In this week’s parsha Yaakov is leaving his parents’ home and venturing out to a very challenging environment, where he will establish a family, a wholesome, Jewish family. In connection with this critical and daunting mission – we are sharing a letter in which the Rebbe gives guidance for raising Jewish children – with candid, clear and practical suggestions of basic principles to keep in mind.
In connection with the children of Yitzchak and Rivkah Yaakov and Eisav, and their upbringing – we share a letter of advice to a woman who is asking what to do regarding her husband’s attitude to the matter of disciplining the children. The Rebbe points out the interesting fact of the husband’s greater success in his Torah and academic studies than other matters.
In connection with the first shidduch, which we learn about in our parsha, we share a detailed letter of the Rebbe in which he enumerates essential points to keep in mind when considering a shidduch – and things to avoid in order to make it work.
We present a letter from the Rebbe, so relevant to the crisis in Israel we are facing today, in which the Rebbe states his clear views on, among other things, 1. the returning by Israel of the liberated lands and the surrendering of oil fields in Sinai and 2. The government’s meek policy and response regarding terrorist attacks where he gives some historical examples.
In connection with the mission of Avraham Avinu in our parsha – to proclaim the name of G-d and teach monotheism to the world, we present a letter of the Rebbe written to a doctor, where the Rebbe explains that the essence of Jewish monotheism is that there is unity everywhere and connect this idea to the body.
In connection with the narrative in this week’s parsha where Noach, after the flood, plants a vineyard, drinks its wine and becomes inebriated – we present a letter where the Rebbe addresses the issue of drinking mashka and clarifies his guidelines pertaining to it.
Regarding the Creation of the world and its ultimate purpose – the creation of Man – the Rebbe underlines some fascinating details: the powers which man was given, the purpose of his creation and the meaning of G-d’s command to him to replenish and to conquer it and have dominion over its living creatures…
On the question of women participating in hakofos on Simchas Torah – the Rebbe clarifies in this letter, some points (which he had made during a personal meeting with the correspondent) which need to be considered so that the actual practice should conform to halachah.
As we begin the new school year, which is a Leap Year – we share an important message which the Rebbe gives about a Leap Year and its connection to chinuch.
In the letter we share this week – the Rebbe shares some fascinating details regarding the Yom Kippur War with its numerous miracles and brings out a number of important lessons to be learned.
In his letter about the great opportunity we have to do TESHUVAH – the Rebbe explains briefly that in our spiritual ups and downs we should keep in mind the difference between atzvusi/depression (undesirable) and merirus/bitterness (desirable) and use the opportunity to energize and attain a higher spiritual level.
In preparation for Rosh Hashanah – we share a letter in which the Rebbe explains the basis of our holy prayers, especially those of the High Holidays.
As we prepare for the auspicious day of Rosh Hashana – the Rebbe’s letter gives us much food for thought and introspection. In answer to the question “ Why is Rosh Hashanah referred to as the beginning of G-d’s works, where in reality it is the 6th day of creation, not the first?”
In preparation for the bright day of Chai Elul – the birthday of the luminaries of chasidus – R’ Yisroel Baal Shem Tov and R’ Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe – we present a letter in which the Rebbe explains the unique qualities of chasidus- as it includes all other loyalties and as it permeates all aspects of Jewish life. Chasidus is the heritage of all our people, explains the Rebbe, not the property of any one group.
As the new school year begins we present a fascinating letter of the Rebbe regarding the education of Jewish “special” people – with some points to consider at a forthcoming conference dealing with the needs of special people.
As we begin the month of Elul – during which it is customary to increase the saying of Tehillim (an additional 3 chapters each day of Elul until and including Yom Kippur) – we share a letter which discusses the origin of Psalms/Tehillim and its historical perspective as emphasized by kabbala and chasidus.
In his letter to the correspondent with complaints about the orthodox, the Rebbe clarifies what being orthodox means, what is expected and some misconceptions.
