This discourse was said on the second night of Pesach in 5730 (1970). It concerns the question of the Wise son mentioned at the Seder.  What is he really asking, and what answer is he given?

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Purim in 1970. It explains the special quality of Amalek and how the Jew has the power to eradicate it within his or her own life.

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat 10 Shevat 1984, expounding the Previous Rebbe's Bati Legani discourse, particularly focusing chapter 14.  In 1950 the Previous Rebbe had published a discourse 20 chapters long, the beginning of which was to be studied on 10 Shevat. But on this day he passed away. 

The following year 1951, his successor our Rebbe said his own version of the Bati Legani discourse, focusing on chapter one of the original.  Each year on 10 Shevat he would focus on the successive chapter.  This discourse is from 1984 which focused on ch.14 in the second cycle. This year 2024 we are again on ch.14 in the 4th cycle.

The Bati Legani (I have come into My garden) series of discourses by the Rebbe are elaborations of his father in law's final discourse with the same name. This discourse from 1983 discusses particularly the 13th chapter of the original, which speaks of the radiance of the Infinite descending to lower and lower levels.  There it must transform bad to good.

This discourse was taught in the week of Parsha Yitro, which tells of Yitro coming to be with Moses and the Jewish people, and then of the Giving of the Torah. The Zohar links these two events. When Yitro, who knew every kind of idolatry and secular wisdom,  declared 'Now I know that G-d is greater than all other powers' this was a crucial step leading to the Giving of the Torah, joining the spiritual and the secular.

The Rebbe said this discourse on Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayelech in 1967. It discusses the verse 'if your scattered ones will be at the ends of heaven - G-d will gather them together' (Deut.30:4) and presents several profound spiritual interpretations.

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat Ki Tetze in 1985. The Sedra opens with the idea of a soldier in battle finding a beautiful woman, whom he takes captive, and the Torah regulates his behaviour. That is the usual interpretation. But the text seems to read as if the beautiful woman was already a captive in the hands of the enemy.   

The Chassidic perspective shows that the 'captive' is the material aspect of life.  It has been captured and made into something non-spiritual and non-holy. But the task of every individual man and woman is to redeem it and to reveal G-dliness in it.

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat Sedra Shofetim in 1966. The opening verse about placing judges at the gate of the city is first explained in terms of the limits of our knowledge of the Divine, and then as referring to the judges which must control our 'gates' - eye, ears, nose and mouth.  Through the right kind of self-control, we come closer to genuine knowledge..

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Chazon (Parshat Devarim), the Shabbat before the Fast of Ninth of Av, in 1973. It takes a verse from Lamentations and shows how it has different levels of meaning, including a deeply positive meaning.  Through entering the lowest, darkest levels, we reach the highest levels of the light of the Essence of the Divine.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Behaalotecha in 1964. The Sedra begins with Aron 'lighting the lights' and the discourse explains that apart from the seven lights of the Menorah, there are two general kinds of light: the Divine radiance which illuminates each Jew, and also the radiance from the Neshama of each Jew, which, so to speak, illuminates Hashem and brings His radiance into the world.

In this discourse, taught by the Rebbe in January 1959, Moses asks G-d 'how can I take the Jewish people out of Egypt? I cannot speak properly..'.  G-d answers him: 'Who gave a mouth to man..?    

The meaning of these words might seem obvious.  But the discourse explains that there is another way to understand them. Moses is asking 'how can G-dliness be revealed in this dark world? G-d answers him that indeed it can, because the Essence of the Divine is going to act...

The Rebbe taught this interesting discourse on Shabbat Miketz in 1972. It explains that Joseph's battle alone in Egypt was actually on behalf of the whole Jewish people. Kabbalistically, it enabled the Jews to survive their exile in Egypt and go free, and by the same token is helping us face our current challenges and ultimately go free, with the coming of Moshiach.

This discourse, taught on Shabbat of Chanukah by the Rebbe in 1966, focuses on the opening verse of the Haftorah from Zacharia 2:14. The discourse explains the spiritual power of Charity, Tzedaka, the power to reach down to the most needy and through that to be elevated to the highest levels.  Through this the negative is transformed into positive. This is also a key feature of Chanukah, in which the Chanukah lights illuminate the darkness, and reveal its implicit light.

This Discourse was said for Sedra Toledot in 1966.  The Scriptural text states that Isaac 'planted' and the crops were a hundredfold more than expected, and G-d blessed him, and he became very great.

The discourse translates this into spiritual terms relevant to each individual.

This discourse was said by the Rebbe in 1961, in the week of Sedra Noah.  It quotes a verse from the Simchat Torah liturgy and shows that it is relevant throughout the year.  The main theme of the discourse is to explain that G-d's favour shines on the Jewish people from an exalted level even if they are quite devoid of merit

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe in 1964, and it explains how each individual Jew is a 'partner' with G-d in the work of Creation.

This discourse, said by the Rebbe on the eve of Rosh Hashana in the autumn of 1972, discusses the rule that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, one does not sound the Shofar. The Talmud says this is to avoid the possibility of someone inadvertently carrying the Shofar in the public thoroughfare on Shabbat.  

Chassidic teachings explain a further dimension of meaning: the special power of Shabbat compensates for the lack of the Shofar. But it becomes even more important to focus on the ten verses about the Shofar which are included in the Musaf prayer.

This discourse was said by the Rebbe on Shabbat Mattot-Masey, 1966.  It concerns the concept of making vows, the subject of the beginning of the Sedra of the week, Sedra Mattot.

When a person makes a vow, they are generally forbidding themself from indulging in some physical pleasure. For example, a person might vow not to eat meat, or drink wine.  The Jerusalem Talmud asks: why make a vow, isn't it enough for you all the things the Torah forbids? Why forbid anything else?

The discourse explores the theme of our relationship with physicality and physical pleasures.  Ideally we should be able to relate to every aspect of the physical dimension of life, in order to elevate it.  But often a person can see this would be risky for them, because they can easily be dragged down i nto negative behaviour, so they have to be more circumspect.  The goal is the union of the physical and the spiritual.

This discourse was taught on Shabbat 12 Tammuz in 1967. On 12-13 Tammuz, 1927, the Previous Rebbe was given his freedom after his arrest on account of his activities strengthening Judaism in the Bolshevik USSR. 

Forty years later the Rebbe discussed the discourse said by the Previous Rebbe on the day he was released, thanking G-d for his freedom.  

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat of Sedra Naso, a few days after Shavuot, in 1966.  It provides a fascinating perspective on the relation between the Torah and Nature.  The essence of the Torah is the Ten Commandments, and the essence of Nature is the Ten Utterances with which G-d created the world (such as Let there be Light, Let there be a Firmament, etc). 

The creation of the universe in itself has a certain imbalance, which can lead to negative consequences.  The fact that the Jewish people keep the laws of the Torah gives a positive input to the universe creating harmony for all.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Bemidbar, following Lag B'Omer (which was on the previous Sunday).  This Shabbat was just before the outbreak of the Six Day War in Israel. 

It focuses on a story in the Zohar which describes how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was able to make the rain fall after a drought, by saying a Torah teaching.  Other Sages would pray for rain, or even fast.  The discourse explains the special power shown by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in that he was able to bring rain by saying a Torah teaching, and how this applies to every Jew.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Sedra Kedoshim, in 1967.  The command 'you should be holy' (Leviticus 19:2) at the beginning of the Sedra is explained by Nachmanides to mean 'sanctify yourself in that which is permitted to you', which an extra level of personal stringency, beyond the basic demand of the Code of Law.  

The discourse discusses the nature of existence, how it can reveal the Essence of the Divine.  The path to achieve this perception is by fulfilling the Commands of the Torah and, in particular, making the extra step of sanctifying oneself in that which is permitted.

The Rebbe taught this discourse, which begins with a quote from the Haggadah, 'We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt..' on Shabbat Parshat Tzav in 1988. It explains that enslavement to Pharaoh comes about through a dislocation within the person. His or her outer manifest will is dislocated from their inner, spiritual will.  Bringing about an alignment within the person leads to true freedom from Pharaoh.  

This step of freedom took place at the Exodus round 3,300 years ago, and it is re-enacted every year at the celebration of Pesach. But it is also part of the process of our connection with our inner selves  and with G-d, every day of the year.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Terumah, 1983.  The command in the Torah 'Make for Me a Sanctuary' (Exodus 25:8) is commented on by the Midrash: since the text states 'for Me', this means the Sanctuary is eternal.

The Rebbe asks: in which sense is it eternal? Both Temples were destroyed..  One explanation is that there is a heavenly Temple which is never destroyed; another explanation is that there are 'small Temples', the Synagogues and Study Houses, in which the Divine dwells, and so too in the heart of each individual man and woman...

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Mishpatim 1967.  A verse in the Sedra speaks of lending money to the poor; this opens a discussion of the 'direction' of our service of G-d. Are we trying to ascend to higher levels of holiness? Or to draw the Divine into our world..?

The discourse emphasizes the latter, as in lending money to the poor, which gives us intimate closeness with the Divine.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Yitro in 1984.   The Giving of the Torah was a key moment in history, and especially in the history of the Jewish people.

They were coming face to face with the Essence of the Divine.  The dramatic aspects of that event, described in the Torah, were the prelude to that intense experience.

Indeed, so too was the slavery and redemption from Egypt: it was all preparation for this key moment.  In the same way our present Exile is a preparation for the infinite revelation which will take place with the ultimate Redemption.

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat Sedra Bo in 1984.  It concerns the two dimensions of Mind and Emotion and the way a personal 'Exodus from Egypt' is achieved when the Mind and Emotion fully fit together.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe in January 1967, on Shabbat Sedra Va'era.  It discusses why there had to be the pain of the slavery in Egypt - which relates also to the pain of other periods of Jewish history.

The discourse explains that this was an important aspect of the preparation for the Giving of the Torah, after which through Torah study and observance of Mitzvot the Jewish people have a positive effect on the world.

The slavery and the pain purified the Jewish people and the world so that this process could take place. There was a lively discussion of this idea.

The Rebbe said this discourse in late December 1966, on Shabbat Sedra Vayechi.  Jacob lived the best years of his life in Egypt, despite the moral depravity of that country in his time. What does this teach us about our own lives, often facing acute challenges?

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat Vayishlach, 1982.  Jacob's goal was to transform Esau to good.  This was the inner meaning in his wrestling with the angel, whom the Sages tell us was the angel of Esau.

Meanwhile Jacob's family could advance towards the physical Esau, without fear.

The Rebbe said this discourse on Shabbat Vayeitze in 1987.  The verse which tells us that 'Laban got up early in the morning' is reinterpreted in a Kabbalistic way. Laban (literally meaning 'white') represents 'the upper whiteness', an exalted realm, the Essence of the Divine, which is in some sense revealed to each individual every morning in his or her Morning Prayers.  

A 'morning burst of light' from the Divine Essence illuminates each person's prayer.  After that they have the task to transform and elevate the world around them through working and fulfilling the Mitzvot of the Torah. 

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe in 1964, for Shabbat Toledot.  The Sedra begins 'And these are generations of Isaac the son of Abraham.  Abraham begat Isaac.' The discourse explores this unusual phrasing in terms of one's relationship with the Divine, in general, and in particular, the stages of emotion in prayer.

The Rebbe taught this discourse on Shabbat Sedra Chayei Sarah, 1964.  A detailed discussion of a comment by the Zohar on the opening verse provides an interesting perspective on the role of Sarah.  

On the one hand she had to reach upwards, to spiritual heights.  But on the other, it was this reaching upwards which enabled her to spread her influence downwards to the world, through her husband Abraham.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Vayera, 1964.  It focuses on the Haftorah from II Kings ch.4, with a story about Elisha. The beginning discusses the nature of Torah texts, which are Divine and have a message throughout the ages.

This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1964 on Shabbat Lech Lecha.  It concerns Abraham being told by G-d 'Go for yourself... to the land which I will show you'.  The discourse explains this means 'go to yourself', go to the root of your own soul.

In this discourse of Sedra Noah, 1964, the Rebbe quotes Song of Songs 'many waters cannot quench love' which is explained as meaning that even the many waters , the Flood of anxieties about one's daily business, cannot quench the love of the individual for the Divine.  Noah escaped the Flood by entering the Ark, Tevah in Hebrew, which also means 'word'.  

The Baal Shem Tov taught that we escape by entering the words of Torah and Prayer.  The discourse focuses on Prayer and the need for deep contemplative prayer which enables the person to express their love for the Divine.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Ki Tavo, 1967, which was the 18th of Elul that year. It starts with a quote from the Sedra 'Look down from Your sacred abode and bless Your people, Israel' (Deut.26:15). The Sages state that usually the term 'look down' is used in the Torah for a negative, harsh look; but in this case it has been transformed from harsh to kind. What transformed it?

The Mitzvot (Commandments) carried out by the simple 'people', who are contrasted with the scholars, termed 'Israel'. The Repentance of the simple people reaches the highest levels, because it comes from the essence of the heart, reaching the essence of the Divine, transforming harshness to kindness and sweetness, drawing blessings from G-d for the coming year.

This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the Shabbat before 9th Av (the fast commemorating the destruction of both Temples) in 1984, called Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat of the Vision.

It is called this because the Haftorah begins with the words 'Vision of Isaiah', from the beginning of the Book of Isaiah. The prophet goes on to castigate the Jewish people for their unfaithfulness to G-d.  This will lead to destruction. Then finally he speaks of the ultimate redemption, and the Haftorah ends with the line 'Zion will be redeemed through Justice, and its captives [will be redeemed] through charity. (Is. 1:27)'. 

The discourse explains that this teaching is always relevant, not only just before 9th Av.  'Zion' means the innermost Divine Soul, and 'its captives' means the body of the person and his or her thoughts, speech and action.  While the soul is always pure, sometimes the person's situation makes it inactive. And the desires of the body can lead it into very unwholesome situations.  But this can be repaired through 'Justice', meaning Torah study, and Charity, meaning all practical commandments. The Torah particularly helps the soul and the charity  and other Mitzvot helps the body.  

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Sedra Matot-Masey in 1965. The Sedra lists the 42 'journeys [stages] by which the Jewish people left Egypt'.  But didn't they leave at the very beginning?  

All the journeys on the path to the Holy Land were part of the journey to leave Egypt.  Similarly all stages during Exile are stages in the path from Egyptian slavery to Redemption, and the Baal Shem Tov said, in the life of each individual there are also these 42 journeys...

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Pinchas 1965. It speaks of the self sacrifice of Pinchas, who risked his life to preserve the moral integrity of the Jewish people in the time of Moses, compared with the yearning for the Divine of the two sons of Aaron, whose souls left them in the course of their personal quest for holiness.

This discourse was said by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parsha Balak in 1958. It discusses the fact that Balaam's blessing focuses on Jacob (rather than Israel) when he wishes the Jewish people to be as numerous as the dust.  

The idea of being like dust comes up earlier in Sedra Vayetze and it is then that G-d promises him that his descendants will be like the dust of the earth and they will burst out to the west and the east, the north and the south...   Jacob represents the Jewish people and also each individual Jew. Jacob's journey is his or her journey as well.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parsha Chukat in 1965.  It concerns the law of the Red Heifer, which is described both as the central Mitzva in the Torah and also as a Statute which cannot be understood, even by Solomon.  

The discourse explains that the statute beyond reason bonds us to G-d in a remarkable way, which then percolates through all other aspects of our relationship with the Divine and our observance of Jewish law.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Behaalotecha 1969. Relating to the Golden Menorah in the Sedra, the discourse discusses the concept of a 'Lamp'.  Each Jew has a personal Lamp, their Soul, and G-d has a lamp, the Torah.  

The Discourse discusses the relationship between the Soul and the Torah. By the fact that the individual studies Torah, his or her soul is awoken to reach towards its source in the Infinite Divine.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Naso of 1968. Its theme is the General and the Particular, in many different aspects of life and of Judaism.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shavuot in 1969. It discusses the word 'saying' in the verse at the beginning of the Ten Commandments: 'And G-d spoke all these Commandments saying'.  Usually, in the Torah, 'saying' means to tell someone else.  But at the Giving of the Torah, all the Jews were present, and also all the souls of the Jews who would ever live in the future, including all proselytes.  

So what does 'saying' mean? The discourse presents three interesting explanations in terms of the intimate bond of the individual with the Divine, and his or her task in the world around us.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Bechukotai 1984.  It focuses on the first verse of the Sedra and explains that this Sedra is about the purpose of Creation, which is the indwelling of G-d in the world through the coming of Moshiach, and also about how to get to that point, through the dedicated service of the Jewish people.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai in 1987.

It concerns the spiritual dimension of counting the Omer.  The Rebbe presents three different ways of understanding this, and then adds that they are relevant not only during the time of the counting of the Omer (between Pesach and Shavuot) but also throughout the year.

This discourse was taught by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Emor in 1965, and was edited by the Rebbe for publication in 1990.  Commenting on a discussion by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of a verse in the Sedra, the discourse identifies three levels of holiness: the holiness within the individual which yearns for the Divine, and the holiness which flows from G-d to the individual in the form of Torah, the inner spiritual level, and Mitzvot, the outer material level.    

Yet there is a further way of understanding the holiness within the individual: it could be consciously expressed, as in the righteous person, or an involuntary implant of G-dliness in the person who as yet is not observant.  When this latter person becomes a Baal Teshuvah, a repentant, the implanted holiness bursts into effect, reaching an exalted level. Hence the Talmud states that 'the place where the repentants stand, cannot be reached by those who never sinned'.

The Rebbe taught this discourse for Shabbat Kedoshim in 1965. It expresses the central Chassidic idea: that not only the holy, also the mundane can express the Divine.   In this discourse this idea is expounded in terms of the fifth year of a fruit tree planted in Israel.  For the first three years the fruit is forbidden; the fourth year it is holy and must be consumed in Jerusalem. The fruit of the fifth year has no restrictions.    The discourse explains that the fruit of the fifth year is actually the most significant, because it expresses the way the Jew can reveal the Essence of the Divine in the ordinary aspects of life.