This is the fifth of a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964. Rabbi YY Jacobson gave this class on Monday, 5 Shvat, 5784, January 15, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY.

This class explores how a human being given the gift of free choice can degrade himself or herself even lower than “klipa,” which is part of the cosmic program and never deviates from the Divine plan and code, where a human being can deviate from the code, since he reflects his Creator who is free and is the author of the code of life. We discussed at length how Pharaoh lost his free choice, and how it is only awareness of who you really are that gives you that freedom.

The class explains how even in the abyss one can find and discover the presence of the infinite love of G-d, similar to Yonah who when swallowed by the whale declares: “From the belly of hell, I have cried out to you.” We explore the meaning of hair in Kabbalah and why married women cover their hair.