In celebrating the joyous day of Lag B’Omer this coming week – when we remember Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues who displayed great strength and self-sacrifice during the oppressive Roman rule of the Land of Israel – we share a letter of the Rebbe. In it, the Rebbe explains the essence of a Jew and cites the famous analogy of our Sages – of a fish in water where it needs to live. Living in one’s vital element is basic to one’s survival.
Now that we are counting the days in anticipation of receiving the Torah on Shavuos – after our liberation from Mitzrayim – we share some words of wisdom from the Rebbe’s letter about sefira, this special counting.
In connection with the dedication of the Mishkan / Chanukas Ha’Mishkan on the “Eighth Day” – we present a letter where the Rebbe explains the special quality of the number eight, as it symbolizes the supra-rational and infinite and as it is manifested in various instances in our Jewish history.
Although as rule, the Rebbe does not answer halachic questions – he does address the question of keeping the second days of yom tov for one living chutz la’aretz and owning an apartment in Eretz Yisroel.
In preparation for Pesach – when we are commanded to offer the korban Pesach – we share a letter of the Rebbe, where he expounds on the deeper significance of the pascal sacrifice and its very practical relevance in our daily life today.
To someone who is wishing the Rebbe happy birthday on the occasion of his birthday – Yud Alef Nissan – the Rebbe shares his thoughts on the idea of a birthday in general and specifically on the American custom when wishing someone happy birthday.
In preparation for the month of Nissan and our celebration of Pesach, “Season of Our Freedom” – we share a letter of the Rebbe explaining the true meaning of freedom and liberation. Using the analogy from nature and its categories of plants animal and humans – the true meaning of freedom becomes clear.
In his letter, the Rebbe explains the meaning of the time-honored traditional blessing we give a person on the occasion of a birthday, that of “long and happy days and years” – where he expands on the double blessing contained within it and on the true measure of time.
The month of Adar is a month of increased happiness. In his letter, the Rebbe addresses the problem of the correspondent who mentions “the lack of happiness in my life” – where the Rebbe identifies inner peace and harmony as the two basic ingredients of true happiness. and how to achieve true happiness.
The Rebbe’s letter – based on the Frierdiker Rebbe’s talk about the erection and dismantling of the mishkan in the desert – stresses the critical importance of educating our fellow Jews in Torah and mitvos, to the fullest and with every detail.
Having just received the Torah at Har Sinai – we stated with absolute conviction the famous declaration of “Na’asse v’nishma” – “We will do and we will learn. ” This approach, explains the Rebbe in his letter, is essential to gaining deep understanding and appreciation of the Torah and mitzvos.
In the week of the giving of the Torah – we share a letter in which the Rebbe recognizes and encourages a Rabbi and his group for their work in advancing the study of the Torah and the practice of its precepts.
What purpose does the Torah serve? a means to gain reward? a guide to a good life? In his fascinating letter, the Rebbe delves into the deeper purpose of Torah.
During the very difficult years of our slavery in Mitzrayim the Jewish people maintained their high standards of family life and purity – due in large part to the strength and self-sacrifice of the righteous Jewish women.
In his detailed fascinating letter, the Rebbe addresses the age-old question of – Why suffering? Why the holocaust? with some intellectual insight and personal observations. Is there an answer to this question? Is one required to know the answer or understand it in order to fulfill one’s purpose in life?
In honor of Chof Daled Teves, yartzeit of the Alter Rebbe, R’Schneur Zalman of Liadi – we are sharing a fascinating letter which R’Yankel Gansburg of Milan, Italy wrote to the Esteemed Committee of the Kovetz Lubavitch. He asked R’Nissan Mindel to show the letter to the Rebbe, which R’Mindel did.
In connection with the theme of our parshios – where Yaakov and his family have now moved to Mitzrayim – we share a letter where the Rebbe gives advice concerning the moving of a family and the essential things to keep in mind when relocating.
In his Chanukah message to a group of students – the Rebbe shares with the students a thought apropos to the sidrah Vayigash of that week – which serves as a message not only for Chanukah, but for our daily life.
