Commentaries on the Torah

After the debacle of the Spies, G-d threatened to annihilate the Jews and begin His people anew with Moshe. In his defense of his fellow Jews, Moshe seems to invoke a strange, even disturbing argument. (Likutei Sichos vol. 23, Sicha 2)

Three perspectives on the definition of Teshuvah and the role of confession. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 38, parshas Naso, sicha 1)

Why Ezekiel’s vision of the “divine chariot” is the chosen haftorah reading on Shavuos, when it would appear that other scriptural passages that refer directly to the giving of the Torah would make a more appropriate choice, inasmuch as Ezekiel makes no such reference at all! (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 33, p. 18.)

A profound and novel understanding of Torah's promise of material reward for fulfilling the commandments. (Likutei Sichos vol. 37, p.79)

A deeper look at the counting of the Omer, and the distinctive laws governing the Omer offering and the Shavuot offering. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 32, p. 134.)

A Talmudic debate – as seen through the lens of Chassidus – on why the Torah sometimes grants temporary immunity from the effects of Tzaraas. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 37, p. 37.)

The question of the wise son in the Passover Haggadah seems, on the surface, to express not wisdom but much ignorance. This class will reveal the profundity of his question—indeed one that we all need to ask.

The requirement to eat bland, unleavened bread i.e. Matzah made exclusively from flour and water at the Seder, is unique to our observance. By contrast, at the original Seder in Egypt on the night before the Exodus, it was permissible to eat enriched matzah, i.e. flour mixed with fruit juice or egg. In explaining the reason for this difference, this class reveals the spiritual significance of matzah and its critical message for experiencing true personal growth.(Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 16, p. 122.)

According to Jewish law, one must wash each morning before prayers just like the priests would wash before performing their service in the Holy Temple. What is the difference between washing for holiness and washing for purity? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 31, p. 184.)

The four special mitzvahs of Purim all start with the letter “mem”: 1) Megillah, 2) Mishloach manot (sending food gifts to friends), 3) Matanot la’evyonim (charity to the poor), and 4) Mishteh (a festive meal). What is the deeper significance of this connection?