These two classes take a deep dive into the idea of the power of “teshuva” which is often translated as repentence but really means *return*.  The level of these classes is intermediate but they are very accessible. These classes function as an entry to working on a personal approach to starting the “teshuva” journey.Class One:In the first…

Basukos Tashvu 5738, Class One.This Ma’amar was edited by the Rebbe at the time he said it in 5738, and was made public on Hoshana Rabba 5738, hours before the infamous heart attack he suffered then. This first class has three areas of questions:1) Understanding the Sukka2) Understanding the ד’ מינים the four kinds used…

Lihavin Inyan Simchas Torah 5738This Ma’amar is a Hemshech to the last one.The idea of “Achas” is continued here. The Rebbe adds that “Achas” is brought forward through Teshuva, which is above all limitations, including the limitations of time. After Tishrei the “Achas” comes down into our daily actions, not only Torah and Mitzvos but…

Breishis 5738.Two ideas:1) Don’t be afraid.2) Ohr Chadash. now the details: This Ma’amar goes on the (Possuk as interpreted by) the Midrash that addresses the question of why the Torah begins with the creation account rather than the Torah and Mitzvos.In short: Torah and Mitzvos reveal the light from before Tzimtzum, but Birurim reveals “Ohr…

Mayim Rabim 5738.This single class ma’amar introduces revolutionary ideas about teshuva.  The Alter Rebbe says that the “real reason” for the Neshama’s decent into this world is for Teshuva.In addition to understanding this basically (doing Teshuva after an error) there is the deeper idea: the very departure and return of the Neshama is a journey…

Class Four, Sicha on Elul and Teshuva and Parshas Re’ei 5720Text: Toras Menachem, Volume 28, p.289-290This class addresses the experience of “seeing” a revelation of bracha (blessing) and klala (correction) in the process of teshuva.According to Chassidus, one of the highest levels of certainty is seeing – “seeing is believing”.  Physical and spiritual sight are…

Tanya Chapter 14 Class 3 (112)Class 3 on Perek 14 begins a discussion of “ahava misuteres” that will be stated in detail in Perek 18-19.  The Alter Rebbe refers to “ahava misuteres” here without explanation.  Rabbi Paltiel explains “ahava misuteres” and how it differs from other types of love and why it is an essential…

CLASS THREE:  In the third class, Rabbi Paltiel covers the connection between Parshas Re’eh and Elul.  Re’ei means to see and in context it means to see G-dliness which is normally not seen. Our ability “to see” and not only believe has to do with the אחרונים ברצון, the will from inside, from the Neshama.“When…

12 Tamuz 5720, Sicha 3 Class One.Toras menachem vol 28 page 193-5.The story of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s 15th birthday, the עקידה and כריתות ברית for עסקנות ציבורית: this way and no other way. 12 Tamuz 5720, Sicha 3 Class Two.Toras menachem vol 28 page 195-6.The lesson of the story and the fact that it was…

The idea of this Possuk according to Chassidus is to link the חצוצרות to the שופר we blow even now. This means that in addition to the ביטול of שופר there is the מציאות of the איד as he is חצי צורה with Hashem. Version Two from Beis Midrash Linashim. וביום שמחתכם ה’תש”מ. Class One….