Essays
The Soul of a Conflict
This address by the Rebbe discusses how Korach erred by attempting to create perfection in an imperfect world..
Read MoreThe Runaway Soul
How tzaraat is related to Chassidic teaching that the human soul is driven by two contrary forces: the drive to “run” or escape (ratzo), and the drive to settle (shov).
Read MoreA Visitor From Tohu
Tohu was a world comprised of the ten supernal sefirot. However, there they existed as ten distinct elements, devoid of all relationship with or even tolerance for each other.
Read MoreA Pool of Fire: The Kohen Gadol
The human kohen gadol is one who has been imparted a greater measure of holiness than his more mundane fellows. The kohen in G-d is G-d’s “holiness”.
Read MoreA Private World: The Eiruv
The ultimate function of Shabbat is to establish an eiruv in our “multi-occupant courtyard”: to integrate the diverse forces and realities of our world as a singular, harmonious expression of the divine truth; to make the exclusivity of G-d’s “ownership” as real in our lives as it is from G-d’s own perspective.
Read MoreThe Colors of Blood Cells
The deeper significance of the colors of the various blood cells.
Read MoreG-d on the Moon
The moon’s greatness—her capacity to receive—is born of a sense of diminution and insufficiency.
Read MoreForty Nine Days
Counting the Omer: Each of these days becomes a component of our reborn selves, as we internalize the freedom obtained at the Exodus as the essence of our commitment to G-d as His chosen people.
Read MoreLight Reading: The Story of Light
I am watching the candles; the candles are watching me. I listen to their story; they listen to mine. Their warmth is my warmth; their light is my light; their story is my story – it is the story of light.
Read MoreThe Purpose of Chanukah Lights
This is the quintessential light of Torah: light as an end in itself; light as light is the purpose of Chanukah lights.
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