This in-depth Gemara study focuses on teachings of our Sages seen as sources for Sacred and Solemn Traditions associated with the observance of Yahrzeits'. Our series on Yahrzeits and Hilulahs entitled DAYS OF ETERNITY now delves into a teaching found in Tractate Ta'anit and a foundational understanding of a statement in Yevamot as we continue to trace the origins, and oldest known documentation of these time-honoured, and cherished Torah traditions. This unique mini-series within TOM’S TALMUD TISCH ~ ETERNITY AND A DAY -- Part II continues the quest for the sources of a widely observed and revered Torah tradition whose origins seem shrouded in mystery. This Episode -- based (in part) on Gemara teachings found in Masechetot Ta'anit, Daf 29a, and Yevamot 122a -- will reveal the earliest known documentation of the idea that recuring calendric dates of loss radiate with powerful energy, potency, and possibility. In appreciating illuminating statements of our Sages, as elucidated by classis rabbinic commentary about timing, anniversaries, and historic customs and rites of Jewish life we will learn to see the Yiddishkeit conventions associated with dates of earthly passing as resonate with not only the past, but rather the present and future. Our study will highlight the observance of anniversaries of death and destruction in a dynamic fashion. One that not only honours lives lived, but also seeds new life and can stimulate growth and development. This will further clarify how these mere Minhagim (customs) have emerged as so foundational and important to Jewish life and continuity. This second Episode will significant better our understanding of how to properly appreciate and utilize the extraordinary opportunities these special days provide.

This in-depth Gemara study is drills deeply into the Talmudic teachings of our Sages to source the Sacred and Solemn Traditions associated with observing Yahrzeits'. This series on Yahrzeits and Hilulahs entitled DAYS OF ETERNITY opens by delving into Tractates Nedarim and Shavuot as we begin to trace the origins, and oldest known documentation of these time-honoured, and cherished Torah traditions. Episode One, ETERNITY AND A DAY, opens in Masechetot Nedarim, Daf 12a, and Shavuot 20a -- as we begin the tedious task of tracing origins and sources. The opening of this mini-series withing TOM’S TALMUD TISCH will deal with the surprising, yet stubborn fact that one of the most widely observed and revered Torah traditions seems to have no source whatsoever in the Tanach (biblical scripture/ prophetic tradition) at all! Here we will set out to solve the mystery of how a mere Minhag (custom) became so important and foundation to Judaism! This inaugural Episode will provide powerful information on how where these traditions come from, so we best understand how to properly appreciate and utilize the opportunities they provide.

Part Fourteen of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ' , is a Chassidic Discourse which many regard as the Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament. Part Fourteen, entitled: features the twelfth chapter of, and the crowning conclusion of the entire Ma'amer. Discover the Spiritual Leadership that continues to post-terrestrially inspire. Learn how those choosing to remain tethered to a Tzadik's Torah teachings and guidance can be enriched and uplifted by his spirit that lives on. In this new and final Episode, we revisit the literal iteration of the previously focused on biblical verse, infusing it with the elaborate innovative thesis advanced by this groundbreaking Ma'amer. In this last chapter, we essentially come full circle in enunciating the symbiotic Soul Enhancement of Moshe and Am Yisrael. In the final analysis, the literal meaning and its metaphorical allegory are not disparate, but rather mutually complimentary. Now we can appreciate the Torah truth on parallel dimensions that mirror and reflect one another. By striving to achieve consistency in deed, and spirit alike with the larger-than-life influence provided by the radiance of a Tzadik's eternal soul the past actually illuminates the future!

Part Thirteen of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ' , is a Chassidic Discourse which many regard as the Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament. Part Thirteen, entitled: concludes the Ma'amer's Eleventh Chapter, that further demonstrates how this Ma'amer's greatest innovation serves to fully illuminate the original teaching of the Previous Rebbe -- upon which this Ma'amer is founded. In this new Episode we will learn how stirring, nurturing and revealing the Soul's innermost core enables us to keep ourselves spiritually glowing in Every Season! As we have already richly clarified the allegorical meaning of our "bringing Oil to Moses” as enhancing innermost Soul Dimensions we are now ready to return to further elucidate the original rumination. Here we will highlight the most beautiful expression of the mutual symbiotic Soul Enhancement of Moshe and Am Yisrael possible. Ultimately, it is Am Yisrael's own stunning effort that can best embody the profoundest of Soul Essence. And, when we are shaken rather than simply stirred, we self-motivate in a powerful way that radiates inside out to enable unshakable consistency. Accessing our deepest source of soul essence to transcend the normative ebb and flow of time and circumstances. Here, the Soul itself radiates in perfect equanimity!

Part Twelve of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ' , is a Chassidic Discourse which many regard as the Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament. Part Twelve, entitled: features a continued study of the Ma'amer's Eleventh Chapter, that links this Ma'amer's climatic innovation to the original teaching of the Previous Rebbe cited in the ruminations opening. In this Episode we will learn how discarding the soul's outer layers, enables the revelation of the truest love! We begin by returning to what was learnt in the previous episode. By providing the broader background, we will better clarify the Ma'amer's highly novel reframing of the proverbial “Children of Israel bringing Oil to Moses” as an enhancement of a Soul Dimension rather than a [spiritual] contribution to a Moses-like individual. In this Episode, this a more comprehensive appreciation of the Ma'amer's great innovation leads us to a profound new understanding of the Torah truism on Loving Our Fellow. Here, we will discover that by stirring the soul’s very essence, the profoundest and most transcendent dimension of love can take root and blossom!

Part One of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ' , is a Chassidic Discourse which many regard as the Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament. It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! Part Eleven features an in-depth textual-based study of the Ma'amer's Eleventh Chapter. Now, we return to connect the previously developed innovative highlights to complete the circle by linking together the lessons already learnt! in the immediate past Episode; the concept of "Katit" (Crushed, e.g. Spirits stirred and shaken) is presented a soulful expression that isn't engendered in response to external pressures or circumstances, but rather as a revelation of the soul itself. This, the Ma'amer's innovates is achieved by unmasking and revealing our core essence. In effect, we discard outer layers of consciousness to release the Neshama’s intrinsic radiance -- Inside Out! In this Episode we further the reach of this Ma'amer's greatest novelty by returning to connect this idea to the opening lessons about the symbiotic connective symbolism of Moshe and Am Yisrael. Freshly illuminating the previously expressed idea of the mutually beneficial relationship Tzadikim, where common-folk enhance the Tzadik's stature connection to Hashem -- we now learn to understand this contribution in a conceptual, rather than literal fashion. Not as a contribution to the individual Moses but instead an enhancement of the soul dimension by the same name.

- of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh. This rumination gifts us extraordinary clarity of the mystical meaning of Mitzvot, and the truest essence of Torah Leadership. The Ma'amer also highlights defining dimensions of our Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence, uniquely reframing the true tests of faith and the challenges of our modern era, as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders -- boldly outlining the roadmap to Redemption! Part Ten " " features an in-depth textual-based study of the Ma'amer's Tenth Chapter. Now, the thesis is further developed, and then applied to previously unbroken ground, dynamically probing never explored depths of the soul! By re-imagining the same ideas in a hologram of the Souls Extrinsic Expressions vs Intrinsic Essence, a compelling new perspective emerges. The silver lining of Galut concealments, e.g., being Shaken (or Rattled), rather than the self-sacrificial devotion caused by crushing circumstances of Galut persecution and suffering is now presented as qualitatively different. We can now understand that when we experience Shaken Spirits, not due to - but rather despite luxurious circumstances, we most effectively unmask our core and reveals our innermost true essence. In fact, it’s only when we are able to discard Style to discover Soul, is the Neshama itself able to radiate Inside Out! This further augments the Ma'amer's greatest novelty; experiencing am expression of Spirit due to Exilic Concealment (notwithstanding it's best of circumstances nature) most powerfully reveals the Truest Will and the core of our very essential being!

- of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh. It gifts us extraordinary clarity of the mystical meaning of Mitzvot, and the truest essence of Torah Leadership. The Ma'amer also highlights defining dimensions of our Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It uniquely reframes the true tests of faith and challenges of our modern era, as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders -- boldly outlining the roadmap to Redemption! Part Nine " " features in-depth textually grounded study of the second half of the Ninth Chapter of the Ma'amer that further develops the previously introduced thesis. By framing the idea with a rare outer layer, the new and deeper perspective about the silver lining engendered by Galut's crushing circumstances emerges in crisp HD. In fact, this novel understanding of opportunities uniquely afforded by the Exilic emptiness of G-d's presence leads us into a surprising discovery of our own Deepest Desire. Here, using the backdrop of the "Atmospheric Fog" that can cloud the personal Spiritual Consciousness of the supremely Saintly, the Rebbe in effect enables us to discover our own Soul’s innermost yearning. This introduces us to the Ma'amer's greatest novelty; experiencing the Crushing Spirit of Exilic Concealment under best of circumstances most powerfully reveals the Truest Will and the core of our very essential being!

- of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh. It gifts us extraordinary clarity of the mystical meaning of Mitzvot, and the truest essence of Torah Leadership. The Ma'amer also highlights defining dimensions of our Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It uniquely reframes the true tests of faith and challenges of our modern era, as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders -- boldly outlining the roadmap to Redemption! Part Eight ", " features in-depth textually grounded study of the first half of the Ninth Chapter of the Ma'amer that introduces an illuminated new perspective on Galut's crushing circumstances. Verily, this novel take on our Exilic challenges represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of how Galut depravation brings forth the most powerful spiritual mettle. Here, the Rebbe creatively re-frames the ordinary Torah viewpoint with an extraordinary definition of Harsh Realties that can Shake Us in different ways! Surprisingly the unique dynamics of this non-debilitating Exilic dimensions that serves to Shake rather than Stir us redefines our understanding of Self-Sacrifice and the Soul’s ability to radiate! This chapter lays the foundations for the Ma'amer's greatest novelty, introducing an inspiring and truly uplifting new view of our present spiritual landscape. This teaching uniquely highlights and illuminates both the greatest challenges we currently face, and opportunities available in our post-modern era! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

- of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh. Part Seven " " features in-depth textually grounded study of the Eighth Chapter of the Ma'amer that effectively synopsizes the primary themes of the rumination and traces the illuminating ideas back to their biblical Source. Yet as we carefully spell out the main points in parallel to the scriptural syntax the Code doesn't seem to match the Thesis. Deciphering this ostensible inconsistency will ultimately lead into a paradigm shift of our understanding of Chasidic philosophy and a revolutionary re-framing of traditional Torah theology! In a nutshell here's the flow: the Jewish People's Historic Self-Sacrifice can certainly be traced to inspiration flowing from the Spiritual Nourishment provided by “Shepherds of Faith.” Yet, we must also acknowledge that the Crushing Nature of Exilic circumstances contributes as well. Delineating the soulful inspiration borne of this synergy will force us to delve deeply to properly decipher the biblical messaging. This chapter is the watershed point from which the Ma'amer segues into a new spiritual horizon, boldly staking new scrimmage in the terra incognita of our Torah landscape!

of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh. It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of our Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It uniquely reframes the true tests of faith and challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders; boldly outlining the roadmap to Redemption! Part Six of " " features an in-depth textually grounded study of the Seventh Chapter of the Ma'amer. It opens by contrasting and profiling Inspirational Paradigms of Torah Leadership! In studying our storied history of self-sacrificial devotion we are lead into a unique understanding of generational Spiritual Giants who, in fact, became our Shepherds of Faith.

of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! of "WHO WILL NURTURE MY FAITH?" explores the true source of our faith and the secret well of our powerful yearning to connect with G-d. A better grasp of our individual subconsciousness will help of reconcile the seemingly disparate teachings that explained the underlying causes for the remarkable expression of self-sacrifice and the profound faith we exhibited under intense persecution in the face of fury and fire!

of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! of "WHO WILL NURTURE MY FAITH?" underscores the profundity of Faith under Fire, as the spiritual mettle exhibited during these trying and potentially demoralizing periods can be most intense. This Torah truism is richly illustrated by contrasting the loyalty and devotion to Hashem expressed by our Nation in the most difficult of Exilic times, with Am Yisrael's greatest moments of spiritual revelation and historic holy highs!

of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amar Ve'atah Tetzaveh It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! of "WHO WILL NURTURE MY FAITH?" underscores the profundity of Faith under Fire, as the spiritual mettle exhibited during these trying and potentially demoralizing periods can be most intense. This Torah truism is richly illustrated by contrasting the loyalty and devotion to Hashem expressed by our Nation in the most difficult of Exilic times, with Am Yisrael's greatest moments of spiritual revelation and historic holy highs!

of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ~ Ma'amer Ve'atah Tetzaveh It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! of "WHO WILL NURTURE MY FAITH?" introduces us to The Faithful Shepherd who is really the Shepherd of Faith. This is illustrated in a historical context of Torah Leadership and framed by historic challenges faced by the Jewish people. Faith under Fire during the most difficult of Exilic times can be more profound than moments of spiritual Historic Highs!

Part One of the Rebbe’s Parting Teaching ' , is a Chassidic Discourse which many regard as the Rebbe’s Last Will and Testament. It provides extraordinary clarity of the mystical meanings of Mitzvot, the truest essence of Torah Leadership, defining dimensions of a Soul and the profoundest expressions of its emergence. It outlines the real challenges of our modern era as it poignantly presents us with Marching Orders and boldly lays out the roadmap to Redemption! of "WHO WILL NURTURE MY FAITH?" opens with a charitable analysis of scriptural verbiage and its seeming anomalies. The symbiotic relationship of between exalted Spiritual Leadership and Nation are framed by an oily metaphor.

Jewish Custom & Convention! Learning the How and Why of our Cherished Traditions Pre-Gimmel Tammuz: "Yahrtzeit in Yiddishkeit" Highlighting the anniversary of the passing of Tzadikim doesn't seem to have roots in the Bible – yet, it definitely isn't a modern invention as there are several clear references of such anniversaries being observed in antiquity – as per the sources presented. An obscure verse in the Biblical Book of Esther becomes a prime source of rhyme and reason that is richly developed through the prism of inspired Chassidic teachings. Special attention is given to the time-honored customs of visiting the gravesite and kindling the traditional 24 hour Yahrtzeit candle!