(5776/ 2016) A thought based a comment made by the Chossid Reb Shmuel Ber Barisover about the alter Rebbe.

The Alter Rebbe’s final years (that were so positive) were interrupted (and ended) by the Napoleonic war. The Alter Rebbe’s attitude and response to Napoleon and his ideas.

This class given at Beth Rivkah Seminary on 24 teves 5775, In this class it is underscored that the Tanya is a most encouraging (rather than discouraging) book, as it accepts the struggle of the ordinary person. Ideally it empowers one to ‘never sin again’, but one who cannot, learns from the Tanya never to…

The Tanya written by a Rebbe for Beinonim that is truly on their level not his own.

The Alter Rebbe distinguished himself (also) in his involvement with Baalei Teshuva. Some stories.

This class given at Beis Midrash Linashim as a farbrengen for 24 Teves 5775, explores in short the Alter Rebbe’s three Rebbes 1) The holy Maggid, 2) His son the Angel ‘Reb Avrohom HaMalach’ and 3) Reb Mendel of Horodok.

Early years.

The meeting after the Histalkus, the three decisions: 1) To diversify Chassidus, 2) To remain unified in the struggle with the Misnagdim, and to meet to discuss the progress every five years), 3) To send a delegation to [bring Chassidus to] the holy land.

1) The story of Chasidei ‘TOLK’, 2) Did Talmidei HaMagid put the GR”A in Cherem during his lifetime and if the Alter Rebbe participated, 3) Stories, 4) Histalkus Tzavaa etc. 5) What was decided after he passed he away.

1) His Torah, 2) the holy brothers, Reb Shmelka and Reb Pinchas, 3) The Volfer Rav, 4) visits from his former friends, Reb Michele Zlotchiver, 5) Reb Pinchas of Kuritz, the story of the King’s crown and the precious stone,