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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In Chapter 3, the Alter Rebbe illustrates how, based on what we have learned in chs 1-2, it is a logical conclusion that all of created reality is non-existent relative to the Divine energy that constantly brings it in to being,

Torah is the wisdom of Hashem while mitzvos are His will. This idea will help us to understand why there are various different levels of Torah study but when it comes to mitzvah observance all Jews are placed in the same category as those who have done mitzvos and therefore will merit resurrection. In this class, we complete the study of the maamar with Chapters 4 and 5.

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/

In Chapter 2 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah, the Alter Rebbe uses the mechanics of the miraculous Splitting of the Sea to give us a logical way of understanding why creation must be constant and continuous.

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.

In the third chapter of the maamar Kol Yisrael we look at the relationship between the Torah and the Mitzvos as being akin to the relationship between the soul and the body. From the revealed perspective the Torah and the soul are loftier than the Mitzvos and the body. However, in their source, the relationship is exactly reversed and the Mitzvos are greater than the Torah (which is evidenced by the fact that the Torah explains the mitzvos) and the body is greater than the soul (as apparent from the fact that the soul is attracted to be drawn down into the body.)

Chapter 1 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah introduces the idea that all of created reality is composed of arrangements of the 22 letters of the Holy Tongue and that it is the Divine Speech that issues for these letters that causes all of creation to continue to exist rather than revert into nothingness.

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.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse Kol Yisrael begins with the Mishnah that is recited before the study of Pirkei Avos stating: "All Israel has a portion in the world to come." In this lesson, covering chapters 1-2 of the maamar, we question why even those souls that reside in the highest levels of heaven will need to come back down to the physical world in order to experience resurrection after the coming of Moshiach.

We begin the second volume of Tanya known as The Gate of Unity and Faith (Shaar HaYichud Ve'HaEmunah) which explains the oneness and unity of Hashem. In this introduction, the Alter Rebbe explains why we need to understand this subject matter as it is the foundation to developing proper love and awe of Hashem.

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 at the Kansas City Recovery Conference in 2024.

First we review last week's class and get into a very lively discussion of the importance of getting Jews to eat matzah on the night of Pesach. We then continue with the maamar and learn about how the matzah we eat possesses the advantages of various different spiritual levels all at once. Text-based study of the Rebbe's maamar Matzah Zo 5749. This class covers Chapters 3-4 of the maamar.

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 wisdom and compassionate guidance. To purchase the Four Cups Haggadah: https://a.co/d/1dWimj7

What is the reason why we eat matzah at the Seder? In the Haggadah, we say that the reason is because "our ancestors did not have time for their dough to rise before the Holy One revealed Himself and redeemed them." But is that the actual reason why we eat matzah? Is it not because we were commanded to do so? Analysis of the reason why we eat matzah leads us to understanding different spiritual levels that can be attained through eating matzah on Pesach. Text-based study of the Rebbe's maamar Matzah Zo 5749. This class covers Chapters 1-2 of the maamar.

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.

Day 339: Positive Commandment 191, 214; Negative Commandment 311, 58; Positive Commandment 221; Negative Commandment 263, 264; Conclusion

Day 338: Negative Commandment 46; Positive Commandment 190; Negative Commandment 56, 57; Positive Commandment 192, 193

Day 337: Positive Commandment 187; Negative Commandment 49; Positive Commandment 188, 189; Negative Commandment 59

Day 336: Positive Commandment 173; Negative Commandment 362, 364, 363, 365

Day 335: Negative Commandment 166

Day 334: Negative Commandment 166

Day 333: Negative Commandment 167

Day 332: Negative Commandment 168

Day 331: Negative Commandment 195; Positive Commandment 37

Day 330: Negative Commandment 318, 319; Positive Commandment 210, 211

Day 329: Positive Commandment 174; Negative Commandment 312, 313, 314

Learn about the connection between the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Purim gathering in Brooklyn in 1953 and Stalin's sudden demise in Moscow. Rabbi Shais Taub meticulously maps out the historical timeline, providing compelling visual aids to illustrate the extraordinary sequence of events.

Day 328: Positive Commandment 180

Day 327: Negative Commandment 285

Day 326: Negative Commandment 287

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.

Day 325: Negative Commandment 286

Day 324: Negative Commandment 288

As we conclude the maamar with the study of the ninth and final chapter, we delve even more deeply into the true nature of Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people. Even at the loftiest levels where there is no compelling reason for Hashem to choose one way or another, the Jewish people are essential to Him. For our part, we mirror Hashem's choice by devoting ourselves to Hashem in ways that transcend logic.

Day 323: Negative Commandment 291

Day 322: Positive Commandment 179

Day 321: Negative Commandment 317; Positive Commandment 178

Day 320: Negative Commandment 315, 281, 316

Day 319: Negative Commandment 280; Positive Commandment 177; Negative Commandment 276, 274

Day 318: Negative Commandment 279, 277, 275, 278, 273

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.

Based on what we have learned so far, we understand that the randomness of a lottery allows for the possibility of Haman's wicked plot succeeding. We now explain why it didn't actually work by introducing a new way of understanding G-d's "choice" in choosing the Jewish people. Chapter 8 of the discourse.