The Rebbe's Letters

201

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 In this letter, the Rebbe explains why the term "Misnagid" is outdated, and the class unpacks what the Rebbe means when he says Misnagdim no longer exist.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

202

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

203

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

204

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

205

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

206

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

207

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

208

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

209

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

210

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

211

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

212

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

213

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

214

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

215

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

216

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

217

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

218

The Power of Distraction

May 18, 2023

15:04

In this letter, the Rebbe advises a woman struggling with anxiety to try "Hesech Daas"—putting unpleasant thoughts out of her mind, and distracting herself with other thoughts and activities. In the class, we trace this strategy back to a letter from the Tzemach Tzedek and discuss how distraction can help with Teshuva, defend us from Ayin Hara, and bring Moshiach. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 131 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

219

Origins of Mivtza Mezuzah

May 18, 2023

15:09

The Rebbe was always vague about why he chose to launch the Mezuzah campaign. In Sichos, he'd say he felt "compelled" or that he himself wasn't sure why it felt so urgent. This letter may be the earliest record of the Rebbe grappling with the Mivtza, and may be part of the mysterious circumstances that led to its launch. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 207 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

220

Every Jew Must Have Matzah

May 18, 2023

18:36

These two letters from 1972 discuss an initiative near and dear to the Rebbe's heart: Mivtza Matza. The class explores other letters and Sichos that drive home the importance of ensuring our colleagues and neighbors have Shmura Matza for Pesach. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 152 and Pg 160 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

221

Learning in Kollel

May 18, 2023

19:18

Does the Rebbe support learning in Kollel? Who, if anyone, should be learning Torah full-time? And which institutes of Torah learning meet the Rebbe's standards—and which might be better off closed down? In this letter the Rebbe lays out his vision for a productive Kollel, and the class explores the Rebbe's exacting standard when it comes to what sort of Kollel—and what sort of students—the Rebbe wants to see in his institutions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 176 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

222

On Studying Mussar

May 18, 2023

18:34

The Rebbe often encouraged the study of Chovos HaLevavos (specifically the Gate of Trust), but that's not the only ethical work he references. This letter, which mentions Chovos HaLevavos, serves as a launching point for a class that collects the various non-Chabad, non-Hadisic "Mussar" Sefarim that the Rebbe suggests we learn. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 217 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

223

Overcoming Worry

May 18, 2023

19:20

The month of Nissan is a time of freedom from not only physical slavery but also emotional turmoil, and this letter from Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1973 captures the connection between Pesach and liberation from worry and doubt. The class discusses strategies the Rebbe shared over the years to remove worry from our lives. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 175 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

224

How to Rebuke

May 18, 2023

17:17

What's the right way to tell someone they're totally wrong? In this letter the Rebbe responds to complaints about aggressive Farbrengen tactics and, in light of this, the class collects advice from our Rabbeim on how and when to apply Chassidishe rebuke to our neighbors. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 79. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

225

Vegetarianism and Dieting

May 18, 2023

13:42

Is there a problem with becoming a vegetarian or adopting other restrictive diets? In this letter the Rebbe addresses this question, and the class discusses the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of both eating and abstaining from meat. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 210 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

226

Adoption

May 18, 2023

22:06

The Rebbe's opinion on adoption is controversial, subtle, and ultimately unclear. Starting from two letters written in 1973, this class launches into a broad survey of the Rebbe's written opinions on adoption, with the intent of creating a more comprehensive understanding of his Shita. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 21, Pg 80. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

227

Freemasons, Illuminati, and Cults

May 18, 2023

24:30

The Rebbe writes to a Chosid interested in joining the freemasons, and explains his opinion on secret societies at large. The class explores the Halachic and Hashkafic implications of participation in various cults, secret societies, and modern practices (such as yoga) that derive from other religions. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 159 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

228

How to Write to the Rebbe

May 18, 2023

15:07

In this letter the Rebbe teaches a Chosid how to write a letter to him. The class explores possible reasons for the Rebbe's instructions, surveys other bits of letter-writing advice that the Rebbe gave out over the years. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 137. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

229

Long-Distance Hiskashrus

May 18, 2023

16:05

Do Chassidim need to see or speak with the Rebbe physically in order to have a relationship with him? Today's letter hints at an answer to this pressing question, and the class explores the Rebbe's overarching opinion on how a Chosid can connect with a Rebbe without meeting in-person. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 15 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

230

Inducing Labor

May 17, 2023

16:48

Is it permissible to induce labor in non-life-threatening circumstances? When is induction Halachically (and medically) indicated, and when might it be dangerous? This letter reflects the Rebbe's conservative view on labor induction, and the class reviews the approaches of contemporary Poskim and medical professionals on the subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 46 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

231

Doing Mitzvos Together

May 17, 2023

18:49

This letter describes the power of multiple people joining together to do a Mitzvah and the reward that awaits them, in light of the Rebbe's analysis of the "Shnayim Uchzin" passage in the Talmud. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 172 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

232

Mishloach Manos

May 17, 2023

13:52

A unique insight from the Rebbe into the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manos, just in time for Purim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 161 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

233

Pregnancy Customs

May 17, 2023

16:37

This letter discusses some of the Chabad customs during pregnancy. The class explores additional customs and the reasons behind them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

234

The Library Initiative

May 17, 2023

12:47

In the Rebbe's brief biography printed in HaYom Yom, the year 1973 is defined as the year of the Rebbe's "library initiative". This letter is the one that began the initiative to create libraries of Sifrei Kodesh around the world. The class explores the historical context and far-reaching ripple effects of the Library Initiative. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 8 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

235

Talent and How to Use It

May 17, 2023

21:09

Do we believe in natural talent? How can we identify talent so it will be utilized most productively? What is the cost of wasted talent? This letter captures the Rebbe's deep interest in individual talents, and the class collates the Rebbe's talent-related advice from many different letters. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

236

The Secret of Jewish Survival

May 17, 2023

13:28

This Purim-themed letter describes the various "Haman" characters who have tried to harm us throughout the generations, and the secret of our survival—with practical guidance for facing the challenges of today. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 156. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

237

Exhuming a Body for Burial in Israel

May 17, 2023

22:05

This letter hints at the Rebbe's fluency with the Halachic intricacies of disinterment, a subject that touched the Rebbe's personal life in a way that was not fully appreciated until the publication of the Rebbe's Reshimos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

238

Can a Rabbi Make Aliyah?

May 17, 2023

20:38

Are Rabbonim and community leaders ever allowed to leave their flock to move to Israel? This letter reflects the Rebbe's well-known stance on the subject, with a shiur that explores just how far-reaching that stance may be. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 138 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

239

Dating Someone Less Religious

May 17, 2023

21:47

Should a Bochur consider a Shidduch with a girl who is less religious than he is? What if she promises to increase her observance over time? Today's letter reflects the Rebbe's often-stated position on such Shidduchim, the shiur explores other letters on the same subject. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 22 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

240

Term Limits for Rabbis

May 17, 2023

15:49

Is it forbidden for the Israeli Rabbinate to have term limits? Can pulpit rabbis be fired? This letter addresses the Rebbe's controversial position on the subject, with background describing the Halachic implications of hiring and firing a rabbi. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 11 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

241

Chabad and the Kotel

May 17, 2023

10:54

In this brief letter (and a related Sicha), the Rebbe reminds visitors to the Kotel that the Western Wall must not merely remind us of our past, but an inspire us to be better in the future. In the shiur, we explore Chabad's approach to the Kotel and its proper place in prayer and pilgrimage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

242

Organization for Jewish Scientists

May 17, 2023

13:43

This letter advocates the establishment of an Organization of Religious Scientists From Eastern Europe, and the class explores the Rebbe's interest in this project and his repeated attempts to get such an organization off the ground. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

243

Autopsies

May 17, 2023

17:43

In this letter the Rebbe highlights the Halachic complexities of performing an autopsy, and we explore the major opinions in Poskim. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 142 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

244

Nursing Homes

May 17, 2023

8:05

The Rebbe discourages an investor from getting involved in the Nursing Home business, citing reports that such institutions often provide residents with less food or heat in order to cut operating costs. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

245

When A Child Becomes Frum

May 17, 2023

16:08

The Rebbe writes to a father who is upset that his son has adopted many religious stringencies. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 133. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

246

The Primacy of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

May 17, 2023

15:20

A review of the Rebbe's particular interest in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and its central place in the life of a Jew. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 98. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

247

Supporting a Sefardic Yeshiva

May 17, 2023

15:20

The Rebbe advocates for a struggling Sefardic Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, and the ripple effects are not fully felt until 2006. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 17 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

248

Miracle Mikveh

May 17, 2023

12:37

In honor of a Mikveh built in Miami in 1972, the Rebbe discusses whether one is permitted to use a Mikveh created via an open miracle and, indeed, whether it is permissible to do Mitzvos with miraculous objects. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 23. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

249

The Real Job of Jewish Judge

May 17, 2023

14:37

The Rebbe writes to the author of a book featuring little-known Medieval commentaries on tractate Sanhedrin, and calls on the author to embrace the key task of the Sanhedrin itself: spreading Torah far and wide, and not limiting their influence to academia. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 123 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

250

Women in Chabad

May 17, 2023

16:18

A brief history of various women's movements in Chabad (Agudas Noshim, Achos Temimim, Nshei), culminating in a letter from our Rebbe about the unique power of Jewish women and the Friediker Rebbe's dedication to them. Iggros Volume 28 Pg 97 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support