Letters For Our Time

Are we perfect?

Michtov kloli Chai Elul 5732 (English)

Based on Likkutei Sichos vol.29

Have you ever experienced fear or anxiety?

We all have something that weighs on us. In this shiur, we’ll explore a letter from the Tzemach Tzedek that addresses this very practical and deeply human topic, and discover a Chassidic perspective on dealing with fear and anxiety.

Igros Kodesh of the Tzemach Tzedek, letter #15.

May one flush the toilet if there are living flies in it? Is there techias hamaysim for flies? Does it matter? Explore a fascinating discussion of Hilchos Shabbos with a surprising twist.

Based on an essay in היו דברים מעולם vol.2.

Join me for a wild ride as we study one of 252 explanations by R. Nosson Nota Shapiro on Moshe’s request to enter the Land - and Hashem’s response.

Likkutei Sichos vol.29, Shabbos Chazon

Rambam writes that the one who would oversee the guards of the Beis Hamikdash would hit anyone who fell asleep on the job. But isn’t it forbidden to hit someone? Learn from the great Hungarian Rov, R. Yeshaya Zilbershtein.

Sources: Rambam, Maasei l’Melech, Shulchan Aruch HaRav and Tanya.

Should you sway while davening? Inspired by a doctor I met last week and the newly-discovered notes of the Rebbe Rashab on Kaf HaChaim (Palagi).

Sources: Avudraham, Rama, Magen Avraham, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Sefer HaManhig, Zohar, Kaf HaChaim (Sofer), Mishna Berurah, shu”t Chavos Yair, Ya’avetz, Chida, Kaf HaChaim (Palagi), Rebbe Rashab.

Delve into a 1960 letter from the Rebbe to Rabbi Dovid Cohen AKA the Nazir of Jerusalem.