Speaking vs. Exhaling: How our souls constitute “part of G-d’s name”

The release of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson from Soviet Russia was more than a victory for an individual. The approach which proved to be successful in lobbying the Soviets to agree to his release was one of quiet yet forceful diplomacy, far away from the public arena.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Rabbi Danny Yiftach was among hundreds of Persian Jewish children airlifted by Chabad to safety. Today he serves the Persian Jewish community in California and back in Iran.

Anti-Semitism is a powerful, negative, thoroughly unholy phenomenon. Stripped of its negativity, however, its raw power can be used in the service of holiness.

Jono makes jokes, get struck by lightning, and figures out how to mute G-fish. Watch, laugh, and maybe drink a soda?

This fast day begins a period of sadness in the Jewish calendar. Learn what happened on this day and how it is observed.

Sarah and Avi find a letter “mem,” and help him find a mitzvah that starts with the letter “mem.”

This portion contains poetic references to the coming of Moshiach. What is the obligation to believe in the coming of Moshiach?

Experience the miraculous exodus of the Jewish people out of the mighty Egyptian empire—in a unique, fun-filled (and educational) style!

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 132 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Eli and Ezzy wonder what life would be like if they were still slaves in Egypt.

A virtuous heroine. A wicked villain. It’s the ancient, true story of Queen Esther, brought vividly to life in a delightfully educational way.

Balaam seems to have responded irrationally to G-d out of hate, yet at times we may possess similar negative reactions on a subtle level.

Three artists are invited to compete by creating a masterpiece to decorate a wall in the king's palace. One artist tries to win the competition without doing any work at all — but the wise king isn’t fooled and teaches him a lesson in honesty and fairness. (Based on the Talmud, Megillah, p.6b)

The messianic era is central to Jewish belief, but few people actually understand it. Here is what the Jewish texts have to say.

He blew into the soul of man the breath of life...what does that mean?!

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

Being Jewish is fun in so many ways. Why do you like being Jewish?

The famous story from the Midrash about how Abraham destroyed the idols in his father's shop. An excerpt from the full DVD “Young Abraham”.

Feel the rhythm…hear the beat….and let your spirit get you jumping on your feet! Get ready to sing, dance and exercise together with Mendy and his friends in this exhilarating animated workout video for the whole family.

Jono makes jokes, get struck by lightning, and figures out how to mute G-fish. Watch, laugh, and maybe drink a soda?

Anti-Semitism is a powerful, negative, thoroughly unholy phenomenon. Stripped of its negativity, however, its raw power can be used in the service of holiness.

Balaam seems to have responded irrationally to G-d out of hate, yet at times we may possess similar negative reactions on a subtle level.

This portion contains poetic references to the coming of Moshiach. What is the obligation to believe in the coming of Moshiach?

An in-depth analysis of some of the most unusual prophecies ever known to humankind!

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The parshah of Balak contains 104 verses, and the mnemonic for it is the name Manoach. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Balaam’s famous prophetic words “Ma Tovu” occupy a unique place of prominence in the Hebrew Scriptures, our daily prayers and Jewish liturgical compositions. Oftentimes even emblazoned on Holy Ark’s and Synagogue facades, they clearly contain many marvelous mysteries and secrets. Following a general intro, we initiate analysis of Rashi’s seemingly lackluster elucidation, which leads us into a journey of profound discovery as we mine the verse to reveal dynamic dimensions of insight. In the end, our return to the primary port of departure resonates with timely and relevant guidance about the singular importance of modesty in our modern age of hyper-promiscuity.

When Balaam, the greatest gentile prophet attempts to curse the Jewish nation, G-d inspires him to bless us instead. Rashi identifies a nuance in the wording he uses, which illustrates just how deeply G-d cares for His chosen people.

The face evil presents to us is powerful and compelling. But in essence it is an illusion.

In moments of self-doubt, when you feel dejected or worthless, here’s how to transform your negative self-talk.

Ballam’s prophecies that a “shooting star will come forth from Jacob”. The shooting star refers to either Moshiach or to every Jew, yet they are deeply connected.

One of the praises that Bilam says of the Jews is: (Numbers 23:24) "Behold, a people that rises like a lioness and raises itself like a lion." Rashi explains: "When [the Jewish people] awaken from their sleep... they show the vigor of a lioness and a lion in grasping mitzvahs." What is the connection between this week's portion and the Festival of Liberation of 12-13 Tammuz? How is this connected to the two letters 'hei' and 'nun'?

When King Balak hired the evil prophet Bilam to curse the Jews, G-d told Bilam, (Bamidbar 22:12) "Do not curse the nation for they are blessed." But when Balak sent more officers to ask Bilaam again, he told them, (22:19) "Stay here tonight, and I will know if G-d wants to say anything more to me." Why didn't Bilam answer that G-d had already told him not to go? Furthermore, why did G-d eventually allow Bilam to accept the task of cursing the Jews after having previously warned him not to?

The wicked Balaam wished to curse the Jews, but when he saw the Jewish camp, he simply had to bless us. What was it that he saw?

Rabbi Steinsaltz explores who Balaam is, why Balak chose him, and his place in the archaeological record. How do we reconcile Balaam being a flawed person who also possesses great gifts? And what about the donkey?

Belief and anticipation for the arrival Moshiach is fundamental to Judaism. A closer look at how Rambam spells this out crystalizes the role and function of Moshiach.

How is it possible that the parsha is called Balak, the name of a wicked gentile? To understand this, we first explore the Torah referencing names of specific forms of idolatry.

A higher level of trust serves as preparation to the Future Redemption, similar to the period prior to entering the Land of Israel. This parallel is conveyed in the theme shared in the beginning of the Haftorah of Balak and the end of the parsha.

The prophet Balaam who tried to curse the Jewish people, instead blesses them with incredible blessings. Maimonides points out how Balaam prophesies of two Messiahs, King David and King Messiah.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

Laws of guarantors

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple

The maidens' Tu b'Av song

Worker's ethics

Testimony verification

When the era ended for various virtues

Constant growth -- in this world and the next

Who is covered by the cantor's prayer?

Laws of muktzeh on Yom Tov

In the first of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” Jeremiah describes his inauguration as prophet. Although his first prophecy is one of impending doom, it contains within it a hidden message about the power to transform mourning into joy.

In the second haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations” we learn how the prophet Jeremiah’s rebuke of his contemporaries can teach us today how to turn criticism into a powerful catalyst for change.

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple.

Born in India to Persian Jews, Sarah Karmely was guided by the Rebbe to become an author, teacher, guide, and mentor to thousands, with lots of miracles and drama along the way.

Why didn't Moshe defend himself against the accusation that he should not have married his wife?

Where does our strength come from? A closer look at Rashi’s commentary that offers an allegoric interpretation, instead of a more simple straight forward understanding.

What happens to the non-Jewish nations when Moshiach comes?

The Uniqueness of G-d’s Compassion: How many times will G-d forgive the same sin?

The teaching of the Baal Shem Tov on Hashgachah Pratis gave the Friediker Rebbe the strength to overcome the hardships of his imprisonment. A new understanding in how to appreciate the toughest times.

As we get closer to the time of Moshiach, we discover the positive energy embedded in the month of Tammuz.

The massive miracle of the Friediker Rebbe's release that nobody talks about is clarified in the maamar he recited on the first Yud Beis Tammuz.

The Torah encourages us to forgive those who wronged us and seek forgiveness. Discover three levels in forgiving others.

From the Rambam on the ten Red Heifers we learn the urgency to daven for Moshiach at every opportunity.

This talk on fostering Jewish pride and resilience in turbulent times was the keynote address at “One People One Heart” in Seattle, WA—an evening of unity and inspiration celebrating the teachings and impact of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (hosted by the Chabad

A detail in the Korach narrative about Moshe going to the renegades, underscores how far do you have to go for a Jew who has turned their back on Judaism?

Do we appreciate how radical the Frierdicker Rebbe's sacrifice for Judaism was? We see this in what happened on Gimmel Tammuz, the day marking the beginning of the Frierdicker Rebbe's liberation.

Purchase a letter in the Unity Torah to protect the Jewish Nation.

Personal reflections and memories from encounters with the Rebbe. (A talk at a tribute for the Rebbe’s Yahrtzeit)

Amid the Iran-Israel War, Rabbi Yossy Goldman shares the Rebbe’s unwavering faith, confidence and commitment to a bright Jewish future. A talk at a tribute for the Rebbe’s Yahrtzeit.

In describing the rebellion of Korach, the Talmud says Korach created discord—even though he claimed to champion equality.

The Lubavitch Youth Organization invites you to attend an evening of tribute at the Rebbe’s Ohel, in honor of the Rebbe's upcoming Yahrtzeit. Featured speakers: Rabbi Yossy Goldman and Rabbi Mendy Herson.

As our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land face down Iran's massive missile attack, we see miracles unfolding. Join us as we unite with them for a live online gathering of prayer, charity, and faith.

Yeshiva students at Lubavitch Mesivta of Chicago sing a soulful Chabad nigun.

How the spies took their scare tactics about the Promised Land to a whole different level.

Contrasting the blunder of the ten spies that Moshe sent versus the success of the two spies Joshua dispatched conveys a fundamental lesson in our personal growth.

A fresh perspective on why impure Jews were upset to be excluded from the Pesach offering.

Following the details of lighting the menorah, the Torah emphasizes that the menorah must be fashioned from a single block of gold. Understanding Rashi’s approach will show how Aharon didn't just light the Menorah, he completed it.

Why were the Jews exhausted when they reached Sinai? Discover how standing at Sinai exposed the deepest Jewish unity. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 28 Rosh Chodesh Sivan)

The Second Passover teaches us how we can fully embrace the present without being hampered by the past.

Why the blessing for the woman falsely accused of infidelity is easy childbirth.