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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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/

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.

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.

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."

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?

A spiritual look at ethical dilemmas in Jewish thought. In this lecture, Rabbi Taub examines three concepts in depth: 1. What is the actual reason why one should not repeat someone else's ideas without attribution?2. Why is it preferred to slaughter an animal on Shabbos to feed a sick person even if non-kosher meat is available?3. Why are we forbidden from turning over an individual to be killed in order to save a group?

A meditation for generating a powerful love of G-d by redirecting feelings of love we already have for things of this world. This level of love is described in Ch. 43 of Tanya as "ahavas olam" (a love derived from the world.)

Based on Ch. 42 of Tanya, we examine the role of "da'as" in transforming abstract, spiritual ideas into experiential knowledge. Rabbi Taub presents a guided meditation on the power of G-d evident in a sunset. Third in a series on Tanya and meditation.

The three levels of meditation (hisbonenus) are rungs on a ladder. Based on Hayom Yom 20 Tammuz. Meditation after study focuses on sensing the intellect of the concept; meditation before prayer focuses on sensing the vitality of the concept; and meditation during prayer focuses on sensing the G-dliness of the concept.

In this keynote address at the Kesher Nafshi shabbaton, Rabbi Shais Taub challenges the premise of "crisis chinuch" and argues that parents need to tap into not only the unconditional love but "unconditional pride" in every child. Rabbi Taub also discusses the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity in our families and community.

A basic introduction to "hisbonenus," a Chabad chasidic meditative practice. The particular meditation that Rabbi Taub guides the class through is taken from Chapter 41 of Tanya and is a meditation specifically designed to foster feelings of awe of G-d.

Christopher Hitchens once formulated a compelling argument that widespread atheism was an inevitability. It helped me better understand my faith.

This advice is so simple it hardly deserves to be considered a life hack except for the fact that the vast majority of people will not be willing to do it. It's the difference between exhausting yourself trying to gain acceptance and being appreciated for who you truly are.

Neurodivergent children (such as those with ASD, ADHD, and others) carry a unique light that is often unrecognized which can lead to pain and isolation. It is up to parents to help their children discover and embrace that which makes them special and help them to shine their light. Emphasizing Carl Jung's insight "the greatest burden on a child is the unlived life of the parent," Rabbi Taub retells the Biblical story of Leah and her daughter Dinah as a case study of the effects that a...

Avraham our father was one person against the world. And yet he also became a great leader and ambassador to people of all nations. This is the Jewish paradox. And the reason why some of us may be feeling very alone.