page9AlefArchive

These are arranged in chronological order. Please scroll down for the more recent recordings.

Alef Discussion (Dec. 2005): "Vayetze 5722 Veshavti Beshalom" a discourse said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1962.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO VAYETZE 1962

Alef Discussion (Jan. 2006): "Shemot 5736" CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SHEMOT 5736

Alef Discussion (Feb.2006): "Bati Legani" - a basic Chassidic discourse CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "BATI LEGANI"

Alef Discussion (April 2006): "Vehigadeta 5735". A discourse about the FOUR SONS in the Haggada. The duty to tell the story of the Exodus is focused on the fourth son (or daughter) - the one who does not know how to ask. This is the lowest level. By seeking to reach the lowest level,we elevate everyone else as well. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A DISCOURSE ABOUT THE FOUR SONS

Alef Discussion (May 2006): "Ketonet Bad Kodesh 5736", relating to Sedra Acharei Mot. A discourse about the four white linen GARMENTS OF THE HIGH PRIEST worn when he entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. These represent the four letters of the Divine Name. The spiritual level and effect of each garment is explained. Each individual in a private sense wears these 'garments' as part of their own personal relationship with the Divine.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE GARMENTS OF THE HIGH PRIEST

Alef Discussion (May 2006): "I am Hashem your G-d" - a discourse of the eve of SHAVUOT 1989. This discusses the fact that the opening words of the Ten Commandments speak of G-d as having taken the Jewish people out of Egypt. Why not speak of G-d as Creator of Heaven and Earth? In fact, through the Giving of the Torah at Sinai the ability was imparted to see the spirituality of existence and also to experience the teachings of Torah as continually being communicated from G-d. Yet in order to reach the Giving of the Torah the Jewish people had to go through the darkness and limitation of Egypt, from which G-d brought them to freedom.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SHAVUOT 1989 DISCOURSE

Alef Discussion (May 2006) about the theme of the 'SOTAH'(Numbers 5:12) and the connection with SHAVUOT.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "SOTA AND SHAVUOT"

Alef Discussion (June 2006) about the theme of the Spies in Sedra Shelach (see Numbers chs.13-14). Rabbi Shneur Zalman's 'Likkutei Torah' presents a somewhat positive view of the Spies. They were very spiritual people, and this is why they prefered to stay in the desert, rather than enter the Land of Israel, where they would have to be involved with the practicalities of agricultural life. The Rebbe asks how does this spiritual view of them fit with the more basic view that they lacked faith in G-d? The answer discusses the distinction between the spiritual 'root' of something, which is always positive, and the lower manifestation, which might be severely negative. This distinction applies in many different instances, and this helps one understand the nature of one's challenge in life.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "SHELACH, THE NATURE OF THE SPIES"

Alef Kabbala Group Discussion (Sept.2006): "ROSH HASHANA THAT FALLS ON SHABBAT" (SHM Tishrei p.17). This discourse, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1972, explores the fact that we do not blow the Shofar when Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat. The Shofar draws 'delight' into the world. Shabbat itself expresses delight. This discourse helps us appreciate the force of Rosh Hashana and the Shofar for the coming year. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "ROSH HASHANA THAT FALLS ON SHABBAT"

Alef Kabbala Group (26 Sept 06), discussing the Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse for YOM KIPPUR "And No Man shall be in the Temple [at the moment when the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies]"(Lev.16:17) 5723 (SHM Tishrei p74). The Jerusalem Talmud explains this means even no angel would be in the Temple at that time. An earlier discourse by Rabbi Menachem Mendel the Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866) says this implies that when the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies he is in a realm beyond the down-chaining of the spiritual worlds. At that exalted level all sins are atoned. Our discourse, taught in 1962, explores this theme and takes us to higher and higher levels of holiness.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "YOM KIPPUR 5723"

Alef Kabbala Group Succot Party in the Succah (10 Oct.2006) with SOLO VIOLIN by YOSSI NEGIN: "SIMCHAT TORAH 1976" (SHM Tishrei p.203). This discourse, taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Simchat Torah in 1976, speaks of the exalted nature of the dancing and joy on Simchat Torah, which surpass even the joy of the Simchat Beit Hashoevah (Joy of the Waterdrawing). During the Joy of Waterdrawing celebration in the Temple, only the great Sages would dance, others would look on. On Simchat Torah, the dancing and joy is for everyone, men women and children. On Simchat Torah true unity is achieved.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Simchat Torah 1976"

Alef Kabbala group exploring a discourse on Bereishit, 17 Oct 06. This discourse "Bereishit bara Elokim 5720" (not mugah) was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1959. It explains the word 'bara', usually translated as 'created', as the Baal Shem Tov does, meaning 'heal' and 'reveal'. Through the Jewish people fulfilling their service, by means of the Torah, the universe is healed and its inner radiance is revealed. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on Bereishit 1959"
The Alef Kabbala group explored a discourse on NOAH 1990, 24 Oct 06. This discourse "These are the Generations of Noah 5751" (mugah) was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1990. The name Noah means 'rest'. The discourse links Noah to Shabbat. The word Noah appears twice in the verse, relating to two aspects of Shabbat. Shabbat eve, expressing the rest of the body, and Shabbat day, expressing the rest of the soul. There is also a further level, on Shabbat afternoon, Mincha time, which unifies the earlier two, and joins the essence of the soul with the Essence of the Divine. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on Noah 1990"
The Alef Kabbala group explored a discourse on LECH LECHA, 31 Oct 06. This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1977. Since the Rebbe had suffered a heart attack a few weeks previously, he taught this discourse from his room. Later the Rebbe edited the discourse.G-d tells Abram to "go.." Is this going, this movement, from above to below, or from below to above, or both?CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on Lech Lecha 1977"
The Alef Kabbala group explored a discourse on VAYERA, 7 Nov 06. This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1976, and later was edited by the Rebbe for publication. G-d says about Abraham that he teaches his household "to keep the path of G-d.. to do righteousness and justice". The discourse explores the concept of the path of G-d. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON VAYERA 1976"
The Alef Kabbala group explored a discourse on CHAYEI SARA, 14 Nov 06. This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1990, and later was edited by the Rebbe for publication. Sara was 127 years old when she passed away. The numbers are written separately in the Torah: 100 years, 20 years, 7 years. The discourse explores the significance of these numbers for every person. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on Chayei Sara 1990"
The Alef Kabbala group (21 Nov 06) explored a discourse on the theme FREEDOM IN PEACE, based on a verse from Psalms, Pada beshalom Nafshi, "G-d has redeemed my life in peace". This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1985, and later was edited by the Rebbe for publication. It relates to the 'Festival of Redemption' of various Chabad-Lubavitch leaders who were imprisoned by the Tsar or later by the Communists. The discourse explores the theme of 'peace', moving from the lower concept of conquest to a higher concept that one's enemies genuinely become one's friends.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON FREEDOM IN PEACE"
The Alef Group (12 Dec 06) discussed a discourse on Miracles, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1954 (5715). This discourse was published 'mugah' in 1990.It speaks of different aspects of the Divine relationship with existence, giving rise to different dimensions: that of Nature, and that which is higher than Nature, the miraculous.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON MIRACLES 1954"

The Alef Group (19 Dec 06) had a Chanuka party, with Rabbi Zvi Telsner, Tali Loewenthal and Yosi Negin playing violin. There was also some discussion of a discourse said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe after Shabbat Miketz, 1977. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "ALEF CHANUKA PARTY"
The Alef Group (9 Jan 07) discussed a discourse on Sedra Shemot, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1988 (5748). This discourse, edited by the Rebbe and published in 1990 for 24 Tevet, starts with the verse which opens the Haftorah: "Vehabaim yashresh Yaakov". The discourse explains that Mitzvot have two effects: the revelation of the exalted spiritual root of one's soul, and also the transformation of darkness to light, through the fact that Mitzvot are carried out in the physical world which in itself often conceals the Divine. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON SHEMOT 1988"

The Alef Kabbala group (16 Jan 07) explored a discourse on VA'ERA. This discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1972. Two years later the Rebbe edited the discourse and it was published in honour of the Yartzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, 24 Tevet. The discourse discusses the way the beginning of Va'era contrasts Moses and the Patriarchs, in terms of the distinction between Torah study in all its varieties and the dedication to G-d achieved through prayer. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO the DISCOURSE ON VA'ERA 1972
The Alef Group (23 Jan 07) discussed a discourse on Sedra Bo, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1981 (5741). This 'unedited' discourse starts with Moses telling the Israelites in Egypt that on the tenth of the month (Nisan) they should take a lamb, which will be the Pascal lamb. The Zohar comments on the form of the word 'tenth' and leads to the idea that the ten days of Nisan represent the Ten Sefirot. This also links to the current month of Shevat, and the significance of 10 Shevat, the anniversary of the passing of the Previous Rebbe in 1950.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON BO 1981"

The Alef Kabbala group (30 Jan.07) explored a discourse called Bati Legani, meaning "I have Come into My Garden". This unedited discourse was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1988, on 10 Shevat, the yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Schneersohn, who passed away in 1950. Before Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak passed away he issued a discourse called Bati LeGani. He asked that this should be studied by his followerrs on 10 Shevat (the Yahrzeit of his grandmother Rivka). On that day he passed away, and his final discourse Bati LeGani became his final statement to the world. Each year on 10 Shevat his successor, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson would teach a discourse beginning Bati LeGani, expounding the original discourse. This speaks of the Divine Presence being in the physical world after Creation, in the Garden of Eden. Successive sins made it depart, and then seven Tzaddikim - beginning with Abraham - succeeded in drawing it back towards the world. Moses was the seventh and he completed the task, and the Divine Presence was revealed in the Sanctuary which he built. It is also present in the heart of each individual, in their own personal Sanctuary and Temple. The task of each individual is to build their own personal Temple, and G-d grants a tremendous wealth of Torah teaching, especially the inner dimension of Torah, the kabbalistic-Chassidic dimension, in order to help one achieve this task. The climax of the building of each person's individual Temple will be the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem with the coming of the Messiah.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "BATI LEGANI 5748 (1988)"
The Alef Kabbala Group (6 Feb 07) discussed a discourse on Sedra Yitro, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1974 (5734). This 'edited' discourse presents the idea that the Giving of the Torah, the central event in the Sedra, and indeed, in all history, dissolved the barrier between the spiritual and the physical, between heaven and earth. It was an event which transcended Time and spacial location, and is therefore in some sense eternally present everywhere. Thus whenever a person studies Torah there is a re-enactment of the Giving of the Torah, for the Divine speaks the words of Torah together with the person. This unique event also empowered the individual to make the physical world into a true 'vessel' for the Divine, which is achieved through the observance of the practical Mitzvot revealed at Sinai.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON YITRO 1974 CONCERNING THE GIVING OF THE TORAH AT SINAI"
The Alef Kabbala Group (13 Feb 07) discussed a discourse on Sedra Mishpatim, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1978 (5738). This 'edited' discourse explains the opening verses of the Sedra in general terms, as a statement about Torah study. The teachings of Torah are given to each person by Moses, throughout the generations, in such a way that they can be internalised. This leads to service of G-d in three modes, represented by the three kinds of servant alluded to in the Sedra: the Canaanite slave, the Hebrew servant and the Hebrew maidservant. These express three levels of dedication to to G-d, similar to the three levels described in Tanya: Rasha, Benoni, Tzaddik.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON MISHPATIM 1978 CONCERNING THE NATURE OF TORAH TEACHING AND THREE LEVELS OF DEDICATION TO G-D"
The Alef Kabbala Group (20 Feb 07) discussed a discourse on Sedra Teztave, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1981 (5741). This was the last discourse 'edited' by the Rebbe, in 1992, shortly before his stroke. The discourse explains the nature of leadership. Moshe is the paradigm of the Jewish leader, who bonds the Jewish people to G-d and to each other.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON SEDRA TETZAVE 1981 CONCERNING THE NATURE OF LEADERSHIP"
The Alef Kabbala Group (27 Feb 07) discussed a discourse said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1953 (5713) on Purim. This edited discourse asks why the festival celebrating how the Jewish people were saved from the evil plans of Haman is called 'Purim', a name which refers to the lots drawn by Haman to find the best month in which to attack the Jews. What is the special significance of the lots, Purim, which makes this the actual name of the festival? The answer leads us into the kabbalistic map of existence in which the downchaining of the Sefirot, from Wisdom to Kinship, are seen as in the realm of 'Reason', and then there are higher levels, beyond Wisdom and even beyond Will (Keter), which are higher than Reason. This is the exalted level of the 'lots', Purim. Both our festival Purim and Yom Kippur, called Yom kipurim, the day like Purim, tap this exalted level. Hence on Yom Kippur too, lots were drawn in the Temple service. From that exalted level comes atonement, cleansing all sin; on the Purim festival too, the Jewish people tap that exalted level,on account of their self-sacrifice for Judaism. Haman's decree was against 'the Jews', and they made no attempt to escape being considered 'Jews'. This dedication came from the essence of their souls, reaching the essence of the Divine. A further aspect of this discourse, which speaks in kabbalistic terms of the aims of Haman and his downfall, is that, in 1953, a few days after Purim,when this discourse was said, the evil dictator Stalin died. He too had terrible designs regarding the Jews of Russia, whom he wanted to send en masse to a remote eastern province. His sudden death meant the deliverance of the Jewish people. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON PURIM 1953"
The Alef Kabbala Group (6 Mar 07) explored a discourse on Sedra Ki Tisa, said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1968 (5728). This discusses the incense offered in the Temple, which is described in the Sedra. The incense reaches to the Essence, and has the power to transform the negative into the positive. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "DISCOURSE ON SEDRA KI TISA 1968 CONCERNING THE INCENSE"
The Alef Kabbala Group (13 Mar 07) discussed a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, beginning 'This month shall be for you the first of the months' (HaChodesh hazeh) said on Shabbat of the Sedra Vayakhel Pekudei, in 1987. These words begin the passage in the second Torah Scroll read on that Shabbat, when the coming month of Nisan is blessed. Rashi, at the beginning of his commentary on the Torah, declares that this is the real beginning of the Torah, as a book of halachic teaching. If so, what is the earlier part of the Torah? An account of the spirituality of existence. So the Torah divides in two: the account of the spirituality of existence, and the more ethereal teachings which guide the lives of the Jewish people. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on 'This month is to you the first of the months 1987'"
The Alef Kabbala Group (20 Mar 07) discussed a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Sedra Vayikra, said in 1972 (5732). Most of the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) concerns the korbanot, the offerings in the Sanctuary or Temple. The discourse explores the spiritual bond of the Jewish people with the Divine which gives them the spiritual power to bring the offerings in the Temple, which bring life and sustenance to the whole world. This relates also to the study of Torah, which likewise expresses an intimate bond with the Infinite.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on Sedra Vayikra 1972'"
The Alef Kabbala Group (27 Mar 07) discussed a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe entitled "Ki Yishalcha Bincha" 5738, "When your son will ask you in the future". This discourse concerns the Question of the Wise Son at the Seder (among the Four Sons), and the answer given by the father. At first sight his question seems very simple, given that he is called Wise. However, the discourse reveals further levels in the question and the answer, relevant to every Jew every day of the year. This discourse was said in 1978 on 11 Nisan shortly before Pesach, and it was edited by the Rebbe and published in 1990.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Discourse on the Question of the Wise Son 1978'"
The Alef Kabbala Group (17 Apr 07) explored a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe entitled "A Locked Garden" 1987, said on 3 Iyyar 5747. This discourse presents the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people as moving from 'betrothal' to 'marriage' during the course of leaving Egypt and then reaching Mount Sinai and receiving the Torah, celebrated by the Festival of Shavuot. The 'locked garden' expresses the dedication of the Jewish people to G-d. This discourse was edited by the Rebbe and published for the New Moon of Iyyar in 1990.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "A Locked Garden 1987"
The Alef Kabbala Group (23 Apr 07) explored a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe entitled "Be Holy..." 1961, said in 5721. This discourse explores the idea of reaching for holiness beyond the world yet, at the same time, drawing this spirituality into the normalcy of everyday life. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Be Holy..1961"
The Alef Kabbala Group (1 May 07) explored a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe entitled "Unveil My Eyes.." 5737, said in 1977. This discourse explores the meaning of Lag B'Omer, the celebration of the revelation of the inner, kabbalistic dimension of Torah. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "Unveil my eyes...1977"
The Alef Kabbala Group (8 May 07) explored a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe entitled "In the Third Month.." 5729, said in 1969. This discourse discusses the importance of Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the New Moon of Sivan, which leads to the Giving of the Torah and Shavuot on 6 Sivan. The discourse focuses on a question raised by Tosafot (Shabbat 86a 'uchetiv') and explores the two dimensions of selflessness and self in the receiving of the Torah. On the one hand to receive the Torah the self should be nullified; on the other hand, the goal is to make the self and the physical reality of the person's life, into a dwelling for the Divine. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "In the third month...1969"
The Alef Kabbala Group (15 May 07) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shavuot in 1969. It was edited and published in 1990. This discourse discusses the verse which introduces the Ten Commandments: "And G-d said these words, saying". What does 'saying' mean in this context? The discourse shows the tremendous force of the Giving of the Torah at Sinai as a watershed in history in terms of revealing the Divine in the physical self of each person.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE FOR SHAVUOT OF 1969
The Alef Kabbala Group (29 May 07) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Beha'alotecha in 1967. It was edited and published in 1990. The discourse discusses the verse which begins the Haftora "Sing and Rejoice, daughter of Zion", explaining the grandeur of the simple performance of the Mitzvot, which ultimately reaches the Essence of the Divine. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "SING AND REJOICE" 1967
The Alef Kabbala Group (12 June 07) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Korach in 1973. It was edited and published in 1990. The discourse discusses the staff of Aaron which blossoms with almonds. This expresses the special power of the Priestly blessing. The discourse explores the nature of blessings given by Priests and Tzaddikim, and the requests to G-d for blessing in the daily prayers. Why is this needed, if G-d has already blessed each person on Rosh Hashanah? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT BLESSINGS 1973
The Alef Kabbala Group (19 June 07, 3 Tammuz, the Yahrzeit of the Rebbe) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Tetzaveh in 1981. This was edited and published in 1992, and was the last discourse the Rebbe edited. It is seen as bearing a special final message from the Rebbe, and in fact it concerns the relationship between a Jewish leader and his followers. Moses is the paradigm of Jewish leadership, and he bonded the Jewish people to G-d. In the same way, through the generations, a Jewish leader bonds the people to G-d and to each other, by helping them reveal the essence of their soul. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE ROLE OF THE JEWISH LEADER
The Alef Kabbala Group (10 July 07) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Mattot-Mas'ey in 1962. As today, this was in the Three Weeks when we mourn the destruction of both First and Second Temples and look forward to the building of the Third Temple. This discourse gives a fascinating discussion of the special quality of the Temple in general in relation to the rest of existence, and the special nature of the Third Temple in particular. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE THIRD TEMPLE TAUGHT IN 1962
The Alef Kabbala Group (17 July 07) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Devarim in 1964. That day was the Ninth of Av. Being Shabbat, the fast of the Ninth of Av was pushed off to the next day. The discourse, called "He put an end to darkness" speaks of the cycle of exile and redemption, and the quest to break out of the cycle in order to have the ultimate redemption. This means drawing a higher dimension of radiance into the world. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON G-D PUTTING AN "END TO DARKNESS"
The Alef Kabbala group (4 Sept. 07) explored a discourse delivered in 1960 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe (based on a phrase in Psalm 27, LeDavid Hashem Ori, said in Elul: "My heart says, seek inwardness") about the quest for inwardness, inwardness in our own inner selves, in the spiritual worlds, in G-dliness.The quest within oneself is like a battle, the Divine Soul confronting the Animal Soul, yet taking it captive, meaning that the Animal Soul instead of resisting, now joins with the Divine Soul. There is yet another step, in the terminology of the Torah (Deut.21:10-11): "when you go out to battle... and you see among the captives a beautiful woman ". The beautiful woman is the most profound dimension of one's inner being, which is 'captive', and one releases it. This step enables one to transform one's inner world, not only one's thoughts and actions, but also one's feelings, and connect with G-d at every level.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "MY HEART SAYS, SEEK INWARDNESS"
The Alef Kabbala group (11 Sept. 07) discussed a discourse delivered on Rosh Hashana in 1980 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, based on a passage in the Rosh Hashana prayers: "This day is the beginning of Your work".A person draws the radiance of the soul into the body, through study and observance of the Torah, and at the same time he or she is drawing spiritual radiance into the totality of existence. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "THIS DAY IS THE BEGINNING.."
The Alef Kabbala group (18 Sept. 07) explored a discourse delivered on Shabbat in Succot 5727 (1966). (First published last year as a pamphlet). This starts on the theme of Succot but then says in order to understand the joy of Succot, one must understand the special quality of Yom Kippur. What is special about the Repentance a person might achieve on Yom Kippur? Surely, every day of one's life one should repent? The discourse explains that every day there is a lower form of Repentance, which transforms a deliberate sin into an accidental one. Yom Kippur has the power to inspire a higher form of Repentance through which deliberate sins are transformed into positive good deeds! Even if a person is sitting in the lowest recess of a pit, on Yom Kippur G-d reaches down to the person and lifts him or her out to freedom. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE DISCUSSING YOM KIPPUR
The Alef Kabbala group (25 Sept. 07) studied a Maamar (chassidic discourse) taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe just before Succot 5740 (1979). It was edited by the Rebbe and published at the time. The discourse focuses on the theme of drawing the surrounding radiance, expressed by the Succah roof, the 'schach', inwards into the person's knowledge and being. This corresponds to the idea of drawing Emunah, faith, which in itself relates to the beyond, into one's normal mind and understanding. The theme which helps to enable this process of drawing the infinite beyond into the here and now in a real way, is the unity of the Jewish people, a theme which itself is expressed by the Four Kinds of Plant (the discourse explains that each of these express unity) and by the Succah itself. For the Talmud says 'it would be fitting for thror the whole Jewish people to dwell in one Succah. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT SUCCOT 5740 (1979)
The Alef Kabbala group (2 October 07) had a Succot party, with Tali Loewenthal, Rabbi Avraham Citron, and Yossi Negin playing violin. This includes stories, ideas and teachings.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ALEF SUCCOT PARTY 2007
The Alef Kabbala group (9 October 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Shabbat Parshat Noach 5747 (1986) on the theme "Make a light for the Ark". Some explain the light is a window, some explain it is a lumionous precious stone. Now the Ark is called in Hebrew 'Teyvah', which also means 'word'. The Baal Shem Tov says that one enters the Ark, meaning the word of Torah and Prayer. How does one 'make a light' in one's Torah study and Prayer? Through one's own extra effort in study and in spirituality.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE LIGHT IN NOAH'S ARK
The Alef Kabbala group (16 October 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Shabbat Parshat Lech Lecha 5741 (1980) on the theme that the opening words of the Parsha, G-d telling Abraham "go for yourself", mean "go to your own essence". By Abraham and every individual reaching towards his or her own essence, leaving behind negative habits, the limitations of one's [lack of] spiritual education and also the limitations of intellect, one is enabled to fulfil one's task in the world, to descend from the highest level to the lowest and make this world into a realm of gooodness. The journey of 'go for yourself' is thus being understood in two way, from below upwards, and from above downwards. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON LECH LECHA "GO TO YOUR OWN ESSENCE"
The Alef Kabbala group (23 October 07) explored part of a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Shabbat Parshat Vayera 5746 (1985) on a theme based on the Haftorah. This tells of a widow who cries out to the prophet Elisha, saying her husband (ishi) has died and the creditor wants to take her two sons as slaves. This is explained as the soul crying to G-d that its 'fire' (esh) of love for G-d has died down, and the Animal Soul (the creditor) wants to take her two sons, her love and fear, as slaves to materiality. What can she do? Two answers are given, both relevant for our time. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE LAMENT OF THE SOUL, SEEKING A RENEWAL OF ITS FIRE
The Alef Kabbala group (30 October 07) explored a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said after Shabbat Chayei Sarah 5738 (1977) on the verse "And Abraham was old, coming on in days". The Zohar explains these are supernal days, an exalted spiritual level. Torah study and observing Mitzvot have the effect of forming protective garments for the soul, so that (after 120 years) when it enters the Garden of Eden it is able to come close to the infinite radiance of the Shechinah, the Divine Presence. The garment of Torah and Mitzvot protect the soul so that it should not be dissolved away in the intense revelation of G-dliness. In addition, Torah study and Mitzvot help to transform our 'days', revealing G-dliness in the realm of space and also of time. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON 'ABRAHAM WAS OLD, COMING ON IN DAYS 1977'
The Alef Kabbala group (6 Nov 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Shabbat Toledot 5728 (1967) on the verse "And G-d (Elokim) should give you", the blessing given by Isaac to Jacob (disguised as Esau). The discourse explores the idea that the blessing is from Elokim, the aspect of Severity, which is also the nature of Isaac. There is discussion of why Isaac wished to bless Esau, and why despite this, the blessing had to go to Jacob, as planned by Rebecca. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE BLESSING FROM ISAAC TO JACOB DISGUISED AS ESAU 1967
The Alef Kabbala group (13 Nov 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Shabbat Vayetze 5747 (1986) on the verse said by Jacob, after the dream of ladder, "And I will return in peace". The discourse explores the idea that there are two kinds of peace, above and below, relating to many aspects of life and the goal of creation. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON JACOB'S WORDS 'I WILL RETURN IN PEACE'1987
The Alef Kabbala group (20 Nov 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on 10 Kislev 5741 (1980) on the verse in Psalms (55:19) "He has redeemed in peace my soul". 10 Kislev is the Festival of Liberation of Rabbi Dov Ber, the 2nd Chabad Rebbe, known as the Mitteler Rebbe (1773-1827). The discourse explores the nature of Peace, which goes beyond Victory, but is rather the complete dissolution of hostility as will be in all existence in the ultimate epoch of the Messiah. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON REDEEMING IN PEACE 1980
The Alef Kabbala group (4 Dec 07) studied a discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe said on Chanuka Kislev 5738 (1977), beginning with a passage from the Talmud (Shabbat 21b) "Our Sages learnt, the Mitzva of the Chanuka Lamp..". The discourse explains that the central effect of Chanuka is to bring light to darkness, and even more, to make the darkness itself shine. Chanuka reveals an infinite level of radiance which has this power. Within the individual this means a level of dedication, mesirut nefesh, which stems from Yechidah, the deepest aspect of the soul. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON CHANUKA OF 1977
The Alef Kabbala Chanuka Party (11 Dec 07) with Yosi and Zalman Negin on violin and keyboard,and exploring points about Chanuka, based on Chassidic-Kabbalistic teachings. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE ALEF KABBALA CHANUKA PARTY 2007
The Alef Kabbala Group (18 Dec 07) explored the Chassidic-Kabbalistic discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught on Shabbat parsha Vayechi, 14 Tevet 5732 (1 Jan 1972) entitled "I have given an extra portion". This concerns Jacob's words to his son Joseph. The discourse explains the nature of Joseph as expressing the service of Torah, which descends into the lowest level of the world in order to elevate it. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE NATURE OF JOSEPH 1972
Tuesday 25 December 07, the Alef Kabbala Group is on vacation, but here is a presentation of the Chassidic-Kabbalistic discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught on Shabbat parsha Shemot 5722 (30 Dec 1961) entitled "And these are the Names.. of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt", the opening words of the Book of Exodus. A similar phrase was used earlier in the Torah, when Jacob went to Egypt with all his children (Gen46:8 ff). The discourse explains there are 2 descents into Egypt, meaning the quality of Wisdom descending into Thought and then Speech. These represent two levels of Exile, to be followed by two levels of Redemption: redemption from Egypt, and the future Redemption. Then follows a fascinating kabbalistic-philosophical discussion on the nature of existence, and how its very 'separateness' provides the clue to its connection with the ultimate Essence. Redemption means the revelation of the ultimate Essence, the Great Name of the Divine, in all aspects of life. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON 'THESE ARE THE NAMES'1961
Wednesday 2 January 2008, the Alef Kabbala Group is on vacation, but at the women's group of Project Lechaim we studied a Chassidic-Kabbalistic discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught on Shabbat sedra Va'era 5714 (2 Jan 1954) entitled "And I [G-D] Appeared to the Patriarchs..", the opening words of the Sedra. The discourse discusses different levels of revelation of the Divine. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON '[G-D] APPEARED TO THE PATRIARCHS' 1954
The Alef Kabbalah group (15 January 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the Tenth of Shevat 5748 (January 1988), the Yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe Yosef Yitzhak and the day the seventh Rebbe Menachem Mendel accepted the position of Rebbe. The discourse speaks of the ultimate goal of creation: that there should be a dwelling for the Divine in the lower, physical world. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE OF "YUD SHEVAT" OF 1988
The Alef Kabbalah group (22 January 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the New Year for Trees, Fifteenth of Shevat 5731 (January 1971). Trees and their fruit represent enjoyment, delight, and this is expressed in the spiritual domain of Jewish life by the study of Torah. This discourse began the 'Torah Campaign' of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE OF THE NEW YEAR FOR TREES OF 1971
The Alef Kabbalah group (29 January 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1954by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the Sedra Mishpatim, "Laws". This begins with discussion of different kinds of servant or slave, and the discourse provides a fascinating perspective on different levels of Divine service of the individual.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIVINE SERVICE OF 1954
The Alef Kabbalah group (5 Feb 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1986 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the Sedra Terumah, concerning the instructions to build the Sanctuary. The discourse begins with a verse from Song of Songs (8:1), "If only You were my Brother", expressing the longing for intimacy between G-d and the Jewish people which is brought to fulfilment by the building of the Sanctuary with the indwelling of the Divine Presence. The discourse reveals this intimacy as being part of the life of the individual both in Torah study and in worldly activities such as business, because all are part of an essential bond with the Divine.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON SEDRA TERUMAH "IF ONLY YOU WERE MY BROTHER"
The Alef Kabbalah group (19 Feb 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1985 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the Sedra Ki Tisa. The focus is a theme from the Song of Songs (2:6), 'His left arm is under my head, His right arm embraces me'. The polarity of 'left' and 'right' is discussed in terms of the spiritual service of the individual, with a corresponding response from the Divine. Then a yet higher level is reached, the 'uplifiting of the head' alluded to at the beginning of the Sedra ('when you lift up the head'), the level of Repentance.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON SEDRA KI TISA 1985
The Alef Kabbalah group (26 Feb 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1954 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the Sedra Vayakhel. The Sedra begins with the command to keep the Sabbath, and continues with instructions for building the Sanctuary. The Sages in the Talmud explain that the work forbidden on the Sabbath is defined as the 39 categories of work employed in the building of the Sanctuary. The discourse explores this concept, showing that the activities of a person, their daily work, whether as regards preparing food, or clothes, or the home in which one lives, are all rooted in spiritual realms and in a spiritual form of the Sanctuary. Each person thus potentially reveals the Divine at every step of life. On the Sabbath this revelation becomes more tangible, for then the Sanctuary is indeed complete.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON SEDRA VAYAKHEL 1954
The Alef Kabbalah group (4 March 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1983 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for 'Parshat Shekalim'. This is an extra passage read this Shabbat (Sedra Pikudei, 2008) in a third Torah Scroll. The passage concerns the giving of a half a shekel, described earlier in the Book of Exodus, in Sedra Ki Tisa. The Sages say that G-d revealed to Moses 'a coin of fire'. What was difficult to understand about the coin of a half shekel? Why did a coin of fire have to be revealed?CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON GIVING THE HALF SHEKEL 1983

The Alef Kabbalah group (11 March 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught in 1981 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for 'Parshat Zachor'. This is an extra passage read this Shabbat (Sedra Vayikra,2008) in a second Torah Scroll. The passage concerns remembering Amalek, who attacked the Jewish people on the way after leaving Egypt. The discourse explores 'the way' and 'leaving Egypt' as two different stages in service of G-d. 'Leaving Egypt' is straightforward leaving a negative situation. 'The way' is a more subtle, moving towards the exalted heights. The internal Amalek - the cooling of enthusiasm, doubt - is more likely to attack during this second stage... CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON REMBERING AMALEK 1981

The Alef Kabbalah group (18 March 2008) explored the Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Purim in 1984. It was published in edited form in 1988. The discourse focuses on the words in the Megillah "On that night, the sleep of the King was disturbed", and explains that here the 'King' means not Ahasuerus but the King of the World, G-d. When the Jewish people forget their identity and direction, falling into a kind of 'sleep', then the King of the Universe also seems remote from the chaos of existence, in a kind of 'sleep'. The theme of Purim is the moment when the King was aroused from this apparent 'sleep'. The discourse presents a profound view of the nature of existence and relationship with the Divine.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "ON THAT NIGHT", PURIM 1984

The Alef Kabbalah group (25 March 2008) explored the (unedited) Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Parah in 1958. Parshat Parah is an extra passage read on Shabbat from a second Torah Scroll, concerning the ashes of the 'Red Heiffer' which are used to purify the Jewish people. In Temple times they would be so purified in preparation for going to Jerusalem for the Pesach festival. The discourse explores the contrast between the Red Heiffer, which is prepared outside the camp, and the normal offerings which are brought in the Sanctuary. This leads to a discussion of the nature of the Garden of Eden, which expresses the Divine Name, and is manifested by the Jewish people serving G-d, there being a Divine Name within each individual.This service expresses the observance of the Mitvot and the ordinary offerings in the Temple. On a higher level is the Red Heiffer which reaches the realm of the impure and transforms it into something pure and holy.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "THE RED HEIFFER", 1958

The Alef Kabbalah group (1 April 2008) explored the (unedited) Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh in 1954. Parshat HaChodesh is an extra passage read on the Shabbat before the New Moon of Nisan from a second Torah Scroll. It is from Exodus ch.12, beginning 'This month should be for you the first of the months'. This expresses the idea that Nisan, the month of the redemption from Egypt, is the first month in the Jewish Calendar - although at the beginning of Tishrei, the seventh month, is Rosh Hashanah, celebrating the creation of the world. The discourse explores this theme and then develops a beautiful teaching about the importance of joy when carrying out the Mitzvot. Joy reveals inwardness, and one's joy when carrying out the Mitzvot reveals the Divine inwardness of existence. This is like the redemptive Nisan which reveals its power in the normal, 'natural' structure of the year which starts on Rosh Hashanah.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "THIS MONTH SHALL BE FIRST", 1958 CLICK HERE TO OPEN A DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING THE DISCOURSE "THIS MONTH SHALL BE FIRST"
The Alef Kabbalah group (9 April 2008) explored the edited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Yud Alef Nisan 1982, entitled "Like the days of your going out of Egypt, I will so show you wonders". This expresses the idea that since going out of Egypt 3300 years ago, every day is a form of going out of Egypt, reaching a higher level of liberation.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE "LIKE THE DAYS OF YOUR GOING OUT OF EGYPT"
The Alef Kabbalah group (29 April 2008) explored the edited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the final day of Pesach (Acharon shel Pesach) 1954, starting with the words from Isaiah 11:2 "There will rest on him the Divine spirit, a spirit of Wisdom and understanding". The discourse explores the integration of polarities as a central aspect of the Messianic process. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE FOR THE FINAL DAY OF PESACH 1954"
The Alef Kabbalah group (6 May 2008) explored the unedited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe during the week of Parshat Emor 1976, on 2 Iyar (birthday of the 4th Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Shmuel the Mahrash). This begins 'and you shall count for yourselves' concerning counting the Omer. The discourse is about the process of the Omer, between leaving Egypt and the Giving of the Torah. This becomes a general teaching on the spiritual dimensions of life.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING COUNTING THE OMER 1976
The Alef Kabbalah group (13 May 2008) explored the unedited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe during the week of Parshat Behar 1986. This begins 'When you Come to the Land..the Land should rest" The discourse explores the fact that the Torah text first presents the idea of the Sabbatical year, the seventh year,when the Land rests, and only later describes the work that will be carried out on the land during the six years, ending with a full account of the Sabbatical year. This leads to exploration of the kabbalistic concept 'the end is joined in the beginning', from the ancient 'Book of Creation'. This Torah text gives an example of this (the image of the seventh Sabbatical year being present from the very beginning of the six years of labour) but it applies in all aspects of life, particularly in seeing the eschatalogical goal of Judaism at every step of our daily lives. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING COMING TO THE LAND AND THE LAND RESTING 1986
The Alef Kabbalah group (20 May 2008) explored the unedited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Lag B'Omer 1986. This begins 'It says in the Zohar'and concerns the unification at all levels achieved by Rashby, and hence the way he caused a flow of blessing to the world CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING LAG B'OMER 1986
The Alef Kabbalah group (27 May 2008) explored the unedited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe for Parshat Bemidbar 1954. This concerns the way the Camp of the Jewish people in the desert, described in the Torah, and their numbers, corresponds to a spiritual dimension in upper worlds. This is also expressed in the spiritual prayer of the individual. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING BEMIDBAR 1954
The Alef Kabbalah group (3 June 2008) explored the edited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shavuot 1986. This concerns the intensity of the Divine revelation experienced by the Jewish people at the Giving of the Torah at Sinai, repeated every year in the Shavuot festival.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING SHAVUOT 1986
The Alef Kabbalah group (10 June 2008) explored the edited Chassidic-kabbalistic discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1976 for Sedra Shelach ('And Joshua sent Spies'). The Sedra concerns the sending of the Spies into the Holy Land, first by Moses, and many years later by Joshua. The discourse concerns the conquest of the inner world of each person, transforming the Land of Canaan into the Holy Land, in one's thoughts, speech and actions, and in one's deeper feelings, and ultimately one's consciousness.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE SENDING OF THE SPIES 1976
The Alef Kabbala Group (1 July 08), shortly before 3 Tammuz, the Yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, discussed a discourse he taught on Shabbat Tetzaveh in 1981. This was edited and published in 1992, and was the last discourse the Rebbe edited. It is seen as bearing a special final message. The discourse concerns the relationship between a Jewish leader and his followers. Moses is the paradigm of Jewish leadership, and he bonded the Jewish people to G-d. In the same way, through the generations, a Jewish leader bonds the people to G-d and to each other, by helping them reveal the essence of their soul. Through this they are dedicated to Judaism, and yearn for the Messiah, when G-dliness will be revealed throughout the world. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE ROLE OF THE JEWISH LEADER
The Alef Kabbala Group (8 July 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Balak in 1981. The unedited discourse explains the famous words of the heathen prophet Balaam: "Ma Tovu - How goodly are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings Israel" as a programme for Repentance in four stages, turning away from bad, doing good, studying Torah, and the spiritual service of prayer; each of these steps to be with the extra, transformative dimension of Repentance. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ON 'MA TOVU' 1981
The Alef Kabbala Group (15 July 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Twelfth Tammuz 1957. This is the day the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Schneersohn, was released from Soviet captivity in 1927. He had been imprisoned on account of his activism seeking to preserve Judaism throughout the USSR. The discourse explains that a person's sense of relationship with the Essence of the Divine has the power, ultimately, to transform enemies into friends. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 12 TAMMUZ 1957
The Alef Kabbala Group (22 July 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1954 on the Shabbat of Sedra Matot. The discourse concerns the theme of making vows (Nedarim) which is the opening topic in the Sedra. The focus is on the nature of our relationship with the pleasures of the physical world. Can they, in some sense, add to holiness? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT NEDARIM (VOWS) 1954
The Alef Kabbala Group (29 July 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1981 on the Shabbat of Sedra Masey. This Sedra, concluding the Book of Numbers, gives a list of 42 'journeys' or stages of the travels of the Israelites from Egypt to the Holy Land. The discourse interprets these 42 journeys in the life of each man and woman, whether from birth to leaving the world, or in the course of each day. This relates to the Divine Name with 42 letters, and the fact that the first paragraph of the Shema has 42 words. For the saying of the Shema expresses each person's constant personal daily Exodus from Egypt, and each stage of the journey is itself a form of leaving 'Egypt', limitation, reaching for a new unparalleled freedom. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT 42 JOURNEYS IN EACH PERSON'S LIFE 1981
The Alef Kabbala Group (9 September 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1954 on the Shabbat of Sedra Re'eh. This discourse 'After Hashem..', explores the stages in our service of the Divine, as individuals, moving from a position which might be negative ('after' Hashem, as if 'behind' G-d) to the deepest modes of bonding with the Divine in all aspects of life. The climax is on Yom Kippur at Ne'ilah, from which we move into a spiritual perspective on every detail of the year ahead.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 'AFTER HASHEM' OF 1954
The Alef Kabbala Group (16 September 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1954 on the Shabbat of Sedra Ki Tetze, on 13 Elul. The discourse begins with the words 'come my friend to meet the bride" and it speaks of the relationship of the individual with the Divine and also of the marriage relationship, or indeed any relationship. This discourse is based on the chassidic discourse said by the Previous Rebbe at the wedding of the Rebbe in 1928.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 'COME MY FRIEND TO MEET THE BRIDE' OF 1954
The Alef Kabbala Group (7 October 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1962 concerning Yom Kippur. The High Priest is alone with G-d in the Holy of Holies ('No-one shall be with him, not even angels'), and this applies to every individual today on Yom Kippur. During the repetition of Musaf one describes how this entry to ultimate holiness would take place in the Temple, and it is experienced most intensely during Ne'ilah. The discourse explores the five different dimensions of spirituality accessed through Mitzvot in general, specially deep Mitzvot like Brit Milah, Teshuvah, Yom Kippur, entry to the Holy of Holies. These correspond to the five levels of the soul, revealed on Yom Kippur.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 'NO-ONE SHALL BE WITH THE HIGH PRIEST' IN THE HOLY OF HOLIES 1962CLICK HERE FOR DIAGRAM ABOUT THE DISCOURSE FOR YOM KIPPUR
The Alef Kabbala Group (28 October 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1979 concerning Noach's offering to G-d when he left the Ark. The Midrash relates the 'fragrance' of the burnt offering to the self-sacrifice of Abraham who was thrown into a furnace, of the friends of Daniel who were also thrown into a furnace, and of later generations of the Jewish people which suffered persecution, including in recent times. This dedication to the Divine reaches the Essence of the Infinite and draws down a life-giving force which preserves Nature, preventing the chaos of events like the Flood. Thus G-d promised that there would not be another Flood and that the basic elements of Nature would continue in a normal way. The discourse also speaks of joy despite problems and difficulties which likewise reaches the Essence and has a positive effect on Nature and existence as a whole. The discourse is a striking statement of the spiritual power of the individual. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT THE FRAGRANCE OF THE OFFERINGS OF NOACH 1979
The Alef Kabbala Group (4 November 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1985 concerning Lech Lecha, the journey of Abraham. The Zohar describes this as a journey 'from above to below', and also 'from below to above'. This concept is explored in spiritual terms, as relating to each indivdiual. The discourse also discusses the theme of '7 Cheshvan', which marked the time when those who had come to Jerusalem for the festivals had finally completed their return journey and had reached their homes. This marks the border between the realm of the sacred time of the festival, and the ordinary weeks and months of the year, which follow. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF ABRAHAM 1985
The Alef Kabbala Group (11 November 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1952 concerning Sedra Vayera. It focuses on the scene of Abraham giving food to the three angels, and the image of Abraham 'standing over them under the tree, and they ate'. This opens an investigation into the nature of eating as a kabbalistic process affecting spiritual realms. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT ABRAHAM STANDING OVER THE ANGELS 1952
The Alef Kabbala Group (18 November 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1984 concerning Sedra Chayei Sarah, and also the special day Kof (20th) Cheshvan, the birthday of the Fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Dovber, in the year 5621 (1860). The discourse, which was later edited by the Rebbe, explores the idea that through Repentance a person can change the past and transform every detail of their life into something spiritually positive. This is seen in the details of the wording describing the life of Sarah, as explained by the Zohar. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT THE LIFE OF SARAH 1984>
The Alef Kabbala Group (25 November 08) explored a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1966 (and later edited) concerning Sedra Toledot. The discourse begins Vayizra Yitzhak, Isaac sowed seed and reaped a hundred times more than expected; then G-d blessed him. The discourse explains that these are teachings about everyone's life and service of G-d. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE ABOUT ISAAC PLANTING 1966
The Alef Kabbala Group (2 December 08) explored a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1981 (and later edited) linkling with Sedra Vayeitzei. However, the discourse begins Atah Ehad, 'You are One', the text of the Amidah said at the Afternoon Service on Shabbat. The discourse describes the window of holiness which is opened at that moment, when the person makes contact with the most exalted aspect of their own soul as it reaches the infinite beyond. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 'YOU ARE ONE' 1981
The Alef Kabbala Group (9 December 08) explored a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1981 linking with Sedra Vayishlach. It begins with the words in the message which Jacob sends his brother Esau: 'Im Lavan Garti', 'I lived with Laban'. The discourse explores the relationship between Jacob and Esau and with Laban the Aramean, as this applies to each individual in his or her own personal struggle to transform the negative into the positive. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE 'I LIVED WITH LABAN' 1981
The Alef Kabbala Group (16 December 08) explored a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1978 for 19 Kislev, a special festive day called 'The Rosh Hashana of Chassidism'. The discourse begins 'Rabbi Oshiya said, G-d was charitable with the Jewish people by scattering them among the nations.' Then follows a fascinating discussion of the inter-relationship between people in different countries and in different situations. Those who can keep Mitzvot are able spiritually to help those who cannot keep Mitzvot, including if the reason they cannot is because their Yetzer HaRa does not permit them to do so. One who has no problem with Mitzva A, even if he or she has difficulties with Mitzva B, can help someone who has a problem with Mitzva A. Hence since everyone is different, each individual can help someone else.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DISCOURSE FOR 19 KISLEV 1978
The Alef Kabbala Group (23 December 08) had a Chanuka Party with Yossi Negin playing violin and presentation of points about Chanuka discussing an image of the significance of the Lamp as expressed in the Zohar, which is presented in Tanya ch.35, and with more elaboration in Rabbi Dov Ber the Mitteler Rebbe's discourse 'Ki Atah Neri'in his book 'Gates of Radiance'. This is translated as 'Flames', published by Kehot.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE ALEF GROUP CHANUKA PARTY WITH YOSSI NEGIN ON VIOLIN AND DISCUSSION OF THE IMAGE OF THE LAMP
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