In middle of the Torah's list of Jewish holidays—between Passover and Rosh Hashanah—a societal mitzvah suddenly appears. How does that fit in?
Emor: Primetime Surprise
E
Acharei – Kedoshim: Love your fellow —Even when it’s dangerous?
A
What is more important: my own life, or saving someone else's? A discussion on moral dilemmas and courage.
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.
Pekudei: Things Worth Repeating
P
Are some things worth writing and saying twice? It turns out, yes, and it's not what you think.
Vayakhel: Affirmative Action or Natural Selection?
V
Does the Torah teach us to balance talent and social status? Lessons from the selection of the artisans of the Mishkan.
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?
Tetzaveh: Will Everything Be Good?
T
Are we supposed to believe that everything that will happen to us is good, and how should we handle the bad?
Terumah: The Gift of Wealth: A Blessing or a Trap?
T
Do we control our wealth, or does it control us? The Torah challenges us to use it wisely, before our wealth uses us.
Mishpatim: Struggling? Lift Up Another!
M
Should we focus on lifting ourselves out of the quicksand,
or can we accomplish that by lifting up another?
Yitro: Why Was Moses Reluctant to Delegate?
Y
Jethro comes for a visit and suggests that Moses delegate authority to judges; otherwise, he will collapse under the burden. Did Moses not realize this himself? The fascinating difference between the approaches of Moses and Jethro—and G-d’s surprising decision.
Beshalach: The People’s Torah
B
Is Torah study only for those able to dedicate their lives to it? How regular people can make Torah study part of their lives.
Bo: “The Third Generation Destroys…”
B
Popular wisdom suggests that the first generation makes it, the second maintains it and the third destroys it. Can this be applied spiritually as well?
Blessing the New Month: “Keep Your Opinions to Yourself!”
B
How to speak in a way that others will listen.
Shemot: The Snake that Swallowed Moses
S
What did Moses do to deserve this? And how did a Woman save the day again?
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?
Vayigash: What Motivates Mutual Responsibility?
V
What does a loan guarantor have to do with loving our fellow Jews? And what really lies behind the expression "All Jews are responsible for one another?"
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?
Vayishlach: Kidnapped Jewish Children
V
A historic Chassidic discourse addressed the kidnapping of Jewish children and their forced draft into the Russian army for 25 years of service. The Rebbe explores the contemporary lesson from this tragic episode.
Vayetze: The Uniqueness of Every Prayer
V
Can we break through nature and change reality? An exploration of the unique power of each of the three daily prayers.
Toldot: To Live in the Israeli Mode
T
Whether we live in Israel or the diaspora,
we should adopt the spiritual mindset of Israel:
G-d’s continuous presence in our lives.
Chayei Sara: The Power of the Three-Year-Old
C
Facing a moral decline of society stand Jewish women and girls on a mission to brighten the darkness. The Rebbe's Shabbat candle lighting campaign.
Vayera: Who is the Boss of the Home?
V
A bitter argument between Abraham and Sarah is settled by G-d Himself, teaching us the Jewish model for running the home, and the proper roles of husband and wife.
Lech-Lecha: Abraham – Atomic Power
L
From the beginning of history until today, the Jewish people have been a minority among the nations. How can a minority survive, and how can it have an impact?
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.
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 Tetze: 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?
Vaetchanan: 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.
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?
Pinchas: How Many Keys Do You Have?
P
This world has three critical keys of blessing: life, livelihood, and children. How many keys can a person receive?
Balak: Leadership During Crisis
B
Should a leader reveal the magnitude of the enemy threat or project confidence and strength?
3 Tammuz: Don’t Abandon Ship
3
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.
3 Tammuz: Is Immortality Attainable?
3
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?
Tazria: Shabbat and Circumcision
T
Why do we circumcise on Shabbat? Can't we just delay the surgery by a day, and not violate Shabbat? The history of circumcision and the surprising qualification required of the circumciser.
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.
Tzav: Blasphemy or Heartfelt Cry?
T
A young Jewish woman married to a Greek officer storms the Holy Temple, kicks the altar, and shouts "wolf, wolf..." Can anyone give this story a positive spin?
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.
Ki Tisa: The Fiery Showdown
K
What is worse: worshipping idols, or doing a bit of both - idols and G-d? Lessons from the great showdown on Mt. Carmel.
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
Terumah: A Mistaken Depiction of the Tablets
T
What did Moses put inside the Ark of the Covenant, and how does that inform the correct depiction of the Tablets?
MISHPATIM: Guardians of the World
M
When a person receives a deposit, they are obligated to guard it. What degree of responsibility do we bear towards the world and the life we receive every morning?
YITRO: Moral Values
Y
Can humanity be governed by a moral code not rooted in belief in G-d?
Beshalach: What’s Greater than Prayer?
B
There are moments in life when prayer is not enough - we must act!
A lesson about Moses' leadership during times of crisis and the eternal lessons it teaches us.
10 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.
Shemot: Can You Blame People Only for Their Intentions?
S
Moshe condemns Datan for only raising his hands, even before he hit Aviram. Why?
Vayechi: Looks Can Be Deceiving
V
Judaism teaches us not to accept matters at face value, but to delve into their true meaning.
What seems positive isn't always good for us.
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.
Vayetze: 238 Hostages – What Can I Do for Them?
V
A fascinating lesson about physical captives,
mental captivity, and the road to freedom.
Toldot: Showdown at a Bar Mitzvah
T
A lifestyle of brute power vs. an educational path of faith and spirituality.
A 13 year old boy takes on Og the Giant.
Chayei Sarah: The Importance of Knowing What’s Important to You
C
Do you know what is your purpose in life?
How does this express itself in your order of priorities?
A life lesson from Abraham and Sarah.
Vayera: Altruism with Benefits
V
Helping others and praying for others isn't self-sacrifice
- it's a profitable investment!
Lech-Lecha: War in Israel
L
It is a difficult time for Jewish people. Israel is at war.
What can we do to help? How can we deal with the fear and anxiety?
And why is it so destructive to speak negatively about fellow Jews at this time?
Noach: Judging People the Right Way
N
When are we to say the truth about people’s behavior? And what is the connection to our soul?
A powerful lesson from Noach, Moshe and Rashi.
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!
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
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
Ki Tetze: 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.
Matos – Masei: Don’t Force it
M
Should you force the kids to go to synagogue?
Strict parenting might produce quick results, but guiding with the powers of persuasion is more effective and durable.
History proves it.
Pinchas: The Jewish Woman
P
Intuition, devotion, and influence: the three defining feminine characteristics that are so important in our lives.
Chukat – Balak: The Talking Donkey
C
An angel is blocking Bilaam's way,
and his donkey rebukes him publicly.
Why all the drama?
A lesson about the meaning of punishment
and the importance of every individual.
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.
Shlach: The Trauma of the Spies and its Lessons
S
Optimism isn’t naivety, the majority isn’t always right, and modernity isn’t an enemy. Lessons from the spies of Moses and Joshua.
Beha’alotcha: The Secret of the Menorah
B
The Menorah is one of the best-known Jewish symbols.
prominent in the Temple and in the visions of the prophets.
What does it symbolize?
Naso: The Best Blessing
N
Can a blessing be too good?
Can a Divine gift be diverted?
If yes, is there any blessing that is impervious to all problems?
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?
Bamidbar: A New Dawn Breaks
B
When we’re at our lowest point, we must look up at the pitch-dark heaven and remember: tomorrow the moon will shine again
Behar – Bechukotai: All or Nothing
B
If I can’t get it right, why bother?
What do we do when the ideal is just not within reach?
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.
Sfirat 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.
Vayakhel-Pekudei: Jewish at Heart
V
"I do mitzvahs without feeling," "I didn't have a choice" — does that count as a mitzvah? Does an unintentional transgression count?
On Judaism's double standard on the importance of intent
Ki Sisa: Witchcraft: Illusion or Reality?
K
Can the forces of darkness actually create something? Is witchcraft a real phenomenon in our times?
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?
Mishpatim: Alternative Justice System
M
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!
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?