Shofar (Yeshiva, Elul 5780- 5781), Class One.Introduction: The Sages Unlock the Power and Mystery of the ShofarThis class provides historical background on the Jewish Sages who givethe multiple reasons underlying the use of the shofar at Rosh HaShana.Sages discussed include Reb Sadya Gaon as explained 700 years ago bythe RADA (Reb David Abudraham), the Rambam,…

ROSH HASHANA MESSAGE (5776-7).We did what we were asked. Head leads the entire year in Olom (770), Shana (Rosh Hashana), Nefesh (The Rebbe’s Bracha). (from the) series on the “King in the field”. Here we included the Rosh Hashana classes.

Class One Hundred and Thirty Six, The Chumash: The “Well of Miriam” Class Three.This class is the first of the new school year (5780-5781/ 2020-2021) and the introduction is therefore necessary.Part 1:  What is slavery? Having no control over oneself means not having the freedom to overcome our weaknesses – that is slavery.  If a…

TESHUVA CLASS FOUR – Ma’amar from The Alter Rebbe in Likutei Torah on Balak – is a classic ma’amar of teshuva.  The second Teshuva is ila’a. It’s called עשה טוב to create (Yesod) a connection to the Ein Sof. This Teshuva heals the past.Class Length (31:19) TESHUVA CLASS FIVE Text:  Likutei Torah Ma Tovu Chapter…

Vayehi Achar (the Akeida), Yeshiva Version, Class One.This class gives deep and accessible insights into the enigmatic story of The Akeidah.  A great resource for gleaning personal applications from the final and most challenging test of Avraham Avinu (Our father Abraham).We introduced it briefly, and read most of the Akeida inside and translated it and…

Ki Savo 28-69, Tochacha is called “Bris” (covenant) (5780/ 2020)There are 2 instances of “Tochecha” – rebuke (threats/promise) – in the Chumash.  1. Bechukosai – 49 klalos2. Ki Savo – 98 klalosThe Tochacha, which is a most severe section in the Torah (which could be called “threats” rather than rebuke or correction) is called a…

TESHUVA CLASS ONEThe first class covers “teshuva tata’a” (lower teshuva)  ((text covered is Perek Alef – Igeres Ha-Teshuva)The first half of the class is focused on “kabbala al’haba” – “going forward not going back” which is the work of “teshuva”.  Life is about work – being a Baal Ha’bais (master) over ourselves.  Teshuva is a…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 4 (113).The focus of this class is to clarify that Hashem did not create us to be perfect – He created us to be ourselves.  Two approaches to Avodas Hashem as a Beinoni are contrasted: with and without emotion.   The avodah of serving Hashem with no feelings – with kabbalos…

Vihaya Aikev 5738.Summary: This ma’amar is about the importance of “holistic” performance of all mitzvot on every level (thought, speech and deed).  “Machshava” (thought) is connected to “seichel” (intellect), “dibbur” (speech) is connected to emotion, “maaseh” (deed) is connected to “asiyah” (action). The role and practical function of each level is explained in the class….

Vishinantum Livanecha 5738 Part One.This part of the Ma’amar explores the idea of 15 Menachem , the Aliya is proportionate to the yerida.1) Pesach- Tzadik2) Tishrei- Teshuva but step by step3) 15 Menachem- Teshuva in an instant; at the moment of the Churban itself maximum Gilui. Notes:0:00 – 1:00  Story – The Priest who wore…