Commentaries on the Torah

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. (Based on the maamar Ani L'dodi 5732)

An analysis of the first two paragraphs of the Shema express two modes of interaction with the divine, and an inspiring and encouraging message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 9)

A deeper look at the meaning of Judaism's ultimate declaration of faith “Hear O’ Israel…G-d is one”. Chassidus unlocks three levels and layers of meaning in the phrase ‘G-d is one’, which evokes the four-letter name of G-d ‘HaVaYaH’ (Tetragrammaton) (Based on an excerpt of the maamor Havayeh Li B’ozri 5717)

This class presents three views on the relationship between the principal and the agent, and draws an illuminating parallel to our spiritual service of G-d. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 33 parshas Korach)

This class explores three levels of humility: Level one is a ‘considerate humility’. Level two is an ‘essential humility’. Level three and the highest of all is a ‘vulnerable humility’. (Based on Likutei Sichos, vol. 38 Behaalotecha)

Understanding the nature of differing opinions in Torah, and how the Halachic ruling does not favor one view and reject the other, but rather unites them both.

A revealing, Kabbalistic, view of hair. New light on why a married woman, in Torah, covers her hair.

Each morning a priest would remove from the altar a handful of the ashes from the sacrifices of the previous night and place them on the ground alongside it. When the remaining pile on the altar grew to be unduly manageable, the ashes would be removed and deposited in a designated location outside Jerusalem. This class will discuss the priestly dress-code for these procedures and the timely, spiritual relevance for our lives.

Our Sages explain that the Ten Commandments were stated in the second person singular, rather than the plural, in order to provide Moses with an argument in defense of the Jewish People after they had worshipped the Golden Calf: Moses would be able to, and in fact did, argue that the commandment forbidding idolatry was addressed to him alone and not the people! This class will address this apparently bizarre defense and will shed light on the deeper nature of idolatry and its antidote.

We share an incredible story about the victims of a slave-labour, sub-camp of Dachau. The tragic yet inspiring tale centers around the saintly Rebbe of Klausenburg, Romania, Rabbi Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, and culminates decades later with an unexpected phone-call from the Rebbe's office in Brooklyn to a businessman residing in London.