| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
This maamar was originally delivered by the Rebbe on the second day of Shavups 5729 (1969.)
In this class, we cover the first three chapters of the maamar in which the Rebbe begins to analyze a maamar of the Rebbe Maharash of the same name that was delivered 100 years earlier. The central theme is the idea of Hashem's words at Sinai being directed to the individual.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
Chapter 4 answers the question that was asked at the end of the previous chapter. How it is that creation is not nullified out of existence before Hashem? The answer is that Hashem's restraining power allows His creative power to conceal itself in a way that created beings can retain a sense of independent selfhood.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
Chapter four of the maamar explains the meaning of the four letters of Hashem's name and describes how they are expressed not only in the soul but in the body as well.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
Chapter 5 is very short but very challenging. Based on the Rebbe's explanations, we try to unpack the basic message of the chapter which is to obviate misunderstandings regarding tzimtzum that may arise from Chapter 4.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
In chapter 6, we are finally able to understand the statement in the verse with which we began chapter 1. "Know today and take it upon your heart that Hashem is Elokim; there is no other." Because the Divine Names of Hashem and Elokim are really one, therefore, even the concealment that makes creation appear to exist independently is also G-d. As such, there is truly nothing but Him.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
In chapters 5 and 6 of the maamar we learn about the way that the events of Matan Torah permanently changed reality and how this is reflected in three aspects: 1) the Giver of the Torah, 2) the recipients of the Torah, and 3) the Torah itself.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
We begin Chapter 7 which introduces the idea of the Higher and Lower Unities (yichuda ilaah and yichuda tataah.) The first concept discussed is that it is Hashem's attribute of Malchus (corresponding to the Divine Name of A-D-N-I) that relates to the inherent limitations of time and space.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
In chapters 7 and 8 of the maamar we continue to contrast the way that Torah was accessible to the Patriarchs and the way in which we are able to access it now after Matan Torah. In the words of the Midrash, before Matan Torah, the Torah was like the fragrance of the oil whereas after Matan Torah it is like the oil itself.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
In Chapter 7, we explore the concept that despite Hashem's transcendence, He is present within space and time through His attribute of Malchus. Additionally, we examine the Alter Rebbe's interpretation of the Lurianic concept of Tzimtzum, clarifying that it does not imply Hashem literally withdrew Himself to allow for finite creation, but rather concealed His light.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
On the 28th day of Sivan in 5701 (1941), the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin arrived safely on American shores, marking not only a miraculous escape from war-torn Europe but also the beginning of a new era in history. This moment heralded a transformative bottom-up approach to self-improvement and global refinement, setting the stage for a profound shift in how we engage with spirituality and our collective mission to perfect the world.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
In the final two chapters of the maamar, we learn that the level of selflessness achieved through our Torah study after the Giving of the Torah surpasses that of the Avos. Furthermore, through Torah study, we attain true freedom, embodying the concept of "personal redemption."
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
| By Shais Taub | 0 Comments
For those interested in exploring 12-Step recovery from a Jewish spiritual perspective, Rabbi Shais Taub utilizes texts from the Big Book of AA and the 12 and 12 to discuss how Jews in recovery can integrate their faith tradition into their lives in a manner consistent with sustained recovery.
This video is PART 1 of an intensive all-day workshop entitled "Practicing Acceptance in our Lives and in the Steps."
These sessions were recorded during an intensive, all-day workshop in London, UK, on July 4, 2024.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Recent Comments