Curses and blessings in the Torah - which one comes first? A guide to healthy relationships and positive influence.
Ki Tavo: The “Right” Approach
K
Ki Teitzei: Peace Begins at Home
K
To achieve world peace and bridge heaven and earth, we must begin with inner harmony between the mind and heart, and between the positive and negative inclinations.
Shoftim: “Do not destroy”— When is it Allowed?
S
Why is it forbidden to cut down a fruit tree, but permitted to burn clothing?
The Month of Elul: Demanding vs. Beseeching
T
A Discussion of the Different Approaches to Rosh Hashanah, and What Truly Works.
20th of Av: Generosity Genes
2
A surprising Talmudic discussion: Who has better genes? The warrior or the scholar?
15th of Av: The Holiday of Love or the Holiday of Unity?
1
A fascinating exploration of the story behind the 15th of Av.
Beit Hamikdash: Everyone Is Talking About Destruction—But Who Is Talking About Construction?
B
What is the Rebbe's proposal for the national days of mourning?
Nitzavim-Vayelech: Behind the Mask
N
The Torah warns that G-d may leave the Jewish people and conceal His face from them. But Rashi sweetens the pill and tells us that this isn't literal. Consolation in the concealment.
Ki Tavo: Can Self-Reflection be a Communal Exercise?
K
The secret advantage of the synagogue, and can others help us repent sincerely?
Ki Teitzei: Who Gets the Credit?
K
A person influenced someone else to do a good deed. Who gets the credit? The influencer or the actor?
Shoftim: Do Not Fear?
S
During Israel's War of Attrition, Moshe Dayan exhorted the troops not to be afraid, citing the Torah verse "Do not fear." The Rebbe highlights the end of the verse, which tells us why we should not fear.
Re’eh: Jewish Vegetarianism?
R
What is the Torah's stance on meat consumption? Is it permissible? Recommended? Was there time when it was forbidden? The evolving Jewish stance on meat consumption.
The 20th of Av: The Tip of the Needle
T
The piercing tip of the needle facilitates the connection between two parts of a garment. What is the lesson we can learn from this, and how can we "sew" materialism and spirituality together?
Va’etchanan: The Might of The Jewish People
V
What's the biblical mitzva that strikes fear in the heart of an enemy? An exploration of The Rebbe’s Tefillin campaign.
Nitzavim Vayelech: People of the Book
N
Who wrote the text of the Torah, and when was it dictated to millions of writers?
The history of The Book
Ki Teitzei: The Formative Years
K
Elisha rebelled against G-d, but Rabbi Meir continued to study from him. How is this possible? A fascinating story with a critical lesson about children's education.
Shoftim: Spiritual Reality
S
Does our spiritual state have any influence over our physical? The spiritual building blocks of our physical world.
Re’eh: Employer – Employee Relations
R
I employed someone in my company and laid him off due to financial circumstances. What responsibilities do I have towards him, aside from my contractual and legal obligations?
Ekev: Seventy years Without Praying?!
E
What is prayer all about? What should a person who lacks nothing pray for? An exploration of the four rungs of the prayer ladder.
Va’etchanan: Chasing the Lost Ark
V
Was the Ark taken into captivity, or buried in a Temple Mount tunnel? What did the Rebbe say to someone searching for the Ark under the mountain?
A fascinating journey through history that sheds new light on the meaning of the Temple in our time.
Devarim: Explosive Potential
D
The golden calf, the translation of the Torah, and Shammai's "power grab". A historical journey through dramatic moments in our past, with a bold message for the present.
Yitro: Different Versions of the Ten Commandments?!
Y
G-d gave the Jewish people the Ten Commandments. Forty years later, Moses restates them, but there are some differences between the two versions. Why?
Hakhel: A Once-in-Seven-Years Affair
H
A rare, exciting and inspiring event, united the entire Jewish people in one place for an extraordinary experience. What’s the real story of the mitzvah of “Hakhel”, why is it so special, and is it still relevant today?
Ki Teitzei: A Chassidic Perspective on Women’s Rights
K
Women’s rights became a prominent issue in the 20th century. The revolution that the Rebbe spearheaded in this regard may come as a surprise to many.
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.
Va’etchanan: 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.
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 Teitzei: 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?
Ekev: Must I Do Everything Myself
E
Your advisors always tell you to delegate authority and focus on a target audience. Can these principles be applied to the world of education as well?
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.