The Rebbe's Letters

51

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

52

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

53

"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

54

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

55

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

56

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

57

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

58

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

59

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

60

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

61

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

62

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

63

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

64

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

65

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

66

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

67

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

68

Why Memorize Tanya?

May 9, 2024

24:52

A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

69

Why Memorize Mishnayos?

May 7, 2024

32:08

A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

70

Why Memorize Torah?

May 6, 2024

23:40

A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

71

The Cruise That Desecrated Shabbos

Apr 12, 2024

1:31:11

The story of one of the Rebbe's most storied Halachic showdowns, in which he uses his Halachic and engineering expertise in concert to debunk the false claims of Israel's ZIM shipping company that their transatlantic cruises were not violating Shabbos (or had no choice but to do so). This was originally a three-part Shiur, condensed into a single Special Episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

72

The Stock Market

Apr 9, 2024

21:11

The Rebbe's position on investing in the stock market, with particular attention to short-term investments. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

73

Eclipses & Astrology

Apr 8, 2024

26:57

Letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about eclipses, horoscopes, and whether we worry about heavenly signs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

74

Siyum on Rambam

Apr 1, 2024

22:13

Letters and Sichos about how and where to make a Siyum HaRambam, the importance of Siyumim in general, and why you should participate even if you don't learn Rambam (yet). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

75

Getting Drunk on Purim

Mar 19, 2024

23:51

Letters and Sichos describing the Rebbe's position on drinking until drunk on Purim. Should we rely on Heterim to drink less or nothing at all? Should we worry about causing harm to others through drinking? Does the Rebbe's "Gezeira" limiting alcohol intake apply on Purim? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

76

Sports

Mar 18, 2024

28:17

Letters and Sichos reflecting the Rebbe position on sports in schools, professional sports, contact sports, the Olympics, how to talk to your kids about sports, and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

77

Cholov Yisroel

Mar 14, 2024

21:35

Letters and Sichos describing the importance of Cholov Yisroel, and the dangers of using non-Kosher or less Kosher dairy products, particularly when it comes to small children. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

78

Past Lives & Reincarnation

Mar 13, 2024

27:45

A collection of letters and Sichos that clarify the Rebbe's position on reincarnation (Gilgul) and past lives, tailored to answer questions about past life regression therapy and individuals who claim knowledge of their past lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

79

Expensive Weddings

Mar 7, 2024

23:10

The Rebbe's position on expensive weddings (not to mention the Rebbe's opinion on materialism itself) is widely misunderstood. This series of letters captures the Rebbe's nuanced position on wedding expenses, and sheds light on the Chassidic attitude toward spending. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

80

Were the Early Misnagdim Right?

Mar 6, 2024

26:24

Multiple letters addressing those who resist learning Chassidus due to a 200-year-old ban, issued by some of the greatest scholars of the time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

81

Missionaries in the Holy Land

Mar 5, 2024

21:54

The Rebbe's no-nonsense approach to Christian Missionaries in the Land of Israel, and his response to the claim that there are political realities that obligate the Israeli government to tolerate it. Bonus: The Rebbe's advice on debating/delegitimizing missionaries. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

82

Mixed Dancing

Mar 4, 2024

32:12

Letters and Sichos describing the damage that mixed dancing causes to marriages, the clear Halachic issues, and how to explain all of this to less receptive audiences. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

83

Talking to Co-Workers About Judaism

Feb 28, 2024

24:59

A series of letters on the subject of influencing your surroundings, and always be a Mashpia while only rarely being a Mikabel. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

84

Should Kids Be Taught in Yiddish?

Feb 28, 2024

20:57

The Rebbe often celebrates the unique advantages of Yiddish. But when it comes to the Cheder classroom, the Rebbe's letters and private conversations reveal a more nuanced approach to teaching in Yiddish, especially when the students are non-native speakers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

85

Is Hitting Kids Good Chinuch?

Feb 22, 2024

24:11

Although the Rebbe advocates discipline and disagrees with modern notions of permissive parenting, letters, Sichos, and anecdotes suggest the Rebbe would oppose corporal punishment for children and students in all but the most extreme scenarioes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

86

Saying Sorry & Demanding Apologies

Feb 21, 2024

27:06

A survey of several letters and Sichos capturing general principles about when the Rebbe apologizes, how he says sorry, and when and how he demands apologies from others in unique situations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

87

Art, Drawing, and Painting

Feb 20, 2024

24:32

The Rebbe describes an artist's job as revealing the inner nature of all things and breathing life into the inanimate. He also celebrates the potential of the visual arts in inspiring divine service--the Previous Rebbe praised the potential of landscape paintings, and the Rebbe Rashab was inspired by his visit to the Louvre. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

88

Mental Health (Therapists & Conditions)

Feb 16, 2024

27:18

Exploring whether the Rebbe considers mental health professionals "doctors". Plus, responses to patients with specific conditions including: OCD, Schizophrenia, Suicidal Ideation, and Addiction. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

89

Going Into Debt

Feb 15, 2024

29:21

When is debt worth it? Today we explore Sichos and letters, some which almost gleefully promote taking out loans, and others that express hesitation or outright forbid going into debt. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

90

How Can We Put Tefillin On Unobservant Jews?

Feb 13, 2024

33:26

The Rebbe writes an FAQ responding to claims against Mivtza Tefillin, providing us with compelling answers to those who oppose the project and believe, mistakenly, that it is forbidden to put Tefillin on Jews who are not yet observant. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

91

Why We Need Boots on the Ground

Feb 8, 2024

23:55

The Rebbe offers advice and general guidance constantly, but when it comes to specific situations he often defers to local authorities. Today we explore the reason for that, expressed in many letters (mostly regarding teachers and schools): "one can only judge based on what one can see with one's own eyes." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

92

Women in the Military

Feb 6, 2024

28:49

A deep dive into the Rebbe's firm position against women being drafted into or voluntarily joining the military. Plus: a discussion afterwards about whether the Rebbe's letters written 30-40 years ago apply in modern Israel, where recent initiatives have made the IDF more hospitable to observant Jews. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

93

When Helping Israel Hurts

Feb 5, 2024

22:49

In response to those who want to help the situation in Israel by violating a Torah law, the Rebbe gives one consistent answer: you're right that there's a fire, but you're trying to put it out with kerosene. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

94

The Rebbetzin's Letters

Feb 1, 2024

20:50

In honor of 22 Shvat, the Yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (wife of the Rebbe and daughter of the Previous Rebbe), we look at several letters from the Previous Rebbe, written to and about her. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

95

The Rebbe and the Restaurateur

Jan 31, 2024

17:49

Several letters emphasizing the Rebbe's substantial interest and investment in Kosher restaurants around the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

96

The Rebbe and the Physicist

Jan 31, 2024

23:33

The Rebbe wrote several letters to famed physicist Dr. Herman Branover--at times complimenting his work, and at times offering a gentle critique. We explore several of these letters, as well as the story of how Dr. Branover escaped the USSR to make his mark in America, Israel, and the world at large. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

97

Cigarettes, Tobacco, and Smoking

Jan 30, 2024

33:16

By special request, we look at a series of letters, discussions, and stories that capture both the importance of tobacco in Hasidic history and the modern imperative that we take the risks seriously. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

98

Tu B'Shvat: 3 Big Ideas

Jan 25, 2024

21:29

Three letters from the Rebbe about how we can relate to the Rosh Hashanah for Trees this 15 Shvat. 1) Living your life like a tree. 2) Explaining the day to small children. 3) Tu B'Shvat with Moshiach --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

99

Doubts in Faith (Part II: The Rebbe)

Jan 22, 2024

24:38

In honor of 10 Shvat 5784, we initially looked at a letter from the Friediker Rebbe that addresses Sfeikos in Emunah. Now we turn to the Rebbe's letters on the topic, which illustrate how the Rebbe unpacks and repackages the Previous Rebbe's Torah for a new generation, giving us the tools to combat doubt. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

100

Doubts in Faith (Part I: The Previous Rebbe)

Jan 22, 2024

25:11

In honor of 10 Shvat 5784, we look at a letter from the Friediker Rebbe that addresses Sfeikos in Emunah--what to do when one doubts the existence of G-d. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support