The Rebbe's Letters

151

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

152

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

153

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

154

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

155

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

156

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

157

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

158

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

159

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

160

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

161

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

162

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

163

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

164

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

165

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

166

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

167

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

168

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

169

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

170

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

171

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

172

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

173

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

174

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

175

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

176

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

177

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

178

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

179

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

180

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

181

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

182

Special Episode: Tosefes Shabbos

Jun 7, 2023

19:36

In this class we depart from the year 1973 to explore the Rebbe's position on bringing in Shabbos early, with letters and Sichos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

183

Ideologies and -ism's

Jun 5, 2023

26:05

In this letter the Rebbe discusses the pitfalls of modernity (including Modern Judaism) and "-isms" of all kinds, and the class delves into a Michtav Klali and Sicha that explain the futility and failure of the many ideologies that Jews cling to instead of Torah and Mitzvos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

184

You are no Misnagid

Jun 4, 2023

23:08

The famed Yiddish writer Chaim Grade described himself as a "Modern" Jew who comes from "Misnagdim". In this letter, the Rebbe explains why the term "Misnagid" is outdated, and the class unpacks what the Rebbe means when he says Misnagdim no longer exist. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

185

Dictators and Independence

Jun 1, 2023

16:19

Those who put their hearts and souls into institutions are often fiercely defensive of their ability to run their Mosdos by fiat. But the Rebbe does not tolerate dictators, and demands that every head of a Chabad institution consult with an advisory board before making major decisions. This class looks at multiple letters from the Rebbe that push a collaborative model—and which harshly censure individuals who make unilateral decisions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

186

Secular Studies

May 23, 2023

22:54

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Here we review both letters and Sichos to determine what the Rebbe wants schools that teach secular subjects to look like. The class highlights four key features that every dual-curriculum school must have in order to meet the Rebbe's expectations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

187

Education in the Summer

May 23, 2023

23:29

This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering the Rebbe's perspective on secular studies. This first episode highlights the Rebbe's wish—expressed in many letters from Shavuos and the summer months—that children not engage in any secular studies over the summer, instead dedicating this time exclusively to immersion in Torah. We also discuss a letter that encourages schools with secular curricula to open Torah-only tracks. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

188

Fixing Sins

May 23, 2023

16:24

In this letter, the Rebbe outlines a path of atonement and penitence (Tikkun) for someone who forgot to put on Tefillin. The class will explore the Rebbe's overarching philosophy about crafting Tikkunim, and present sample Tikunim the Rebbe gave for a number of sins. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

189

Intermarriage

May 23, 2023

29:32

Intermarriage is one of the most pressing Jewish concerns of our era, and thinkers across the religious spectrum have their opinions on how to respond to this challenge. The Rebbe's approach is utterly unique, difficult to swallow, and ultimately effective. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

190

Prison Reform

May 18, 2023

20:03

This letter captures The Rebbe's unique take on the prison system and the need for criminal justice reform. The class looks at a Sicha that describes The Rebbe's vision for prisons that rehabilitate offenders, and discusses what progress has been made since the Rebbe called for prison reform 50 years ago. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

191

What is a Jew?

May 18, 2023

19:40

Judaism is clearly not a religion, race, or nationality. In this letter The Rebbe describes exactly what a Jew is, and the class reviews a handful of letters in English that address similar points, arming us all with a definitive answer to this central question. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

192

Marrying Before An Older Sibling

May 18, 2023

23:08

By request of one of our regular listeners, this episode explores the Rebbe's position on siblings getting married out of order (eg, a younger sibling before an older sibling). Rebbe has many letters on this subject, and the answers are quite nuanced. The class explores the Halachic parameters of the question, and demonstrates that the Rebbe's responses to each scenario line up perfectly with the established Halachic approach. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

193

Shazar and The Rebbe

May 18, 2023

27:46

The Rebbe had a long and close relationship with Zalman Shazar, former president of Israel. This letter, one of the last that they exchanged, discusses the end of Shazar's final term as president. The class provides an overview of this unique relationship and some of the historical highlights. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

194

Giving and Receiving Blessings

May 18, 2023

18:14

This letter includes the classic phrase כל המברך מתברך (all who give a blessing are, themselves, blessed), and the class explores the source for this expression. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

195

The Mazal of A Big Move

May 18, 2023

15:58

Whenever someone new moves into town, Hasidism traditionally greet them with the well-known adage: משנה מקום משנה מזל לטובה (one who changes location changes his luck, for good). Where did this expression come from, how and when does The Rebbe use it, and do we sometimes misuse it? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

196

B"H or BS"D at the Top of a Page

May 18, 2023

19:49

In this letter the Rebbe gently reminds the writer that there should be a B"H or BS"D at the tops of all letters and written materials. The class explores the source of this custom and the extent of the instruction, along with its potential Halachic pitfalls. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 353 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

197

Special Episode: Can You Ever Leave Israel?

May 18, 2023

19:39

Requested by one of our regular listeners, this special episode analyzes several letters from the Rebbe to determine the circumstances under which one is allowed to leave the land of Israel. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

198

Parents and Children Sharing Merit

May 18, 2023

15:04

In this letter, the Rebbe describes how a child's Mitzvos can provide Zchus for his or her parents. From there, the class launches into an analysis of the limitations and practical implications of shared merits between parents and children, both living and deceased. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 29 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

199

Journalism and Journalists

May 18, 2023

20:27

The Rebbe took particular interest in journalists and inspired them to use their platforms for good. This letter is one such example. The class explores other examples, with an eye toward learning how everyone can use their platforms for spreading Torah and Mitzvos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

200

Photography and Photographers

May 18, 2023

17:59

From the preponderance of pictures of The Rebbe, one wouldn't necessarily expect that the Rebbe had a complication relationship with photography and photographers. Although the Rebbe compliments an artist who painted his likeness in this letter, the class explores the Rebbe's varied reactions to others trying to capture his likeness throughout the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 187 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support