The Rebbe's Letters

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

A two-part series on the importance of women's education nowadays, and our Rabbeim's particular emphasis on women studying Chassidus. Part 1 focuses on the Friediker Rebbe's foundational letters encouraging women's education. Part 2 focuses on how the Rebbe substantially expanded this.

You may have heard the expression: "if you're going to drive on Shabbos anyway, you may as well drive to shul" or the memorable quote attributed to a great Tzadik: "Come however you want, whenever you want." While the underlying message of love is certainly valuable, this Shiur demonstrates that the position itself is contrary to the Rebbe's Shita, against his explicit instructions, and almost certainly against Jewish law.

Benedictine, a sweet and complex brand of liqueur, was present on the Rebbe's Farbrengen table for years until complaints about its Kashrus led to its removal. This Shiur tells the story of the rise and fall (and, perhaps, resurgence?) of Benedictine in Lubavitch through letters, Sichos, and stories. L'Chaim!

Letters, Sichos, and private conversations reveal the Rebbe's clear position on alcohol consumption: With very few exceptions, we are not to get drunk, drink more than 3 or 4 small cups of hard liquor (Mashke) at one sitting, or make Kiddush on Mashke. The Rebbe asks that we not come up with excuses to dodge these rules, and goes so far as to say that those who do so are not his Shluchim and should not participate in his Peulos. Most importantly, the Rebbe emphasizes that we do not need Mashke.

Cheshbon HaNefesh--an honest accounting of our deeds--is central to the service of G-d, but only under the right circumstances. In these letters the Rebbe cautions that, when done at improper times and without joy, a Cheshbon HaNefesh can do more harm than good.

The walls of our homes absorb what happens inside them and, in this series of letters and Sichos, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of managing that by building a home imbued with holiness that serves as a haven from outside influences.

Chabad is apolitical. And while the Rebbe sees room for Jewish organizations focused on political activism, he insists that the goal of reaching every single Jew without alienating anyone due to politics overrides even the noblest political goals.

Rambam's philosophical work, Moreh Nevuchim (the Guide for the Perplexed) was initially decried as heretical and kicked off the Maimonidean Controversy that pitted rationalism against tradition. Although few truly oppose The Moreh nowadays, it is still apprached with caution in many Jewish circles. What is the Rebbe's Shita regarding Moreh Nevuchim? Should we study the Guide for the Perplexed and, if so, how and when should we learn it?

The Rebbe's position on naturopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine.