An in-depth class on Tzom Gedalia (the Fast of Gedalia).

Class One. This typical Rosh Hashana Ma’amar explores the idea of ‘Helem’. When all godliness is gone, what is left? God! This is the ‘Koach HaHelem of Malchus. All the revelations from Malchus are added to it in the process of ‘Binyan Hamalchus’ and when all of that is nistalek (removed) what is left is…

A Ma’amar of the Alter Rebbe and the Tzemach tzedek that has not been developed by the later Rabeiim that much, is always full of surprises. This Ma’amar can be seen as two distinct discussions: 1) How could a Yid appear side by side with Malachim who are prosecuting them on Rosh Hashana itself. We…

Class One. 1) Overview of the middle of the Ma’amar (for lack of time). Two kinds of Nekuda (point) the deeper one is when the point has no positive aspects only that it exists because Hashem made it, there is the ultimate Bittul. 2) Rosh Hashana is about malchus, which means Bittul, as does Shmini…

Class One. Rosh Hashana has three ideas: 1) Inyan Rosh Hashana- creation 2) Tochen Rosh Hashana- renewal, 3) Mitzvas Rosh Hashana- Shofar why all of this happens for man, because he is not a mind but a Soul. Class Two. The Human being is the purpose of creation, because he represents an essence. He is…

Class One. This class explains מלכות basically. It is a relationship based on 1) distance, 2) enhanced by the crowning from the people. Class Two. This class explores the additional idea of levels in מלכות: 1) The level of רוממות עצמי 2) The level of רוממות על עם 3) The level of actually ruling. Class…

Class One.   Class Two.   Class Three.

Halelu Es Hashem Kol Goyim 5731PDF Halelu Es Hashem Kol Goyim 5731Class One. Halelu Es Hashem Kol Goyim 5731Class Two. Halelu Es Hashem Kol Goyim 5731Class Three.

A short thought on a strange (context-less) statement made in the Avoda service (Musaf) of Yom Kippur. “It’s preferred that we not have been created”. A commentary.