablets became one of the best-known Jewish symbols. But as its popularity grew, so did the historical error about their appearance: an inaccurate illustration of Christian origin became entrenched in the Jewish community. A careful analysis of what Moses put inside the Ark of the Covenant can teach us the correct look of the Tablets.

Twice in Moses' leadership, he responded to times of crisis by praying, but G-d made it known to him that this was the wrong course of action. There are moments in life when prayer is not enough - we must act!

The 10th of Shevat marks the 73rd anniversary since the fateful day the Rebbe formally assumed leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In this class, we will study the Rebbe's landmark first address, in which he laid out his historic vision of our generation's mission and how to achieve it.

A historical journey into the relentless Egyptian efforts to control the Jewish birthrate, a look at the heroism of the Jewish women, and what this teaches us today.

Is there significance to the day of the week I was born? Does Judaism believe in the Evil Eye? Is there a safe zone? A fascinating teaching from the Rebbe, connected to Jacob's blessing to Joseph in this week's parsha.