ב"ה
One of the earliest Chasidic texts, Tzavoas Harivash, is a manual of insights and guidance culled from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his successor, Rabbi Dovber of Mezritch. Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known as the Alter Rebbe, was their foremost student and the founder of Chabad, and is known for his seminal work, the Tanya.
The Unique Power of the "Frontlets Between Your Eyes"
The Talmud says that the verse (Deut. 28:10) "All the peoples of the earth will see that the name of the Lord is called upon you" refers to wearing the head tefillin. How does the head tefillin cause G-d's name to be "called upon" the one who wears them?
Studying Rashi: Parshat Ki-Tavo
On the final day of Moses' life, he tells the Jewish nation, “You have now been given a heart to know, and eyes to see.” (Deuteronomy 29:3) Rashi explains that only at this point was Israel able to “recognize G-d's kindness.” How is it possible that throughout forty years of miracles, the Jewish nation didn't appreciate what had happened to then until that day?
The Alter Rebbe would read the Torah in public. One year, he was away during the Torah
reading of Ki Savo, and his young son and future successor, Rabbi Dovber, heard someone else read the portion, which includes G-d’s severe rebuke of the Jewish people. The son became so distressed that he fainted, and weeks later it was still questionable whether he’d be able to fast on Yom Kippur. The chasidim later asked him: “In previous years you didn’t faint; what happened this year?” The boy responded, “When father reads it, I don’t hear curses.”
Joy in the Torah’s ‘Threats and Curses’
Several days ago a Texas mom named Candace Payne posted a video of herself laughing hysterically wearing a talking Chewbacca mask; it's since gone viral. Chewbacca roared, she laughed, and millions are laughing with her. But why? The setup is mundane: A woman in a van with a silly mask and a dash cam, yet incredibly the whole world went ape over it. This class finds an incredible link to the weekly Torah portion, and gets to the bottom of this remarkable phenomenon—giving you a Torah-true timeless take on this latest trend to sweep social media. Listen, learn and be delighted!
Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 19, Ki Savo - Chai Elul
The 18th of Elul is a special day on the Chassidic calendar and coincides with parshas Ki Savo. The shared theme is about truly arriving. Discover what it means that Chassidus brings Judaism to life, and Chabad infuses every aspect of Judaism with vitality.
"And it will come to pass on that day that the great shofar will sound...” The prophecy goes on to describe the in-gathering of Jews 'lost' and 'dispersed' in exile, as they return to Jerusalem in the final redemption. This class will explore the profound meaning of the “sound of the great shofar” and will reveal the startling and exhilarating secret that the sound has already begun. (Based on the Maamar V'hayah Bayom Hahu 5728)
A Rosh Hashanah Primer
Our sages reveal that G-d's ultimate objective in creation is that the world be transformed into a home for Him, which means He desires a place of privacy and intimacy. How is this to be reconciled with the more universally expressed intent for creation—that G-d's Kingship be established on earth, when monarchy and intimacy are virtually opposite states?
The Paradox of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the day each year when we reaffirm and deepen our allegiance to G-d. The sounding of the shofar gives expression to our 'coronation' of G-d as our personal Monarch and as the Supreme King of Kings of all creation. This class will address the puzzling fact that nary a hint of this is to be found in Scripture where we are enjoined to observe this sacred day. (Based on various sources in Chassidic literature.)
Chana’s Prayer and Rosh Hashanah
On Rosh Hashana we read in the Haftorah about the birth of the prophet Samuel. Childless for many years, one year on Rosh Hashana, his mother Chana offered a prayer that elicited the Divine blessing resulting in his birth. The Talmud states that Chana's prayer is the model which all prayer aught emulate. This class will explain how to access the awesome power of prayer any time and especially on Rosh Hashana. (Likutei Sichos vol. 29, p.182)
Studying Tehillim: Chapter 47, Part 1
The propitious Psalm 47 is traditionally recited seven times prior to the Shofar blowing. Discover its deep and rather unusual history that may most naturally encourage sinners to remain optimistic of spiritual rehabilitation. See how its very structure comprises a secret mystical code that can, quite literally, trigger divine transformation, and inspire each of us to reach higher as we endeavor to initiate a new year and infuse it with new blessings.
Get the Chabad.org Video app