The Rebbe's Letters

51

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

52

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

53

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

54

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

55

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

56

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

57

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

58

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

59

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

60

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

61

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

62

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

63

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

64

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

65

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

66

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

67

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

68

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

69

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

70

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

71

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

72

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

73

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

74

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

75

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

76

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

77

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

78

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

79

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

80

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

81

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

82

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

83

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

84

Yud Shvat (Previous Shiur from 5783)

Jan 18, 2024

13:36

In honor of Yud Shvat, this class features a letter from the Friediker Rebbe (Iggros of the Friediker Rebbe Vol 1 Pg 604) and its powerful backstory. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

85

Holy Jealousy

Jan 15, 2024

25:33

A series of letters in which the Rebbe counsels individuals on the subject of envy, explaining that jealousy--when channeled properly--is the key to unlocking one's full potential. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

86

The Chabad Siddur (Part II)

Jan 15, 2024

23:15

A deep dive into the Rebbe's position on Nusach Ari/Alter Rebbe, the unique advantages of Chabad Nusach, whether switching from Nusach Ashkenaz or Sefard to Chabad's order of prayers is permitted, and what to do in a shul with a different Nusach. Part I: The advantages of Nusach Chabad Part II: Switching Nussach & Davening in other shuls --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

87

The Chabad Siddur (Part I)

Jan 15, 2024

24:33

A deep dive into the Rebbe's position on Nusach Ari/Alter Rebbe, the unique advantages of Chabad Nusach, whether switching from Nusach Ashkenaz or Sefard to Chabad's order of prayers is permitted, and what to do in a shul with a different Nusach. Part I: The advantages of Nusach Chabad Part II: Switching Nussach & Davening in other shuls --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

88

Why Youth Break Rules (and Property)

Jan 9, 2024

31:31

The Rebbe often discusses the great power of young people, but also the potential pitfalls of youthful insecurity and confusion. Here the Rebbe explains why young people sometimes rebel, cause property damage, and buck moral systems, and how to prevent it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

89

Is Yarmulke a Big Deal?

Jan 8, 2024

25:05

In theory, the obligation for men to cover their heads appears to be a Midas Chasidus. But when individuals write to the Rebbe about taking a more lenient approach to Kippah/Yarmulka, his answer is consistent and firm. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

90

When Archaeology & Torah Contradict (Part II)

Jan 4, 2024

32:41

A series of letters in Sichos illustrating the Rebbe's approach to reconciling archaeological evidence with our traditions. Part I: Dead Sea Scrolls, Arch of Titus Part II: Aleppo Codex, Biblical Archaeology --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

91

When Archaeology & Torah Contradict (Part I)

Jan 3, 2024

20:49

A series of letters in Sichos illustrating the Rebbe's approach to reconciling archaeological evidence with our traditions. Part I: Dead Sea Scrolls, Arch of Titus Part II: Aleppo Codex, Biblical Archaeology --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

92

Vegan Tefillin

Jan 2, 2024

19:23

The Rebbe's response to someone so concerned about animal rights that he was uncomfortable wearing leather Tefillin. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

93

Opening a Chabad House without permission

Dec 26, 2023

18:14

Maybe someone wants to open a Chabad House in a town that already has Lubavitcher Mosdos. Or perhaps he simply wants to do the Rebbe's work in the same town as a long-time Shliach. The Rebbe's response to such issues is surprisingly consistent. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

94

Best Segulah for a Shidduch (Men)

Dec 25, 2023

17:55

There may be thousands of Segulos to help young couples find their soulmates. But the Rebbe offers one consistent piece of advice year after year in Iggros, and guarantees that it works. Part II: Segulah for Men --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

95

Best Segulah for a Shidduch (Women)

Dec 20, 2023

22:52

There may be thousands of Segulos to help young couples find their soulmates. But the Rebbe offers one consistent piece of advice year after year in Iggros, and guarantees that it works. Part I: Segulah for Women --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

96

Reb Levik's Ohel

Dec 19, 2023

17:51

In today's letter the Rebbe expresses his "heartfelt thanks" to an individual who helped carve the headstone for his father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok. We look into the history of the Ohel and headstones in Alma Ata, and discover the identity of this individual. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

97

Books for IDF Soldiers

Dec 18, 2023

21:33

On the Rebbe's Bakasha Nafshis (deeply personal, soul-level request) that we ensure every Israeli Army Base has a collection of publicly available Jewish books to nurture soldiers' souls. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

98

Electric Menorahs

Dec 14, 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? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

99

Can girls light the Menorah?

Dec 12, 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

100

Chanukah, Soldiers, Parties

Dec 11, 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support