ב"ה
28 Iyar, 5728 · May 26, 1968
Before the Jewish People entered the Land of Israel, the Torah says that G-d “signed the
letters of His holy Name upon them.” Our Sages explain that His main purpose was to vouch
for the women: Although they had been in Egypt for 210 years, the Jewish women did not
emulate the qualities, behaviors and styles of the Egyptian women, and when it came to their
personal conduct, “they did not change their manner of dress.”
The Jewish Dating and Marriage Podcast
What does true fun mean to you, and how far would you go to chase the ultimate experience? Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Raleigh Resnick, a dynamic and sought-after teacher and communicator, who lectures across the U.S. and abroad. With his charisma, wisdom, and musical talent he serves as the spiritual leader of the Tri Valley's Jewish community.
In 1970, Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar was sent as a Chabad emissary to Florida, where he serves as rabbi and director of The Shul in Bal Harbor. A member of his community, a champion tennis player, invited him to meet his wealthy friend. Bringing his Tefillin to the tennis courts began a relationship that lasted well beyond that first encounter. In fact, the impact of that meeting is still felt by hundreds of children today.
In explaining why Aaron was forbidden to enter ‘at any time’ into the inner sanctum of the Sanctuary, Rashi employs a parable concerning an ill patient and the advice he receives from two doctors. This class will reveal the deeper meaning of this unusual parable and its poignant message especially as it relates to the current ‘Omer’ period. (Likkutei Sichos, volume 7)
The Tzadik and the Baal Teshuvah
In interpreting the verse in the Song of Songs, "If only you would be to me a brother", our Sages differ as to whether our request of G-d is to treat us as Yosef treated his brothers who had sold him or as Yosef treated his innocent younger brother Binyamin. This class will reconcile the two views and in so doing will address the contrasting virtues of the righteous (tzadik) and the penitent (baal teshuvah) and where they ultimately converge. (Based on the maamar "Kedoshim Tiheyu" Sefer Mamorim Toras Menachem vol. 3 p. 249)
Why does Maimonides equate the commandment of keeping fair weights and measures to the commandment of believing in the Exodus? The answer leads to a better understanding of the Exodus as the foundation of all commandments and also the issue of free choice in the face of Divine decree. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 27, Kedoshim pp. 149)
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Acharei
Before the scapegoat was taken into the wilderness, “Aaron the High Priest placed his hands upon its head and confessed all the sins of the Jewish People." (Leviticus 16:21) The verse is written "yado" meaning "his hand," the way we recite it, however, is "yadav," meaning "his hands."
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Kedoshim
"Do not place a stumbling block before the blind" (Leviticus 19:14) can also mean not to knowingly give bad advice. The Hebrew word for "stumbling block" appears 12 times in the Torah and Prophets and this is the only time it is spelled with a vav. How does this missing letter teach us the difference between good advice and bad?
Parshah Curiosities: Acharei-Mot
This class probes beneath the skin of the Torah’s strange aversion to blood; after all if meat’s kosher, what’s so bad about the red fluid found within? A wide range of vital life sources are analyzed, and their messages are effectively decoded as the profound ideas and philosophies of this bloodless Mitzvah mandate gush forth. Most profoundly we learn to appreciate how and why blood is thicker than water when it comes to our relationship with G-d!
A timely and incisive discovery about the foundational biblical cornerstone; “Do not stand by as your fellow’s blood is being shed.” Presented in Toronto on the day after a horrific vehicular terrorist attack kills 10 innocent pedestrians on the peaceful city streets. This profound rumination about the extent of responsibility for others carefully scrutinizes the Oral Torah’s sacred teachings that accompany the scripture; concluding with a climatic analysis of Rashi’s unique commentary as illuminated by the Rebbe. This dissertation also offers critical commentary on the dangerous state of affairs in the Western World and its glaring lack of moral clarity!
Exploring Rashi’s commentary on the warning not to enter the Holy of Holies
Rashi presents two intriguing details on how Moses was to warn Aaron not to enter the Holy of Holies at the wrong time. The Rebbe shows us how Rashi is actually teaching a deeper lesson about how to balance high-level inspiration with practical application.
“The Second Passover teaches us that ‘It’s never too late.’ The holiday was given for those who were unable to offer the original Passover sacrifice in its proper time. They thought that it was too late, and yet they were told that there is a solution. So too, in any area of life, if there are things you should have done in the past but did not, it’s never too late to make them up now.”
Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 27, Tazria sicha 1
Why does childbirth make a woman impure? Why does she need to bring a sin offering? Learn as we examine the status for one who did the purification process, but hasn’t yet brought the needed offering to complete it. A lesson in the urgency to bring Moshia
Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 17, Shemini sicha 3
Understanding Rashi’s commentary on how Moshe conceded to Aaron’s argument, underscores how they represent two conflicting approaches that are both valid, namely truth and kindness. We learn that you should aspire for consistent spiritual connection, but
Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 27, Shemini sicha 2
An analysis of the dialogue between Moshe and Aharon whether the Rosh Chodesh sacrifice, which was offered on the day the Mishkan was inaugurated, should be consumed or burnt (as worded in Rashi vs. the Talmud). This nuanced discussion contains an importa
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