Conversations

The oys and joys of moving to Rostov, Russia, and serving a Jewish community that has reawakened after 70 years of Communist repression.

Hear how Chaya Teldon left home at fifteen to pursue her Jewish education and become a Chabad rebbetzin, as well as how she retained her faith in the face of the birth, struggles, and passing of her son, and how and why she joined the chevra kadisha.

Raizy Fried is author and speaker focused on empowering women and fostering personal growth. Outwardly successful, with a great marriage and growing business, she felt empty and cold. When she discovered the "inner Torah," her inner world began to bloom.

Chava devoted years seeking to understand feminism and apply it to her life. She found the answer in the teachings of the Rebbe.

For Devorah Schwartz, performing for just women is a spiritual experience akin to prayer. She opens up on how she became a singer and how it changed her life.

A longtime expositor of the Rebbe's teachings, and author of Toward a Meaningful Life, Rabbi Simon Jacobson shares how he overcame his early skepticism and found his own calling in life.

Chassidic pop star Avraham Fried shares his inner world, including his personal interactions with the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin.

Choosing "what was right" over "what was easy" presented Torah educator, Yaffa Palti with many challenges and unsettling changes. She had to discover a deeper relationship with G-d to create a positive mindset shift and find her deepest self.

In her teens, Tonica Marlow was accepted as the youngest student at a noted Christian theological college, and within a few years, she became an ordained minister. With all of her success within the church, she felt a deep void inside. Tonica Marlow, now Tova Mordechai, shares her extraordinary journey to becoming a Chassidic woman, currently living in Israel.

This special edition features seven voices deeply affected since October 7th, including IDF officers, a volunteer medic, and a father of a hostage in Gaza. Let their stories of resilience and hope inspire you.

While rockets, drones, and mortars fly overhead, Rabbi Sholom Ber Hertzel of Chabad of the Golan Heights together with his family work tirelessly to service the soldiers and members of his community who are bravely stationed along the northern border of Israel.

An IDF officer and his wife open up on turning mourning into growth, living on behalf of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and how the 10/7 Massacre inspired them to pursue a military career.

Learn how evacuees have been supporting each other, finding faith, comfort, and a "silver lining" through it all.

Eitan Mor saved many lives on 10/7 before he was taken hostage to Gaza, where he still remains captured. Hear his father's incredible message of faith, strength, and determination amid these most challenging of times.

An interview with the director of Chabad on Campus in Saclay, France, a hub of higher education and research.

Perhaps the best-known speaker in the Jewish world today, Rabbi YY Jacobson grew up to Russian immigrants in Brooklyn. Learn about his personal challenges, disappointments and victories.

Danny was turned off by the Judaism of his youth. Kylie was not Jewish. Together, they found a path to Torah and observance that is uniquely joyful, meaningful, and most of all... theirs!

Tuky Treitel was a school-girl when the Nazis invaded Hungary. Hear how she bravely cared for herself and her siblings during times of horrific danger.

Seeing how members of his own Jewish family abandoned Jewish burial in favor of cremation, Tuva Sablosky has become a tireless advocate for providing every Jew a proper Jewish burial.

Esther Freeman is as close as you can get to being a Chassidic diva. Learn how she balances the big stage, single motherhood, and the ups and downs of life.

Yossi Kulek, a Chabad on Campus rabbi, shares how the Rebbe's guidance helped him overcome racism, adversity and self-doubt.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew shares how he came to know the Rebbe and Chabad, and how he found meaning and purpose as a Chabad emissary.

Yehudis Fishman shares how she developed a deeply personal connection to the Rebbe, who guided her through life's challenges, and how she finds fulfillment and happiness as an older adult.

When Rochel Smoller learned her beloved fellow teacher needed a kidney, she had to act. But she could not let the recipient know it was her until the last moment!

Rebbetzin Libbi Kakon has lived with hearing loss her whole life. Learn how she became a mother, life-coach and highly successful fundraiser on behalf of a school for deaf children.

After separating with three little kids – including a six-week-old – Shternie recovered, remarried and thrived, and has gone on to empower others to do the same.

Against the backdrop of violent threats, gaslighting, exclusion, and betrayal, Cecile (now Sara) connected to her Judaism for the first time while studying at Columbia University.

A car accident prevented Rochel from becoming pregnant. When she finally became a mother, one of her twins died in infancy. Hear how she grew stronger and closer to G-d through the experience.

When Stephen Shore was young, doctors advised that he be placed in an institution. Today, he's a professor, author, lecturer and activist.

Learn how Vivi and her husband mustered the strength and positivity to raise their family, including four children who died due to a genetic disorder.

Join us as we sit down with Rebbetzin Nechamie Silberberg co-director of the Chabad at Western University in London, Ontario. Nechamie has been a Chabad Emissary for over 20 years and helped many of her students and alumni walk to the chuppah.

Join us as we sit down with Rebbetzin Manya Lazeroff, co-director of the Rohr Chabad Jewish Center at Texas A&M University in College Station. Manya is the creator of the Sober Dating Workshop, and has helped countless individuals with their dating lives.

Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Manis Friedman to discuss relationships from a Jewish perspective—he’s been described as Youtube’s most popular rabbi, an expert dating and marriage mentor with decades of experience.

Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov, Chabad emissary to Uruguay, to discuss the difficult question of love vs. faith.

Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Pinchas Taylor on dating and relationships. Rabbi Taylor is an acclaimed American rabbi, best-selling author, life coach, and global lecturer on faith and personal growth.

Join us as we sit down with Aleeza Ben Shalom—a renowned matchmaker, dating coach and author.

Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Jackie Glaser, a dating coach who personally knows the struggle of being single and not being where you want to be.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Rabbi Dr. Yosef Shagalow, a Minneapolis-based psychologist with extensive experience in helping couples in distress, and a Chabad emissary in St. Louis, Minnesota. Rabbi Dr. Shagalow will share his valuable knowledge on approaching dating with a healthy perspective.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Rabbi Dr. Yosef Shagalow, a Minneapolis-based psychologist with extensive experience in helping couples in distress, and an emissary of the Rebbe in St. Louis, Minnesota. In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Shagalow shares his valuable knowledge on love and marriage.

Join us as we sit down with Rebbetzin Miriam Lipskier, the co-founder and co-director of the Chabad Student Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Miriam is passionate about inspiring genuine, happy, and healthy relationships. Hear her address some of the core themes, challenges, and ideas when it comes to meeting and choosing one's partner.

Everyone has baggage, but how people carry it can be very different. Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Dena Gorkin for an insightful discussion. Dena brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her presentations; and, of course, a hearty dose of humor.

It's no secret that relationships need navigation; join us as we sit with Rabbi Ari Laine as he guides us through this road. Rabbi Ari Laine serves as the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi in Panama and the Author of the book: 'GPS for a Happier Marriage'.

Does the universe have intelligence and consciousness; is it not far more complex than the human brain?

A more precise translation of the Hebrew word kadosh would be "transparency"

The concept of prayer seems paradoxical: asking G-d, who is infinite and all knowing, to grant us our puny needs and desires?

Our Sages teach: “tzedakah, charity, is equivalent to all the mitzvot combined”. Why such great emphasis on this individual mitzvah?

How to argue intelligently with the voice of temptation – the kabbalistic approach in dealing with the "yetzer hara."

Ultimately, psychology doesn't provide the answers. It's a method of dealing with malfunctions or dysfunctions, not a system for healthy living.

What's so bad about sin? If I'm not hurting anyone, why does G-d care?

The sages teach that the mind, by its very nature, has the ability to master the heart...

Chabad is an acronym for chochmah, binah and daat, which are commonly translated as wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Learn the mystical meaning of these three intellectual soul powers.

Everyone is looking for more happiness in their lives; but what is the magical formula for attaining true joy in life?

We are commanded to love every Jew at all times. But is this really doable? And what exactly is this love that is demanded of us?

G-d is not found in what is, but in what is becoming, in what is being done...

If you truly understood what you are and where you stand, how would you feel about yourself? Would you be elated? Utterly inadequate? Both at once? A mystical guide to self-knowledge as the ultimate antidote to depression.

There are three conditions in life: good, evil and the holy.

For man and G-d to be in relationship with each other there must be some common denominator that bridges the gap between the finite and the infinite.

Whatever happens is for the good: This belief may get us through hard times and is virtuous, but it has its limits…

For the mitzvah which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off… Rather, the thing is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

The parents’ behavior and virtue significantly affects the molding of their child from the very earliest of stages and onward.

What makes a person "good"? Do you have to want to do good to be good?

We engage our physical world and nurture it, to find the common grain of truth, to expose and reveal the G-dly aspect latent in all of creation.

When is sadness bad? When is it a necessary and even positive tool for self-betterment?

Life is dynamic, equivocal and constantly changing. A book is static. Can a book serve as a guide to life generations and centuries after it was written?

The Talmud teaches that the mitzvah of loving your fellow Jew is the entirety of Torah. How could this mitzvah that’s between man and man encompass all of Torah that’s between man and G‑d?

When seeing a wrong, do we have a moral responsibility to get involved and object or is it solely between that individual and G-d.

The Torah uses the metaphor that the Jewish people left Egypt "on eagles' wings" to emphasize the speed in which G-d took them out of Egypt. How important is a sense of urgency in our service of G-d? Guest Expert: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 2)

The sun and the moon as symbols for innovation and tradition. Should Judaism adapt with the times or resist the changes of modernity? Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 3)

The Torah reading for Rosh HaShanah describes two great women -- Sarah and Hannah -- and their intense determination to become mothers. Guest Expert: Rivkah Slonim. (From "Messages" -- Season 4, Episode 4)

King Solomon says that a righteous person will "fall seven times and get back up." Why must we suffer a setback before we forge ahead? Guest Expert: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. (From "Messages" -- Season 4, Episode 5)

The story of a sage assisted by angels in lifting a boulder leads to a discussion of how much can really be accomplished if one only makes a sincere effort. Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From "Messages" -- Season 4, Episode 6)

True peace is apparent only between people who have opposite perspectives and still manage to live in harmony with each other. Guest Expert: Chana Weisberg. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 7)

The purpose of creation is fulfilled by our making use of our bodies and the physical world around us to do G‑d’s will. Guest Expert: Rivkah Slonim. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 8)

On the ark, Noah lived in a utopian state of harmony with his family and all the animals on board—so much so that G‑d had to force him to leave after the Flood was over. What is the parallel in our own lives? Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 9)

What is the proper interpretation of the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause of the First Amendment? Did the founding fathers intend on creating a strict "separation of church and state"? Guest Expert: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 11)

The first stage of the Jewish people's Exile was when the rabbis were sent away, but the "final straw" was when the children stopped studying. Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 12)

The Talmud says that R' Shimon ben Yochai's "Torah study was his profession"? What does it mean to make Torah study your main occupation. Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 14)

The Talmud says that R' Shimon ben Yochai's "Torah study was his profession"? What does it mean to make Torah study your main occupation. Guest Expert: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 15)

What is the role of the Jewish mother in raising and educating her children? How does this differ from the role of the father? Guest Expert: Chana Weisberg. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 16)

Upon completing the building of the Sanctuary in the desert, everyone was able to behold G-d's presence with their physical eyes. When Moshiach comes, G-d will be seen everywhere by everyone. What does it mean to see G-d and why can't we see him all the time? Guest Expert: Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 18)

How does one find the perfect balance between perfecting oneself and perfecting the world? Guest Expert: Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 19)

In the wake of the 1982 Lebanon War, the Rebbe speaks about the foolish and dangerous stance of making concessions in the hopes of winning favor in the eyes of other nations. Guest Expert: Rabbi Moshe Spalter. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 20)

The greatness of a perfectly righteous tzaddik is not fully evident while he is still alive and his students can behold his physical presence. It is only after the passing of such a leader that we can know what effect he had on those who follow his ways. Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 21)

When there is discord between Jews, it is only because they fail to understand the true nature of their relationship with one another. When Jews understand that they are truly one, then all problems will automatically become resolved on their own. Guest Expert: Rivka Slonim. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 23)

If G-d wants us to serve him, why does he present us with obstacles that make it difficult to do so? Guest Expert: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 24)

What is the purpose of the Ten Days of Repentance? Is it a time of solemn introspection or a time of rejoicing? Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 25)

How is it possible that the best year's of our forefather Jacob's life were spent in Egypt and not in the Holy Land? What does this teach us about the purpose of the soul's descent into the body? Guest Expert: Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 26)

What does Judaism say about the soul and where it comes from? Why do we have a soul and what is it meant to accomplish. Rabbi DovBer Pinson helps us better understand this esoteric topic.

Rabbi Pinson continues to outline the journey of the soul and the Jewish belief in reincarnation.

A discussion on how to maximize our full potential in relationships of marriage in order to achieve true happiness and fulfillment.

Professor Lawrence Schiffman, a noted scholar, details the rich historical significance of the sacred sites of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem up until their modern day status.

The concept of divine providence introduces reason and meaning to everything that happens to us in of our lives.

The topic of the soul is a true mystery, as it relates to things of the spirit which cannot be felt in a tangible way. Yet it is very much a reality in our belief system.

An interview with Sue Fishkoff, the author of The Rebbe’s Army, a book detailing the Chabad movement’s activities in furthering Judaism.

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, chief rabbi and director of Chabad in Bangkok, Thailand, describes Jewish life in Thailand.

Have you ever experienced a moment when a seemingly random event also seemed strangely meaningful, or even miraculous? Judith Leventhal, the co-author of the best-selling series Small Miracles, speaks to these phenomena and shares some of these moving stories.

The book of Tanya, a masterpiece of Chassidic philosophy, has captured the mind and heart of many. What is its message?

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel, delivers a passionate talk in solidarity of Israel in 2002.

The Ten Commandments, which have served as the bedrock of morality for generations, are central in Judaism. Rabbi Teldon details the make-up of these mitzvahs.

A discussion on some of the customs and symbolism at a Jewish wedding.

Avraham Fried, world-acclaimed Jewish singer, shares his experiences in touching countless of lives across the globe in his performances.

Children participate in a hands-on demonstration of the many steps entailed in making handmade matzah for the Passover Seder. A workshop by Rabbi Michoel Albukerk from Tzivos Hashem Crafts Workshops.

Children participate in a hands-on demonstration of how to make olive oil to light the menorah on Chanukah. A workshop by Rabbi Michoel Albukerk from Tzivos Hashem Crafts Workshops

Children participate in a hands-on demonstration of how to make a shofar for Rosh Hashana. A workshop by Rabbi Michoel Albukerk from Tzivos Hashem Crafts Workshops.

It’s important to know what Judaism says on how to properly attend to the deceased from the time of death to burial. Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, a renowned expert on Jewish burial in our tradition, clarifies the matter.

Looking back fifty years to the beginning of the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, we explore his unbelievable impact and continuing influence throughout the world. (From a cable show in 1999)

The chazan plays a central role in the High Holiday services leading the congregation in prayer. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, renowned chazan, Joseph Malovany reflects on the special role of the cantor and his experience singing around the world to inspire the Jewish heart.

Basi L’gani, the title of the last Chassidic discourse from the sixth Chabad Rebbe, is customarily studied on the tenth of Shevat, the day of his passing. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 1)

The Torah’s axiom to love your friend as yourself, in essence means to love the other in accordance with their needs and wants—not merely what you want for yourself. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 2)

Maimonides in his code refers to the section of laws related to the Holy Temple as the laws of the ‘Chosen Home’. What is the message hidden therein? (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 3)

The opening statement in the Ten Commandments is “I am the L-rd your G-d who took you out of Egypt.” Why does G-d introduce himself at Sinai as being the liberator from Egypt, instead of as the creator of heaven and earth? (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 4)

What provides us the fortitude and confidence to always overcome the evil inclination (yetzer hara) in our internal battles? (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 5)

Why the Rebbe didn’t go to the holy land of Israel even for just a visit. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 7)

A prerequisite to truly perceive Torah is humility. Most humble before all was Moses, who received the Torah from G-d Himself (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 8)

On Tuesday, the third day of creation, trees sprouted forth and produced fruit. This can serve as a metaphor that applies to children too. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 9)

The Rebbe initiated a campaign encouraging each and every Jew to acquire a letter in a Torah Scroll. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 10)

During summer, schools and yeshivahs may close for vacation, but Judaism and Torah study must never cease, as they are our very source of life and vitality. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 11)

A parable of an ill prince is given to explain the need to reveal the inner dimension of Torah, known as the Kabbalah, to make it accessible to the masses. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 12)

The Rebbe asks a leading halachic authority to ‘rule’ that Moshiach should come. What purpose is this ruling meant to serve? (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 15)

Upon concluding the study of Mishneh Torah, Maimonides’ code of Jewish law, we immediately start again from the very beginning, which implies a strong connection between the two bookends. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 23)

Jewish identity is determined exclusively through being born to a Jewish mother. What is the rationale to this Torah law? (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 25)

The Torah provides guidance on how to increase security in Israel. (From “Messages”—Season 2, Episode 26)

Should we be afraid of divine judgment in the messianic era? What is the nature of this reckoning in a good and redeemed world?

What is the Jewish belief in the Resurrection of the Dead? What will actually happen and what is the purpose of this supernatural phenomenon?

Is it in our hands to impact when Moshiach comes or is there a predetermined date for his arrival? Must we be ready for the redemption through doing Teshuvah?

The Rebbe would passionately beseech G-d to bring Moshiach and encourage others to also ask for Moshiach to come now. This episode rebuts arguments of those that have criticized this approach.

The exile of Egypt is the paradigm and archetype for our current state of exile. Explore the spiritual meaning of Egypt as the ‘narrow straits’ that inhibit us from experiencing true freedom and redemption.

Tracing the origins of campaigns championing the imminent arrival of Moshicah, from the passionate activities of the Chofetz Chaim through the popularization via Chabad and the ensuing tensions.

Nowadays, many are not comfortable with the prospect of a real monarch, yet Moshiach will lead as us as a king. How do we understand this to be progress?

Education reigns supreme in Judaism; and in tandem with the debating and ruling on Torah law, teaching is also the role of the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, even in the Messianic Era when divine wisdom will be our primary pursuit.

What will the world be like in the messianic era? What is the meaning a “new Torah” being revealed in the times of Moshiach? Will Mitzvah observance be the same? In a perfected world, which the messianic era will usher in, what will be the objective of doing mitzvahs?

Moshiach will be a descendant of King David. What is the significance of this link? How are we to understand the potential for Moshiach in each generation?

What do the Prophets say about the war of Gog and Magog in messianic times?

Redemption is the underlying theme and objective in all of Judaism. Moses, the proto redeemer who brings redemption, has already put it all in motion. In essence, the undercurrent of redemption is present within the exile, and just needs to be revealed.

As one of the principles of our faith, we believe in the coming of Moshiach and anticipate his arrival. Why is it important to also await his coming?

Moshiach is the Jewish leader leading us throughout the messianic era. What is the function and need for a person to serve as leader in a perfected time?

The Talmud identifies and calls Moshiach a leper. How does leprosy represent the persona of Moshiach? Isn’t the spiritual affliction of leprosy associated with a spiritual deficiency?

There’s much mystery surrounding the magical persona and role of Elijah the Prophet in bringing peace in the messianic age.

The articulation of Moshiach is mostly featured in the Prophets, whereas much less is explicit in the Five Books of Moses.

Maimonides identifies the requisite qualities and achievements for someone to become Moshiach. What is the job description?

Maimonides states that we should not think that the messianic necessitates the suspension of nature. This tells us something very profound about the effect we have on world via doing mitzvahs.

The harp of King David had 7 strings, yet the harp of Moshiach will have eight.

The prophet Balaam who tried to curse the Jewish people, instead blesses them with incredible blessings. Maimonides points out how Balaam prophesies of two Messiahs, King David and King Messiah.

Rabbi Meni Even-Israel reflects on his illustrious father’s life, inspiration and interactions with the Rebbe. This conversation is from an event in London, titled “Legacy of Light”, commemorating the Rebbe’s 30th yahtzeit.

Reflections on Senator Joe Lieberman’s inspiration from the Rebbe. This video is from an event in London, titled “Legacy of Light”, commemorating the Rebbe’s 30th yahtzeit, where three individuals related their illustrious fathers’ special relationship with the Rebbe.

Reflections on Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’s special connection and impact from the Rebbe. This conversation is from an event in London, titled “Legacy of Light”, commemorating the Rebbe’s 30th yahtzeit, where three individuals related their illustrious fathers’ special relationship with the Rebbe.