Toward a better understanding of the spiritual mechanisms behind governmental power, Chapter 2 of the Mitteler Rebbe’s discourse, focuses on the three axes—right, left, and center—within the Sefiros.
The Mitteler Rebbe’s letter known as Baad Kodesh was written to appeal for justice during his imprisonment, and explains how Divine authority flows through earthly rulers to enable just governance. In this first class, we study Chapter 1 (of seven chapters) of the letter.
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 and acclaimed recording artist Eli Marcus pay a heartfelt tribute to R' Levi Yitzchak’s legacy, bringing together his powerful teachings and soulful niggunim. Join us for this meaningful celebration of the life and teachings of R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, and immerse yourself in the warmth of his enduring legacy.
Rabbi Shais Taub speaks to a caller who is unsure of how to properly observe Shemini Atzeres / Simchas Torah this year in light of the events of one year ago.
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)
Why aren't there two days of Yom Kippur? What makes Die Hard fun? What are the riddles of the rabbi of Baghdad? Brothers Shais and Dovid Taub discuss this and more on this latest edition of your favorite podcast.
Through teshuvah, even those far from holiness can reveal their inner connection to G‑d, elevating the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. We study Chapters 7-8 and conclude the maamar.
In this part of the maamar, the Rebbe explains how the "king in the field" analogy does not depict an "arousal from Above" inasmuch as it only reveals that which the people had inside of them all along—namely, a desire to be close to the king. Furthermore, the response of the people causes an elevation in the king himself. We study Chapter 6 and the beginning of chapter 7.
The Rebbe gives a novel interpretation of the reason for the king's smile in the Alter Rebbe's famous parable of the King in the Field. Chapters 4 and 5.
The twenty-two letters are building blocks that through re-arrangements and substitutions, diminish the original power of the creative energy so that different creating beings can emerge. This diminishing effect may be likened to the sun's light reflected by the moon.
In this maamar, the Rebbe revisits the Alter Rebbe's famous maamar Ani L'Dodi which employs the metaphor of the king in the field to explain the uniqueness of Elul. We begin by contrasting Elul with the High Holidays, describing them as an arousal from below and an arousal from Above, respectively.
The Ten Utterances of creation are only rightly called such from the subjective perspective of the created beings.
In this class we conclude the maamar with the study of chapters 8 and 9. We learn how there are two levels of redemption that each of us must go through and how these correspond to the redemption in macrocosm through Moshiach.
Using the metaphor of the sun and its rays, we come to better understand the nature of Hashem's attributes in relation to His essence. Just as the sun’s rays are relatively non-existent when compared to the sun itself, so too are the Divine attributes one with Hashem's essence.
The possibility for forgetting Torah derives from a viewpoint that perceives a separation between transcendent and the immanent Divine energies. This is also the root of the debacle of the worship of the Golden Calf.
The Essence of G-d cannot be described by even the loftiest attributes, so why do we speak of Hashem as "wise" or "compassionate" etc? In this chapter, the Alter Rebbe gives us context for understanding the proper usage of these terms.
The unification of Sovev and Memaleh can also be understood as corresponding to the names Havaye and Elokim. This unification makes it possible to live within time and space but not prioritize the material world as an end unto itself. Chapters 4 and 5 of the maamar.
Having explained in chapters 1-7 how Hashem is the only true existence and that the worlds are not something "other" than Him, we now turn our attention to the oneness of Hashem in terms of Himself. Hashem is a simple oneness, not a composite of attributes.
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.