Live Kabbalah: Living from the Soul

The Rebbe Rashab was the fifth Rebbe of Chabad who passed on this day. An in depth dive into what Kavanah is and its requirements in the performance of the Mitzvot

In this Daily Zohar teaching from the introduction to Tikkunei Zohar, Rabbi Amichai explores the deeper difference between the redemption from Egypt and the final redemption.

In Egypt, the Shechinah was still concealed within exile and hidden within the lower worlds. Because the Divine light had not yet been fully revealed, the people had to leave quickly, like slaves fleeing before full freedom had arrived.

But the Zohar teaches that the final redemption will be different. We will not go out like slaves. Why? Because Torah is with us. Torah is true freedom. It is the power that raises the Shechinah, reveals hidden Divine light, and carries us beyond the constrictions of exile.

This timely class weaves together the mystery of Matat, hidden Divine names, the spiritual meaning of exile, and the open miracles unfolding in our generation as we move closer to Geulah.

Good morning and Chodesh Tov. Today is the first of Nisan, the month of miracles, renewal, and revealed Divine light. In this teaching, we explore the deep meaning of Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the day the Mishkan was finally established and the Shechinah rested among Israel in a revealed way.

We look at why the entire month of Nisan is so elevated that we do not say Tachanun, the custom of reciting the section of the Nesi’im during the first twelve days, and the deeper insight brought in Hayom Yom about how even a Kohen or Levi may be connected to another tribe through ibur neshama.

The class also continues the Tanya theme that through mitzvot, Torah learning, and prayer, a person draws down the Shechinah not only upon themselves, but upon their portion in the world and ultimately upon all of creation. Torah is not only studied. It is a calling. Through true Torah learning, we call to Hashem and invite Divine light into our lives.

A Chodesh Tov teaching on miracles, the Mishkan, the power of mitzvot, and how Torah becomes the way we draw G-d close in truth.

In this Daily Zohar, we continue exploring the mystery of the Mishkan and the Divine call to Moshe from the Tent of Assembly. The Zohar teaches that the Mishkan was filled from above and below, and that the letters of this calling correspond to angelic camps and heavenly messengers. This opens a powerful reflection on the angels in our own lives, the ways G-d sends support, guidance, and revelation, and how each of us can become a dwelling place for the Divine presence.

Today’s Daily Tanya for 29 Adar explores the phrase L’chaim u’levracha, the deeper meaning of a soft heart, and the soul’s work of transforming yesh into ayin.

We also reflect on the balance between Torah study and mitzvot, and how both help reveal G-d’s presence in this world.

In today’s Daily Tanya for the 28th of Adar, we explore the Alter Rebbe’s teaching on the power of physical mitzvot, especially tzedakah, and the deeper role of Torah study in uplifting the inner life of the soul.

This class discusses the relationship between action and understanding, the difference between external and internal refinement, the struggle of the beinuni, and the unique way Torah draws holiness down into the mind and heart.

A rich teaching on how mitzvot and Torah work together in the lifelong process of transformation.

In today’s Daily Zohar on Parshat Vayikra, we explore the mystical meaning of the word Vayikra, “And He called,” and the Zohar’s opening teaching on the holy letters through which creation is formed and Divine wisdom is revealed.

This class touches on Betzalel, the wisdom of combining letters, the revelation at Mount Sinai, the significance of large and small letters, the milui of the Hebrew letters, and the role of the letter Vav as the letter of truth within the Divine Name.

A deep and beautiful opening into the inner world of Torah and the spiritual structure of creation.

In today’s Daily Tanya for the 27th of Adar, we explore a powerful teaching from Hayom Yom: truth is found in the middle path.

The Rebbe teaches that a person must avoid extremes. On one side, one can become overly harsh, hypercritical, and weighed down by faults that are not being seen truthfully. On the other side, one can become too lenient, excuse away what needs repair, and drift from the path. אמת, truth, is the balanced path — the ability to recognize both one’s strengths and one’s areas for growth without falling into distortion in either direction.

From there, the Tanya continues with the unique greatness of the mitzvah of tzedakah. The Alter Rebbe explains that while all mitzvot elevate aspects of the soul, tzedakah is unique because it involves the whole person. The money one gives carries within it one’s time, effort, energy, thought, and life-force. When a person gives tzedakah, they are not only giving money — they are uplifting a part of their very self to G-d.

This is why the sages say that tzedakah is equal to all the mitzvot, and why it has such extraordinary power to bring redemption closer, both personally and collectively.

Today’s Daily Tanya for 26 Adar explores the Rebbe’s teaching on the three vessels through which we influence others: love of Hashem, love of Torah, and love of the Jewish people. We also reflect on the powerful role of women in building a holy home and shaping the future of the next generation.

From Tanya, we dive into the purpose of the soul’s descent into this world: not for its own elevation, but to uplift hidden sparks, sanctify its portion of creation, and bring redemption into exile through awareness, mitzvot, and remembrance.

In today’s Daily Zohar on Parshat Vayakhel, 24 Adar, we explore Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s teaching on the opening of the Torah scroll and the prayer of Barich Shemei. The Zohar reveals that when the Torah is taken out, the gates of heaven open and love is awakened above. We also reflect on the sanctity of Torah reading, the need for one clear voice, the preparation required of the Torah reader, and the deeper significance of completing Sefer Shemot and reading Parshat HaChodesh.