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Chassidic Texts

The soul of Judaism

Works that probe the essence of life and reveal the soul of Judaism, from classic Chassidic discourses to essays, anthologies and aphorisms

The Tanya
The Classic Primary Text of Chassidic Thought
Written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), the founder of Chabad. The Tanya compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G‑d, the human soul, the world and our place in it.
Selections From Torah Or and Likkutei Torah: Festivals
Classic Chassidic Discourses by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi
Selected discourses from the founder of the Chabad Chasidic philosophy's great works: Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah. This edition focuses on Rabbi Schneur Zalman`s insights on the festivals. It has been the custom for Chasidim to study the discourses in Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah, affectionately known as the "Chasidic Parsha," weekly and at festival time.
Shaar Habitachon - Gate of Trust
Gate of Trust takes us on a transformational journey towards genuine trust, guiding us to a state of tranquil reliance on the all-powerful and compassionate G-d. Studying this vital work shows us how to confront and even transform unpredictable and challenging events by exercising and implementing the messages of genuine unyielding trust in G-d.
Tzava'at Harivash
The Testament of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov
One of the earliest Chassidic texts, Tzava'at Harivash, is actually a manual of Chassidic directives, insights and guidance for deveikut, communion with G-d, culled from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his successor, Rabbi Dovber of Mezritch.
Lessons in Derech Mitzvosecha
A Mystical Perspective on the Commandments
Derech Mitzvotecha dives into reasons behind mitzvot such as tzitzit, tefillin, prayer, belief in G-d, loving a fellow Jew, starting a family and many others. Five generations later, the author's grandson and successor, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, has often advised those seeking to begin study of Chasidic philosophy to study this fundamental work.
Flames
A Chanukah Discourse by Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch
"Flames" focuses on the multiple images of the lamp; the oil, the wick and the different hues of the flame, in order to express profound guidance in the divine service of every individual: Just as the oil fuses flame and wick, so does the performance of practical mitzvot keep the radiance of the soul kindled upon the body.
Maamar VeYadaata
To Know G-d
One of the classics in Chasidic literature, "Veyadaata" is renowned for its simple yet profound explanation of the oneness of G-d, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of day-to-day living, exploring ways in which one can receive the inner G-dly light that is invested in the physical world.
Lessons in Heichaltzu
A Treatise On Ahavas Yisrael by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn of Lubavitch
Although "Love your fellow as yourself" is, as Rabbi Akiva taught, the great underlying principle of the Torah, actually achieving this love is a profound challenge for most people. Human personality is instead, often given to baseless hatred. This discourse deals with the spiritual roots of such hatred, its practical consequences, and the remedies for it.
The Tree of Life - Kuntres Eitz HaChayim
A classic chassidic treatise on the mystic core of spiritual vitality.
Shortly after founding Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, Rabbi Shalom DovBer delivered this discourse to help his students, past and present, nourish the spiritual fire within. From the mysteries of the first days in Eden, the Rebbe extrapolates a set of standards for a student's learning goals and schedule, personal conduct, prayer, and appearance.
The Ethical Will
A Chassidic discourse -- Chanoch Lanaar
This remarkable document is, in great measure, a treatise on education and child-rearing.
Isa B'Midrash Tehillim
The official maamar (discourse) recited first by the fifth Chabad Rebbe and since then by all Chabad boys on the occasion of their Bar Mitzvah, translated and annotated in an accessible format, with additional chapters on customs relating to a Bar Mitzvah
Chassidic Discourses
A Collection of discourses by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Written during the turbulent years of 1941-1945, many of the discourses focus on self sacrifice, repentance, and strengthening Judaism, often speaking of the lessons to be learned from the earth-shattering events of the time and their connection to the coming of Moshiach
Sefer HaSichos 5698
Talks delivered in 5698 (1937-1938) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5700
Talks delivered in 5700 (1939-1940) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5701
Talks delivered in 5701 (1940-1941) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5702
Talks delivered in 5702 (1941-1942) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5703
Talks Delivered in 5703 (1942-1943) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, The Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5704
Talks delivered in 5704 (1943-1944) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Sefer HaSichos 5705
Talks delivered in 5705 (1944-1945) by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
Reishit Goyim Amalek
An End To Evil
The first discourse delivered by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe after succeeding to the mantle of leadership in 1920. It was first heard in the midst of the bitter civil war that shook the cities of Russia in the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution and the First World War.
On the Study of Chasidus
A Trilogy of Chasidic Essays
A trilogy of Chasidic essays by Rabbi Yosef Y. Shneersohn of Lubavitch including: Some Aspects of Chabad Chasidism, On The Teachings of Chasidus and On Learning Chasidus.
The Principles of Education and Guidance
Originally written as an educational guide for two venerable mashpi'im (spiritual mentors) in the original yeshivah in Lubavitch, this treatise by the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch has since serve as a classic definition and elucidation of what "education" truly is
To Love a Fellow Jew
The Mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael in Chassidic Thought
An adapted version of Kuntres Ahavas Yisrael, a collection of sayings and teachings about ahavas Yisrael first published in booklet form by Kehot Publications on the 15th of Elul 5736. Incorporated in this volume are related aphorisms, and the section on ahavas Yisrael printed in the encyclopedia of Chassidus, Sefer HaErchim Chabad.
Mastery Over Self
A Three-Phase Process of Spiritual Growth: The maamarim entitled Ki Imcha HaSelichah and Ani Ledodi, 5709 by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch
The two Ma'amarim, Ki Imcha Ha'Slicha and Ani Le'Dodi of the year 5709 put forth a three-phase process of spiritual growth, based on the tenets of Chassidic thought and practice.
With Light and with Might
Two Chassidic Discourses by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn of Lubavitch
Two Chassidic Discourses by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn of Lubavitch Tanu Rabbanan: Ner Chanukah, 5643 and Kol HaYotzei LeMilchemes Beis David, 5661 With an Appendix by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch זצוקללה"ה נבג"מ זי"ע
Defiance and Devotion
Selected Chassidic Discourses Dating from the Arrest and Liberation of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn נ"ע in 1927
Likkutei Dibburim
Lessons in Sefer HaMaamarim - Wedding Discourses
The text of the chassidic discourses recited by Chabad grooms during the pre-chupah reception.
Basi L'Gani
Defining our Purpose on Earth
An English translation of the last Chassidic discourse written by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Shneersohn, Yud Shvat 1950, and the first Chassidic discourse delivered by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Yud Shvat 1951.
Hayom Yom
Hayom Yom: From Day To Day …"its every day is indeed a day." A treasure of aphorisms and customs for every day of the year.
Hayom Yom: Tackling Life's Tasks
Daily Chassidic Teachings & Glimpses into the Spiritual Lifestyle of Chabad-Lubavitch
The Chassidic classic HaYom Yom in a new English translation. This daily companion taps into Chassidic wisdom to help tackle life's tasks in a meaningful way. The Chassidic insights of the book is a bridge that will connect the reader's daily tasks with spirituality.
Likkutei Sichot in English
Browse English-language renderings of Likkutei Sichot
Likkutei Sichos (literally, "Collected Talks") contains both the scope and the core of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings, and is the most authoritative source text for the Rebbe's unique, original, and often revolutionary explanation of Judaism.
Led By G-d's Hand
The Baal Shem Tov's conception of Hashgacha Pratis
Nothing happens by chance; even a leaf blowing in the wind does so because G-d wills it to. This book presents several analytical treatises by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, on the Baal Shem Tov's conception of Hashgacha Pratis, Divine Providence.
Whispers Between Worlds
A guide to praying at the gravesite of a Tzaddik - Kuntres HaHishtatchus
Includes the classic Maamar explaining the significance of visiting the grave of a Tzaddik.
Anticipating the Redemption - Volume 1
Maamarim of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Concerning the Era of Redemption
Awakening the desire for the Redemption can only be accomplished through learning about it. The Rebbe details different aspects of the Redemption, the role of Moshiach, and how we can prepare ourselves for this new era.
Anticipating the Redemption - Volume 2
Maamarim of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Concerning the Era of Redemption
Awakening the desire for the Redemption can only be accomplished through learning about it. The Rebbe details different aspects of the Redemption, the role of Moshiach, and how we can prepare ourselves for this new era.
Seek Out the Welfare of Jerusalem
Analytical studies by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson on the Rambam's rulings concerning the construction and the design of the Beis HaMikdosh
Crown Jewels
Conceptual Frontiers of Chassidic Thought
Selected from the Rebbe`s voluminous Likkutei Sichot, these "Crown Jewels" expound the most profound of Chassidic concepts, presented according to the Torah portions in which they originally appeared.
Timeless Patterns in Time
The Jewish year, with its holidays and fast days, is a cycle of recurring spiritual influences, with each year bringing a new dimension to the cycle. These essays highlight the spiritual message of the holidays, showing the connection between the historical significance of these days and their eternal relevance to Jewish life.
The Weekly Maamar
Discourses by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the Book of Bereshit.
In Good Hands
100 Letters and Talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson on Bitachon: Trusting in G d
Sichos in English
Translated excerpts of talks delivered by The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, at his periodic public addresses.
A Judgment of Truth and Mercy
Baad Kodesh — by The Mitteler Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber
When Every Moment is Precious
An in-depth Maamar of Chabad Thought: Lo Sih'yeh Meshakeilah, Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim, 5712
I Will Choose the King
BeYom Ashtei-Asar Yom, 5731 — Delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson 11 Nissan, 5731 (1971)
Along a Winding Path
Vaydaber Elokim el Moshe, 5712 (1952)
Simchah: Breaking Through Barriers
Margela bePumei deRava, 5746 (1986) — a maamar by The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
I Came To My Garden, 5710 (Chapter 5)
A Fresh Rendering of Chapter Five of the Classic Maamar, Basi L'Gani
A fresh, very readable adaptation of chapter five of the classic maamar, Basi LeGani.