The Rebbe's Letters

Follow The Rebbe's Letters
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Each class covers one letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's "Iggros Kodesh", and then delves into the background and context of the letter, with historical documents, contemporary writings, and analyses of Jewish law and Hasidic philosophy. Shiurim are delivered live via Zoom Mon-Thurs in the middle of the work day, as part of the BMML "Chassidic Lunchbreak" initiative. Season 1: Recorded in 2023, focusing on letters written fifty years earlier in 1973 (Iggros Kodesh Volume 28). Season 2: Recorded in 2024, focusing on letters written fifty years earlier in 1974 (Volume 29) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

Yechiel Krisch


    • May 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 221 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Rebbe's Letters with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Rebbe's Letters

    Alternative Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 33:16


    The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.

    Evil Eye

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 29:43


    Unlike prior discussions of superstition and anxiety, in these letters the Rebbe answers people concerned about what appears to be a legitimate concern—Ayin Hara, the Evil Eye.

    Dollars & Coins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 29:24


    A brief history of the Rebbe's distribution of coins and dollars, and an exploration of letters and Sichos that explain what the Rebbe intends to accomplish through this unique Peulah.

    Predicting "The End"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 27:06


    Predicting the "Ketz" (end of our exile and the coming of Moshiach) is apparently forbidden, but sages throughout history have done so. This episode explores the Rebbe's position on these predictions, and whether they have a place in our lives today.

    Kiddush Between 6-7 PM (5783)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 46:31


    In this Special Episode (reposted from 5783), we explore the custom to refrain from making Kiddush on Friday night between 6-7pm. Shiur includes the origins of the custom; lenient opinions; the precise time; what to do in Israel; potential Heterim for Shalom Bayis, Guests, and Children.

    Public Menorah Lightings (5783)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 53:49


    The initiative to hold public Menorah lightings was controversial. In this special, hour-long episode we explore how, in the years following the launch of Mivtza Chanukah in 1974, Shluchim gradually began to hold public Menorah lightings—and how the Rebbe responded to their critics. (Reposted and re-edited from a Shiur given in 5783) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Talking in Shul

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 32:37


    The Rebbe's suggestions on how to curb talking during prayer and Torah reading. Plus: Unusually harsh primary sources. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    The Likkutei Torah Obligation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 27:01


    The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of learning the entire weekly portion Torah Or and Likkutei Torah every week, and finishing these books every year--going so far as to equate it with the Takana of learning Rambam. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Getting a Driver's License

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 26:55


    When individuals asked the Rebbe about getting a license to drive, the Rebbe's answers in letters and private audiences ranged from clear enthusiasm to unqualified refusal. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Hypocrisy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 23:35


    How can we grow in our Yiddishkeit step by step without appearing hypocritical? Is it not hypocrisy to take on Mitzvos, or to study the inner dimensions of the Torah, before one is living as a completely observant Jew? -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Debating Jews About Judaism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 19:38


    Whether in matters of Chassidus or Torah observance itself, the Rebbe insists that we don't debate—we demonstrate, and let truth speak for itself. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Amulets and Superstitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 25:57


    Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Dreams and Nightmares

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 25:37


    Letters discussing segulos for preventing nightmares; Interpretations for disturbing dreams; When to ignore dreams; What to do if you see the Rebbe in a dream. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Proof of Torah's Authenticity

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 31:01


    The Rebbe offers logical and scientific evidence of the mass revelation at Sinai, and explains how Judaism differs from every religion in its unique ability to prove its foundational principles—namely, that the Torah was given directly by G-d to the Jewish people. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Quoting Non-Jewish Sources

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 24:32


    Sermons citing Shakespeare and Kosher books with less-than-kosher footnotes: an exploration of the Rebbe's responses to writers and speakers who chose to back up their Torah thoughts with non-Jewish, non-Torah sources. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Buying Lottery Tickets

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 23:46


    The colorful history of Chabad Rabbeim and lotteries/raffles, along with a review of letters and other statements that shed light on the Rebbe's perspective on playing the lottery and Divine Providence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Voting in Elections

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 23:34


    In honor of the upcoming election, a series of letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about the importance of voting and what to look for when deciding on a candidate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Italian vs Israeli Esrog

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 39:09


    A two-part special episode on Calabria or Yanaver Esrogim, explaining why this particular type of Etrog is preferable even to those grown in the Land of Israel from the same seed line, and why everyone should make it a priority to use an Italian Esrog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Why Chabad Isn't Saying Selichos

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 19:54


    Letters, Sichos, Maamarim, and even table conversations about the Chabad custom to say Selichos during the month of Elul, but not during the Ten Days of Repentance. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    "Easy Fast" Pills for Yom Kippur

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 16:25


    A letter from the Rebbe about strategies to ease the fast kicks off a broader Halachic discussion about taking pills on erev Yom Kippur to aid in fasting, and whether part of the Mitzvah of fasting on Yom Kippur is feeling hunger. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Comfort on October 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 28:03


    In commemoration of October 7, we present a series of letters in which the Rebbe comforts the relatives of soldiers who were killed defending the Holy Land, and reflect on the themes that emerge in the Rebbe's letters of consolation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Modern Jewish Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 26:12


    The Rebbe's position on Jewish music within secular genres, such as Rock, Pop, or Rap, and a brief discussion of secular music and setting Torah lyrics to non-Jewish melodies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    An Attempted Assassination

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 37:19


    In 1981, a shooter tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. The Rebbe wrote a letter wishing the president a speedy recovery, and then delivered a powerful Sicha that explains why people harm others and how an education instilled with faith can prevent future attempts. Fourty three years later the U.S. is grappling with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, and the Rebbe's message could not be more timely. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Why do we build 770 replicas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 24:03


    A deep dive into the Rebbe's involvement in the construction of 770 replicas in Kfar Chabad, Milan, and Los Angeles, and a discussion of the Rebbe's position on building 770s around the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    When it's too hot to wear Tzitzis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 24:49


    The Rebbe responds to a question about wearing Tzitzis in a dirty workplace, which leads to a discussion of whether men should be wearing a Tallis Katan while playing sports, working out, or boiling in the heat of summer. We end with a Sicha, and the overall implications for Tznius and strict Halachic adherence in the summer months. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Prayer and G-d in Public Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 26:17


    The Rebbe believes in the power of the public school system to civilize the nations of the world, but recognizes the shortcomings of the system. In these letters and Sichos, he highlights some of the biggest issues and strongly advocates prayer, G-d, and morality in public school classrooms. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    The U.S. Department of Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 22:07


    The Rebbe strongly supported (and according to some Washington insiders, was instrumental in founding) the U.S. Department of Education. Today we look at letters and Sichos in which the Rebbe supports the creation of a federal Department of Education, and begin to explore the Rebbe's position on the importance of strong public schools. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    How to celebrate your Birthday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 19:33


    Guidance from the Rebbe on how to celebrate a birthday, with a handful of surprising letters about specific practices. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Dealing with Anti-Semitic Politicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 24:33


    The Rebbe's approach to dealing with world leaders who oppose Israeli and Jewish interests, in letters and Sichos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Techeles (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 22:34


    In this Two-Part series we explore the history of Techeiles, the long-lost blue thread that the Torah commands us to attach to our Tzitzis. We mainly focus on how our Rabbeim responded to the (now less popular) Radzyner Tekheles, but we also discuss how the principles found in the Rebbe's letters and Sichos may apply to modern Teckhelet. Part I: The Rebbe Rashab's Letter Part II: The Rebbe's Letters and Sichos --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Techeles (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 22:35


    In this Two-Part series we explore the history of Techeiles, the long-lost blue thread that the Torah commands us to attach to our Tzitzis. We mainly focus on how our Rabbeim responded to the (now less popular) Radzyner Tekheles, but we also discuss how the principles found in the Rebbe's letters and Sichos may apply to modern Teckhelet. Part I: The Rebbe Rashab's Letter Part II: The Rebbe's Letters and Sichos --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Heter Kiruv: Sacrificing Halacha For Outreach?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 28:33


    Letters and Sichos clarifying the Rebbe's position on the so-called "Heter Kiruv", which would allow bending or even breaking Halacha in order to bring Jews closer to Judaism. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Why Memorize Tanya?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 24:51


    A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Why Memorize Mishnayos?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 32:08


    A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Why Memorize Torah?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 23:40


    A multi-part series on the Rebbe's push for individuals to learn "Baal Peh"—memorizing words of Torah. Part 1: Overview of the Hasidic emphasis on Torah by heart Part 2: Deep-dive into Mishnayos by heart Part 3: Deep-dive into Tanya by heart --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    The Cruise That Desecrated Shabbos

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 91:11


    The story of one of the Rebbe's most storied Halachic showdowns, in which he uses his Halachic and engineering expertise in concert to debunk the false claims of Israel's ZIM shipping company that their transatlantic cruises were not violating Shabbos (or had no choice but to do so). This was originally a three-part Shiur, condensed into a single Special Episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    The Stock Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 21:10


    The Rebbe's position on investing in the stock market, with particular attention to short-term investments. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Eclipses & Astrology

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 26:57


    Letters and Sichos from the Rebbe about eclipses, horoscopes, and whether we worry about heavenly signs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Siyum on Rambam

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 22:13


    Letters and Sichos about how and where to make a Siyum HaRambam, the importance of Siyumim in general, and why you should participate even if you don't learn Rambam (yet). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Getting Drunk on Purim

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 23:50


    Letters and Sichos describing the Rebbe's position on drinking until drunk on Purim. Should we rely on Heterim to drink less or nothing at all? Should we worry about causing harm to others through drinking? Does the Rebbe's "Gezeira" limiting alcohol intake apply on Purim? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 28:17


    Letters and Sichos reflecting the Rebbe position on sports in schools, professional sports, contact sports, the Olympics, how to talk to your kids about sports, and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Cholov Yisroel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 21:35


    Letters and Sichos describing the importance of Cholov Yisroel, and the dangers of using non-Kosher or less Kosher dairy products, particularly when it comes to small children. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Past Lives & Reincarnation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 27:45


    A collection of letters and Sichos that clarify the Rebbe's position on reincarnation (Gilgul) and past lives, tailored to answer questions about past life regression therapy and individuals who claim knowledge of their past lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Expensive Weddings

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 23:09


    The Rebbe's position on expensive weddings (not to mention the Rebbe's opinion on materialism itself) is widely misunderstood. This series of letters captures the Rebbe's nuanced position on wedding expenses, and sheds light on the Chassidic attitude toward spending. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Were the Early Misnagdim Right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 26:24


    Multiple letters addressing those who resist learning Chassidus due to a 200-year-old ban, issued by some of the greatest scholars of the time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Missionaries in the Holy Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 21:54


    The Rebbe's no-nonsense approach to Christian Missionaries in the Land of Israel, and his response to the claim that there are political realities that obligate the Israeli government to tolerate it. Bonus: The Rebbe's advice on debating/delegitimizing missionaries. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Mixed Dancing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 32:12


    Letters and Sichos describing the damage that mixed dancing causes to marriages, the clear Halachic issues, and how to explain all of this to less receptive audiences. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Talking to Co-Workers About Judaism

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 24:59


    A series of letters on the subject of influencing your surroundings, and always be a Mashpia while only rarely being a Mikabel. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Should Kids Be Taught in Yiddish?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 20:56


    The Rebbe often celebrates the unique advantages of Yiddish. But when it comes to the Cheder classroom, the Rebbe's letters and private conversations reveal a more nuanced approach to teaching in Yiddish, especially when the students are non-native speakers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Is Hitting Kids Good Chinuch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 24:11


    Although the Rebbe advocates discipline and disagrees with modern notions of permissive parenting, letters, Sichos, and anecdotes suggest the Rebbe would oppose corporal punishment for children and students in all but the most extreme scenarioes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Saying Sorry & Demanding Apologies

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 27:05


    A survey of several letters and Sichos capturing general principles about when the Rebbe apologizes, how he says sorry, and when and how he demands apologies from others in unique situations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yechiel-krisch1/support

    Claim The Rebbe's Letters

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel