Rambam's philosophical work, Moreh Nevuchim (the Guide for the Perplexed) was initially decried as heretical and kicked off the Maimonidean Controversy that pitted rationalism against tradition. Although few truly oppose The Moreh nowadays, it is still apprached with caution in many Jewish circles. What is the Rebbe's Shita regarding Moreh Nevuchim? Should we study the Guide for the Perplexed and, if so, how and when should we learn it?
The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.
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.
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 "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.
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.
The Rebbe's suggestions on how to curb talking during prayer and Torah reading. Plus: Unusually harsh primary sources.
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.
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.
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
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
Exploring and explaining the Rebbe's lukewarm attitude toward amulets, despite their long history in Kabbalah. Plus: Two surprising times the Rebbe favored amulets. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
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. -- Original letters and Sichos for this Shiur and many others available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12ehoGNXfgJTm4xCQKYNRRBW2E0XMscsL?usp=sharing
A simple reading of the Talmud and Code of Jewish Law would suggest it is inappropriate to sit in the Sukkah when it's raining. The Rebbe's novel approach explains the Chabad custom. (Reposted from 5784)
We have a firm custom not to hang decorations on the Sukkah (known as "Noi Sukkah"). An explanation, in letters and Sichos. (Reposted from 5784)