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.

The Alef Kabbala Group (6 November 2012)explored an unedited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1965, on Shabbat of Sedra Chayei Sara. This discusses the end of Psalm 106, which speaks of 'worlds': |This World, and the World to Come. How do these relate, kabbalistically? What is the role of the Jew in their relationship? To see the text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (13 November 2012)explored an edited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1967, on Shabbat of Sedra Toledot. This discusses the blessing which Isaac gave his son Jacob (thinking he was Esau). The discourse explores the question of why Isaac wanted to bless Esau, even though his lack of piety was apparent. We discover different dimensions of blessing, reaching to the most exalted heights of the Infinite... To see the text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (20 November 2012)explored a non-edited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1965, on Shabbat of Sedra Vayetze. Jacob going to Haran, a place of negativity, with the purpose of illuminating the darkness, represents the journey of every individual. To see the text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (27 November 2012)explored an edited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1965, on 19 Kislev. This date is called the 'Rosh Hashana of Chassidism' and is seen as expressing a heavenly approval to the ideal of spreading the inner teachings of Torah - Chassidic teachings - to the widest reaches in society. This discourse speaks of the effect of these inner teachings, transforming all humanity and the world, achieving universal revelation of the Divine. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (18 December 2012) explored an edited discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in December 1975. The Sedra speaks of Judah coming near to Joseph, which the Zohar explains as a particular moment in daily prayer, as one begins the Amidah. Judah represents the stillness of the Amidah, and Joseph expresses the positive emotion of the prayers leading up to the Amidah. These two aspects are explained in the discourse as the Sefirot Malchut (Kingship) and Yesod (Foundation). At a further stage, Kingship expresses the Essence, and the emotional flow of Yesod means spiritual revelation and experience. This is beautiful, but in ultimate terms, the Essence is higher. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (14 January 2013) explored the famous discourse 'Bati LeGani', meaning 'I have come into My Garden'. This was published by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak to be studied on 10 Shevat 5710 (January 1950). On that day Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak passed away and this discourse became his last statement to his followers and to the Jewish people. The discourse describes the goal of Creation- that the world should be a 'Garden' where the Divine presence dwells, together with and within every man and woman. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (21 January 2013) studied the Rebbe's Bati LeGani discourse of 1973 which focuses on the third chapter of the original Bati LeGani discourse of 1950. This chapter examines the nature of transgression and reveals that it is based on subtle kaabalistic aspects of the Divine creation of Light. If the source of transgression is Light, repentance is not far way... To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (12 February 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for Sedra Terumah of 1983. This focuses on the idea of the Sanctuary which, the Sages tell us, is eternal. In which way is it eternal? Weren't the two Temples destroyed? The discourse explains that in terms of the spiritual Temple above, and the Temple that we create here through our own service of G-d, through Torah study and Mitzvot, the Temple is indeed eternal. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (19 February 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for Sedra Tetzaveh of 1966. This discusses two items of clothing worn by the High Priest: the Efod, and the Breastplate of Judgement. These represent two aspects of service of the Divine: self control, and inspiration. Interestingly, it is self-control which taps the higher spiritual source. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (26 February 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for Sedra Ki Tisah of 1966. This concerens the Red Heiffer and focuses on the power to change impure to pure, darkness to light, bitter to sweet. This is the responsibility of every Jew. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (4 March 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for Sedra Vayakhel-Pekudei of 1966. That Shabbat (as this year) an extra Torah Scroll was read, the passage beginning 'This month shall be for you the head of the monthjs..." (Exodus 12:2). This passage sets the stage for the Exodus from Egypt. The discourse oncerns the Going out of Egypt on a cosmic level. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (9 April 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for Sedra Tazria-Metzora of 1987. This began with the words from Song of Songs: "A locked garden". The Jewish people are committed to G-d as a bride is committed to her groom, symbolized by a locked garden. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (16 April 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse published in Dvar Malchus. This was actually said on Shabbat Parshat Emor in 1965, beginning with the words 'I will be sanctified..'. The theme is sanctity, holiness, relating also to the second Sedra of the double Sedra this week: Kedoshim, 'be holy'. The concept of Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh, said three times, is explained. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (23 April 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse taught on Lag B'Omer, 1962. This begins with a verse from Psalms (133:1) about how good and pleasant it is when brothers sit together. This verse relates to a story in the Zohar about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, whose Yarzeit is on Lag B'Omer (Sunday 28 April 2013). The discourse teaches of the unity of souls with each other, whether bride and groom, the Jewish people as a whole, and being bonded with the Divine. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (30 April 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse taught on Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai, 1966. This explores the relationship between the physical sustenance provided by G-d, 'parnasa', and our efforts to serve G-d. Sometimes our 'parnasa', physical sustenance, expresses a very exalted manifestation of the Divine. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (7 May 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse taught on Shabbat Bemidbar, 1966. This discusses a verse from the Haftorah in Hosea (ch.2), which speaks of the 'number' of the Jewish people, being beyond number. This leads to a discussion of the relationship of the finite and the infinite, and the task to draw the infinite into the finite, which is the inner meaning of the Giving of the Torah. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (21 May 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse taught on Shabbat Behaalotecha , 1967. This discusses a verse from the Haftorah in Zaharia 2:14 which speaks of the 'daughter of Zion', refering to the Jewish people. This leads to an exploration of the relationship of the Jewish people with the Divine, using feminine imagery - daughter, sister... To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (28 May 2013) studied the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse taught on Shabbat Shelach, 1983. This discusses the passage in the Sedra concerning the Libations (ch.15), which accompany each offering. This apparently obscure theme becomes a route to understand basic concepts about our relationship with the Divine. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (11 June 2013) studied the last discourse edited by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, in honour of his Yahrzeit (3 Tammuz). This focuses on the verse 'And you (Moses) should command the Jewish people' and presents the ideal of what Moses and subsequent Jewish leaders seek to achieve: to connect the Jewish people to G-d. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (18 June 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966. This starts with the verse in Sedra Balak 'who can count the dust of Jacob' (Num.23:10) and presents a fascinating discussion of the task of the indivdiual Soul in the world. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (2 July 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966. This discusses the beginning of Sedra Mattot in which Moses speaks to the heads of the Tribes and instructs them in laws concerning Vows. Vows of this kind usually mean a vow to deny oneself something. The Jersusalem Talmud asks: Why should a person make a vow? Surely there are already enough prohibitions in the Torah! The discourse provides a fascinating discussion of this theme. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (9 July 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1973 on the theme of Lamentations, which is recited on the Fast of the Ninth of Av. "Remember oh G-d what has happened to us" (Lamentations 5:1) is explained in several different ways, all ultimately positive. Instead of the darkness of Exile, the discourse reveals the light and redemption. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (27 August 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1983 on the Shabbat of Sedra Nitzavim-Vayelech. The discourse focuses on the Hatorah which speaks of joy, and explores the relavnce of joy to Rosh Hashanah, usually seen as a very serious festival. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (3 September 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 on the Shabbat of Sedra Haazinu, which like this year, was the Shabbat after Rosh Hashana, Shabbat Shuva. The theme of the discourse is the opening phrase of Psalm 130 'Shir Hamalot, a Song of ascents, from the depths I call You..'. The 'depths' are the depths of the individual and the depths of the Divine. A fascinating teaching... To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (10 September 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 on Shabbat Shuva. This discourse explores the theme of Teshuvah (Repentance) as the joining of two Divine Names, one expressing fragmentation (Elokim) and the other (Hashem) expressing unity. This is the inner meaning of the declaration 'Hashem is Elokim' said seven times at Neilah, the climactic finale of Yom Kippur. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (17 September 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 during the Festival of Succot, describing the intense joy of Succot in terms of the spiritual revelations on Yom Kippur. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (1 October 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 on Shabbat Parshat Noah, which was Rosh Chodesh, as it is this year. In the time of the Messiah, every Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh will be times of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The discourse explains the goals of daily existence and the special atmosphere of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and the Festivals, now and in the future. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (8 October 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1984 on Shabbat Parshat Lech Lecha. This discusses the circumcision of Abraham and its relation to his being 'the father of many nations'. The discourse discusses the relationship of Jew to non-Jew and the special quality of the proselyte to Judaism. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (22 October 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1984 for Parshat Chayei Sarah. This discusses the idea that G-d blessed Abraham 'in everything'. What does that mean? That he gained mastery over his desires. The discourse explores this concept in a fascinating way. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (29 October 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1986 on the Shabbat of Toledot, which was later edited by the Rebbe. This explores the idea that Yitzhak planted and reaped a hundredfold. The concept of 'planting' is discussed on spiritual levels. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (12 November 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 on the Shabbat of Vayishlach. This has the theme that Torah study helps maintain the world in existence. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (19 November 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 on 19 Kislev, the 'Rosh Hashana of Hasidism' on the theme of redeeming the soul from exile. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (10 December 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1966 for Sedra Vayechi. The theme is the journey of the Soul into This World in order to 'live'. To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.

The Alef Kabbala Group (17 December 2013) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught in 1968 for Sedra Shemot. G-d says "Who gave a mouth to man?" What does this mean? To see the pointed Hebrew text of the discourse click here , and for the audio file, click to download or click icon to play.