Episodes
The holy tzadik, R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, is renowned for his passionate advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people, always defending them before the Heavenly Court. However, less widely known are his profound Torah teachings and the beautiful melodies he composed.
To honor the Berditchever’s yahrzeit on 25 Tishrei, world-renowned speaker Rabbi Shais Taub and acclaimed recording artist Eli Marcus pay a heartfelt tribute to R' Levi Yitzchak’s legacy, bringing together his powerful...
Published 10/28/24
In honor of 13 Tishrei, Yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash, hear a story about how the Rebbe Maharash as a young man offered wise counsel to his father, the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe analyzes the narrative highlighting the profound lessons we can all learn from it.
(Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 4, pp. 1361-1363)
Published 10/15/24
How does the concept of Bitachon (trust in G-d) apply to earning a living? Rabbi Shais Taub speaks about the spiritual principles of financial success without distraction or worry.
Published 07/22/24
Drawing on the mystical teachings of Chassidus and Kabbalah, Rabbi Shais Taub explores masculine and feminine paradigms in marriage and relationships. This enlightening talk offers practical insights and a clear understanding of gender dynamics rooted in Jewish spirituality which will bring clarity to those seeking to deepen their insights into male-female interactions.
Published 07/19/24
The second session of the all-day workshop on Judaism and recovery begins with a guided meditation on acceptance followed by a round of Q&A.
This video is PART 2 of an intensive all-day workshop entitled "Practicing Acceptance in our Lives and in the Steps" which was conducted in London, UK on July 4, 2024.
Published 07/16/24
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...
Published 07/12/24
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.
Published 07/03/24
Rabbi Shais Taub visits Avi Fishoff's support group for parents in crisis, to present the valuable life lessons he learned while winning the trust of a couple of frightened stray cats. He draws parallels between putting these cats at ease and similar behaviors in interpersonal relationships that convey safety and security especially to those experiencing emotional dysregulation due to trauma.
Published 05/29/24
Rabbi Shais Taub delivers the key note address at an evening dedicated to putting an end to shame and stigma connected to anxiety and depression. The event was organized by CATCH (Creating A Team of Courage and Hope). For more information about CATCH visit: https://www.catchsupport.org/
Published 05/22/24
Reb Menachem Ze'ev "Volf" Greenglass (1917-2010) was a unique educator and role model who raised a generation of students in Lubavitch's yeshiva in Montreal. His only son-in-law, Rabbi Dovid Cohen, joins Rabbi Shais Taub in an interview discussing Rabbi Greenglass' life and teachings.
Published 05/16/24
Join Rabbi Shais Taub as he brings the mystical Ten Sefiros to life, straight from the core texts of Kabbalah and Chassidic philosophy. This session isn't just an overview—it's a deep dive into sacred writings like the introduction to Tikunei Zohar and Igeres HaKodesh, chapter 15. Rabbi Taub translates ancient wisdom into practical insights that resonate with our everyday lives. Discover how these fundamental Kabbalistic concepts can transform your understanding and spiritual practice.
Published 05/09/24
Rabbi Shais Taub leads a guided meditation session at the Kansas City Recovery Retreat. The focus of the meditation is on the idea of G-d's complete "Everything-ness" and how we can surrender our separate egos to that reality to experience greater serenity and, most importantly, increase our usefulness to our Maker.
Published 04/16/24
Co-founder of AA, Dr. Bob, once said that the entire 12-Step program could be summed up as: 1) Trust G-d, 2) Clean House, 3) Help Others. In that spirit, Rabbi Shais Taub presents a 1-hour overview of the 12 Steps of recovery structured into "three phases of freedom" corresponding to three months on the Jewish calendar as well as three phrases in the verse (Song of Songs 1:4) "Draw me, we will run after you; the king brought me to his chambers."
This was delivered as the step workshop...
Published 04/16/24
Join Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Jacob L. Freedman in a thought-provoking discussion on mental health, addiction recovery, and Pesach. Delve into the intersection of spirituality and mental well-being as they share insights and strategies for personal growth during the holiday season. Gain valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and finding inner strength amidst adversity. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers practical...
Published 04/09/24
Modern life has disconnected us from the rhythms of the cosmos. However, during an eclipse, we collectively look up and are reminded that the universe is in motion, hinting at the existence of a Divine Creator.
Published 04/09/24
Explore the paradoxical mission of the soul, torn between the intense desire to transcend the body and the necessity to return in order to make a dwelling place for Hashem in this world.
Based on Chapter 50 of Tanya.
Published 03/13/24
In order to make space within Himself for us, Hashem "contracts" His Infinity, so to speak. When we contemplate on the fact that this is all done in order to create the possibility of a relationship with Him, it will trigger within us reciprocal feelings of wanting to "contract" ourselves for Him, ie. to prioritize His will even at the cost of our personal desires.
Based on Chapters 48-49 of Tanya.
Published 03/04/24
Embodiment may be considered both a prison for the soul as well as its path to spiritual freedom.
Continuing the theme introduced in Ch. 46 of Tanya which explains the reflective nature of the heart, Ch. 47 asks how we can feel G-d's love for us that He exhibited when taking us out from Egypt when it happened so long ago. The answer is that we can view every moment as "Egypt" and whenever we connect to Him through Torah and mitzvos, this is our "Exodus."
Published 02/29/24
In Chapter 46 of Tanya, we learn about a mechanism by which we can automatically trigger intense feelings of love for our Creator. This is based on the Solomon's wisdom that "As water reflects a face, so does one heart reflect another heart."
Published 02/23/24
What is the proper way to memorialize a loved one who has passed? How do we as Jews comfort those who have suffered a loss? This lecture was delivered at the Levi Yitzchak Library in Cedarhurst, NY which is named for Levi Yitzchak Wolowik a"h who suddenly and tragically passed away in his sleep at the age of nine.
PLEASE PLEDGE A MITZVAH IN LEVI'S HONOR AT: https://mitzvosforlevi.com/
Published 02/14/24
When one meditates on the idea of the soul's descent into a body, this should arouse our sense of compassion for its plight. This then can activate our feelings of love of G-d described by the kabbalists as "kissing" and "hugging."
Based on Ch. 45 of Tanya.
Published 02/13/24
Symbols of cultural identity that inspired Jewish boomers are not meaningful to Gen Z. Is this the end of Judaism or a new beginning? Rabbi Shais Taub suggests that the only thing left is to explain the mystical truth about the uniqueness of this physical world.
Recorded in front of a group of college students from Aish UK on a trip to NYC.
Published 02/08/24
Join Rabbi Shais Taub in a guided meditation based on Chapter 44 of Tanya, which helps one to cultivate a deep love for Hashem by contemplating His role as the source of our life. This is the meditation known as "My Soul, I desire You."
Published 02/07/24
Second part in a series that takes a spiritual look at ethical dilemmas in Jewish thought. In this lecture, Rabbi Taub examines three concepts in depth:
1. The mitzvah to be "fruitful and multiply" as applied to non-Jews particularly in the Holy Land.2. A brief sketch of why the Torah view on abortion does not fit neatly into pro-choice or pro-life.3. When are we permitted to deviate from the truth?
Published 01/17/24