Chassidic Philosophy

A fast and exciting tour of the structure, contents and flow of Tanya, the foundational text of the Chabad system of chassidism. Perfect for complete beginners and seasoned scholars alike.

An inspiring talk on Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s unique contribution to Jewish spirituality.

On the 19th of Kislev we celebrate the “New Year” of Chassidut, join us as we explore some of the revolutionary ideas illuminated in Chassidut by the first Chabad Rebbe, known as the Alter Rebbe.

Breathing new life into a shattered people; the three components that set the Rebbe’s leadership apart, in the aftermath of the holocaust.

An open and informative class on the relationship between Rebbe and Chassid.

Chassidic philosophy enhances our understanding of G-d, the creation and our relationship with Him.

A deeper look at the day commemorating the deliverance and release of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe, from Czarist incarceration. The weekly parshah for this date talks of Joseph sold as a slave to Egypt; a striking similarity between these two great Jewish leaders.

Rabbi Dubov presents a recap of the historic Chassidic discourse by the 6th Chabad Rebbe, which he gave out to learn for the 10th of Shevat—the day of his own yahrtzeit.

Its a mitzvah to imitate our creator. We also try to imitate a Rebbe, teacher or mentor. A chasid tries to acquire at least some measure of his Rebbe's personality and character. This class tries to give us an observation of one measure of the Rebbe's qualities which we may try to emulate.

The 12th and 13th of Tammuz marks the anniversary of the liberation of the previous Rebbe from Soviet imprisonment. Presented are stories detailing some of these events.

The Rebbe said a chassidic discourse and personally gave it out to thousands of people shortly before he passed away. In it, he explains the role of the ‘shepherds of the people’; the Jewish leaders. It sets the tone for the future and tells us what we need to do to reveal G-dliness in this world.

Rabbi Kaplan explains what happens when the soul leaves the body and the concept of a Yahrtzeit. How is it that Chabad copes after the 3rd of Tamuz -- the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory. What is the significance of the passing of a tzaddik.

The Gate of Unity and Faith. About the Divine permation and of every existence.

The Gate of Unity and Faith. About the Divine permation and of every existence.

This class takes an in-depth look at the central teaching of the Baal Shem Tov regarding divine providence.

This class outlines the great importance and centrality of joy and happiness in our service of G-d.

This class provides an in-depth analysis of the optimum and ideal approach to performing mitzvot; beyond personal reward.

A comprehensive analysis of the complex issue of free choice; the need for free choice and its reconciliation with divine providence and G-d’s all encompassing knowledge.

This class gives us the Chassidic perspective on the purpose of human suffering and the ideal way to react to it.

This class illuminates the integral role of a Rebbe and his relationship to the people.

Love, fear, and compassion for G-d can and should be directed towards the part of G-d within us, the soul which is a literal piece of G-d from above. This is how we should relate to our fellow Jews.

What is sanctity, where do we find it, how do we create it and what does it do for us?

Chassidus stresses the permanent, eternal G-dliness of the Jewish soul: A piece of G-d from above, separated momentarily, only to come together again more deeply than before. That’s the beginning of Jewish life; it is the "modeh ani" of the morning.

Sometimes we do things out of inspiration, something moves us – love, hate or compassion – to act on these feelings. Other times we do what must be done objectively; this behavior comes out of humility.

This class emphasizes the special quality of speech which is the ultimate expression of the soul as explained in Chassidic thought.

Chassidus empower's us to change the nature of our middos – character traits.

This class describes the differences in approach between the Chassidic and Mussar movements.

This class presents a comprehensive analysis of the natural and the miraculous; a tzaddik’s special power to reach into the supernatural to alter nature.

This class defines what the teachings of Kabbalah really are and introduces some extraordinary lofty insights on the Kabbalah and its development.

This class explains many Kabbalistic concepts about the spiritual secrets of creation that are elucidated in the teachings of Chassidut.

This class discusses the kabbalistic and spiritual meaning of garments which are the source to physical clothing; this sheds light on the Torah laws relating to dress.

An in-depth look at the spiritual significance of Hebrew names; the channel of life-force contained in every being.

The nigun, chassidic song, is a central component in the service of G-d; often wordless melodies intended to stir and express the soul.

The great importance in telling stories of miracles performed by tzaddikim.

This class delves into the deep esoteric teachings of Kabbalah on the mystical dimension of the numbers 1 through 5.

This class delves into the deep esoteric teachings of Kabbalah on the mystical dimension of the numbers 6 through 10.

This class delves into the deep spiritual meaning to the obscure name of G-d: Ekyeh.

A detailed analysis of the spiritual status of G-d’s name Tzvakos and its inner meaning.

Three kinds of revelation of G-dliness expressed in three names of G-d mentioned in Psalm 50.

What is the special contribution of the Chabad approach of chassidus, and what are we meant to accomplish with it?

Join a farbrengen in Thornhill, Ontario on the anniversary of passing of the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan will lead a discussion on how the Tanya authored by the Alter Rebbe, serves as a practical roadmap for a fulfilling life today, and enables us to attain joy, inner tranquility and experience satisfaction in serving G-d.

Anash around the world are invited to join a farbrengen broadcast live from London, UK at Beis Lubavitch with guest speaker Rabbi Shais Taub.

The month of Kislev is replete with chassidic milestones, beginning with the Maggid of Mezeritch (successor to the Baal Shem Tov) and the Alter Rebbe (founder of Chabad), and concluding with our Rebbe. This class will address this phenomenon and its powerful, timely message.

On the 200th anniversary of the passing of the Alter Rebbe, founder of the Chabad school of mysticism, two scholars sit down to discuss the significance of one of his teachings—the meaning and value of the physical universe.

Based on the fifth chapter of the maamar Basi Legani, the Chassidic discourse of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe for the 10th of Shevat.

Chassidism is often associated with joy, but what is the nature of this joy? A review of Chabad texts on the subject reveals that chassidic joy is best described in terms of its ethical properties and its moral implications.

The Rebbe probes the unifying theme in all areas and levels of Torah study, from the legal to the mystical, the heavenly to the earthly, demonstrating the common thread running through different dimensions of Torah wisdom. This class studies a talk of the Rebbe on Shavuot in 1956.

Based on the last discourse of the Previous Rebbe and our Rebbe’s complimentary discourses from the year 5718 (1958), this class explores the mystical significance of the Hebrew letter Hey and its powerful message for creating the ultimate home.

Moshiach has to be a scion of the House of David of the ‘Kingdom of Judah’. But why can he not be a descendent of the ‘Kingdom of Joseph’? Indeed even Judah bowed to Joseph acknowledging his authority? In this class a profound debate in the Talmud is evoked that provides the key to the answer and, more significantly, reveals the unique contribution that our generation must give in bringing about the final redemption. (Based on the Maamar V’Avdi Dovid, Achron shel Pesach 5746)

In exploring the timeless spiritual dimensions of the Sanctuary, the Mishkan, this class reveals how craziness and lies are essential components of a meaningful life. (Based on the maamar Basi L’Gani 5719)

Rabbi Paltiel shares profound inspiration from Chassidic teachings for making spirituality practical in our lives.

Discover the special innovation of Chassidus, beyond mysticism, in a variety of areas of Jewish theology, philosophy and practice. Rabbi Paltiel illustrates many of these fresh perspectives through story and anecdote.

An overview of the very first Maamar (Chassidic discourse) that the Rebbe delivered on the 10th of Shevat 5711 (January 17, 1951), signaling his formal acceptance of the mantle of leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch. This historic discourse defines and directs the mission and destiny of our generation.

A powerful excerpt of the Rebbe’s ‘Yud Shevat’ maamar (a mystical discourse) from the year 1957 (titled Basi LeGani 5717) expounding on the idea of restoring the letter ‘hei’ in G-d’s name and illuminating the depth behind speech and communication. The class begins with truly profound insights into the wondrous significance of the 11th day of Shevat, which is specifically associated with our generation.

This class will explore the significance of a single point, and how that makes all the difference in the world.

Is there a single, overarching theme to "Hemsech Ayin Beis" or can it perhaps better be understood as the culmination of various ideas advanced by its author throughout the years of his leadership?

Viewing the Rebbe RaShaB's mystical teachings as an educational initiative for producing students who would go on to defy Communist oppression and challenge American Jewish apathy.

Which is greater, the natural or the miraculous? Rabbi Freeman charts the development of a kabbalistic doctrine from the Ari, to the RaSHaB to the Rebbe.