Letters For Our Time

Sources: mishna, Shulchan aruch, Magen Avraham, Igros Kodesh, Samech-Vov, Hemshech v’Kocho

When reciting the bracha shehechiyanu over a new fruit, what comes first: shehechiyanu or the bracha for the fruit? Sources: Shulchan Aruch, Beis Yosef, Kaf HaChaim, Seder Birkas Hanehenin (Alter Rebbe), Mishna Berurah.

Maamer from Tzemach Tzedek on Ahavas Yisrael. Beginning from para.2 in original version.

Continuing a 1965 talk by the Rebbe, offering 4 interpretations of Modeh Ani — and a 5th with permeates and rises above them all.

In this 4-part class, we aim to cover all 53 chapters. This class is an overview of chapters 1-14.

Parsha class based on Ohr HaChaim, Koheles Rabba & a letter by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

2nd class in the Tzemach Tzedek’s maamer of Ahavas Yisroel.

Some general ideas about Melave Malka. Sources: Gemora, Shulchan Aruch, Aruch HaShulchan, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 1974 Motzei Shabbos Beshalach Yud Shevat

An exploration of Modeh Ani according to pshat, remez, drush, sod and Chassidus.

Introduction to Tanya.

Shulchan Aruch HaRav laws of the Seder

Maamer by the Tzemach Tzedek on the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael, pt.1.

Is it permissible to study for an exam on Shabbos? Sources: Shulchan Aruch, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Kaf HaChaim, Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa.

Shulchan Aruch HaRav laws of the Seder

Shulchan Aruch, Taz, SH”A HaRav, Aruch HaShulchan on siman 285. Then the conclusion of the Chanukah Maamer.

Sources: shulchan aruch harav, biur halacha, Piskei Teshuvos.

The famous kasha of the Beis Yosef!

Can someone get the maftir Aliyah if they’re not able to read the Haftara? Sources: Gemora Sotah; Shulchan Aruch; Shulchan Aruch HaRav; Mishna Berurah; Magen Avraham; Pri Megodim; shu”t Minchas Yitzchak; Piskei Teshuvos. Then we learned ois beis in מאי חנוכה תש״א. Geshmak.

Is it permissible to fold a Tallis on Shabbos? Sources: Mishna Shabbos; Rashi; Tosfos; Beis Yosef; Shulchan Aruch; Shulchan Aruch HaRav; Ketzos HaShulchan; Piskei Teshuvos. Followed by part 2 of אי חנוכה תש״א, discussion about the purpose of the Greek war against the Jews.

Why do we turn around during Lecha Dodi? Sources: Gemora Shabbos, Shulchan Aruch, Magen Avraham, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shaar HaKollel, Ta’amei HaMinhagim, Mishnas Yosef. Then we started מאי חנוכה תש״א

Can you squeeze lemons on Shabbos? Sources; gemora Shabbos, Rambam, shu”t haRosh, Beis Yosef, Shulchan Aruch. Followed by maamer from the Alter Rebbe about how Yishmael could have come from Avraham (Torah Ohr 12a).

What are the reasons for Tashlich? Sources: Shulchan Aruch; Magen Avraham; Be’er Heitev; Kaf HaChaim; Shulchan Aruch HaRav; Matteh Ephraim. Them summary of the moshol in v’Yadaato, and starting the nimshal of Shem Havaya and Elokim.

May one sit for Kaddish? Sources: Sanhedrin 60a; Shulchan Aruch 56; Mishneh Berurah; Shulchan Aruch HaRav; Kaf HaChaim. Then we continued the maamer v’Yadaato.

Why do we remove tefillin before Mussaf on Rosh Chodesh? Sources: Bach, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shu”t Radvaz, Shulchan Aruch, Taz. Then we dug into some deep Chassidus about hiding as a form of revelation.

Is it permitted to have a garbage can in shul? Some thoughts based on Rambam, Sefer Chassidim, Shulchan Aruch & Kitzur HaShaloh. Then Chassidus discussion of tzimtzum and revelation: hidden or revealed?