Can there be prophets nowadays? The answer leads the Rebbe to a fascinating observation about where it is best to do a Mitzvah.
What does it mean to be sincere with G-d? How do we avoid anxiety about the future? The Rebbe breaks down the implications of a Rashi.
How can we cleave to G-d? And why does Rashi seem to keep changing how he addresses the question?
Were the Jews into eating blood or were they disgusted by it?The Rebbe analyzes two explanations offered by Rashi.
Women's obligation to study Torah is sometimes presented as an obligation to know the necessary laws, and other times as a participation in the Torah study of their husbands and sons. The Rebbe analyzes the parameters and application of each.
What's the common denominator between the breaking of the Tablets and the passing of righteous people? The Rebbe emphasizes a positive message in each.
Concluding the Talmudic tractate of Shabbos. One can measure or tie an impermanent knot on Shabbat for the sake of a Mitzvah - but understanding the order requires a fundamental understanding of the root of the prohibitions.
Reading the Shema relates to a constant obligation - accepting the unity of G-d. Torah study is about comprehension - which is always changing. Yet, the Mitzvah of Shema is divided between day and night, whereas the obligation of Torah study is constant. The Rebbe gives 3 reasons why, that highlight the nature of our purpose in life.
Even when rebuking the Jewish people, Moshe looks out for their honor.
What happens when there's a seemingly obvious question that Rashi doesn't address? The answer must be obvious upon analysis as well.
An incredible lesson from Biblical math and round numbers.
A fascinating analysis of seemingly unrelated Talmudic discussions:An argument about the degree of sanctity of an animal mistakenly designated as a tithe...A plot to depose the leader of the Talmudic academy...A nickname given to one of the plotters as a punishment...And an argument about what kind of knowledge is best - breadth or depth...The Rebbe shows how they're all part of the same issue: Rabbi Meir's focus on quality over quantity.
Why does the Torah tell us to "remember" the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah.An analysis on Rashi's commentary.
Why does the Midrash relate the completeness of the Omer to the days of the week?What does that have to do with two obscure families of Kohanim - Yeshua and Shchenya?And how do the days of the week represent harmonizing the transcendent and the immanent, the infinite and the finite?
Reconciling two opposite ideas of holiness - being removed from the world, or the nitty-gritty details like washing our hands. Relationship between the two portions read this week - Acharei Mos and Kedoshim.
Why is the miracle of Shabbat HaGadol referred to as great? And why isn't it commemorated on the 10th of Nissan? The power of transformation.
What are the situations that require a Thanksgiving offering? And why do we have 3 Matzahs at the Seder? An analysis of Rashi provides insight into the precise reasoning.
A Talmudic Analysis. Why doesn't quantity matter? What is the true function of offerings? And when does the amount count?
What kind of offering is the Torah describing in the book of Vayikra? And how does ownership work? Why did Adam own everything?
Why was Moses not able to erect the Tabernacle without a Divine assist? What'a the message for us? The preciousness of our own hard work paired with the advantage of a G-dly revelation.