How could manna from heaven serve as forensic evidence in Moses's court, and how could lions participate in Solomon's judicial proceedings?
The Torah is not in the Heavens!
Mishpatim: Alternative Justice System
M
Lech Lecha: Renewal, Joy, and Progress
L
The three cardinal principles for life we are taught by the Torah’s first three portions. Don’t get stuck in the past, don’t fall into a rut, and don’t become complacent.
Yom Kippur: Personalized Repentance
Y
During the High Holidays we read the exhortations to repentance of the prophets Hosea, Isaiah, and Jonah. Are they all discussing the same repentance, or are there different types of repentance for different people?
An address about repentance and what type of repentance is right for me.
Rosh Hashana: Struggle and Success
R
“Chanah’s prayer” is a fascinating biblical story that reflects the inner life and challenges of us all, and is especially relevant on the most important day of all - Rosh Hashanah.
Shoftim: G-d’s Commando
S
The tribe of Levi is G-d’s “special unit,” tasked with teaching G-d’s ways to the public. Did you know that nowadays this service isn’t restricted to those born into the tribe of Levi, and is open to volunteers?
Re’eh: Why is there Poverty in the World?
R
Poverty is humiliating, and creates social inequality. Why does poverty exist? Why doesn’t G-d give everyone their needs without them having to rely on others’ kindness? A class on the purpose of poverty and wealth, with life lessons for both the wealthy and poor.
Ekev: Why Did Moses Break the Tablets?
E
What does the shattering of the tablets have to do with the death of the righteous? Did the letters fly off the stone before Moses broke them? An original perspective on the shattering of the tablets and its contemporary relevance.
V’eschanan: The Lesson of the Shema
V
Every morning and evening we read two passages, shema and vehaya im shamoa. What are the different lessons of these two passages? And how does this relate to the critical question of who is responsible for educating our children - the school or the parents?
Devarim: The Right Time for Rebuke
D
The Jewish people sinned many times during their years in the desert. But Moses chose a very specific time and method to rebuke them, teaching us an invaluable lesson regarding interpersonal relations.
Matos Masei: Egoism or Altruism
M
Just before entering the Land of Israel, a drama unfolds: Two tribes prefer to remain outside. Why? How does Moses respond? And why does he add more people to their group?
Pinchas: A Challenging Relationship
P
Which relationship is more challenging - my relationship with G-d or with my neighbor? And which relationship does Jewish tradition consider more important?
Balak: God’s Secret Logic
B
Why do bad things happen? Are catastrophes G-d's retribution for our sins?
Chukas: Moshe Hit the Rock. So What?
C
The great leader who took the Jewish people out of Egypt, gave them the Ten Commandments, and led them to the entrance of the Promised Land, was punished to die in the desert just because he hit the rock. How is this fair?
Korach: Leaders Without Borders
K
Sometimes going half-way isn’t enough. Whether as a person of faith, or a leader of others, one can’t selectively engage with just the enjoyable ideas or like-minded people. Otherwise, you’re left with nothing.
SHLACH: SOLVING FORGETFULNESS
S
There is an old technique to help remember things: to tie a knot.
Jewish tradition says that Pharaoh’s ministers did so, and so did the sages of the Mishnah. Even today, Jews tie knots every day in order to remember.
Why does a knot prevent forgetfulness? And did G-d do so Himself?
Be’haloscha: The End of the Chain?
B
Moses ordained Joshua, and Joshua ordained his students. This continued from generation to generation — until it stopped
What happened? What broke the chain of tradition?
Naso: To Be a Mensch
N
The Torah gives us 613 commandments, and gives Seven Noahide Laws to society at large.
But one rule applies to everyone equally - and yet it was left unsaid: Be a mensch!
Shavuos II (Bamidbar): What Does An Angel Look Like?
S
People are always looking for guidance. For every aspect of life, there are mentors and guides and therapists and trainers.
What does the Torah say of the matter? Who is worthy of your trust? And how do angels fit into the picture?
Shavuos (Bechukosai): “Beauty is Vain…” Really?
S
Each Friday night, as the family gathers around the Shabbat table, we sing “Eshet Chayil,” the ode of the Jewish woman.
“Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain,” we declare in its closing.
What exactly does that mean?
Behar (Lag Baomer): Rabbi Akiva’s Students – Lovers or Haters?
B
Rabbi Akiva is famous for his motto: Love your fellow as yourself. Yet, his own students died for... disrespecting their peers. Were they sleeping through class?
Siyum Harambam: Can I Master the Entire Torah?
S
Only one author in Jewish history had the courage to say that his compilation encompasses the entire Oral tradition.
Who was he? What is his book? And is it practical for us?
Kedoshim: Why Is Judaism Obsessed With Blessings?
K
Jews recite blessings constantly: upon awakening, during prayers, before eating and afterwards. Why the obsessiveness? Can't we just do one big 'thank you' each morning?
Acharei: What’s Between the Lines?
A
The Talmud records a bizarre argument between the High Priest and the Chief Rabbis.
For generations, readers have been puzzled: Is that behavior befitting the most distinguished members of the Jewish people?
In 1986, the Rebbe explained it's deeper meaning.
Pesach: Security Measures
P
The world around us is tumultuous and turbulent. Terrorism in Israel, the war in Europe and divisions in societies around the world evoke feelings of fear and anxiety. What can we do about it?
During the Plague of the Firstborn, blood on doorposts protected the Jews. What its modern day version?
Pesach: Will Everything Be Okay?
P
Just as Jerusalem seemed doomed by a massive invasion, matters took a stunning turn. A lesson about hope, vision, and the importance of education.
11 NISSAN (FORMERLY PREPARED FOR TETZAVEH): A HOUSE FILLED WITH LIGHT
1
Marking the 120th birthday of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
Tazria: Lamplighters
T
Who was responsible for streetlights in the olden days? What is the ultimate Jewish nail treatment? And how does it relate to being a Chassid?
Shemini: The Calf and the Heavenly Flame
S
After months of work, Aaron & Moses inaugurate the Tabernacle, and… nothing happens. The Divine presence remained absent.
Why didn’t G-d’s presence rest in the Tabernacle? What was still missing?
Zachor: Arguing With Amalekites
Z
Haman, the “star” of Purim, is a descendant of the Amalekites, the focus of the Torah reading on the Shabbat preceding Purim.
Who are they? What do they signify? And how do we overcome them?
Purim: Purim According to Kabbalah
P
How did Haman persuade King Achashverosh to annihilate the Jews? Why did G-d agree? And what was the turning point that changed the course of the story?
The Kabbalistic underpinnings of the Purim Story.
Pekudei: How Were the Pyramids Built?
P
Elon Musk tweeted that aliens built them, the prevailing tradition is that the Israelites built them, and Egyptian scholars claim that Egyptians built them. But everyone is still amazed: how did they manage to move such heavy stones? And why couldn’t the Levites use the same technology in erecting the Tabernacle?
Vayakhel: Donations, Demons and Wills
V
Are demons bothered by charity giving at night? What is the most famous will in Jewish history? Which country excels in the mitzvah of charity?
Ki Sisa: Jewish Hygiene
K
The coronavirus raised awareness for proper hygiene. In fact, in the Tabernacle in the desert over three thousand years ago, the priest would wash his hands and feet before beginning the holy service.
What is spiritual hygiene? And why should the women be in charge?
Tetzaveh: Haman’s Mistake
T
Haman and his team of senior astrologers chose the perfect time to annihilate the Jews: the month Moses died. But his plan didn’t work. What was their mistake?
Terumah: Atonement or Elevation?
T
A massive fundraising campaign was kicked off after the Exodus to fund the construction of the Tabernacle.
When exactly did it take place? And why exactly was a Tabernacle necessary?
Mishpatim: Our Goal in Life
M
Humans like to strive for perfection. However, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe, wrote an entire book about reaching the level of a ‘beinoni,’ commonly translated as ‘mediocre.’
What exactly did he mean?
Yisro: Jungle or Orchard?
Y
Before a person converts, he is told, “Being Jewish is difficult.” Afterwards, he is told, “Being Jewish is great!”
What’s going on?
Beshalach: Gold Chasers and Grave Diggers
B
Before the Israelites left Egypt, some chased after gold and some chased after graves — both upon the express command of G-d. Who was right?
A lesson about priorities.
Bo: The Public Declaration
B
The Egyptians who revered cattle as deities, but they were remarkably tolerant of the Jewish tradition of eating meat. But when the Jews slaughtered the sheep for the Paschal offering, they went berserk. What happened?
Vaera: Judaism’s Universal Message
V
The Torah gives 613 commandments for Jewish people. But what about the non-Jews? Does Judaism have a message for all mankind?
Shemot: What Exercise Teaches Us
S
Why does Torah call Moses with a near pejorative? How should we view our inner anti-Semite? And why do we celebrate birthdays?
Vayechi: The Evil Eye
V
Is there significance to the day of the week I was born? Does Judaism believe in the Evil Eye? Is there a safe zone?
Vayigash: Pay Attention
V
Prophecies, omens, and science. What is the Jewish view?
Should we read into the random occurrences in our lives? Should we view scientific advances as questioning our faith? And, by the way — is it possible to jump to the moon?
Chanukah/Mikeitz: Why The Conflict?
C
The Greeks are known for the tremendous wisdom they contributed to the world. The Jewish people, for time immemorial, cherished intellect and the pursuit of wisdom as well. Why then, couldn’t we get along?
Chanukah/Vayeshev: Have the Winners Been Declared?
C
We all love to celebrate Chanukah, the holiday which marks our victory over the Syrian Greeks and the miracle of the oil. Did you know that it took the sages a full year to decide whether they were victorious?
Behind the scenes in the Chanukah story.
Vayishlach: When Success Breeds Humility
V
What causes people to be magnanimous? What’s the right way to handle success?
When the first Chabad Rebbe bested his opponents and achieved legitimacy for the new Chassidic movement, he wrote a letter to his followers which set their priorities straight.
Vayetzei: What Makes a Hero?
V
The Zohar’s story about Abraham, Rashi’s story about Jacob, and the Rebbe’s story about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. What do the stories have in common? And what was the common denominator which made them eternal Jewish heroes?
Toldot: Turning a New Leaf
T
The Talmud states that three categories of people are absolved of all their sins: the newly married, the newly appointed leader, and the newly appointed ‘sage.’
Why? Is this absolution attainable for ordinary people?
Life-lessons from Esau, Rabbi Ze’irah, and Israel’s third president.
Chayei Sarah: The Admission Test
C
Every new bride goes through an ‘admission test’ in her new family. In Abraham’s family, there was a very high bar. Rebecca was accepted into the family only when she managed to bring several miracles into her home: A Cloud of Glory, a growing dough, and a candle that wouldn’t go out. What do those miracles represent?
Vayera: The Biblical Story and Its Kabbalistic Interpretation
V
In this week's Haftorah, we read a fascinating story about an evil king, a poor widow, and children who are almost taken into slavery. What's the deeper meaning? Kabbalah has the answer.
Noach: When Noah Didn’t Argue
N
When G-d tells Noah that he plans to destroy humanity, Noah does not pound on the table and demand mercy. Why? Why didn't he act like Moses, who pounded on the table and prevented the Children of Israel from being punished?
A deeper reading will shed light on Noah's reasoning and teach us how to judge others.
Tishrei: The Journey of the Holidays
T
The commitment of Rosh Hashanah, the emotional connection of Yom Kippur, and the intellectual integration of Simchat Torah: This map was outlined by the Tzemach Tzedek, recounted by the previous Rebbe, and explained by the Rebbe.
Why a Leap Year?
W
This coming year is going to be a Jewish Leap Year. How do these leap years work? Why are they instituted? And what does it say about the Jews?
An astrological journey in the heavens, its impact on the Jewish calendar, and the Jewish soul.
Simchat Beit Hashoevah – The importance of tradition
S
We all have family customs that accompany each Jewish holiday which often occupy us more than the mitzvahs of the holiday themselves. Are we exaggerating? Have we lost the proper equilibrium?
Ki Teitze: Judaism and Polygamy?
K
When was polygamy banned in Judaism? Who didn’t agree? Why was the initiator known as “Light of the Exile”?
The history of Rabbeinu Gershom’s landmark enactments and their kabbalistic significance.
Ki Teitze: Judaism and Polygamy?
K
When was polygamy banned in Judaism? Who didn’t agree? Why was the initiator known as “Light of the Exile”?
The history of Rabbeinu Gershom’s landmark enactments and their kabbalistic significance.
Shoftim: The Soldier or the War?
S
The Torah commands that several groups of soldiers be absolved of their military obligation. Why? Is this for the benefit of the war? Or maybe for some social purpose?
Va’etchanan: Are You Emotional or Intellectual?
V
The secret to success is to properly balance our minds and hearts. A daily ritual, dating back to the days of the Egyptians, will help you attain this balance.
Va’etchanan: Are You Emotional or Intellectual?
V
The secret to success is to properly balance our minds and hearts. A daily ritual, dating back to the days of the Egyptians, will help you attain this balance.
Tisha B’av: Rejoicing in Tragedy
T
When the Jews saw the Temple burning, they rejoiced… Really? What was joyful about the destruction of the Temple? The Arizal, the great Kabbalist, uncovers the secret.
Menachem-Av: Solace Through Yearning
M
We sometimes yearn for certain experiences or feel nostalgia for things that are out of our control. Should we push those feelings aside? Or do they serve a purpose of their own?
Pinchas: How to Deal with Bias
P
How objective are you? How much bias is involved in your decision-making process? And what lesson can we learn from the challenge of Tzelafchad’s five daughters to Moses?
Balak: The Breach in the Wall – A Good Development or a Bad One?
B
On which date did the Babylonians invade Jerusalem? Was it the ninth of Tammuz or the seventeenth?
An apparent contradiction in ancient Jewish sources is resolved by examining biblical military strategies — with the insight and awareness that that a bad situation can always be turned into a good one.
Chukat: Dealing With Resentment
C
There are times when we are offended by the words or actions of others. We don’t seek revenge, and when asked, we even forgive. But the bitter grudge remains. How can we free our hearts of those negative impulses?
Gimmel Tammuz – Korach: Don’t Abandon Ship
G
Why was Moses buried in the desert? Why are the Chabad Rebbes buried in the diaspora?
A fascinating kabbalistic discussion about the responsibilities of Jewish leaders and how they continue to tend to their communities—even after their passing.
Shelach: Statistics and Free Will
S
Experts attempt to predict people’s future behavior through statistics. Does that mean you are just a statistic? Do you have the free will to make your own decisions or are you just a cog in the machine?
Join this ancient Jewish debate.
Behaloscha: Is It Really Never Too Late?
B
The holiday of Pesach Sheni (Second Passover) famously teaches that it is never too late. Is that also true of the worst sins and crimes?
This is a story of someone who received a message from heaven that it was too late, and yet he still received another chance.
Naso: Be Smart and Apologize!
N
G-d warned Adam that he would die if he ate from the Tree of Knowledge. Yet he lived to the ripe old age of 930!
What happened? And how was it connected to the Tabernacle in the desert?
Shavuot: The Anatomy of a Custom
S
In the early common era, people were accustomed to greeting each other by invoking G-d’s name. Why did they do so? Why is it no longer customary?
A fascinating look into the Jewish reactions to idolatry, Christianity and Islam.
Behar-Bechukosai: Three Layers of Comfort
B
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, his son Rabbi Elazar, and the Rebbe each provide a message of encouragement to the Jewish people. The inspiration begins with the Talmud, continues through the Zohar, and receives a new layer of insight through the teachings of Chassidism.
Emor: High Court on the Dock
E
The prophet Elijah delivers a scathing rebuke to the High Court, the group of the most respected elders of Israel. Their crime? They failed to wander through the shtetls and teach Jewish children.
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Why Did They Cry?
A
In the Second Temple era, tensions between the Sadducees and the Pharisees would come to a head when the leading rabbis would coach the High Priest for his worship on Yom Kippur.
They would all leave in tears. What exactly was going on?
Shemini: Behind the Kosher Scenes
S
Fins and scales, split hooves and chewing cud. How is it relevant to me?
Pesach: Four Questions for Life
P
On Passover eve, we all gather around the Seder table and turn our attention to the children’s recital of the Four Questions. These Questions are not just children’s play. They have deep meaning and relevance for every person’s life. The following pages contain a new and original interpretation for the ancient and beloved text.
Vayikra: How Many Times Could You Ask?
V
During the central prayer in Jewish tradition, the Amidah, we ask G-d for health, wealth and happiness. But why is it recited three times a day? Can't I suffice with once a day? And what if I lack nothing--What am I praying for?
Vayakhel-Pekudei: Between Right and Right
V
It is easy to choose between right and wrong. Choosing between right and right proves more difficult. How are we to ascertain the correct course of action?
Ki Tisa: Broken Tablets: An Achievement?
K
When the Torah eulogizes Moses, it mentions the breaking of the Tablets as one of his greatest virtues. Doesn’t that seem ludicrous?
Tetzaveh: Archaeology vs. Tradition
T
The Jewish people have traditions dating back thousands of years which outline the specific form and format of our traditions. What if archeologists find contradictory evidence? Do we change our rituals or do we not?
Terumah: The Power of the Palpable
T
Abraham planted cedars in Beer-Sheba, Jacob transplanted them to Egypt, and the Israelites took them along into the desert.
Why were we dragging cedars for four-hundred years? And what does it tell us about “being Jewish at heart”?
Mishpatim: Reincarnation Can Define Your Life’s Mission
M
People are often quick to shrug off communal responsibility. Even Moses himself, when instructed to redeem the People of Israel, made every effort to avoid the mission.
What does Jewish tradition say about this attitude? Is communal work really for everyone?
Yitro: Leadership of Love
Y
Some religious leaders speak derogatorily about others. How did G-d respond to such behavior? What did Rabbi Eliezer do when faced with a similar situation? What did the Rebbe say?
Beshalach: The Emphasis on Women
B
The Torah contains nine ‘songs.’ The Song of Moses, the Song of David, the Song of Miriam, and so on. Jewish tradition seems to cherish the songs of the women. Why so?
Bo: Why Do Rabbis Make Rules?
B
Throughout Jewish history, the rabbis have enacted takanot, or Rabbinic ordinances, to safeguard Jewish observance. Shabbat begins at sundown? The sages extend it by eighteen minutes. The evening Shema must be recited by sunrise? The rabbis said midnight.
Where did they learn this behavior? Why are the Torah’s commands not enough?
Va’era: Jewish Genius
V
Until two hundred years ago, eighty percent of the world’s population was illiterate. The statistic among the Jewish population was the opposite: Eighty percent could read and write. How can we explain the difference? Insight into the age-old Jewish approach to education.
Shemot: The Advisors’ Dilemma
S
When Pharaoh suggested to drown the newborns, what were his advisors to do? Object and face the consequences, or agree and work with the circumstances?
When faced with a moral dilemma, do you make do with the situation or take a principled stand?
A fascinating lesson from Bilaam, Job and Jethro.