Class One. All Yomim Tovim celebrate material victories and are therefore celebrated through physical means: meat and wine etc. Chanuka was an attack on our Neshama, as they left the Beis HaMikdash intact etc. It is therefore celebrated through Hallel and candles. When a Yid has darkness he digs deeper and reveals higher levels of…

Class One. Rosh Hashana is not about creation but creation’s purpose. כי חוק לישראל הוא משפט לאלוקי יעקב means רוחניות broken down into two aspects: תורה ומצוות. However, this Ma’amar makes Rosh Hashana (not so much about Hashem becoming King, but) about the power of the Jewish people to crown Him as King. We reach…

This Ma’amar discusses תקעו בחודש שופר בכסא ליום חגינו. That there must be a שוב after the רצוא of the ימים נוראים. This is מצוות מעשיות. It seems that he adds here that in Rosh Hashana itself there are מצוות that are the שוב.

“Hayom” means the day one goes into Eretz Yisroel. We are choosing and being chosen. Eretz Yisroel in הוי’ האמרת. עולם שנה נפש means He responds to us. הוי’ האמירך means that He gives the Koach for us to respond to Him.

Class One. The basic idea of Elul, the king in the field: the super-rational bond between the King and the people of the field. Class Two. The people of the field and their work there. Different kinds of fields, some require more work and others require less work, and accordingly their way of life and…

Class One. The four letters of Shem Havaya (basically as explained in Likutei Torah Re’ei). Point, developed contemplation (י, ה). Above Havaya there’s Panim. When the Panim is joined with Havaya the revelation is healthy as it joins with the Source (essence). Class Two. When the Panim is disconnected from the Havaya, the problems start….

Class One. Yerida Tzorach Aliya. Each day Torah must be like new. In Galus it’s actually and absolutely new. In Galus the Aliya is not only for the Neshama but for the Body as well. Class Two. The Alter Rebbe and the Arizal about the Possuk. According to the Arizal, Vishaveha BiTzdaka is higher than…

Class One. Introduction about a fast that is nidcha and Rebbi’s opinion. Midian shares with Amalaik the notion of irrational opposition (but in Midian’s case) to peace and unity. It is a war against HAVAYA. Class Two. Introduction about the Alter Rebbe’s wedding anniversary and his (married) life. The fight with Midyan is with Havaya…

Yetzias Mitzrayim was forever. Going out of Galus brings out the greatest Kochos. עמו וצאן מרעיתו Being a sheep is (spiritually) higher than being a member of His people.

Class One. Elokim, Havaya in Elokim and Havaya by itself. Class Two. Mihalech, being in motion reveals the highest powers.