In honor of Tisha B'Av, a Special Episode featuring two letters from the Rebbe on Nichum Aveilim—the first, with a class approach from the Alter Rebbe, Mittler Rebbe, and Tzemach Tzedek, and the second with a very novel approach from our Rebbe.

We continue our exploration of unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help solve marriage problems, remind us to judge others favorably, emphasize the power of group resolutions and Mitzvos, and (perhaps) help win court cases.

We begin to explore the Rebbe's unique takes on the classic Maamar, with letters suggesting that learning Kuntres Heichaltzu can help promote (and even solve) community strife, as well as influence our devotion to prayer.

When we pray for better health or write a Pan to the Rebbe, we have the custom to use the mother's name instead of the father's name. In today's letter the Rebbe strengthens the custom, and brings sources to support it.

The Rebbe's view on surgical procedures: When to listen to the surgeon; When to look for a second (or third) opinion; What types of surgeries to avoid; When to schedule an inpatient procedure.

Special Episode: What is the relationship between Tikun HaMiddos and Chassidus? Is the point of Chassidus to help me become a better person? Can Chassidus be used to fix base Middos, or is decency a prerequisite? This class looks at letters from the Rebbe and Previous Rebbe to address these questions (and resolve apparent contradictions).

When idealistic young people would write to the Rebbe about their dreams of saving the world (or "finding themselves" abroad) the Rebbe often encouraged them to instead focus closer to home. In this compilation of letters, the Rebbe reminds would-be international heroes of their pressing local obligations.

The Rebbe almost always welcomes new Shochtim (ritual slaughterers) to the profession with the expression "אין ושחט אלא ומשך". We'll explore the origins of this expression in the Talmud, and the Rebbe's deeper intent.

The Rebbe's letters from the summer of 1973 have an unmistakable theme—they are almost invariably about Chinuch and Tzedaka, with a strong emphasis on very young children. This is atypical, and the significance of this unexpected push was only appreciated months later, when the Yom Kippur War broke out.

One of the Rebbe's most oft-repeated phrases is "He who has 100 desires 200"—usually as a gentle nudge for someone reporting good news to work harder and do even more. Today's letter includes the phrase, and the class explores its origins and applications in the Rebbe's work and beyond.