THE REBBE'S DISCOURSES

A collection of summaries of a selection of the discourses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, delivered over decades of the Rebbe's leadership.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
This Week Parashat Ha’azinu Shabbat Shuva / Erev Yom Kippur / Yom Kippur
Alone with G-d (Vayelech 5723)
5723 (≈ 1962-1963)

This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Shuva, Parshat Vayelech, 5723 (1962). When the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, the Torah requires that he be completely alone; the Jerusalem Talmud adds that not even angels were permitted there. The discourse, drawing on the Tzemach Tzedek, explains that this unique solitude is because the revelation at that moment transcends even the angelic worlds, reaching the level of the Divine Essence itself.

Alone With G-D
5723 (≈ 1962-1963)

This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Shuva, Parshat Vayelech, 5723 (1962). When the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, the Torah requires that he be completely alone; the Jerusalem Talmud adds that not even angels were permitted there. The discourse, drawing on the Tzemach Tzedek, explains that this unique solitude is because the revelation at that moment transcends even the angelic worlds, reaching the level of the Divine Essence itself.

Shuva Yisrael
5730 (≈ 1969-1970)

This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Shuva (Shabbat of Repentance), 5730 (1969). The Haftorah begins 'Return Israel to Hashem your G-d, take with you words and return to G-d', and the discourse asks why the higher name 'Israel' rather than 'Jacob' is used when addressing people who have sinned. It explores multiple dimensions of repentance, including the concept of verbal prayer as a substitute for Temple offerings.

Jewish Holidays

Chassidic Holidays