In this class we depart from the year 1973 to explore the Rebbe's position on bringing in Shabbos early, with letters and Sichos.

In this letter the Rebbe discusses the pitfalls of modernity (including Modern Judaism) and "-isms" of all kinds, and the class delves into a Michtav Klali and Sicha that explain the futility and failure of the many ideologies that Jews cling to instead of Torah and Mitzvos.

The famed Yiddish writer Chaim Grade described himself as a "Modern" Jew who comes from "Misnagdim". In this letter, the Rebbe explains why the term "Misnagid" is outdated, and the class unpacks what the Rebbe means when he says Misnagdim no longer exist.

Those who put their hearts and souls into institutions are often fiercely defensive of their ability to run their Mosdos by fiat. But the Rebbe does not tolerate dictators, and demands that every head of a Chabad institution consult with an advisory board before making major decisions. This class looks at multiple letters from the Rebbe that push a collaborative model—and which harshly censure individuals who make unilateral decisions.

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Here we review both letters and Sichos to determine what the Rebbe wants schools that teach secular subjects to look like. The class highlights four key features that every dual-curriculum school must have in order to meet the Rebbe's expectations.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering the Rebbe's perspective on secular studies. This first episode highlights the Rebbe's wish—expressed in many letters from Shavuos and the summer months—that children not engage in any secular studies over the summer, instead dedicating this time exclusively to immersion in Torah. We also discuss a letter that encourages schools with secular curricula to open Torah-only tracks.

In this letter, the Rebbe outlines a path of atonement and penitence (Tikkun) for someone who forgot to put on Tefillin. The class will explore the Rebbe's overarching philosophy about crafting Tikkunim, and present sample Tikunim the Rebbe gave for a number of sins.

Intermarriage is one of the most pressing Jewish concerns of our era, and thinkers across the religious spectrum have their opinions on how to respond to this challenge. The Rebbe's approach is utterly unique, difficult to swallow, and ultimately effective.

This letter captures The Rebbe's unique take on the prison system and the need for criminal justice reform. The class looks at a Sicha that describes The Rebbe's vision for prisons that rehabilitate offenders, and discusses what progress has been made since the Rebbe called for prison reform 50 years ago.

Judaism is clearly not a religion, race, or nationality. In this letter The Rebbe describes exactly what a Jew is, and the class reviews a handful of letters in English that address similar points, arming us all with a definitive answer to this central question.