The Rebbe's Letters

101

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

102

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

103

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

104

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

105

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

106

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

107

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

108

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

109

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

110

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

111

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

112

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

113

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

114

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

115

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

116

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

117

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

118

Public Menorah Lightings (Part II)

Dec 7, 2023

34:13

The initiative to hold public Menorah lightings was controversial. Here 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

119

Public Menorah Lightings (Part I)

Dec 6, 2023

24:27

The initiative to hold public Menorah lightings was controversial. Here 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

120

Launching Mivtza Chanukah

Dec 6, 2023

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

121

Chanukah Gelt

Dec 5, 2023

17:06

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

122

Is our Iggros Shiur OK?

Dec 4, 2023

16:05

This somewhat meta-Shiur examines several letters from the Rebbe cautioning that his responses are written to individuals and are not applicable to the general public, which raises the question: is it OK to learn the Rebbe's letters and apply them directly to our lives? In other words: is our Iggros Shiur OK? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

123

19 Kislev Telegrams (Part III)

Dec 4, 2023

19:07

For almost every year of published Iggros, we have a printed telegram from the Rebbe encouraging a 19 Kislev Farbrengen. Each year's telegram is slightly different, and sheds unique light on the importance of the day and how the Farbrengen should be arranged. Part 3: 1980-1992 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

124

19 Kislev Telegrams (Part II)

Nov 30, 2023

19:30

For almost every year of published Iggros, we have a printed telegram from the Rebbe encouraging a 19 Kislev Farbrengen. Each year's telegram is slightly different, and sheds unique light on the importance of the day and how the Farbrengen should be arranged. Part 2: 1960-1980 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

125

19 Kislev Telegrams (Part I)

Nov 29, 2023

23:24

For almost every year of published Iggros, we have a printed telegram from the Rebbe encouraging a 19 Kislev Farbrengen. Each year's telegram is slightly different, and sheds unique light on the importance of the day and how the Farbrengen should be arranged. Part 1: 1951-1960 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

126

Competition in Chinuch

Nov 28, 2023

23:00

Several letters from the Rebbe addressing concerns of "Hasagas Gvul" (encroachment) when a new school opens next to an existing institution, or when a new rabbi begins teaching in a town with an existing rabbinate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

127

The Rebbe's Anniversary

Nov 27, 2023

25:19

The Rebbe sent a surprisingly fundamental letter on 15 Kislev fifty years ago, and a hint as to why he might have chosen this otherwise unsung day may be found in a letter that Reb Levik sent the Rebbe and Rebbetzin on their second wedding anniversary. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

128

Do we need a State to survive?

Nov 16, 2023

27:14

A brigadier general in the IDF writes to the Rebbe asking for the secret of Jewish survival. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

129

Loneliness

Nov 14, 2023

25:38

In this series of letters from the Rebbe addressing loneliness, two distinct approachs emerge. Some writers are shown ways to conquer loneliness; others are shown ways to embrace it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

130

Kiddush Between 6-7 (Part 2)

Nov 13, 2023

26:16

In this Special Episode, we explore the custom, widely practiced in Chabad, to not make Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Part 1: Origins of the custom; Lenient Opinions; The Precise Time Part 2: Shalom Bayis, Guests, Children, What to do in Israel --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

131

Kiddush Between 6-7 (Part 1)

Nov 10, 2023

28:09

In this Special Episode, we explore the custom, widely practiced in Chabad, to not make Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Part 1: Origins of the custom; Lenient Opinions; The Precise Time Part 2: Shalom Bayis, Guests, Children, What to do in Israel --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

132

When a Spouse's Faith Falters

Nov 10, 2023

23:13

In letters written to husbands and wives who are concerned about their spouses either falling away from religion or never quite getting into it, the Rebbe has a few consistent pieces of advice. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

133

Wounded Soldiers

Nov 10, 2023

23:23

The Rebbe took particular interest in soldiers injured while defending the Holy Land. Here we look at letters and a well-known Sicha in which the Rebbe offers guidance to wounded warriors and insists that these heros be called "exceptional", not "disabled". --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

134

A Star-Crossed Shidduch

Nov 10, 2023

12:18

What do we do when parents don't approve of a Shidduch? Should children obey their parents, or marry whomever they choose? We explore three different approaches in the Rebbe's letters, and attempt to build a general rule as to how to approach such scenarios. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

135

The Story of Machon Chana

Nov 10, 2023

18:40

How the Rebbe encouraged the founding of the girl's school Machon Chana, and his relationship with the students and faculty. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

136

Addendum: Belief in a Rebbe

Nov 10, 2023

9:08

A review and clarification. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

137

Is Belief in a Rebbe OK?

Nov 5, 2023

19:10

There are letters in which the Rebbe laments that some place their trust in him and not in G-d. But on other occasions, the Rebbe seems to promote the opposite message. We explore this apparent contradiction, and present a solution proposed by the legendary Mashpia R. Mendel Futerfas. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

138

You're Not 100% Right

Oct 29, 2023

23:42

When individuals wrote to the Rebbe with a complaint about anyone—an organization, a spouse, a friend in yeshiva—the Rebbe's answer was consistent: you're probably not 100% right, and you're certainly not 100% impartial. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

139

The Bilingual Tanya (Part II)

Oct 29, 2023

22:10

Letters, Sichos, and diary entries describing the Rebbe's many interactions with the beleaugered British team, led by Reb Zalman Jaffe, that was determined to publish a bilingual Tanya. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

140

The Bilingual Tanya (Part I)

Oct 29, 2023

21:23

Letters, Sichos, and diary entries describing the Rebbe's many interactions with the beleaugered British team, led by Reb Zalman Jaffe, that was determined to publish a bilingual Tanya. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

141

Military Widows

Oct 19, 2023

16:56

When Chabad in Israel told the Rebbe of their many projects helping wound soldiers and their families after the Yom Kippur War, the Rebbe wrote back: "what about the widows!!?". Here we explore how the Rebbe's concern for the widows of martyred soldiers extends back at least to the Six Day War --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

142

Shiva on Erev Yom Kippur

Oct 19, 2023

21:48

When the Rebbe sat Shiva for his mother, he repeatedly asked visiting Rabbonim whether he would be able to go to Mikveh before Mincha on erev Yom Kippur. Today's letter adds another piece to that puzzle, with a Halachic analysis for context. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

143

A Tomim or a Shliach?

Oct 19, 2023

22:12

When Reb Mendel Futerfas asked Bochurim to return to Israel to help strengthen his yeshiva, they agreed only on the condition that the Rebbe formally designated them as Shluchim. We discuss the Rebbe's refusal to do so, and explore how it fits into the idea of Talmidei HaShluchim. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

144

On Changing Hasidic Stories

Oct 16, 2023

27:05

The Rebbe places great emphasis on the power of Chasidic stories, and considers even minute details of the stories sacred. But today we'll look at letters where the Rebbe suggests editing the details of some of Chasidic stories, and explain the Rebbe's nuanced approach on how and when stories should be altered. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

145

Careers for Jewish Women

Oct 12, 2023

26:06

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of education, establishes it as the foundation of Judaism itself, and empowers Jewish women to pursue that field, specifically, in the model of our Matriarchs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

146

How Mitzvos Protect Soldiers

Oct 12, 2023

15:28

Many soldiers wrote to the Rebbe explaining that they felt unable to keep Torah and Mitzvos while in the military. The Rebbe soundly rejects this notion, and reminds the soldiers that their safety is only enhanced by increasing in their observance while at war. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

147

When it's a Mitzvah to Fight a War

Oct 11, 2023

27:43

In a letter from 1974, shortly after the Yom Kippur War broke out, the Rebbe explains that all of the blessing due to soldiers who engage in an obligatory "Mitzvah" war apply to modern Israeli soldiers, too. The shiur explores the implications, and reads through a much longer letter in which the Rebbe explains the Halachic parameters of modern war, and why all soldiers will receive these blessings regardless of their religious observance and politics. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

148

Why Chabad sits in the Sukkah when it rains

Sep 28, 2023

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

149

Why Chabad doesn't decorate the Sukkah

Sep 27, 2023

29:09

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

150

Why Chabad doesn't sleep in the Sukkah

Sep 26, 2023

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