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.
This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vayera, 5748 (1988). The Sedra tells us that Abraham planted an Eshel (inn) and called on the Name of the Tetragrammaton, G-d of the Universe. Drawing on the Previous Rebbe's discourse, the Rebbe explains the connection: after guests ate at Abraham's inn, he redirected their thanks to G-d, causing them to recognise the Divine. The discourse asks why Abraham used the Tetragrammaton rather than the Name Elokim when teaching about the Creator.
This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vayera, 18 Cheshvan, 5725 (1964). The Haftorah tells of the widow who came to the Prophet Elisha with a bitter cry, and whose small flask of oil miraculously multiplied to fill many vessels. Rabbi Shneur Zalman explained this story in terms of the cry of the soul to G-d, and the discourse explores how the soul's deep cry breaks through all concealment and draws down an unlimited flow of divine abundance.
This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vayera, 5713 (1953). The Sedra describes the three angels visiting Abraham, and the Torah says he stood over them while they ate. The discourse explores this deliberate phrasing, asking how angels eat, and uses it to discuss the concept of eating in a spiritual sense. Just as offerings in the Temple represented the elevation of the physical into the divine, Abraham's hospitality enabled the angels to interact with and elevate the physical world.