Why is Rosh Hashana observed for two days in Israel? Why do we customarily eat a new fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah? How is the mystery of Rosh Hashanah expressed in a law regarding a simple egg? This class addresses the history, Halacha and Kabbalah of the Jewish calendar.

In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on Ani L’dodi 5726)

In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on Ani L’dodi 5726)

A commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson on a passage in the Zohar extolling the virtue of the penitent (baal teshuvah) over the righteous (tzaddik) yields a profound and inspiring understanding of the nature of time and change. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 20 page 86.)

A commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson on a passage in the Zohar extolling the virtue of the penitent (baal teshuvah) over the righteous (tzaddik) yields a profound and inspiring understanding of the nature of time and change. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 20 page 86.)

On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av the maidens of Jerusalem would go out to its vineyards where young men had gathered, like them, to find their partner in marriage. There the maidens would dance wearing borrowed white gowns. This class addresses the spiritual dimensions of this sublime encounter.

On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av the maidens of Jerusalem would go out to its vineyards where young men had gathered, like them, to find their partner in marriage. There the maidens would dance wearing borrowed white gowns. This class addresses the spiritual dimensions of this sublime encounter.

The spiritual significance of the design and measurements of the entrance to the Heichal – the most sacred structure of the Holy Temple. (Based on Reshimah dated Nissan 2, 5700 / 1940, Paris)

The spiritual significance of the design and measurements of the entrance to the Heichal – the most sacred structure of the Holy Temple. (Based on Reshimah dated Nissan 2 5740, Paris)

The Torah demands that the stones used to build the Holy Temple be unblemished. But what defines a blemish? In answering this question, this class presents a novel definition of perfection and a deeper appreciation of the Holy Temple. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 29, p. 123)

The Torah demands that the stones used to build the Holy Temple be unblemished. But what defines a blemish? In answering this question, this class presents a novel definition of perfection and a deeper appreciation of the Holy Temple. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 29, p. 123)

Grain from a newly planted crop (Chadash) may not be consumed prior to the offering of the ‘Omer’ in the Temple on the second day of Passover. No grain of the new crop may be brought to the Temple as an offering prior to the ‘Two Loaves’ offered on Shavout. This class will explore some of the fascinating details of these laws and their spiritual dimensions and applications to our lives. (Likutei Sichos volume 32)

Grain from a newly planted crop (Chadash) may not be consumed prior to the offering of the ‘Omer’ in the Temple on the second day of Passover. No grain of the new crop may be brought to the Temple as an offering prior to the ‘Two Loaves’ offered on Shavout. This class will explore some of the fascinating details of these laws and their spiritual dimensions and applications to our lives. (Likutei Sichos volume 32)

Haman rejoiced greatly when his lottery to determine the date of the ‘Final Solution’ fell on Adar, considering it the most propitious omen possible, for it is the month that Moses died. However, there are far more sadder and calumnious months in the calendar than Adar, so why wouldn’t he be even more pleased if the lottery fell on one of them?! The answer reveals an astounding layer of meaning to the ever-relevant story of Purim. (Based in part on Likutei Sichos volume 26, Sicha 1)

Haman rejoiced greatly when his lottery to determine the date of the ‘Final Solution’ fell on Adar, considering it the most propitious omen possible, for it is the month that Moses died. However, there are far more sadder and calumnious months in the calendar than Adar, so why wouldn’t he be even more pleased if the lottery fell on one of them?! The answer reveals an astounding layer of meaning to the ever-relevant story of Purim. (Based in part on Likutei Sichos volume 26, Sicha 1)

In exploring the timeless spiritual dimensions of the Sanctuary, the Mishkan, this class reveals how craziness and lies are essential components of a meaningful life. (Based on the maamar Basi L’Gani 5719)

In exploring the timeless spiritual dimensions of the Sanctuary, the Mishkan, this class reveals how craziness and lies are essential components of a meaningful life. (Based on the maamar Basi L’Gani 5719)

Jewish criminal and civil law are discussed in a triad of tractates named Bava Kama (First Gate), Bava Metziah (Middle Gate), and Bava Batra (Final Gate). This class reveals the spiritual dimension of these laws as an illuminating roadmap to self-refinement.

The fast of the Tenth of Tevet commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588 BCE), which culminated in the destruction of the first Temple. It is always observed in the week before or after the Torah reading of Vayigash, which relates the story of the dramatic encounter between Yehuda and Joseph. This class explores the inner connection between the two, and offers essential, spiritual guidance for achieving personal and collective redemption. (Likutei Sichos, volume 15)

The Biblical story of Joseph’s descent into Egypt and subsequent incarceration is often read in the same week in which we celebrate the liberation from Czarist imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of Chabad. This class will explore the link between these events and offers insight into the nature of redemption. (Likutei Sichos volume 25, Parshas Vayeishev)

This class explores the mystical meaning of nature’s most natural shape, the circle. The definition of time in light of Kabbalah is addressed and a new appreciation of Shabbat and its unique connection to our patriarch Jacob emerges.