Commentaries on the Torah

The Torah concludes the book of Genesis with the death of Joseph and the fact that he was interned - actually placed in the Nile - in Egypt. Yet we are enjoined by Torah to conclude a Torah subject on a positive note?! The answer sheds new light on both the end and beginning of the first book of the Torah. (Likutei Sichos vol. 30, talk 3)

The Academy of Hillel says that the optimum manner to light the Chanukah candles is to light one the first night, adding a candle each subsequent night of the holiday. The Academy of Shamai maintain that the desired method is to kindle 8 flames on the first night, 7 on the second night, diminishing the number each night so that one flame is lit on the last night. This class will explore these contrasting views and shed light on life's most existential questions.

The Torah describes Joseph as a 'Man of Success'. By examining his exploits, as well as the story of the Alter Rebbe's arrest and liberation, this class reveals two levels of success and provides the inspiration to achieve it.

When Yitzchak bestows the blessing of the first-born, rather than invoking the name of G-d associated with mercy and benevolence, he invokes the name of G-d associated with judgment and severity. This class will explain this oddity and offers an encouraging message for our times.

A closer reading of a few unusual words in Rashi's commentary resolves puzzling questions in the narrative of Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his wife Sarah. This novel insight affords a powerful message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 35)

How the experience of the 'Shabbat rest' deepens as Shabbat progresses, culminating in Shabbat's sublime final moments. An exploration of the nature of pleasure. (Based on the maamar Eileh Toldos Noach 5737)

A profound look at the paradox of the willow of the Four Kinds that are 'taken' during the festival of Sukkot: On one hand, the willow is the least virtuous of the Four Kinds and the laws governing its validity the least demanding, yet the willow conveys the greatest contribution of them all. (Likutei Sichos vol. 22)

The 18th day of the month of Elul marks the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, in 1698, and the birth of the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad, in 1745. Join Rabbi Moishe New in Montreal for a Chassidic gathering in honor of this joyous day.

The Torah commands that a laborer's payment not be withheld even a day. G-d Himself, our Sages tell us, observes the very commandments He obligates us to fulfill. How then does G-d not immediately reward man for his/her service of Him, deferring man's reward to the 'World to Come'?! (Likutei Sichos, Ki Teitzei volume 29)

Traditionally, the month of Elul is a period of preparation for the High-Holy-Days when G-d sits in judgment over the fate of each of person. This class presents a deeper and transformative understanding of this special time. Ultimately, uncovering the paradox in the four progressive stages of connection afforded during this period, culminating with the High Holidays. (Based on the maamar Ani L'dodi 5732)