These are arranged in chronological order. Please scroll down to the end for the most recent recording, which is highlighted.

The Alef Kabbala Group (4 January 2011)explored an unedited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1980 concerning Sedra Bo, presenting a fascinating perspective on Jewish life and consciousness, in terms of drawing constantly on the Primeval Radiance of the First Day of Creation. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (11 January 2011)explored an unedited discourse "I have come into My Garden", taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1971 commemorating the 10th Shevat, the Yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe, discussing the goal of existence from the Divine point of view. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (18 January 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Yitro taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984. At the Giving of the Torah the Essence of the Divine was revealed, in the simplest aspects of life.Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (25 January 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Mishpatim taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. After the Giving of the Torah, Moses ascended the mountain, coming close to the Divine. We mirror that closeness to the Divine in the details of our own daily lives. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (1 February 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Terumah taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984, on verses from the Haftorah when Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh. These speak of 'heaven and earth' and the discourse explores this polarity in terms of service of the Divine. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (8 February 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Tetzaveh taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1967, on the verse "You shall make an altar for incense" (Ex.30:1) revealing a beautiful dynamic in our relationship with the Divine. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (15 February 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Ki Tisa taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. The Jewish people donate half a Shekel, through dedicating themselves to G-d, and G-d responds with the other half Shekel. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (22 February 2011)explored an unedited discourse for Sedra Vayakhel taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1954. Moses tells the people about Shabbat. Then follow the instructions to make the Sanctuary. This leads to the idea that the work prohibited on Shabbat is the kind of work which went into making the Sanctuary, the "39 Categories of Work". The discourse explores the nature of work, and its source in spiritual realms. To see the text of the discourse click here , and click to download or click icon to play.

Studio presentation of an unedited discourse for Sedra Pekudei taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1970. This explores the idea that there are two kinds of Sanctuary, and similarly differing levels of service of the Divine: of the emotions and of the mind, the lower level of Teshuvah and the higher. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Group (8 March 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Sedra Vayikra taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1976. This discusses the meaning of the small Alef in the opening word of the Sedra, Vayikra. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Group (15 March 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Purim taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. This discusses the idea from the Talmud that on Purim one should become so drunk that one cannot distinguish between 'Cursed is Haman' and 'Blesed is Mordechai'. Click to download or click icon to play.

A studio presentation of a second (unedited) discourse for Purim taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. This explores our relationship with evil, and the possibilities of elavating it and transforing it to good. Then one might attain the positive level of 'blessed is Haman".Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (29 March 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shabbat Tazria, Parshat HaChodesh taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. This explores, among other topics, the role of Joy in the spiritual relationshipo of the Jew with the Divine. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (3 May 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shabbat Emor, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984. This focuses on the beginning of Chapter Two of Pirkei Avot, which is studied this Shabbat. The theme is the 'path' which a person should choose. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (10 May 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shabbat Behar, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1980. The Sedra speaks of the Shabbat of the Land, and the discourse describes three aspects of Shabbat, which apply also to Torah study, marriage, and many aspects of life: a) that which exists, built in to nature; b) the result of the effort that one makes; c) a supernal dimension achieved through making 'a place of wholeness'. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (17 May 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shabbat Bechukotai, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984, just before Lag B'Omer. The opening verses express the way the person employs his or her thought, speech and action in service of the Divine. This is discussed in relation to the theme of Redemption, the quest to make this world into a dwelling for the Divine. Our thought, speech and action are a vital part of that process. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (24 May 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shabbat Bemidbar, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1957. This explores the Camp of the Jewish people in the Wilderness, arranged in four groups of Tribes round the Sanctuary. This pattern relates to the sacred Merkavah. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (31 May 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Shavuot, when the Torah was given, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984. This explores the nature of Torah, which descends through all the Worlds to the lowest level of the physical world, yet retains its essential holiness as the Word of G-d. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (14 June 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Sedra Shelach, taught in 1985, telling us about the Twelve Spies who gave a bad report about the Land of Israel. Surely the Spies were hand-picked by Moses? How could they have fallen into such error? The discourse discusses the idea taught by the first Chabad Rebbe that the Spies could not face the practical realities of entry into the Land. Hence they prefetred the spirituality of the desert. Rabbi Isaac Luria explained that the souls of the Spies were from the World of Thought. Click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (21 June 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Sedra Korach, taught in 1957, which teaches about the different spiritual levels in existence, and the task to reveal G-dliness in the world and in daily life. In this context one is able to understand Korach's claim as a false attempt to divide life into 'sacred' and 'profane' and to deny the possibility that they can be joined. Click to download pdf notes Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (28 June 2011) studied an unedited discourse for Sedra Chukat, taught in 1984. That Shabbat was Rosh Chodesh Tammuz. The discourse speaks of the nature of Shabbat, in which existence is elevated to the world of Thought, and Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, when the World of Action acquires a new significance. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (5 July 2011) studied the last discourse which the late Lubavitcher Rebbe edited before his stroke in 1992 and subsequent passing away on 3 Tammuz 5754 (1994). This presents the concept of the role of Moses and subsequent leaders of the Jewish people, not just as bearers of the Law but also as figures who join the Jewish people to the Divine and to each other. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (12 July 2011) studied a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on 12 Tammuz, 1978. This date commemorates the liberation in 1927 of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Schneersohn, from arrest and condemnation to death for his organising clandestine Jewish education and religious life throughout the Soviet Union. At the time, many regarded his release as nothing short of miraculous, and this discourse explores the nature of miracles. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala group (26 July 2011) studied a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for Sedra Mas'ei in 1984. This Sedra records the 42 'journeys' of the Jewish people from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Baal Shem Tov said each individual has 42 'journeys' in his or her life. The discourse explores the way the ancient journey in the Torah empowers each of us today to make that journey, transforming the world into a dwelling for the Divine. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

There were no meetings of the Alef Kabbala group in August 2011 but here is a 'studio' presentation of a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Nachamu (Shabbat of Comfort) in 1985, on the Shabbat after the Fast of Ninth Av, when Sedra Va-Etchanan is read. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

On 15 August 2011 a little study group took place on vacation in North Wales, studying part of a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for Sedra Ekev in 1957. The discourse quotes a Midrash which accuses Adam, Jacob and the Jewish people of 'complaining', feeling that they are forsaken or even forgotten by G-d. Ultimately, of course, all is for the best. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (6 Sept 2011) explored a discourse for Shabbat Vayetze said in 1967, interpreting the verse 'do not plough with an ox and a donkey together'. The Hebrew word for 'donkey', Hamor, is the name of the man whose son seduced (or raped) Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. Various interpretations are presented of the interface between this verse and the story of Dinah,linking to the personal struggle within each individual and the month of Elul, before Rosh Hashana. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (13 Sept 2011) explored a discourse for Shabbat Ki Tavo, 18 Elul, said in 1957. 18 Elul is the birthday of both the Baal Shem Tov (in 1698) and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (in 1745). A teaching by the Baal Shem Tov explains the opening verse of the Sedra in terms of reaching for intense spirituality and the task to contian it and bring it 'down' into this world in a settled way. The discourse explores this and a passage from the Zohar about the special quality of great Sages such as Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (20 Sept 2011) explored a discourse for Shabbat Nitzavim said in 1979. This emphasises the bond between each individual and the Essence of the Divine, linking with the theme of Rosh Hashanah, recognising anew the Kingship of G-d. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (27 Sept 2011) explored a discourse for Rosh Hashana said in 1981. This discusses the meaning of the Shofar we blow today, and the 'Great Shofar' which will be blown on Rosh Hashana in the time of Moshiach. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (4 October 2011) explored a 'non-edited' discourse for 6 Tishrei, between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, said in 1970. This discusses the close relationship of the individual with the Divine at this unique time of year. A step of surrender to G-d has the power to transform the universe. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (11 October 2011) explored a discourse said shortly before Succot in 1982, and edited for publication in 1986. This explains the focus of the Succah and the Four Species of plant: Unity. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (1 November 2011) explored a discourse for Sedra Lech Lecha in 1983. This concerns the circumcision of Abraham which begins the distinction between Jew and non-Jew. At the same time this opens the possibility of conversion to Judaism. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (8 November 2011) explored a discourse for Sedra Vayera said in 1987. This discusses the hospitality of Abraham as described in the Torah and Midrash, leading to a profound presentation of the perception of the Essence of the Divine in the world, the redemptive vision that all is One. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (15 November 2011) explored a discourse for Sedra Chayei Sara said in 1976 and published in edited form in 1989. This discusses the Divine blessing to Abraham 'in everything'. The Zohar says this means a blessing 'from the place from which all blessings come'. What are the steps towards receiving this kind of blessing,and how might that affect us today? Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (22 November 2011) studied a discourse for Sedra Toledot said in 1967 and published in edited form in 1989. This discusses Isaac's blessing to Jacob: 'May G-d (Elokim) grant you the dew of heaven...' Why is the Divine Name Elokim used, which usually signifies Severity? Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (29 November 2011) studied the first half of an 'unedited' discourse for Sedra Vayetzei said in 1987. This interprets the verse near the end of the Parsha, 'And Laban got up early and kissed his sons and daughters' (Gen.32:1) as providing a teaching for each individual in our spiritual relationship with the Divine. When we 'get up early' and pray the morning prayers we access an infinite level of Divine 'brightness', relating to Laban's name which means 'white' and is called by the Kabbalists 'the upper brightness'. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (6 December 2011) studied the second half of the discourse for Sedra Vayetzei of 1987 which was studied last week. This focuses on three 'graded' dimensions of existence decribed in the Lurianic Kabbalah, and the way the task of the Jew is to reach beyond those levels and reveal the Essence of the Divine in this world.Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (13 December 2011) studied a discourse for Sedra Vayeshev said in 1957, starting with a verse emphasising the power of generously giving Tzedaka (Ps.112:9). Tzedaka draws a radiance from beyond the downchaining of worlds, and causes it to be revealed at the lowest level of physical existence.Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (10 January 2012) studied a discourse for Sedra Shemot said in 1953, starting with a verse from the end of Song of Songs: 'You who dwell in the Gardens.. flee, my Beloved, to mountains of spices'. The discourse reveals this verse as a fascinating window to spiritual realms. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (17 January 2012) studied a discourse for Sedra Va'era said in 1958, starting with a verse from the near the beginning of the Sedra, "Therefore tell the Children of Israel..." G-d is instructing Moses to tell the Jewish people that they will be redeemed from Egypt. Four expressions are used, concerning Redemption: hence we have four cups of wine at the Pesach Seder. The discourse explores this idea on several different levels. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (24 January 2012) studied a discourse for Sedra Bo said in 1984, starting with the verse describing the Exodus: "And it was on the essence of that day.." (Ex.12:41). The discourse explores the nature of the Exodus on a subtle, spiritual level. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (31 January 2012, 7 Shevat) studied a discourse for 10th Shevat, the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak and the beginning of the leadership of his son-in-law and successor, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. This discourse was said in 1952, and it focuses on the second chapter of the original discourse taught by Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak. It concerns the concept of bringing an offering as it applies to the inner, spiritual Sanctuary. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (7 February 2012, eve of 15 Shevat) studied a discourse for Sedra Yitro, said in 1985. The Zohar says that Yitro's acknowledgement of G-d was an important step before the Giving of the Torah. Why? Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (14 February 2012 studied a discourse for Parshat Shekalim (Sedra Mishpatim), said in 1958. The half Shekel donated every year to the Temple went to fund the communal offerings. Today our communal Prayer corresponds to the offerings. The discourse reveals dimensions of yearning in Prayer, not only the prayer of the individual, but also that of the Tenth Sefira, Malchut, the spiritual inwardness of the Jewish People. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (21 February 2012) studied a discourse for Parshat Terumah said in 1986. This opens with a verse from the Song of Songs (8:1) 'If only you were my brother.. I would meet you outside and kiss you...'. The discourse explores the concept of 'outside' in our relationship with the Divine, which can lead to the greater intimacy of the 'kiss'. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (28 February 2012) studied a discourse for Parshat Zachor, Remembering Amalek, said on Shabbat Parshat Tetzaveh 1985. This explores the present-day spiritual significance of 'Amalek', which is explained as a kind of 'coldness' which can affect otherwise very observant Jews. This discourse presents ways to go beyond this and live in a wholesome and inspired way, appreciating the presence of the Divine. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (13 March 2012) studied a discourse for Parshat Parah (and Vyakhel-Pekudei), the passage about the Red Heifer, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1958. This explains the significance of the Red Heifer in comparison to that of the ordinary Offerings in the Temple. The Daily Offerings, like the Mitzvot of the Torah, reveal the 'Garden of Eden'. On a higher level are the Offerings and the Mitzvot themselves. Even higher is the Red Heifer, which has a transformative effect of Repentance and Purification. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (20 March 2012) studied a discourse which was said on 11 Nisan, shortly before Pesach, in 1985. This focuses on the verse from Micah (7:15) 'Like the days of your going out of Egypt I will show you wonders'. Why is the word 'days' in the plural? Didn't the Jewish people leave Egypt in just one day? The answer is, says the discourse, that every day from the time of the Exodus, until the time of the Messiah, is an opportunity to leave Egypt. Our entire lives are a day be day journey away from the limitations of Egypt, each day a step closer to the Promised Land. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (17 April 2012) studied a discourse which was said on the final day of Pesach in 1958. The Haftorah on this day (outside Israel)concerns the coming of the Messiah and states that G-d will 'split the River into seven channels' (Isaiah 11:15). The discourse compares the withdrawal of the waters and revelation of land during Creation, the Splitting of the Sea at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, and the future Splitting of the River. These all concern the relationship between the physical realsms and the spiritual. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (25 April 2012) studied a discourse which was said on Shabbat Tazria-Metzora in 1988. The discourse explores the idea of opposites, and the way in everything negative there is something positive. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (1 May 2012) studied a discourse which was said on Shabbat Acharei-Kedoshim in 1985. The discourse explores the idea of the 'table' of a person, where one eats, makes blessings, has guests, and sometimes studies Torah. This is comapred with the Altar in the Temple, rvealing the sacred in daily life. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (8 May 2012) studied a discourse which was said on Lag B'Omer in 1985, and was later edited and published for Lag B'Omer 1988. It focuses on the spiritual significance of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar, whose Yahrzeit is remembered in the celebrations of Lag B'Omer. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (15 May 2012) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai in 1958. It discusses the concept of Counting the Omer as the step between leaving Egypt and reveiving the Torah at Sinai. The discourse explains the meaning of the combinations of Sefirot such as Kindness of Kindness, Severity of Kindness, and so on. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (22 May 2012) studied a discourse said on Shavuot in 1958. It discusses the concept of drawing close to G-d by studying Torah, which connects the Essence of the individual with the Essence of the Divine. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (5 June 2012) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Behaalotecha in 1969. This describes the way that, through Torah and Mitzvot, the soul is connected with G-d. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (12 June 2012) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Shelah in 1958. This gives a very unusual twist to the story of the Spies. Moses sent them into the Land of Israel in order to transform the Land. This kabbalistic perspective helps us understand various aspects of relationships in general. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (19 June 2012) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Chukat in 1985. This explains that there are different levels of Torah - the Tablets from Sinai, the Written Torah, Oral Torah, and more. These are reflected in the life of each individual. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (3 July 2012, 13 Tammuz) studied a discourse said on 12 Tammuz 1958, focusing on the verse 'Who can count the dust of Jacob' from Sedra Balak. The discourse explores the nature of 'Jacob', the Jewish people. The Midrash says that when the Jewish people are cast down to the dust, then davka they burst forth with great energy and power. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (10 July 2012, 13 Tammuz) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Parshat Pinchas 1958, focusing on a verse from the Haftorah. This explains aspects of the service of the Animal Soul, the lower part of the person, which can become very exalted. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (17 July 2012) studied a discourse said on Shabbat Parshat Mattot-Mas'ey 1962, focusing on a verse from Hagai concerning the greatness of the 'latter Temple'. This is explored in terms of the Third Temple and the ultimate Redemption. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (24 July 2012) discused a discourse said on Shabbat Parshat Devarim in 1971, which, as this year, was 9th of Av (and the Fast was deferred to Sunday). The discourse takes the opening verse of the Book of Lamentations, which is chanted mournfully on the Ninth of Av, and gives it a new, positive, interpretation. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (4 September 2012) discused a discourse said on Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo in 1985. The Sedra speaks of our entering the Land of Israel, which G-d gives us, as a gift, and which is our inheritance. The idea of entering the Land, and the differing aspects of Gift and Inheritance, are explored in images of the variety of dimensions of soul relating to each individual man and woman, differing aspects of the Divine, the Rosh Hashana service, and the ways in which we relate to the Divine. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (11 September 2012) discused a discourse said on Shabbat Parshat Nitzavim in 1959. The theme is Rosh Hashana. One aspect of the festival is repentance, another is becoming a vessel for a Divine flow which will be the basis of our relationship with G-d for the coming year.. Click to download audio file or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (16 October 2012)explored an unedited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1960, during the week of Sedra Lech Lecha, but it also relates to Sedra Noach. It starts with the statement in the Talmud (Berachot 31a) that 'A person should not leave his friend, except with words of Halachah, because through that he remembers him'. This becomes an image for the Tzimtzum, the veiling ('departure') of the Divine. Through Halachah, the inwardness of Torah, the Divine is again revealed. This in turn relates to G-d 'remembering' Noah, and the Covenants with him, with Abraham and with Moses. To see the text of the discourse click here , and click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (23 October 2012)explored an unedited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1985, during the week of Sedra Lech Lecha. It discusses Abraham's journey from Haran to the Land of Israel, from Israel down to Egypt, and from Egypt back to Israel. Some of these journeys can be considered moving 'upwards', spiritually; others are moving 'downwards'. What do these journeys mean in our own lives? To see the text of the discourse click here , and click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (30 October 2012)explored an unedited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1952, on Shabbat of Sedra Vayera. This concerns the way Abraham stood 'under the tree' with the three angels, and they ate. The discourse reveals profound levels of meaning in this image. To see the text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.