Letters For Our Time

Decorating the Sukkah is a time-honored tradition for many, yet Chabad minhag is not to decorate the Sukkah. In this episode, I explore a letter and Farbrengen where the Rebbe offered insight into this unique custom. Based on: 7 Cheshvan 5715; Simchas Torah 5730.

What was bothering the Rebbe on Motzei Shabbos Selichos 1967? Hear the story of the yeshiva student who went to Toronto but felt like he didn't accomplish as much as he could have. Based on Igros Kodesh vol.24, p.396; Hiskashrus #1362, p.11.

Do you ever feel like your efforts are in vain? That you are not successful? Hear what the Rebbe told a pharmacist in Tel Aviv. Based on Igros Kodesh vol.14, p.287; conversation with Rabbi Asher Federman (U.S. Virgin Islands).

The gemora indicates that Moshiach can't come on Shabbos, but Rambam suggests that he can. So which one is it? Sources: Igros Kodesh vol.2, p.233; Rambam Hil. Nezirus 4:11; Eiruvin 43a.

In 1956, while embroiled in legal controversy with his shul, Baruch Litvin received an encouraging letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe with a Tisha B'Av message. Based on Igros Kodesh vol.12, p.296-7; Detroit Jewish News 6-12-1959.

Hear the story of Rabbi Shmuel Blizinsky celebrating Shabbat with fellow soldiers. Based on Here's My Story #391 (published by JEM); Igros Kodesh vol.4, p.479.

Should one skip parts of the prayers (as stated in Shluchan Aruch) in order to pray the Amidah with the minyan? Based on Igros Kodesh vol.18, p.81; vol.1, p.229; vol.7, p.139; vol.15, p.170; Chassidishe Derher, Shevat 5779.

What is the purpose of a synagogue? What type of classes should a pulpit rabbi give? What did the Shelah HaKadosh learn from the travels of the Jews in the desert? Based on Igros Kodesh vol.17, p.171; Shelah HaKadosh, Torah She'Bichtav beha'alosecha; NY Times 1-20-1970.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a number of explanations regarding why the Alter Rebbe did not include Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith in the Siddur. Join me as we explore the meaning and precision of prayer. Based on Igros Kodesh vol.12, p.18-20. Here are some of the sources discussed: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/241019?editor=1

Is a seeing eye dog allowed in shul? How important is it to daven with a minyan? Join me as I explore a fascinating halachic debate, featuring R. Moshe Feinstein, R. MM Kasher, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Sources: Igros Moshe O.C. vol.1, siman 45; Igros Kodesh vol.18, p.422 and 455; conversation with R. Shnayer Leiman (Flushing NY); and Rabbi Aaron Slonim (Binghamton NY).

What is the relationship between Chabad & Breslov? Was the Rebbe familiar with Likkutei Moharan? Featuring a teaching from Likkutei Moharan on Pirkei Avos chapter 3, mishna 4.

History, Pirkei Avos, Rambam, Gemora, Maharal, Lag BaOmer. Looking for meaning in the choices we are facing.

What did Rav Yochanan say when he saw a cormorant?