The Rebbe's Letters

151

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

152

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

153

The Kittel custom

Sep 21, 2023

23:50

A sprawling exploration of letters, Sichos, and outside sources on the Chabad custom to: 1) Wear a Kittel on Yom Kippur. 2) Not wear it on Rosh Hashanah. 3) Not wear it in the first year of marriage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

154

Atonement via Affliction

Sep 21, 2023

27:24

The Rebbe is vehemently opposed to self-affliction, but offers a surprising alternative that "can transform a person from one thing into another" and that goes all the way back to the Fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe—resisting the tantalizing urge to speak, and spending 15 minutes every day contemplating one's state. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

155

Atonement via Tzedaka

Sep 21, 2023

20:24

Kabbalah demands many fasts to atone for sins (151 fasts for displaying anger!) and the Alter Rebbe rules that one may fulfill this obligation by giving charity—18 Gedolim Polish per fast. In today's letter the Rebbe explains how to convert that into dollars, and we'll use that to calculate how much charity we might owe for our sins. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

156

The King in the Field

Sep 14, 2023

25:09

What do I do if I messed up my Elul? Can I still have a Rosh Hashanah if I didn't take advantage while the King was in the Field? If so, what was the point in meeting the King during Elul anyway? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

157

Shalom Bayis Part 2 (Rare Advice)

Sep 13, 2023

23:59

For our second installment in the Shalom Bayis mini-series, we focus on letters in which the Rebbe offers unconventional perspectives and unique advice for improving Shalom Bayis. Tips include visiting a Rav, considering prior reincarnations, and holding Torah study sessions with your spouse. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

158

Shalom Bayis Part 1 (Family Purity)

Sep 12, 2023

18:21

To kick off our mini-series on Shalom Bayis, we look at a number of letters from the Rebbe with the same theme: arguments and strife in the home are often due to a lack of adherence to Taharas HaMishpacha, and strengthening one's commitment to the laws of Family Purity can solve even seemingly irreconcilable differences. We also begin a broader discussion of how Shalom Bayis influences Parnasa. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

159

Should we be in 770 for Tishrei?

Sep 11, 2023

22:18

Many Sichos describe the advantages of spending Tishrei close to the Rebbe. But there are important rules and restrictions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

160

How to make a Cheshbon Nefesh (Part 2)

Sep 7, 2023

24:46

A much more source-heavy discussion of how to make a sincere accounting of our deeds, with multiple references from the Alter Rebbe, Rebbe Rashab, Friediker Rebbe, and Rebbe, as well as practical tips from the Mashpia Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

161

How to make a Cheshbon Nefesh (Part 1)

Sep 6, 2023

25:09

The days between 18 Elul and Rosh Hashanah are set aside for Cheshbon Nefesh—a serious accounting of our past deeds and, perhaps more importantly, our capabilities. Through letters and Sichos, we delve into how and when this accounting is done. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

162

Do I really need a Chavrusa?

Aug 24, 2023

18:25

Unfortunately, many of us haven't learned Torah with a consistent study partner (Chavrusa) since our yeshiva days. Several letters from the Rebbe highlight the importance of working men and women bucking this trend. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

163

Doctors and faith healing

Aug 23, 2023

26:41

The Rebbe often instructs doctors to not only involve themselves in physically healing their patients, but to also pushing spiritual cures. Today we'll explore the contours and limits of that advice, with practical lessons for both spiritual and physical healing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

164

Raising Daughters

Aug 22, 2023

26:14

Practical guidance from the Rebbe on how to educate Jewish girls, including: what themes to emphasize, what teachers to hire, and what subjects to teach in girl's schools. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

165

The Rebbe and the Western Wall

Aug 21, 2023

25:41

Millions of Jewish tears have been spilled at the Kotel for 2,000 years, but how significant is it as a Jewish holy site? An exploration of letters from the Rebbe Rashab, Friediker Rebbe, and Rebbe, drive home the importance of the Western Wall today--provided it is used properly. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

166

On short engagements

Aug 17, 2023

19:47

An exploration of the Rebbe's well-known position that young couples should have the shortest possible engagements, minimizing the time between the decision to get married and the wedding itself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

167

How to choose a Mashpia

Aug 16, 2023

24:34

The Rebbe wants everyone to have a Rabbi/Mashpia, but the Talmud suggests one is only allowed to learn from a uniquely righteous person "similar to an angel". How, then, are we to practically pick Mashpiim? Today's letter addresses this point, and we'll also look at a few Sichos that give more guidance on the issue. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

168

Unwinnable situations

Aug 15, 2023

24:15

"The footsteps of man are directed by G‑d". From this verse our Rabbeim learned that G-d preordains the time, place, and situation in which we find ourselves. Practically, as today's letters demonstrate, this means there is no such thing as a truly unwinnable situation--and that those who blame the time and place for their lack of success are simply incorrect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

169

When to take charge

Aug 9, 2023

16:28

We often have big ideas that would further Torah and Mitzvos, and those are great. But the Rebbe consistently demands that, before launching a new initiative, someone take responsiblity for its success. Otherwise, the Rebbe explains in today's letters, the initiative is doomed to fail. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

170

Moshiach's Torah Scroll

Aug 8, 2023

21:56

In 1942, the Previous Rebbe launched a campaign to write a Sefer Torah to welcome (and hasten the coming of) Moshiach. Almost 30 years later, it remained unfinished until a woman in Kfar Chabad rallied for its completion and the Rebbe agreed. This is the story of Moshiach's Sefer Torah, and the practical lessons that our Rabbeim drew from it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

171

Why is Torah so theoretical?

Aug 8, 2023

15:35

Today's letter addresses a fundamental question: if the whole goal of Judaism is action, why is there so much theoretical and philosophical material in the Torah? And why do the Ten Commandments begin with a theological statement of truth, instead of some call to action? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

172

Special Episode: Reb Levik

Aug 7, 2023

16:57

In honor of 20 Av, a letter by the Rebbe's father, R. Levi Yitzchok. This letter contains precisely 101 words, and meant so much to Reb Levik that, in a subsequent letter, he asked the Rebbe to "safeguard it at all times" and described it as "written from the depths of my heart and soul". --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

173

Dancing in the Vineyards

Aug 3, 2023

21:06

The women who danced in the vineyards on Tu B'Av extolled the virtues of "Fear of Heaven" above all else. Here's what modern men and women can learn from their example. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

174

A Rosh Hashanah for Diligence

Aug 3, 2023

19:35

Although the Talmud gives many historical reasons for celebrating 15 Av, the Rebbe emphasizes one essence of the day: recommitting to dedicated, focused Torah study and performance of Mitzvos with Hiddur. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

175

Comforting Mourners

Jul 26, 2023

25:27

In honor of Tisha B'Av, a Special Episode featuring two letters from the Rebbe on Nichum Aveilim—the first, with a class approach from the Alter Rebbe, Mittler Rebbe, and Tzemach Tzedek, and the second with a very novel approach from our Rebbe. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

176

On the Maamar Heichaltzu (Part 2)

Jul 26, 2023

20:36

We continue our exploration of unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help solve marriage problems, remind us to judge others favorably, emphasize the power of group resolutions and Mitzvos, and (perhaps) help win court cases. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

177

On the Maamar Heichaltzu (Part 1)

Jul 26, 2023

20:52

We begin to explore the Rebbe's unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help promote (and even solve) community strife, as well as influence our devotion to prayer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

178

Praying with the mother's name

Jul 20, 2023

24:19

When we pray for better health or write a Pan to the Rebbe, we have the custom to use the mother's name instead of the father's name. In today's letter the Rebbe strengthens the custom, and brings sources to support it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

179

When to refuse surgery

Jul 20, 2023

28:16

The Rebbe's view on surgical procedures: When to listen to the surgeon; When to look for a second (or third) opinion; What types of surgeries to avoid; When to schedule an inpatient procedure. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

180

Is Chassidus Therapy?

Jul 18, 2023

25:49

Special Episode: What is the relationship between Tikun HaMiddos and Chassidus? Is the point of Chassidus to help me become a better person? Can Chassidus be used to fix base Middos, or is decency a prerequisite? This class looks at letters from the Rebbe and Previous Rebbe to address these questions (and resolve apparent contradictions). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

181

What you owe your hometown

Jul 17, 2023

31:53

When idealistic young people would write to the Rebbe about their dreams of saving the world (or "finding themselves" abroad) the Rebbe often encouraged them to instead focus closer to home. In this compilation of letters, the Rebbe reminds would-be international heroes of their pressing local obligations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

182

A Shochet is a Mashpia

Jul 13, 2023

24:36

The Rebbe almost always welcomes new Shochtim (ritual slaughterers) to the profession with the expression "אין ושחט אלא ומשך". We'll explore the origins of this expression in the Talmud, and the Rebbe's deeper intent. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

183

How Chinuch won a war

Jul 13, 2023

21:50

The Rebbe's letters from the summer of 1973 have an unmistakable theme—they are almost invariably about Chinuch and Tzedaka, with a strong emphasis on very young children. This is atypical, and the significance of this unexpected push was only appreciated months later, when the Yom Kippur War broke out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

184

Exponential growth

Jul 11, 2023

25:35

One of the Rebbe's most oft-repeated phrases is "He who has 100 desires 200"—usually as a gentle nudge for someone reporting good news to work harder and do even more. Today's letter includes the phrase, and the class explores its origins and applications in the Rebbe's work and beyond. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

185

Dropping out of college

Jul 10, 2023

22:16

The Rebbe is not a fan of college under most circumstances, but what does he think about dropping out? What if a student wants to leave college to learn in Yeshiva or make more time for Yiddishkeit? A review of two letters and seven interviews reveals the Rebbe's consistent position on the subject. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

186

Child Prodigies of Jerusalem

Jul 6, 2023

19:41

Citing Midrash Eicha, which describes the wisdom of the children of Jerusalem before the Destruction, today's letter encourages modern children to aspire to those same heights and describes how children can, through intense Torah study and commitment to Mitzvos, transform the Three Weeks, Nine Days, and Tisha B'Av itself into a time of joy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

187

Prizes for children

Jul 5, 2023

21:12

Should we be giving children prizes for learning Torah, doing Mitzvos, or attending Shul? What does the Rebbe say about contests, raffles, etc—and are certain prizes inappropriate? In today's letter the Rebbe strongly opposes giving out a soccer ball as a prize. The class focuses on appropriate prizes (and the possible issues with a soccer ball in particular). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

188

Celebrating 12-13 Tammuz

Jun 29, 2023

24:14

When the Rebbe spoke about the anniversary of his predecessor's liberation (and salvation from certain death), he invariably quoted a letter written by the Previous Rebbe on the first anniversary of the miracle. Here we read the original letter, and explore how the Rebbe used quotes from it throughout the years to drive home various important messages. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

189

Boxing, Wrestling, and Martial Arts

Jun 29, 2023

21:37

In today's letter someone asks the Rebbe for his blessing to pursue a career in professional wrestling (which will make him quite wealthy and allow him to better support Chabad institutions). The class examines the Halachic implications of such activities, and reviews a letter from the Rebbe about teaching karate and martial arts in high schools. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

190

How to teach Chassidus

Jun 29, 2023

25:46

Is there something inauthentic (or worse—does it show a lack of deference to the Rebbe) to explain Chassidus in your own words, with explanations in the vernacular? In today's letter the Rebbe takes a strong opinion on the issue, and our class reviews several other letters and Sichos that demonstrate the Rebbe's well-defined position on the matter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

191

Where to live

Jun 29, 2023

13:59

Husbands and wives often argue over where to lay down roots and raise their families—and Chassidim often brought these family disputes to the Rebbe. This shiur looks at several letters that capture the Rebbe's overarching view on where Chasidim should live, and what a couple should do when they cannot agree. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

192

Special Episode: The Rebbe is Gezunt

Jun 22, 2023

18:44

In honor of Gimel Tamuz, this class looks at letter that the Rebbe wrote in response to some Chasidim who continued to refer to the Previous Rebbe as "Der Rebbe Zol Gezunt Zayn" ("The Rebbe, May He Be Healthy") even after his passing on Yud Shvat. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

193

Joint Distribution Committee and Lubavitch

Jun 20, 2023

19:23

In this letter the Rebbe mentions the long-standing, half-century-old relationship between the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Lubavitch. Our class explores that history in depth, revolving around JDC's role in funding the Previous Rebbe's clandestine activities in Soviet Russia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

194

Choosing a school for your child

Jun 20, 2023

24:20

Roughly 50 years ago today the Rebbe responded to a letter from R. Nachman Yosef Twersky, regarding his family's continued opposition to him learning in 770. The class explores several other letters and Sichos demonstrating that the Rebbe had a very consistent answer to this sort of question: children must learn where they wish, whether their parents like it or not, for the physical and spiritual welfare of the children and their parents alike. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

195

When women want to sing

Jun 15, 2023

18:42

When the Jewish Agency wanted to bring thousands of tourists to a Chabad in Jerusalem for summer Farbrengens, some were concerned that the women in attendance might sing in front of the men. The Rebbe's stance on Kol Isha is the subject of this letter, and the class discusses some of the Halachic and Hashkafic implications. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

196

Special Episode: Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin (Part II)

Jun 14, 2023

25:08

Once only Chassidim and Sefardim wore Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and Chabad Chassidim seldom wore them before age 18—a custom that the Rebbe overturned in 1966 with a landmark Sicha that called on every Jewish man from any background to begin wearing Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin starting from Bar Mitzvah. This two-part series explores the factors that contributed to this shift and its modern implications, through letters and Sichos. Part II: The Rebbe's 1966 Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin initiative; Responding to those who claim it is not their custom; Reb Moshe Feinstein joins the initiative --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

197

Special Episode: Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin (Part I)

Jun 14, 2023

22:02

Once only Chassidim and Sefardim wore Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and Chabad Chassidim seldom wore them before age 18—a custom that the Rebbe overturned in 1966 with a landmark Sicha that called on every Jewish man from any background to begin wearing Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin starting from Bar Mitzvah. This two-part series explores the factors that contributed to this shift and its modern implications, through letters and Sichos. Part I: The Halachic and Kabbalistic implications of Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin; The Rebbe's answers to individuals who asked to start wearing RT before marriage; The Rebbe grapples with the custom and builds toward a fundamental change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

198

Don't quit your day job

Jun 12, 2023

20:00

The Rebbe's advice across more than ten letters is consistent—do not leave your current job until you have another gig lined up. Here we review these letters, and propose a potential reasons for the Rebbe's strong opinion on the subject. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

199

Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Lubavitch

Jun 8, 2023

15:25

The Rebbe wrote a very warm letter to the Mashgiach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in 1973, but this was just one sign of the very close relationship the Rebbe (and the Previous Rebbe) had with the storied non-Chassidic Yeshiva. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

200

The Rebbe shuts down a magazine

Jun 7, 2023

18:51

The quarterly magazine "Bitaon Chabad" (1952-1973) was widely seen as the successor of HaTomim—and when the publication's editorial standards began to slip, the Rebbe noticed. In this letter the Rebbe addresses glaring errors and omissions in a recent edition, and the class describes how these critiques culminated in the Rebbe issuing an ultimatum: find a meticulous editor, or cease publication. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support