The Rebbe's Letters

1

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?

2

Alternative Medicine

May 14, 2025

33:17

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

3

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.

4

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.

5

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)

6

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)

7

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)

8

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)

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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)

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

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

33

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

34

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

35

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

36

"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

37

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

38

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

39

An Attempted Assassination

Jul 16, 2024

37:20

In 1981, a shooter tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. The Rebbe wrote a letter wishing the president a speedy recovery, and then delivered a powerful Sicha that explains why people harm others and how an education instilled with faith can prevent future attempts. Fourty three years later the U.S. is grappling with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, and the Rebbe's message could not be more timely. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

40

Why do we build 770 replicas?

Jul 3, 2024

24:03

A deep dive into the Rebbe's involvement in the construction of 770 replicas in Kfar Chabad, Milan, and Los Angeles, and a discussion of the Rebbe's position on building 770s around the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

41

When it's too hot to wear Tzitzis

Jul 1, 2024

24:50

The Rebbe responds to a question about wearing Tzitzis in a dirty workplace, which leads to a discussion of whether men should be wearing a Tallis Katan while playing sports, working out, or boiling in the heat of summer. We end with a Sicha, and the overall implications for Tznius and strict Halachic adherence in the summer months. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

42

Prayer and G-d in Public Schools

Jun 28, 2024

26:17

The Rebbe believes in the power of the public school system to civilize the nations of the world, but recognizes the shortcomings of the system. In these letters and Sichos, he highlights some of the biggest issues and strongly advocates prayer, G-d, and morality in public school classrooms. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

43

The U.S. Department of Education

Jun 28, 2024

22:08

The Rebbe strongly supported (and according to some Washington insiders, was instrumental in founding) the U.S. Department of Education. Today we look at letters and Sichos in which the Rebbe supports the creation of a federal Department of Education, and begin to explore the Rebbe's position on the importance of strong public schools. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

44

How to celebrate your Birthday

Jun 27, 2024

19:34

Guidance from the Rebbe on how to celebrate a birthday, with a handful of surprising letters about specific practices. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

45

Shavuos & International Dateline (5783)

Jun 11, 2024

23:39

In honor of Shavuos, please enjoy this episode from last year (5783). In this special episode, we departed from our usual 1973 letter repertoire to discuss several letters about the international dateline—specifically focusing on how the Rebbe wanted those who traveled to/from Australia during Sefiras HaOmer to celebrate Shavuos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

46

Dealing with Anti-Semitic Politicians

Jun 3, 2024

24:34

The Rebbe's approach to dealing with world leaders who oppose Israeli and Jewish interests, in letters and Sichos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

47

Techeles (Part 2)

May 28, 2024

22:35

In this Two-Part series we explore the history of Techeiles, the long-lost blue thread that the Torah commands us to attach to our Tzitzis. We mainly focus on how our Rabbeim responded to the (now less popular) Radzyner Tekheles, but we also discuss how the principles found in the Rebbe's letters and Sichos may apply to modern Teckhelet. Part I: The Rebbe Rashab's Letter Part II: The Rebbe's Letters and Sichos --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

48

Techeles (Part 1)

May 28, 2024

22:36

In this Two-Part series we explore the history of Techeiles, the long-lost blue thread that the Torah commands us to attach to our Tzitzis. We mainly focus on how our Rabbeim responded to the (now less popular) Radzyner Tekheles, but we also discuss how the principles found in the Rebbe's letters and Sichos may apply to modern Teckhelet. Part I: The Rebbe Rashab's Letter Part II: The Rebbe's Letters and Sichos --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

49

Lag B'Omer Without The Rebbe

May 26, 2024

18:48

Note: This is a repost of a prior Shiur, given in 5783 in preparation for Lag B'Omer. The Rebbe only missed one Sunday Lag B'Omer parade ever: in 1973, the year that we are studying. We know that The Rebbe refused to attend, and we know that he delivered a Sicha describing his reasons, but the details remain opaque. In this letter The Rebbe responds to a Chosid protesting his decision, with guidance deeply applicable to modern Lag B'Omer parades. The class reviews the Sicha in question, and provides a brief history of the parades. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

50

Heter Kiruv: Sacrificing Halacha For Outreach?

May 15, 2024

28:33

Letters and Sichos clarifying the Rebbe's position on the so-called "Heter Kiruv", which would allow bending or even breaking Halacha in order to bring Jews closer to Judaism. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support