‘And Avraham arose early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Hashem’ (Bereshis 19:27).

From this passuk we learn that Avraham Avinu instituted Shacharis and that one ought to have a makom kavua, a set place, for davening. The Gemara in Brachos teacehs that one who has a makom kavua is an anav, a chasid and a talmid of Avraham Avinu. They have a greater level of siyata dishmaya in their teffilos. What is the significance of a makom kavua?

In this shiur, Rav Burg explains how through Teffillah we stay grounded in a chaotic world.

Avraham Avinu was told lech lecha, go to yourself. But could it be that we are supposed to leave our countries, our communities and our homes - these wonderful places that loved us into being - in order to find ourselves? How could that be the message of the Torah?!? In this shiur Rav Burg explains who is the real you and how we are meant to journey to self discovery.

In this shiur the Aish Kodesh asks two questions:

1. Why does Yaakov Avinu insist on being blessed by the Malach of Eisav when he had already been blessed by Hashem?

2. Why does the Malach ask Yaakov Avinu his name?

The Rebbe explains that it is not enough simply to leave our state of pain. True redemption only occurs when we have gained something fundamental from our pain. Our pain brings a whole new level of salvation. Furthermore, we rule over ourselves under all circumstances. 

As Yaakov Avinu is sleeping and dreaming of the malachim going up and down the ladder, Rashi explains that it is Hashem who is guarding over him.

The Aish Kodesh asks, why is it Hashem guarding over Yaakov and not a malach? Why does it repeat that he is being guarded twice?

The Malachim of the ladder represent the nations of the world who are at war with each other. When they are fighting, Klal Yisrael is in danger. In these times we need the special shemira of Hashem Himself. When we have no zechusim of our own, we are still the children of the Avos and Hashem watches over us in their merit. 

The Rebbe explains that there is a difference between that which is written and that which is spoken. That which is spoken does not last but that which is written can be taken with us. The Rebbe calls upon us, in times of great struggle, to write our inspiration on our hearts so we can take it with us. 

In this shiur the Aish Kodesh explains two different types of giving. 1. Hashem simply gives because He is giving, not because we are deserving. 2. Hashem pays back a "debt" so to speak and gives us what we are owed for the performance of our Mitzvos.

The Rebbe teaches that there are two types of Jews, those who are lost and those are completely unrecognizable. In 1939 the Rebbe addresses those Jews that have completely lost their sense of self because of the persecution of the Nazi's. The Rebbe speaks to how Hashem will restore these Jews to their previous pristine state.