The Rebbe's Letters

1

Refusing to Endorse Books

Jul 20, 2026

29:13

The Rebbe refuses to issue approbations to books in many letters, routinely citing "the custom of the Rebbe's house" or lack of time to properly review the manuscript. This Shiur looks at a sample of those letters and provides a few guesses as to why our Rabbeim have the custom not to provide Haskamos, even when they clearly approve of the book being published.

2

Ancient Torah Scrolls (The Petzua Daka Controversy)

Jul 15, 2026

23:27

This episode traces one of the most fascinating textual controversies in the history of Sifrei Torah through ancient manuscripts, famous Torah scrolls, and the words of the Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, the Friediker Rebbe, and the Rebbe.

3

The Moon Landing & Space Exploration

Jul 13, 2026

39:54

The Rebbe's approach to space exploration, with specific attention to how his letters and Sichos addressed religious objections to the Moon landing in 1969, from those who suspected that it would contradict verses and prayers implying that the moon is unreachble, to those who worried that scientific achievements of this caliber who engender hubris. In characteristic form, the Rebbe not only solves the "problem" of the moon landing, but turns it into a lesson in the service of G-d.

4

Aliens

Jul 9, 2026

34:51

The Rebbe sees no issue with the idea of extraterrestrials (and maybe even UFOs), but provides three important guidelines for how we are to think about life on other planets.

5

Women's Education (The Rebbe)

Jul 2, 2026

37:39

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

6

Women's Education (Part 1: The Previous Rebbe's Letters)

Jul 2, 2026

44:58

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

7

Encouraging Shabbos Violation

Jun 30, 2026

27:04

You may have heard the expression: "if you're going to drive on Shabbos anyway, you may as well drive to shul" or the memorable quote attributed to a great Tzadik: "Come however you want, whenever you want." While the underlying message of love is certainly valuable, this Shiur demonstrates that the position itself is contrary to the Rebbe's Shita, against his explicit instructions, and almost certainly against Jewish law.

8

Benedictine

Jun 30, 2026

31:09

Benedictine, a sweet and complex brand of liqueur, was present on the Rebbe's Farbrengen table for years until complaints about its Kashrus led to its removal. This Shiur tells the story of the rise and fall (and, perhaps, resurgence?) of Benedictine in Lubavitch through letters, Sichos, and stories. L'Chaim!

9

Alcohol Consumption & Kiddush on Mashke

Jun 26, 2026

35:41

Letters, Sichos, and private conversations reveal the Rebbe's clear position on alcohol consumption: With very few exceptions, we are not to get drunk, drink more than 3 or 4 small cups of hard liquor (Mashke) at one sitting, or make Kiddush on Mashke. The Rebbe asks that we not come up with excuses to dodge these rules, and goes so far as to say that those who do so are not his Shluchim and should not participate in his Peulos. Most importantly, the Rebbe emphasizes that we do not need Mashke.

10

Taking Spiritual Inventory

Jun 25, 2026

29:38

Cheshbon HaNefesh--an honest accounting of our deeds--is central to the service of G-d, but only under the right circumstances. In these letters the Rebbe cautions that, when done at improper times and without joy, a Cheshbon HaNefesh can do more harm than good.

11

What Makes a Home Jewish

Jun 23, 2026

25:58

The walls of our homes absorb what happens inside them and, in this series of letters and Sichos, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of managing that by building a home imbued with holiness that serves as a haven from outside influences.

12

Partisan Politics

Jun 22, 2026

36:24

Chabad is apolitical. And while the Rebbe sees room for Jewish organizations focused on political activism, he insists that the goal of reaching every single Jew without alienating anyone due to politics overrides even the noblest political goals.

13

Guide for the Perplexed (Moreh Nevuchim)

May 20, 2025

32:03

Rambam's philosophical work, Moreh Nevuchim (the Guide for the Perplexed) was initially decried as heretical and kicked off the Maimonidean Controversy that pitted rationalism against tradition. Although few truly oppose The Moreh nowadays, it is still apprached with caution in many Jewish circles. What is the Rebbe's Shita regarding Moreh Nevuchim? Should we study the Guide for the Perplexed and, if so, how and when should we learn it?

14

Alternative Medicine

May 14, 2025

33:17

The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.

15

The Evil Eye

May 12, 2025

29:43

Unlike prior discussions of superstition and anxiety, in these letters the Rebbe answers people concerned about what appears to be a legitimate concern—Ayin Hara, the Evil Eye.

16

Dollars & Coins

May 7, 2025

29:24

A brief history of the Rebbe's distribution of coins and dollars, and an exploration of letters and Sichos that explain what the Rebbe intends to accomplish through this unique Peulah.

17

Mivtza Chanukah (5783)

Jan 2, 2024

18:11

The Rebbe officially launched the Chanukah campaign fifty years ago to ensure that every Jewish home has a Menorah. We look at letters, Sichos, and stories from that historic moment. (Reposted from 5783)

18

Chanukah, Soldiers, Parties (5783)

Dec 31, 2023

22:19

The Rebbe had a consistent answer to Israeli soldiers who thanked him for sending Shluchim to their bases to arrange Chanukah parties, and that timeless message is key to arranging our own Chanukah parties to the greatest effect. (Reposted from 5783)

19

Electric Menorahs (5783)

Dec 29, 2023

23:46

A letter from the Rebbe knocks down some of the halachic opposition to electric Menorahs, leaving us with the question: can we use them? (Reposted from 5783)

20

Can Girls Light the Menorah? (5783)

Dec 28, 2023

26:05

Based loosely on a Chanukah letter the Rebbe sent the graduating class of Bais Rivka, this Shiur is a deep-dive into the Halacha and Minhag surrounding women and girls lighting the Menorah. (Reposted from 5783)

21

Chanukah Gelt (5783)

Dec 25, 2023

17:06

Is giving gifts on Chanukah a Jewish custom? What can we learn from the long-standing custom to specifically give money ("Gelt")? Reposted from 5783.

22

Predicting "The End"

May 5, 2025

27:07

Predicting the "Ketz" (end of our exile and the coming of Moshiach) is apparently forbidden, but sages throughout history have done so. This episode explores the Rebbe's position on these predictions, and whether they have a place in our lives today.

23

Kiddush Between 6-7 PM (5783)

Jan 29, 2025

46:32

In this Special Episode (reposted from 5783), we explore the custom to refrain from making Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Shiur includes the origins of the custom; lenient opinions; the precise time; what to do in Israel; potential Heterim for Shalom Bayis, Guests, and Children.

24

Public Menorah Lightings (5783)

Jan 2, 2025

53:50

The initiative to hold public Menorah lightings was controversial. In this special, hour-long episode we explore how, in the years following the launch of Mivtza Chanukah in 1974, Shluchim gradually began to hold public Menorah lightings—and how the Rebbe responded to their critics. (Reposted and re-edited from a Shiur given in 5783)

25

Chanukah, Soldiers, Parties (5783)

Dec 31, 2024

22:19

The Rebbe had a consistent answer to Israeli soldiers who thanked him for sending Shluchim to their bases to arrange Chanukah parties, and that timeless message is key to arranging our own Chanukah parties to the greatest effect. (Reposted from 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

26

Electric Menorahs (5783)

Dec 30, 2024

23:46

A letter from the Rebbe knocks down some of the halachic opposition to electric Menorahs, leaving us with the question: can we use them? (Reposted from 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

27

Can Girls Light the Menorah? (5783)

Dec 29, 2024

26:05

Based loosely on a Chanukah letter the Rebbe sent the graduating class of Bais Rivka, this Shiur is a deep-dive into the Halacha and Minhag surrounding women and girls lighting the Menorah. (Reposted from 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

28

Public Menorah Lightings (5783)

Dec 27, 2024

53:50

The initiative to hold public Menorah lightings was controversial. In this special, hour-long episode we explore how, in the years following the launch of Mivtza Chanukah in 1974, Shluchim gradually began to hold public Menorah lightings—and how the Rebbe responded to their critics. (Reposted and re-edited from a Shiur given in 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

29

Mivtza Chanukah (5783)

Dec 26, 2024

18:11

The Rebbe officially launched the Chanukah campaign fifty years ago to ensure that every Jewish home has a Menorah. We look at letters, Sichos, and stories from that historic moment. (Reposted from 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

30

Chanukah Gelt (5783)

Dec 25, 2024

17:06

Is giving gifts on Chanukah a Jewish custom? What can we learn from the long-standing custom to specifically give money ("Gelt")? Reposted from 5783. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

31

Talking in Shul

Nov 27, 2024

32:38

The Rebbe's suggestions on how to curb talking during prayer and Torah reading. Plus: Unusually harsh primary sources. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

32

The Likkutei Torah Obligation

Nov 25, 2024

27:02

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of learning the entire weekly portion Torah Or and Likkutei Torah every week, and finishing these books every year--going so far as to equate it with the Takana of learning Rambam. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

33

Getting a Driver's License

Nov 14, 2024

26:56

When individuals asked the Rebbe about getting a license to drive, the Rebbe's answers in letters and private audiences ranged from clear enthusiasm to unqualified refusal. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

34

Hypocrisy

Nov 12, 2024

23:35

How can we grow in our Yiddishkeit step by step without appearing hypocritical? Is it not hypocrisy to take on Mitzvos, or to study the inner dimensions of the Torah, before one is living as a completely observant Jew? -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

35

Amulets and Superstitions

Nov 10, 2024

25:57

Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

36

Debating Jews About Judaism

Nov 11, 2024

19:38

Whether in matters of Chassidus or Torah observance itself, the Rebbe insists that we don’t debate—we demonstrate, and let truth speak for itself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

37

Amulets and Superstitions

Nov 7, 2024

35:12

Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

38

Dreams and Nightmares

Nov 6, 2024

25:37

Letters discussing segulos for preventing nightmares; Interpretations for disturbing dreams; When to ignore dreams; What to do if you see the Rebbe in a dream. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

39

Proof of Torah's Authenticity

Nov 5, 2024

31:02

The Rebbe offers logical and scientific evidence of the mass revelation at Sinai, and explains how Judaism differs from every religion in its unique ability to prove its foundational principles—namely, that the Torah was given directly by G-d to the Jewish people. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

40

Quoting Non-Jewish Sources

Nov 3, 2024

24:32

Sermons citing Shakespeare and Kosher books with less-than-kosher footnotes: an exploration of the Rebbe's responses to writers and speakers who chose to back up their Torah thoughts with non-Jewish, non-Torah sources. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

41

Buying Lottery Tickets

Oct 29, 2024

23:46

The colorful history of Chabad Rabbeim and lotteries/raffles, along with a review of letters and other statements that shed light on the Rebbe's perspective on playing the lottery and Divine Providence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

42

Voting in Elections

Oct 28, 2024

23:34

In honor of the upcoming election, a series of letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about the importance of voting and what to look for when deciding on a candidate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

43

An Italian Esrog

Oct 15, 2024

39:09

A two-part special episode on Calabria or Yanaver Esrogim, explaining why this particular type of Etrog is preferable even to those grown in the Land of Israel, and why everyone should make it a priority to use an Italian Esrog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

44

Why Chabad sits in the Sukkah when it rains (5784)

Oct 14, 2024

31:05

A simple reading of the Talmud and Code of Jewish Law would suggest it is inappropriate to sit in the Sukkah when it's raining. The Rebbe's novel approach explains the Chabad custom. (Reposted from 5784) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

45

Why Chabad doesn't decorate the Sukkah (5784)

Oct 14, 2024

29:09

We have a firm custom not to hang decorations on the Sukkah (known as "Noi Sukkah"). An explanation, in letters and Sichos. (Reposted from 5784) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

46

Why Chabad doesn't sleep in the Sukkah (5784)

Oct 14, 2024

26:31

The Shulchan Aruch obligates sleeping in the Sukkah, but the longstanding Chabad custom is not to do so. Through letters and Sichos, we explore the origins of the custom and its justification in Halacha. (Reposted from 5784) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

47

Why Chabad Isn't Saying Selichos

Oct 10, 2024

19:54

Letters, Sichos, Maamarim, and even table conversations about the Chabad custom to say Selichos during the month of Elul, but not during the Ten Days of Repentance. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

48

"Easy Fast" Pills for Yom Kippur

Oct 8, 2024

16:25

A letter from the Rebbe about strategies to ease the fast kicks off a broader Halachic discussion about taking pills on erev Yom Kippur to aid in fasting, and whether part of the Mitzvah of fasting on Yom Kippur is feeling hunger. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

49

Comfort on October 7

Oct 7, 2024

28:03

In commemoration of October 7, we present a series of letters in which the Rebbe comforts the relatives of soldiers who were killed defending the Holy Land, and reflect on the themes that emerge in the Rebbe's letters of consolation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

50

Modern Jewish Music

Sep 5, 2024

26:12

The Rebbe's position on Jewish music within secular genres, such as Rock, Pop, or Rap, and a brief discussion of secular music and setting Torah lyrics to non-Jewish melodies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support