A fascinating look at the opening and closing commentary on the first volume of the Code of Jewish Law by the celebrated codifier Rabbi Moshe Isserles of Cracow. An exploration of the different levels of joy, particularly in the context of relationships.

Minor Purim. Maximum Joy. 

A deeper look at the significance of the crossing of the Red Sea following the Exodus and the crossing of the ‘River’ with the arrival of Moshiach, prophesied by Isaiah.

Turbulent Waters

A deeper look at the story of Purim whereby a number of ostensibly incidental details provide the clues to an amazing discovery.

Haman’s Dare

An overview of the very first Maamar (Chassidic discourse) that the Rebbe delivered on the 10th of Shevat 5711 (January 17, 1951), signaling his formal acceptance of the mantle of leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch. This historic discourse defines and directs the mission and destiny of our generation.

The Ultimate Mission Statement

The Talmud lists three options whereby one can fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles. The third - and most desirable option - is a matter of dispute between the Schools of Shamai and Hillel. This class addresses the underlying rationale of these views, revealing new insight into the Festival of Lights. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 20 and Sefer HaSichos 5748/2)

Chanukah Choices

Discover the revolutionary idea Chassidus introduces regarding G-d’s relationship with us that changes the whole picture. Every Rosh Chodesh an offering was brought in the Temple on behalf of G-d who requests of us to bring atonement on His behalf! This class addresses the various interpretations offered by the classic commentators, contrasting these explanations with the astonishing and enlightening insight of Chassidus.

When G-d Says I’m Sorry

“One should not take leave of his friend, except amid a discussion of a matter of Halacha, for by doing this he will remember him” (Talmud, Tractate Berachot 31a). This class reveals the inner meaning of this sage counsel, providing the ultimate answer to loneliness. (Based on the Maamar Al Yipater Adam M’Chaveiro 5721)

Never Say Goodbye

At the age of 140 Avraham remarries Hagar and fathers six children. Strangely, the Torah does not indicate that this was miraculous. In answering this question, this talk explores the divergent legacies of Abraham and Sarah and the respective roles of men and women in bringing about the Messianic Era. (Based on Likutei Sichos, volume 35, Chayei Sarah 3)

Men, Women and Humanity Enlightened 

On Sukkot, pilgrims travelled from all over the land of Israel to visit the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In order not to inconvenience the traveler who lived furthest from the Holy City as he trekked home, the prayer for rain is delayed for 15 days, until the 7th of Cheshvan. In addressing this subject, this class offers the tonic to the inevitable post-holiday blues. (Based on Likutei Sichos, volume 20)

Living on the Edge

The straight-forward meaning of the words ‘Simchat Torah’ is ‘the joy of the Torah’. But surely the point is our joy with Torah, not the Torah’s joy?! This class explores the essence of Simchat Torah and why it is the culmination of the holidays that forge the foundation for the year to come.

Why Simchat Torah Now?

This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.

I&#39;ve very muh enjoyed these lectures. Thought provoking and high level learning. Thank you for this fantastic reasorce.

Elisheva Schwartz

He is very easy to understand and comes over via video very well. I will study Torah with him often.

Very good study period with Rabbi New

Commentaries on the Torah

A person can be spiritual and even religious without Torah. Why then does Torah insist on a defined set of rules? In addressing this question, an age-old debate between Issac and Ishmael is analyzed, yielding a surprising outcome. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 25, p.86.)

Creating My Own Spiritual Path

The three sections in the Holy Temple represent three levels of reality. Explore components of the Beit Hamikdash and their mirroring mystical attributes.

The Temple’s Spiritual Dimensions 

The fast of the Tenth of Tevet commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588 BCE), which culminated in the destruction of the first Temple. It is always observed in the week before or after the Torah reading of Vayigash, which relates the story of the dramatic encounter between Yehuda and Joseph. This class explores the inner connection between the two, and offers essential, spiritual guidance for achieving personal and collective redemption. (Likutei Sichos, volume 15)

Let Go. Enhance. Transform

In explaining why Aaron was forbidden to enter ‘at any time’ into the inner sanctum of the Sanctuary, Rashi employs a parable concerning an ill patient and the advice he receives from two doctors. This class will reveal the deeper meaning of this unusual parable and its poignant message especially as it relates to the current ‘Omer’ period. (Likkutei Sichos, volume 7)

A Tale of Two Doctors 

Ezra the Scribe ordained that on the Shabbat before Shavuot, and again before Rosh Hashanah, the Torah readings containing the calamities that will befall the Jewish people for failure to observe the commandments shall be read. This class explores the inner meaning behind these dire warnings and reveals their uplifting message.

Curses Forever?

Although Jewish law exempts women from the observance of ‘time-constrained positive commandments’, they are nonetheless enjoined to observe all the Sabbath rituals, notwithstanding the fact that Shabbat rituals (such as reciting the ‘kiddush’) are ‘time-constrained’ mitzvahs. This class sheds new light on the reason for this exception and highlights the unique spiritual value of the Jewish women.

Come My Beloved to Greet the Bride

We are commanded in the Torah to count, from the 2nd day of Passover, 49 days and ‘7 complete weeks’. This mitzvah is referred to as the Counting of the Omer. Our Sages comment that the count is only perfect when Passover begins on the Sabbath, and thus the count begins with the first day of the week – Sunday. In such a year (as is the case this year) the 7 weeks are indeed perfect. But this is highly puzzling for a number of reasons, one being that the mitzvah to Count the Omer is perfectly fulfilled every year regardless of what day of the week the count begins! In answering this difficulty, this class reveals the extraordinary blessing inherent in this year’s counting of the Omer.

Perfect Score

Our Sages taught, “There are three whose sins are forgiven: (a) A convert upon converting, (b) one who is elevated to a high position and (c) when one marries.” This class explores the Scriptual source for the latter and in so doing addresses the question why this final Exile has been far longer than the previous exiles the Jewish people have endured. (Likutei Sichos volume 35, Sicha 3)

When All Is Forgiven

Many reasons are suggested to explain why we eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Of all the classic reasons offered, the one that appears to be the simplest is strangely absent. This class will explain why, and in so do doing will address the great mission of the Jewish people that began at Sinai. (Based in part on Likutei Sichos vol. 8, Naso 3)

Dairy Delights

The Sages of the Talmud differ as to the positioning of the Menorah in the Holy Temple, whether east to west (along the width of the temple) or north to south (along the temple’s length). This class reveals the spiritual underpinnings of this discussion and the relevance to our daily lives. (Based on Reshimas HaMenorah)

The Menorah of the Soul

The Talmud considers three manners of toil for which man was created: The toil of (a) Livelihood, (b) Speech or (c) Torah. In examining the inner meaning of this discussion, this class addresses the virtue of toil and the unique quality of the Land of Israel. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, Sicha 4)

Born To Toil 

This class explores the mystical meaning of nature’s most natural shape, the circle. The definition of time in light of Kabbalah is addressed and a new appreciation of Shabbat and its unique connection to our patriarch Jacob emerges.

The Kabbalah of Geometry 

One of the dominant themes of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy is the notion of G-d remembering His covenant with Man. But why the need to remember when He does not forget? This eye-opening class addresses the immanence and essence of Rosh Hashana.

Unforgettable: The Kabbalah of the New Year 

Why is Rosh Hashana observed for two days in Israel? Why do we customarily eat a new fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah? How is the mystery of Rosh Hashanah expressed in a law regarding a simple egg? This class addresses the history, Halacha and Kabbalah of the Jewish calendar.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on Ani L’dodi 5726)

Elul: A Road-Map for Successful Relationships 

A commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson on a passage in the Zohar extolling the virtue of the penitent (baal teshuvah) over the righteous (tzaddik) yields a profound and inspiring understanding of the nature of time and change. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 20 page 86.)

The Times Are Changing

On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av the maidens of Jerusalem would go out to its vineyards where young men had gathered, like them, to find their partner in marriage. There the maidens would dance wearing borrowed white gowns. This class addresses the spiritual dimensions of this sublime encounter.

Maidens in White

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Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!