To date there are 30 volumes of the Rebbe’s correspondence (Igros Kodesh) that have been published. In the Rebbe's correspondence one sees his scholarship, concern for every individual, and the communal projects which he pioneered. This podcast is a recording from our daily studies in these letters.
The Rebbe reassures an educator that efforts in instilling Yiddishkeit always leave a lasting impact, even if not immediately visible. He addresses challenges in prayer and thoughts of the past, offering practical advice for teshuvah and personal growth, and stresses the importance of Torah learning, daily Tehillim and Tanya, and positive influences for one's children. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5407
The Rebbe responds to concerns about a neighborhood emptying out, suggesting opening a small branch of the current shul in the new area to retain the community. He emphasizes continuity without haste and encourages making full use of holidays like Pesach and Lag BaOmer for outreach and engagement. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5406
The Rebbe warmly congratulates the community of Lubavitch in Boro Park on appointing Rabbi Yitzchok Dov Ushpal as their rabbi, praising their recognition of the shul's vital role. Confident in Rabbi Ushpal's education and dedication, the Rebbe blesses the community with continued growth in Torah and Chassidus, materially and spiritually. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5405
The Rebbe urges using the language students understand to inspire Yirat Shamayim and stresses the importance of consistent Chassidus study. He advises against limiting names for institutions and encourages active involvement in spreading the wellsprings, blessing the recipient with success and nachas from their children. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5404
The Rebbe expresses joy at the recent gatherings and encourages continued spiritual growth, especially during the uplifting days from Pesach to Shavuos. He emphasizes the importance of proper tefillin, the impact of translating and distributing his letters in the local language, and suggests compiling a booklet of general letters to inspire others. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5403
The Rebbe highlights the great merit of influencing others in Yiddishkeit, likening every Jew to an only child beloved by Hashem. He encourages continued growth in Torah study and the daily saying of Tehillim, noting that nothing stands in the way of sincere will. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5402
The Rebbe encourages consistent communication and emphasizes that teaching should go beyond the material—by speaking about Chassidic values and serving as a living example, one can instill Yiras Shamayim and Chassidishe warmth in students. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5401
The Rebbe advises that exaggerated focus on confusing thoughts is itself a tactic of the yetzer hara. Instead of fighting them directly, one should redirect the mind to Torah and mitzvot, where light dispels darkness. Practical advice includes Torah study, giving tzedakah before weekday morning prayers, and participation in communal activities. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5400
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The Rebbe expresses surprise at those who focus on critiquing others' efforts in spreading Chassidus instead of taking action themselves. He emphasizes that spreading the wellsprings is a clear Torah obligation that positively impacts mitzvah observance and helps prevent transgression. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5398
The Rebbe encourages mastering shechita and bedikah for both poultry and cattle. A shochet must be deeply G-d-fearing in all three pillars: Torah, service, and kindness—especially one influenced by Chassidus. Spreading Chassidus and bringing Jews closer to Hashem increases Divine assistance. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5379
The Rebbe warns against compromising Torah with unproven scientific ideas, which weakens faith and observance. He urges the recipient, now active again, to use his knowledge to counter these trends, especially in Europe. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5378
The Rebbe approves of the idea to work in poultry shechita near Jerusalem, provided it's not in isolation. He encourages using this opportunity to strengthen Yiddishkeit, warning that freedom from persecution is also a spiritual test. Since the writer has experienced true mesirus nefesh, his words will carry weight in inspiring others toward Torah https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5377
The Rebbe urges greater involvement in spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus, which brings heavenly assistance. Lamnatzeach depends on saying Tachanun, per Chabad custom. Publicly conspicuous conduct is generally discouraged. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5376
The Rebbe's secretary urges continued follow-up with Matzah recipients, suggests using Chassidic indexes for research, requests updates on recent gatherings, and recommends sending local publications to the library. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5392
The Rebbe wishes a full recovery and stresses the Torah's directive to follow medical advice. Time spent on health is not wasted—it enables greater strength and joy in serving Hashem. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5393
The Rebbe encourages the writer to remain firm in his desire to follow Torah and mitzvos. When one truly wants to fulfill Hashem's will and approaches others peacefully, success will follow—even if others initially oppose. Hashem promises blessings to those who walk in His ways. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5394
The Rebbe encourages perseverance in Jewish outreach despite opposition, noting that challenges should inspire greater strength. In the era before Mashiach, darkness increases—but so must light, through Torah and mitzvos. Nothing stands in the way of true will. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5395
The Rebbe advises avoiding mention of heretical views, even to refute them, due to their potential harm—especially in places with limited Torah knowledge. He encourages strengthening in Torah and mitzvos and offers a blessing for good news. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5397
The Rebbe advises avoiding mention of heretical views, even to refute them, due to their potential harm—especially in places with limited Torah knowledge. He encourages strengthening in Torah and mitzvos and offers a blessing for good news. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5397
The Rebbe blesses the recipient with a kosher and joyful Pesach and true freedom from all worries. He emphasizes joyful service of Hashem year-round and includes shmurah matzah as a remembrance of the Korban Pesach, with a hope for the Beis HaMikdash to be rebuilt soon. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5375
The Rebbe advises the young man to continue learning in a Chabad yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael, assuring success in both spiritual and material matters. He encourages observing birthday customs and blesses him with a successful year and a joyous Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5374
The Rebbe encourages the young man to expand his efforts in both personal and communal areas, maintain connections from his army service to inspire others, and assures him this will bring added blessings—including a good shidduch. He concludes with Pesach blessings. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5373
The Rebbe praises the Chicago Chabad community for their dedication, especially their honoring of Rabbi Tzvi Schusterman. He encourages continued growth in spiritual life at home and in the community, inspired by Chassidic tradition. With Pesach approaching, he blesses them with true freedom and a joyous Yom Tov. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5372
The Rebbe responds to someone learning shechitah, questioning if he intends to focus only on poultry and recommending learning the full practice. He encourages continued involvement in strengthening Yiddishkeit and spreading Chassidus, especially among youth, noting it brings added blessing. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5371
The Rebbe urges the young man to stay in yeshiva longer, possibly pursue semicha, and only then consider future settlement. He notes that many current concerns are likely imagined and blesses him with a kosher and joyous Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5370
The Rebbe advises a young man not to delay a shidduch in order to continue Torah study. Citing the Alter Rebbe and the custom of Jerusalem, he encourages finding a match that supports learning after marriage, as many successfully do. He challenges the idea that unmarried learning is superior and urges maintaining this positive tradition. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5369
The Rebbe suggests the son's reluctance to pursue a shidduch may be due to unsuitable offers and encourages seeking better-fitting matches. He blesses them with success, continued Torah study, and a kosher, joyous Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5368
The Rebbe advises continuing in the current yeshiva and finding a way to manage his evening yeshiva duties without conflict. He emphasizes the merit of spreading Chassidus, especially during the month of redemption, and blesses him with success and a joyous, kosher Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5367
The Rebbe thanks the students of Kfar Chabad's craft school for their handmade table and menorah, encouraging them to strive for excellence in both physical mitzvot and spiritual Torah study. He blesses them with health, success, and a kosher, joyous Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5366
The Rebbe urges the writer not to stand aside from the Kisiniev Yeshiva project due to self-doubt. In our times, every ability must be fully used. He advises discussing concerns with others and offers blessings for success in his efforts and in spreading Chassidus. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5365
The Rebbe urges the writer to report on his Torah study and conduct. He explains that the kiyor (washbasin) and its stand were likely carried by the Gershonites, as suggested by the Chizkuni, and transported by wagon since they lacked poles and served only to prepare the priests for service. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5364
The Rebbe blesses the family as they move into their new home, encouraging them to dedicate it with a Chassidic farbrengen so it becomes a warm home filled with love for Hashem, Torah, and fellow Jews. Such a beginning, he says, brings ongoing blessings in all areas of life. He also requests confirmation of receiving and sharing the Purim booklet. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/939b
The Rebbe blesses the child at his upshernish and highlights the importance of beginning his chinuch with peyos, tzitzis, and basic prayers. He encourages teaching Chassidus to Sephardim, noting past success and strong precedent. He also advises the family to live together where the father works to strengthen their mission. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/939
The Rebbe supports speaking at non-religious events if done carefully, ensuring it won't be seen as endorsing their views. He encourages using every opportunity to inspire Yiddishkeit, as such efforts usually bear fruit. He also urges follow-up on family purity and tefillin, and mentions praying for them at the Ohel. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/938
The Rebbe writes that he will read the pan for the healing of the writer's wife and granddaughter at the Ohel of the Rebbe Rayatz, who continues to act as a faithful shepherd. He expresses strong disapproval of speaking or writing about illness in exaggerated terms, emphasizing the teaching “Think good, and it will be good.” He concludes with bless https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/937
The Rebbe agrees to proceed with the younger daughter's shidduch if the older daughter consents and forgives the precedence. He suggests a quiet engagement and slight delay in the wedding, hoping this will help the older daughter find her match as well. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/936
The Rebbe advises continuing work with Tomchei Temimim in France, as it aligns with the mission of spreading Torah and Chassidus. He emphasizes not only receiving materially from the communities visited, but also giving spiritually. Even those spiritually asleep can be awakened with heartfelt Chassidic warmth. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/935
The Rebbe blesses the young couple on their engagement and expresses concern over a weakening in the daughter's decision to wear a sheitel, noting it reflects a broader life approach. He encourages addressing the matter with warmth and understanding, emphasizing that gentle guidance can lead to lasting impact. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/934
The Rebbe thanks the recipient for his donation and highlights the urgent need to support the growing Lubavitch institutions in North Africa. These schools and programs are transforming lives and spreading Torah and Chassidus. He blesses the donor with long and meaningful life, filled with Torah, mitzvos, and Chassidic light. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/933
The Rebbe advises that instead of leaving a community due to a lack of appreciation for a G-d-fearing rabbi, one should remain and influence the community to grow stronger in their observance of Torah and mitzvot. He emphasizes that success in both material and spiritual matters comes through Torah study, and strongly encourages setting fixed times for learning Chassidus, which illuminates and strengthens one's fulfillment of mitzvot. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/932
The Rebbe offers assistance in acquiring tefillin and emphasizes verifying their status. He addresses a claim that modern fire-lighting should be permitted on Shabbat, refuting it logically and historically. He explains that mitzvot are divine commands, not based on human logic, and Torah is eternal and unchanging. He encourages spreading Chassidus with joy and clarity and blesses the recipient with a kosher and joyous Pesach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/008/5363