SoulWords provides Torah classes and lectures from renowned teacher, Rabbi Shais Taub, on a wide range of spiritual topics.
In this heartfelt lecture, Rabbi Shais Taub shares personal stories and life lessons from his father, Dr. Gershom Taub OBM, in honor of the upcoming shloshim (30-day memorial) of his passing. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Taub reflects on the values, teachings, and memories that helped shape him. A touching tribute to a beloved father […]
Rabbi Shais Taub shares three powerful spiritual tools for increasing our emotional wellbeing. Delivered in Lakewood, NJ on Nov 26, 2024.
How do we respond to the devastating tragedy of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan's brutal murder by terrorists in the UAE? In this video, we explore how to process such an unfathomable loss and find strength to go on. Drawing upon the Rebbe's teachings, we uncover guidance for navigating grief, pain, and the challenge of continuing our […]
The holy tzadik, R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, is renowned for his passionate advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people, always defending them before the Heavenly Court. However, less widely known are his profound Torah teachings and the beautiful melodies he composed. To honor the Berditchever's yahrzeit on 25 Tishrei, world-renowned speaker Rabbi Shais Taub […]
In honor of 13 Tishrei, Yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash, hear a story about how the Rebbe Maharash as a young man offered wise counsel to his father, the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe analyzes the narrative highlighting the profound lessons we can all learn from it. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 4, pp. 1361-1363)
How does the concept of Bitachon (trust in G-d) apply to earning a living? Rabbi Shais Taub speaks about the spiritual principles of financial success without distraction or worry.
Drawing on the mystical teachings of Chassidus and Kabbalah, Rabbi Shais Taub explores masculine and feminine paradigms in marriage and relationships. This enlightening talk offers practical insights and a clear understanding of gender dynamics rooted in Jewish spirituality which will bring clarity to those seeking to deepen their insights into male-female interactions.
The second session of the all-day workshop on Judaism and recovery begins with a guided meditation on acceptance followed by a round of Q&A. This video is PART 2 of an intensive all-day workshop entitled "Practicing Acceptance in our Lives and in the Steps" which was conducted in London, UK on July 4, 2024.
For those interested in exploring 12-Step recovery from a Jewish spiritual perspective, Rabbi Shais Taub utilizes texts from the Big Book of AA and the 12 and 12 to discuss how Jews in recovery can integrate their faith tradition into their lives in a manner consistent with sustained recovery. This video is PART 1 of […]
On the 28th day of Sivan in 5701 (1941), the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin arrived safely on American shores, marking not only a miraculous escape from war-torn Europe but also the beginning of a new era in history. This moment heralded a transformative bottom-up approach to self-improvement and global refinement, setting the stage for a […]
Rabbi Shais Taub visits Avi Fishoff's support group for parents in crisis, to present the valuable life lessons he learned while winning the trust of a couple of frightened stray cats. He draws parallels between putting these cats at ease and similar behaviors in interpersonal relationships that convey safety and security especially to those experiencing […]
Rabbi Shais Taub delivers the key note address at an evening dedicated to putting an end to shame and stigma connected to anxiety and depression. The event was organized by CATCH (Creating A Team of Courage and Hope). For more information about CATCH visit: https://www.catchsupport.org/
Reb Menachem Ze'ev "Volf" Greenglass (1917-2010) was a unique educator and role model who raised a generation of students in Lubavitch's yeshiva in Montreal. His only son-in-law, Rabbi Dovid Cohen, joins Rabbi Shais Taub in an interview discussing Rabbi Greenglass' life and teachings.
Join Rabbi Shais Taub as he brings the mystical Ten Sefiros to life, straight from the core texts of Kabbalah and Chassidic philosophy. This session isn't just an overview—it's a deep dive into sacred writings like the introduction to Tikunei Zohar and Igeres HaKodesh, chapter 15. Rabbi Taub translates ancient wisdom into practical insights that […]
Rabbi Shais Taub leads a guided meditation session at the Kansas City Recovery Retreat. The focus of the meditation is on the idea of G-d's complete "Everything-ness" and how we can surrender our separate egos to that reality to experience greater serenity and, most importantly, increase our usefulness to our Maker.
Co-founder of AA, Dr. Bob, once said that the entire 12-Step program could be summed up as: 1) Trust G-d, 2) Clean House, 3) Help Others. In that spirit, Rabbi Shais Taub presents a 1-hour overview of the 12 Steps of recovery structured into "three phases of freedom" corresponding to three months on the Jewish […]
Join Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Jacob L. Freedman in a thought-provoking discussion on mental health, addiction recovery, and Pesach. Delve into the intersection of spirituality and mental well-being as they share insights and strategies for personal growth during the holiday season. Gain valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and finding inner strength amidst adversity. Whether […]
Modern life has disconnected us from the rhythms of the cosmos. However, during an eclipse, we collectively look up and are reminded that the universe is in motion, hinting at the existence of a Divine Creator.
Explore the paradoxical mission of the soul, torn between the intense desire to transcend the body and the necessity to return in order to make a dwelling place for Hashem in this world. Based on Chapter 50 of Tanya.
In order to make space within Himself for us, Hashem "contracts" His Infinity, so to speak. When we contemplate on the fact that this is all done in order to create the possibility of a relationship with Him, it will trigger within us reciprocal feelings of wanting to "contract" ourselves for Him, ie. to prioritize […]
Embodiment may be considered both a prison for the soul as well as its path to spiritual freedom. Continuing the theme introduced in Ch. 46 of Tanya which explains the reflective nature of the heart, Ch. 47 asks how we can feel G-d's love for us that He exhibited when taking us out from Egypt […]
In Chapter 46 of Tanya, we learn about a mechanism by which we can automatically trigger intense feelings of love for our Creator. This is based on the Solomon's wisdom that "As water reflects a face, so does one heart reflect another heart."
What is the proper way to memorialize a loved one who has passed? How do we as Jews comfort those who have suffered a loss? This lecture was delivered at the Levi Yitzchak Library in Cedarhurst, NY which is named for Levi Yitzchak Wolowik a"h who suddenly and tragically passed away in his sleep at […]
When one meditates on the idea of the soul's descent into a body, this should arouse our sense of compassion for its plight. This then can activate our feelings of love of G-d described by the kabbalists as "kissing" and "hugging." Based on Ch. 45 of Tanya.
Symbols of cultural identity that inspired Jewish boomers are not meaningful to Gen Z. Is this the end of Judaism or a new beginning? Rabbi Shais Taub suggests that the only thing left is to explain the mystical truth about the uniqueness of this physical world. Recorded in front of a group of college students […]
Join Rabbi Shais Taub in a guided meditation based on Chapter 44 of Tanya, which helps one to cultivate a deep love for Hashem by contemplating His role as the source of our life. This is the meditation known as "My Soul, I desire You."
Second part in a series that takes a spiritual look at ethical dilemmas in Jewish thought. In this lecture, Rabbi Taub examines three concepts in depth: 1. The mitzvah to be "fruitful and multiply" as applied to non-Jews particularly in the Holy Land.2. A brief sketch of why the Torah view on abortion does not […]
A spiritual look at ethical dilemmas in Jewish thought. In this lecture, Rabbi Taub examines three concepts in depth: 1. What is the actual reason why one should not repeat someone else's ideas without attribution?2. Why is it preferred to slaughter an animal on Shabbos to feed a sick person even if non-kosher meat is […]
A meditation for generating a powerful love of G-d by redirecting feelings of love we already have for things of this world. This level of love is described in Ch. 43 of Tanya as "ahavas olam" (a love derived from the world.)
Based on Ch. 42 of Tanya, we examine the role of "da'as" in transforming abstract, spiritual ideas into experiential knowledge. Rabbi Taub presents a guided meditation on the power of G-d evident in a sunset. Third in a series on Tanya and meditation.
The three levels of meditation (hisbonenus) are rungs on a ladder. Based on Hayom Yom 20 Tammuz. Meditation after study focuses on sensing the intellect of the concept; meditation before prayer focuses on sensing the vitality of the concept; and meditation during prayer focuses on sensing the G-dliness of the concept.
In this keynote address at the Kesher Nafshi shabbaton, Rabbi Shais Taub challenges the premise of "crisis chinuch" and argues that parents need to tap into not only the unconditional love but "unconditional pride" in every child. Rabbi Taub also discusses the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity in our families and community.
A basic introduction to "hisbonenus," a Chabad chasidic meditative practice. The particular meditation that Rabbi Taub guides the class through is taken from Chapter 41 of Tanya and is a meditation specifically designed to foster feelings of awe of G-d.
Christopher Hitchens once formulated a compelling argument that widespread atheism was an inevitability. It helped me better understand my faith.
This advice is so simple it hardly deserves to be considered a life hack except for the fact that the vast majority of people will not be willing to do it. It's the difference between exhausting yourself trying to gain acceptance and being appreciated for who you truly are.
Neurodivergent children (such as those with ASD, ADHD, and others) carry a unique light that is often unrecognized which can lead to pain and isolation. It is up to parents to help their children discover and embrace that which makes them special and help them to shine their light. Emphasizing Carl Jung's insight "the greatest […]
Avraham our father was one person against the world. And yet he also became a great leader and ambassador to people of all nations. This is the Jewish paradox. And the reason why some of us may be feeling very alone.
Embark on a journey into the heart of Jewish resilience and the profound paradox of sustaining joy and tranquility in the midst of pain and turmoil. Rabbi Shais Taub imparts a collection of compelling stories that illuminate the unique Jewish ability to remain irrationally positive and hopeful even when it hurts.
Explore the essence of masculinity and femininity, their harmonious interplay in relationships, and how embracing these divine traits can strengthen the bonds of love within marriage. Gain invaluable insights into fostering emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and appreciation for each partner's unique strengths.
Speaking in Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, Rabbi Shais Taub addresses the meaning of "Hakhel" which was revived as a custom in this generation by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Welcome to a transformative journey of preparing your home and heart for the imminent arrival of Moshiach—the era of universal peace and healing. In this enlightening video, we delve into the profound significance of breaking intergenerational cycles and cleansing our family lines, setting the stage for a world of harmony and redemption.
Rabbi Shais Taub shares a spiritual view on neurodiversity according to the Torah. He speaks about the challenges and the gifts of having an unusual way of viewing reality as well as how people who are neurodiverse can be more compassionate with themselves.