Why did the Greeks defile the oil in the Temple, and what does this teach us about the Torah and Jewish identity?
Chanukah: The Battle for Jewish Identity
C
19th of Kislev: “Rabbi, What is Chabad?”
1
Chabad, from Czarist Russian prison to today.
20th of Cheshvan: Why Does G-d Not Appear to Me?
2
A tale of a child's spiritual quest that reminds us that we, too, can see the light.
Rosh Hashanah: Drunk on Prayer
R
What are we really praying for on Rosh Hashanah?
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?
Korach – Gimmel Tammuz: What’s Funny About Destruction?
K
An Optimistic Approach to Coping with Pain.
Shavuot: Women Who Charted the Way
S
The fascinating journey of Naomi and Ruth the Moabite,
which charted the path for sincere and meaningful conversion.
Tazria-Metzora: When Love Pushes You into The Sea
T
A surprising journey sparked by an ancient love song that encapsulates the Jewish story
Pesach: Matzah without Charoset?
P
The Halachic debate that reveals the true meaning of the seder night.
Ethics of The Fathers Chapter 1: Moses Received the Torah at Sinai
E
Why is it so important to specify the location of the giving of the Torah? And what kind of flawed education caused someone to go off the path of Judaism and found Christianity?
Purim: The Purim Roller Coaster
P
The dramatic journey of the Jewish people in the Purim story—rising to the heights of power and influence, only to become targets of destruction. What sparked this shocking reversal of fortune?
10th of Tevet: Unity at All Costs?
1
Should we unite with everyone at the cost of our principles, or are there those with whom we cannot unite?
Chanukah: Hidden Miracles
C
When does G-d choose to hide, and when does He reveal Himself? How the natural and miraculous come together.
Chanukah: The Menorah: Public or Personal?
C
Should the Chanukah lights be placed at the window to illuminate the world, or rather be set inside, warming the home and hearth?
Simchat Torah: The Shofar of Love
S
The prophets of Israel prophesied about the shofars that will herald the coming of the Messiah. The Rebbe explains that these shofar blasts were expressed by the terrible world wars on the one hand, and the victory of the Six Day War on the other hand. A fascinating exploration of the deeper meaning of the shofar blasts and their role in preparation humankind for the upcoming redemption.
Ki Tavo: Can Self-Reflection be a Communal Exercise?
K
The secret advantage of the synagogue, and can others help us repent sincerely?
Rosh Chodesh Av: Biblical Yartzeit
R
Of all the holy people in the Torah, from Abraham to Moses, the Torah only mentions the yartzeit of one - Aaron. Why?
Beit Hamikdash: The Raised Temple
B
The Holy Temple was not built on flat ground but rather atop a storied structure on a mountain. Was this just an architectural marvel, or is there a deeper significance?
Gimmel Tammuz: Don’t Abandon Ship
G
Why was Moses buried in the desert? Why are the Chabad Rebbes buried in the Diaspora? A fascinating mystical discussion about the responsibilities of Jewish leaders and how they continue to tend to their communities—even after their passing.
Gimmel Tammuz: Is Immortality Attainable?
G
Judaism claims “Jacob did not die” and “King David is alive and well.” What does that mean? A Talmudic adage that has become ever-relevant in the past three decades of the Chabad movement
Ethics of the Fathers 2: Learn to Fly
E
I have too many responsibilities in my life. Is prioritization the solution, or is there a more powerful tool?
Pesach: The 5th Cup
P
Why do we drink four cups of wine at the Seder; can I drink a fifth? Why do we pour another cup for Elijah; is he sitting down at our Seder table?
Parshat Hachodesh: How Much Are 2 Mitzvot Worth?
P
2 Mitzvot stood between the Jewish people and the Exodus, and 2 Mitzvot can bring our redemption. A journey between Moses in Egypt, Rabbi Matya in Rome, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York.
Purim: Punishment or Natural Consequence?
P
What was so wrong with attending Achashverosh’s feast? A new perspective on what lay behind Haman’s genocidal plot and the Purim miracle.
Purim: Mordechai the “Jew”
P
The word "Jew" is a derivative of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. So why are we all referred to by the name of a single tribe?
Parshat Shekalim: How Many Jews Are There?
P
The history of census counts of the Jewish people, from the days of Moses and kings Saul and David, and the connection to counting ten for a minyan in the synagogue.
Minor Purim: Guaranteeing Victory
M
Mordechai and Haman both knew: The children hold the key to victory or failure for the Jewish people. And a little joy goes a long way
YITRO: Moral Values
Y
Can humanity be governed by a moral code not rooted in belief in G-d?
10th of Shevat: The Seventh
1
The Rebbe's historic vision of our generation's mission and how to achieve it.
Excerpts from the Rebbe's monumental first address.
Va’era: The Battle Over the Jewish Birthrate
V
A historical journey into the relentless Egyptian efforts to control the Jewish birthrate, and a look at the heroism of Jewish women.
Chanukah: Why Chanukah?
C
Moses dedicated the Mishkan, Solomon dedicated the First Temple, but only the Hasmonean rededication became a festival we celebrate until today.
Why?
19 Kislev: Self-Diagnosis
1
The haters' arguments can teach us what's important, what's true, and what needs improvement.
Sukkot: What Arouses Joy?
S
Why is Sukkot the most joyous holiday?
Is it related to agriculture and economics or perhaps to our failures?
The happiest Sukkot in Jewish history.
Tishrei: The Festive Journey
T
The High Holiday season is a fascinating train ride with multiple stops at critical stations to accumulate the energy, guidance and inspiration we need for the year. Come along for the ride!
18 Elul: A Fiery Chariot to Heaven
1
The events of the passings of Elijah the prophet and the Baal Shem Tov offer insights into their lives' purpose and mission
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.
Gimmel Tammuz: The Ultimate Test
G
Historically, our nation's most transformative moments came as a result of persecution.
In this foundational discourse, the Rebbe explains how today's freedoms set the stage for Judaism's most consequential test.
Ethics of Our Fathers 3: Don’t be so Quick to Judge
E
Judging the actions of others may inadvertently seal the verdict for yourself.
Shavuot: Faithful Marriage
S
The event of the giving of the Torah is considered a "marriage" between G-d and the Jewish people.
What form of loyalty does this relationship require?
Emor – Pesach Sheni: A Bug in the Divine System?
E
Sometimes it seems like there's a bug in G-d's system.
He commands us to do something, but makes it impossible to fulfill...
Did anyone ever ask G-d this question?
Acharei Mos – Kedoshim: Is There Life After Death?
A
Will the vision of the resurrection of the dead in the Messianic era actually be realized? Who will be resurrected, and when? Answers to all the questions you wanted to ask about the resurrection.
Sefirat Ha’omer: The Omer: A Chametz Transformation
S
Before Passover, we scrub our houses clean of all leavened bread. Yet, just a few weeks later, chametz becomes a most important element of the Holy Temple service. Why the transformation? What does it represent in the journey of the soul?
Pesach: Will These Dry Bones Live?
P
The Passover Haftarah relates an incredible vision of redemption: people rising from their graves, and a lamb and a wolf relaxing together. How and when will this happen? Has anything like this happened in the past? And what is Queen Cleopatra's connection to this?
11 Nissan: Choosing Wisely
1
Idolatry seems primitive and ludicrous. Why are the Jewish people called “wise” on account of their choice to serve G-d?
A fascinating discussion about the complexities of life and the courage to choose right.
Purim: The Winning Argument
P
Why did Esther hesitate to petition Achashverosh to save the Jews, and how did Mordechai convince her to do it? An argument with an eternal message.
Terumah: Looking to Hire: Temple Guards
T
An honor guard of Priests and Levites operated at the Holy Temple. Is the guard still required after the destruction of the Temple?
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?
Beshalach: Four camps at sea
B
As the Egyptians pursued them, the Jews were busy arguing about what their next step should be. Was collective suicide and option? And why did G-d side against passionate prayer?
Bo: Does G-d Change His Mind?
B
An eye-opening exploration of free choice, reward and punishment, and the power of humans to change G-d’s mind.
Va’era: Feeling Frustrated?
V
Do you feel ineffective in your personal life? Frustrating by the difficulty in influencing people? The ten plagues have a lesson for you.
Shemot: Wonder Women in Egypt
S
How did two midwives serve an entire nation, why didn’t Pharaoh punish them, and what reward did they receive?
Chanukah: The Feminine Side of Chanukah
C
Who was the young woman that kindled the fire of rebellion of the Maccabees? Who was the woman whose resourcefulness helped the Maccabees win? And why did women suffer more than anyone else under Greek rule?
Vayetzei: The Reasons for Antisemitism
V
From the time of Laban the Aramaean, to Haman and Ahasuerus, and all the way down the the present, we have suffered from antisemites who attempt to harm us. Why do they hate us? And how should we respond?
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.
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?
Gimmel Tammuz: Leaders Without Borders
G
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.
Ethics of Our Fathers 4: Schadenfreude
E
What's Judaism's position about rejoicing at someone's misfortune?
Shavuot: 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?
Shavuot: “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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
Chanukah: 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.
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.
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?
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.
Ethics of Our Fathers 5: Yesteryear of Miracles
E
Ethics of The Fathers tells of the miraculous phenomena in the Beit Hamikdash. What's their contemporary message for us?
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.
Behaalotecha: 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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
Vayera: A Leader to All
V
What is the responsibility of a pious individual among sinners? A deeper look at three of our most famous ancestors, Noach, Avraham and Moshe.
Ethics of Our Fathers 6: The Values Beyond Money
E
Who turns down a million-dollar offer? And who says no to the gift of a new Cadillac? A Jewish perspective on the values of Torah and spirituality.
Chanukah: 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.