Sichos In English: Table of Contents

Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Tzav, Eve of the 13th Day of Nissan, 5743
1. The 13th of Nissan -- Yartzeit of the Tzemach Tzedek. Connection between the Tzemach Tzedek and the idea of Yartzeit; both stress salvation in the world.
2. Torah of the Tzemach Tzedek regarding a) Nissan, b) the 13th of the month, c) Shemini. Ma'os Chitim. Spiritually "cracking the roof."
3. The plague of Jewish ignorance. Enrolling children in Jewish schools. Studying Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim.
4. The Rebbe Maharash; L'chatchilah ariber but not of Tohu.
5. Giving charity at night and on motzoei Shabbos. Special importance of charity in this generation and in America. Why the fundraising Melave Malkah began in America.
Tzivos Hashem, 2nd Day of Chol HaMoed Pesach, 5743
1. Matzah and humility. Tzivos Hashem members who turn Bar and Bas Mitzvah.
2. 18th of Nissan, birthday of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson. Story regarding his mesirus nefesh.
3. Children petitioning the President for a) A Moment of Silence in the public schools, and b) government aid for yeshivos.
4. Adult participation in the above. Distribution of 4 coins for tzedakah.
Acharon Shel Pesach, 22nd Day of Nissan, 5743
1. Distinction of the last days of Pesach, especially Acharon Shel Pesach; their connection with the future redemption.
2. Non-recital of Shehecheyanu on last days awakens longing for redemption -- and thereby breaks the exile.
3. Why we can celebrate "Moshiach's banquet" in exile; "Moshiach's banquet" preparation to redemption; every Jew has a spark of Moshiach within him.
4. Difference between the four cups of wine drunk on the first days and last days of Pesach.
5. Each period in Pesach has its own unique service and distinction.
6. Lesson from a story teaching how a Jew can influence non-Jews to think of G-d.
Shabbos Parshas Shemini, 26th Day of Nissan, 5743
1. Different degrees of Divine Providence; service of each new month must be in an infinitely loftier manner than previously; Shabbos Mevorchim serves as preparation to above service.
2. Service of Iyar loftier than that of Nissan -- "I am the L-rd your healer"; connection of above to Sefiras HaOmer.
3. Lesson from Shemini -- service transcending world and nature; service loftier even than Shabbos; difference between "eight" and "eighth."
4. Explanation of Rashi on Parshas Shemini -- why is the prohibition to eat sherotzim more severe than that of other unclean animals?
Pesach Sheni, 14th Day of Iyar, 5743
1. Pesach Sheni came about through Jews' efforts; one must always strive to rise higher in service to G-d.
2. Lesson from Pesach Sheni -- "leap after leap"; advantage of observing Torah and mitzvos in exile.
3. Two general categories of "leaps" -- but infinite number of levels in each category; lesson from the fifteenth of Iyar following Pesach Sheni.
4. Connection between Pesach Sheni and Lag B'Omer; why Rashbi says a congregation cannot observe Pesach Sheni.
5. Lesson from the day of the week and daily portion of Chumash.
Lag B'Omer -- At Parade -- 18th Day of Iyar, 5743
1. Lesson from Rashbi -- "his Torah was his profession"; enrollment in summer camps; Rashbi always tried to help Jews.
2. Lesson from Rabbi Akiva's disciples -- "Keep away from bad"; "G-d stands in the assembly of G-d."
3. Three pillars of Torah, prayer and good deeds.
Shabbos Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, 24th Day of Iyar, 5743
1. Recital of "Av Harachamim" is for positive purpose; above similar to idea of "I will thank You O' G-d, that You were angry with me."
2. Two levels in reciting "Av Harachamim"; higher level (transformation of evil) is on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan; above specially emphasized with the revelation of Chassidus by previous Rebbe.
3. Connection of above with parshas Behar-Bechukosai, and Lag B'Omer.
4. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 25, verse 10 of parshas Behar -- proclamation of liberty on Yovel.
Convention of N'shei uBnos Chabad, 25th Day of Iyar, 5743
1. Pesach and Shavuos; birth of the nation and the individual.
2. Jewish women: Pesach (redemption in their merit) and Shavuos (spoken to first).
3. Importance of having children; rejecting the idea of "family planning." Jewish education, camps, Moment of Silence.
4. Parshas Bechukosai: peace in the land, in the home, and in the world. Bringing children to Shul on Shavuos.
Shabbos Parshas Bemidbar, 2nd Day of Sivan, 5743
1. Three aspects of this Shabbos -- the elevations of Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the blessing of the "Season of the Giving of our Torah," and the day when G-d said, "You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests."
2. The reason why Moshe spoke to the Jews about Mattan Torah only on the second of Sivan, not on Rosh Chodesh; the true meaning of "the weakness of the way."
3. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 3, verse 38 of parshas Bemidbar.
Erev Shavuos, 5743
1. Erev Shavuos: completeness and perfection through Sefiras HaOmer.
2. U'sfartem lachem: bringing light into yourself and into the entire world.
3. The Omer offering from barley, not wheat. Parshas Nasso. Tractate Sotah and "fear of sin."
4. Erev Shavuos and Moshe's construction of an altar.
5. Charity for the needy before Shavuos. Bringing children to hear the Ten Commandments. Letters in the Sefer Torah. The mivtzoyim and Shavuos.
6. Shavuos and l'chatchilah ariber.
7. Torah, tefillah, and tzedakah. Not giving away settlements, and peace in Eretz Yisroel.
2nd Day Of Shavuos, 7th Day of Sivan, 5743
1. Choice of G-d was in Jews' bodies; lesson from above -- one must concentrate on actual deed; special emphasis on deed on Shavuos.
2. Difference between Shavuos and other festivals is in the idea of free choice; above expressed in the "days of compensation."
3. Shavuos associated with Moshe Rabbeinu, Dovid HaMelech, and the Baal Shem Tov.
Shabbos Parshas Nasso, 9th Day of Sivan, 5743
1. The distinction of the "days of compensation" of Shavuos; special distinction of the Shabbos of these days; comparison to the princes; offerings at the dedication of the Mishkan.
2. The above in terms of man's service to G-d.
3. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 5, verse 9 of parshas Nasso -- why does Rashi interpret terumah to refer to bikkurim?
Tzivos Hashem, 11th Day of Sivan, 5743
1. Children as guarantors for all generations. Tzivos Hashem soldiers together with their Commander-In-Chief in the same quarters.
2. Lesson from today's portion in Tehillim (Psalm 60) for the 11th of Sivan.
3. A Sicha of the Rebbe Shlita in Russian to "Tzivos Hashem" in U.S.S.R. Their performance of Torah and mitzvos, despite all difficulties, hastens the exodus of all Jews from exile.
Eve of the 12th Day of Sivan, 5743
1. The days of tashlumin, the correction and perfection of Shavuos. The special quality of the 12th of Sivan, the final day of tashlumin.
2. The connection between the 12th of Sivan and a) Psalm 68 (from the portion for the 12th day of the month) and its connection with Mattan Torah; b) the third day of the week; c) Parshas Beha'alosecha; and d) the third Chumash portion, Pesach Sheni. The necessity for each individual to innovate in Torah.
3. Psalm 60 (from the portion for the 11th day of the month): "You have given a banner to those who fear You, to elevate them."
4. Mitzvah Campaigns, summer camps, tzedakah, songs of joy.
Shabbos Parshas Shelach, 23rd Day of Sivan, 5743
1. Special blessing on Shabbos Mevorchim Tammuz for "auspicious days" of the 12th-13th of Tammuz; Special service of 12th-13th of Tammuz.
2. Lesson from parshas Shelach -- dissemination of Judaism in far off places.
3. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 15, verse 30 of parshas Shelach.
4. Lesson from "Shelach" -- Torah is in all times and places, available to every Jew; lessons learned from the mission of the spies.
Graduates of Bais Rivkah, 28th Day of Sivan, 5743
1. Gathering at end of school year gives opportunity for good resolutions for summer; G-d's blessings are present when Jews are united.
2. Lesson from "staff of G-d."
3. Lesson from the staff of the tribe of Levi, "Aharon's staff."
Shabbos Parshas Chukas, 7th Day of Tammuz, 5743
1. Lesson from the 3rd of Tammuz -- new activities in spreading Torah and mitzvos; the 12th of Tammuz -- carrying projects through to completion.
2. Psalm 42 -- "Send Your light and Your truth": Moshiach and Eliyahu Hanovi.
3. Lesson from parshas Chukas -- spreading Torah and mitzvos with mesiras nefesh.
4. Rashi's commentary on regarding Sichon and Cheshbon.
5. Lesson from the Zohar -- using chesed and gevurah in spreading Torah and mitzvos.
6. Lesson from Pirkei Avos (Chapter V, mishnah 4) -- the holy essence within every Jew.
12th Day of Tammuz, 5743
1. The 12th of Tammuz: unity through Torah; expressing thanks to the President for U.S. assistance in freeing the Previous Rebbe; U.S. intervention, in a peaceful manner, to effect the release of Jews from behind the "Iron Curtain."
2. The "Iron Curtain" within the individual.
3. The necessity of instituting a "Moment of Silence" in the public schools.
4. Public protest against the attack on a Jew and the shaving of his beard; the need to bring the offender to justice.
5. The study of Chitas; the spread of Tanya; singing "Nyet, nyet, nikovo...."
Shabbos Parshas Balak, 14th Day of Tammuz, 5743
1. Lesson from the 12-13th of Tammuz -- Judaism must be spread everywhere, disregarding all opposition.
2. Lesson from the 12th-13th of Tammuz falling on Thursday and Friday this year, immediately preceding Shabbos.
3. Lesson from the 15th of the month immediately following Shabbos.
4. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 23, verse 24 and ch. 24, verse 9 -- "Behold a people that will rise up as a lioness."
17th Day of Tammuz, 5743, After Minchah
1. Fast is "day desirable to G-d"; lesson from 17th of Tammuz -- to keep the wall around Yerushalayim intact.
2. Bais Hamikdosh destroyed because of "baseless hatred"; today we are witness to the same hatred, when some Jews have attacked and shorn off the beard of other Jews; what should be done about the above.
Shabbos Parshas Mattos-Massai, 28th Day of Tammuz, 5743
1. Shabbos Mevorchim Av joins together the months of Tammuz and Av; Chassidic farbrengen can do more than can the angel Michoel.
2. Positive element of the period of "bein hametzorim" -- transformation of tragedy to joy through Ahavas Yisroel.
3. Lessons from parshas "Mattos" -- firmness in the service of "keep away from evil," and in the service of "sanctify yourself in that which is permitted to you"; Lessons from today portion of Tehillim.
4. Explanation of Rashi on ch. 32 verse 41 of parshas Mattos -- "He called them Chavos Yair."
15th Day of Menachem Av, 5743
1. The principle, "Holy matters always increase," is seen clearly on the 15th of Av; more conversion of darkness to light in later generations.
2. Ascent in proportion to the descent; our brethren in Russia.
3. Siyyum on tractate Ta'anis: Bavli and Yerushalmi.
4. The transformation of Av in one's spiritual service.
Shabbos Parshas Eikev, 20th Day of Menachem Av, 5743
1. 20th of Av, donations of wood by descendants of King Dovid/Yoav. Serving G-d through improving oneself (Torah) and elevating one's surroundings (mitzvos).
2. From the negative summer policies of the yeshivos comes a positive result -- camp. Significance of the words, "Camp," "Gan," "Yisroel."
3. Lesson from a) parshas Eikev: Torah and mitzvos with the intention of uniting yourself with G-d; b) the boundaries of Eretz Yisroel: spreading Torah and mitzvos to every possible location.
4. Lesson from the fact that maftir corresponds to the 7th aliyah: added enthusiasm in the mission of the Previous Rebbe.
5. a) Rashi, Devarim 9:11; b) Pirkei Avos, Chapter 5, Mishnah 5; c) Conference of Shluchim in Jerusalem.
6. Beginning to prepare for Rosh Hashanah.
Shabbos Parshas Re'ey, Mevorchim Elul, 5743
1. The service of Elul: extra prayer and ahavas yisroel.
2. The lesson from a) Rosh Chodesh falling on Tuesday -- "good for the heavens and for the creations"; b) Parshas Re'ey -- open your eyes and "choose life."
3. The Rashi from last Shabbos (Devorim 9:11) -- when does Rashi explain a variant spelling?
4. Rashi on Devorim 15:8 and 15:10 -- "opening your hand" and "giving" charity.
5. Commentary on the Zohar -- Elul for itself stresses Torah study; as the month of preparation for Tishrei, it stresses prayer.
6. Pirkei Avos (6:10) -- the bais hamikdosh as a "possession" of G-d.
Day Camps, 2nd Day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, 5743
1. The summer is the time for rest to refresh oneself to increase in Torah and mitzvos in the coming year.
2. The lesson from a) Rosh Chodesh Elul -- the shofar. b) Parshas Shoftim -- to have personal judges and officers. c) Today's Torah portion -- to be "complete" with G-d by realizing His presence at all times.
3. The "order of the day": complete honesty in spite of the attempts of the yetzer hora.
4. Additional gatherings during Tishrei. Tzedakah and joyous songs.
Shabbos Parshas Savo, 18th Day of Elul, 5743
1. The two expressions used by the Previous Rebbe regarding Chai Elul. Every individual must personally participate in the Mitzvah campaigns. Caring for the needy before Tishrei.
2. The lesson from a) Chai Elul on Shabbos -- ta'anug; b) Parshas Savo -leaping beyond one's boundaries; c) Psalms -- opposition to Chassidus in the days before Moshiach's arrival.
3. The birthday of "our luminaries" or "the luminaries."
4. Allusions to the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe in this week's: a) Parshah -- "Listen Yisroel", "Eyes to see"; b) Pirkei Avos Ch. 3 -- "Beloved are the people Israel"; c) Pirkei Avos Ch. 4 -- Rabbi Meir: "Minimize your business activities", "A new vessel filled with aged wine".
Gan Yisroel & Emunah Camps, 21st Day of Elul, 5743
1. In Elul the "King is in the field," i.e. with a Jew even when he is not performing mitzvos.
2. The lesson from a) the portion of Chumash, "it is very close to you." b) The day of the week, Tuesday -- good to one's fellow man. The importance of telling the truth. c) The portion of Tehillim.
3. A personal siddur, pushkah, and chumash for every child.
N'shei uBnos Chabad, 23rd Day of Elul, 5743
1. Rosh Hashanah is idea of crowning G-d king of Jews and entire world; connection of above to Jewish women.
2. Lesson from weekly parshah "Nitzovim-Vayeilech" -- firmness in service, and constant rise in sanctity.
3. Lesson from daily portion of weekly parshah -- the mitzvah of Hakhel; connection of above to women.
Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, Lessons from Shabbos Mevorchim Tishrei, Pledges to Give Tzedakah
1. On Shabbos Mevorchim Tishrei, G-d Himself blesses the coming month -- and with this strength, Jews bless the other months of the year. This teaches that every Jew has the ability, on this Shabbos, to prepare not just for Tishrei, but for the entire year. A simple application of this is the idea of making a pledge to give tzedakah throughout the year.
Erev Rosh Hashanah
1. Unity of all participants in this gathering, even though they are listening from afar.
2. The birthday of the Tzemach Tzedek -- unity in his Torah and in his communal activities.
3. Parshas Ha'azinu -- how every Jew can control the world. On Rosh Hashanah, the Tzemach Tzedek would "arrange things in Petersburg."
4. Selections from two newly printed books, one from the Tzemach Tzedek (Or HaTorah, Maamorei Razal and Inyanim) and one from the Previous Rebbe (Iggros Vol. 5). Ashrei in Psalms. Unity in the words "Agudas Chabad."
5. Tzemach Tzedek -- the third Rebbe. The three pillars of Torah, prayer, and charity. Pledges to charity should be made bli neder.