Chabad Maamarim (Discourses) In English

“And you shall command the children of Israel and they shall bring you pure olive oil, crushed for the light, to keep a constant lamp burning.” - opening verse of Parshas Tetzaveh, [Shmos 27:20]. On this very day (the 10th of Adar I) 43 years ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered what would be his last Maamar to be gifted to his Chassidim and the Jewish world. This unique and specific verse immediately brings to light many questions - each with it's own practical explanation - but what is the mystical significance behind this puzzling verse, and what secret does it reveal about our collective mission to serve G-d? Ve'atah Tetzaveh 5741 (1981) - Delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Drawing upon the parallel between Queen Esther`s impassioned plea to King Ahasuerus for salvation and the soul`s entreaty to G-d for help in its spiritual struggle, this discourse examines the root of the soul`s exile, and the dynamics by which it lifts itself from the grip of materialism and ultimately finds a voice with which to express its G-dly yearnings. VaYoshet HaMelech L'Esther 5560 (1800) - Delivered by the Alter Rebbe, the First Lubavitcher Rebbe

In a letter to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, written after his release from prison on Yud-Tes Kislev, the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman - the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad) described the moment at which he was informed of his release by the czarist authorities as follows: “As I was reciting Tehillim, reading the verse that begins, ‘He has redeemed my soul in peace,’ and before I began the following verse, I went forth in peace through the G‑d of Peace.” How does this special revelation of "peace" bestowed upon David HaMelech's (King David's) soul correspond to the "peace" experienced by the Alter Rebbe? And what lesson can be learned to impact our own lives and Service of G-d? The present discourse dives deeply into the redemption of the Jewish Nation as a whole, and how each individual Jew brings this redemption nearer through their efforts in three primary arenas: Torah Study, Deeds of Kindness, and Prayer with the Congregation. Podoh B'Shalom Nafshi 5668 (1907) - Delivered by the Rebbe Rashab, the Fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe

How can I be expected to serve G-d when I am so busy worried about my livelihood, family, and overall health and sustenance? The present discourse explores how neither of these things need contradict, and in fact proves how those same daily struggles that may feel minute and insignificant actually hold the key to the very purpose of our creation. Mayim Rabim 5738 - Delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

How do the differences in the stories of Moshe and Yehoshua come to teach us about ourselves, our lives, and our missions in this world? The present discourse explores the "how-to" in the Service of G-d, through the backdrop of two Biblical tales involving spies - the first sent by Moshe (Moses) and the next by Yehoshua (Joshua). Vayishlach Yehoshua - 5736 (1976)

It is the Great Sage Hillel who says, "what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man; this is the entire Torah, the rest is its commentary." What about the entirety of the 613 Mitzvot (commandments)? Does fulfilling the obligation of "not doing to others what is hateful to me" satisfy my obligation for all the other commandments? The present discourse sheds profound light on the Mitzvah to "Love Your Fellow As Yourself", providing an intellectual, spiritual, and emotional understanding of what is considered by Hillel to be "the entire Torah, the rest is its commentary." Mitzvot Ahavat Yisroel - Derech Mitzvosecha - Compiled by the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe