Two opposing approaches to understanding Hashem’s purpose in creation: 1) Talmud: that is all about being close. It is the delight of Yiddishkeit. 2) Maase’: action that is about distance from Hashem and is special because it is a chidush- novel and unexpected.

Class One. The Ben Chachom’s (wise son’s) two questions are 1) Why are we changing from the Avos and focusing instead on the physical and ritual part of each Mitzvah, what possible depth can they inspire. 2) [And] if, in fact, the shift has been made to the physical Mitzvos, then all should be equal….

BeAsor….. the Zohar explains that this goes on Keser that must be brought down so that the Geula will come. This Maamar explains how this comes down in the Pesukim. This is also relevant for the Geula Shleima now.

This is a Parshas Hachodesh maamar. The two levels of the Chidush of Nissan 1) Rosh Chadashim 2) Rishon….. LiChodshei Hashana, correspond to 1) The miracles that are higher than nature, and 2) How these miracles merge with nature. This Maamar also explores the miracle of creation that comes before the New year of Nissan…

The classic discussion of Para Aduma is enhanced in this Maamar. Para Aduma is “Chukas HaTorah” because it involves both Ratzu viShov. [On a level of Chakika]. This Maamar adds the issue (found in the Maamar of Para from 5700) that it touches on Yidden’s free will, to err and correct and “burn” the Para…

Machatzis Hashekel is a Klalis (all important) idea in Torah, as it is “Lichaper Al Nafshoseichem” (to atone on the Soul). It is different than Teshuva because Teshuva is the complete breaking down of the person, while Machatzis HaShekel and the Aron haKodesh (Torah) are only halving oneself. The idea is not to be broken…

The Maamar is Yidden’s request that in Golus they be as connected as they were in the time of the Beis HaMikdash. The Beis Hamikdash was a dira bitachtonim through Torah and Maase’ and now, in Golus, we hope (“Mi Yiten”) to also make Him His home. This goes beyond the idea of Keruvim (“kiAch”)…

Machar Chodesh 5746Machar Chodesh deals with the idea of Bittul as a preparation for being born anew with a new Ohr called Moled. The Bittul is in Dovid and the new light comes from Yehonoson (and even from Shaul- Bina). This particular Machar Chodesh adds the idea that the Bittul is only whole when machar…

This Maamar is a Hemshech (continuation) from the Basi Ligani. The Rebbe explained that in ch. 16 of the Frierdike Rebbe’s Basi Ligani the two ideas of Ohr Ein Sof Limmala Ad Ein Ketz and Limata Ad Ein Tachlis are in the same light. This Shiur begins by completing what was left uncompleted in the…

1) The Yerida and Aliya of the (original seven sins as well as all future Yeridos due to) chataim makes our effort at Dira BiTachtonim one of a Baal teshuva and Milchama Gedola achieved with Avoda Gedola (of Simcha). 2) Moshe’s giluy at Har Sinai was the beginning, the full giluy was in the Beis…