Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky of Tel Aviv shares an on-the-ground update from the Home Front, as well as memories of his time as an emissary of the Rebbe to visit Iran and around the world.

Higher Unity: Where creation lacks independent existence AND value

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

When Moses sent spies to scout the land of Israel, they saw giant grapes, got scared, and ran away. In this edition of the Week in Rejew, Jono interviews one of them (one of the giant grapes, that is).

Experience the miraculous exodus of the Jewish people out of the mighty Egyptian empire—in a unique, fun-filled (and educational) style!

Have you ever wondered what to think about while praying? It can be challenging to silence the noise, embrace the stillness, and reflect on our relationship with G-d. In this lesson, we will explore how to meditate during prayer and learn how to awaken our inner desire to converse with G-d.

Sarah and Avi find a letter “mem,” and help him find a mitzvah that starts with the letter “mem.”

Watching the recent terror attacks and the grave danger to our fellow Jews in Israel, everyone is asking what can be done. Presented are practical things we can all do to help. Yes, we can make a real difference!

Eli and Ezzy wonder what life would be like if they were still slaves in Egypt.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 108 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Learn about this amazing initiative, which unites all Jewish people in the thing that binds us all: the Torah

A virtuous heroine. A wicked villain. It’s the ancient, true story of Queen Esther, brought vividly to life in a delightfully educational way.

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman provides a first entry into authentic and practical Jewish meditation. Taking us step by step through the words of the first morning prayer, providing imagery and concepts for mindful focus.

Take an exciting trip back in time to the court of King Ahasuerus and his beautiful Jewish wife Queen Esther as you watch the dramatic story of the Jewish victory over Persian persecution. (Please be advised this video may be too graphic for younger kids.)

In this episode of Torah Unboxed we delve into four different editions of Chumash—the foundational text of Torah that every Jew should have in their library. Gain a deeper understanding of these fundamental texts, their unique features, and commentary styles. Perfect for beginners and seasoned scholars alike, this book review will help you choose the right Chumash to enhance your Torah study.

A whimsical one-minute recap of the portion of Korach, in which Korach leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and ends up being swallowed up by the ground alive.

Feel the rhythm…hear the beat….and let your spirit get you jumping on your feet! Get ready to sing, dance and exercise together with Mendy and his friends in this exhilarating animated workout video for the whole family.

Feel the rhythm…hear the beat….and let your spirit get you jumping on your feet! Get ready to sing, dance and exercise together with Mendy and his friends in this exhilarating animated workout video for the whole family.

From the dough to the final result, these fantastic mini-pizzas are fun to prepare!

Watch these simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of wearing a Tallis.

When Moses sent spies to scout the land of Israel, they saw giant grapes, got scared, and ran away. In this edition of the Week in Rejew, Jono interviews one of them (one of the giant grapes, that is).

If life is a mission, then everything depends on keeping one’s eyes on the objective.

Ever wonder why children are better at technology than adults? Psychologists think it’s because children approach problem solving differently…

Sometimes, when we encounter obstacles to achieving our goals, the problem is that we don’t believe in our own abilities. This is illustrated in the report of the spies.

A whimsical one-minute recap of the portion of Shelach, in which Moses sends 12 spies to Canaan and they return with disastrous reports.

What is the inner connection between the incident of the spies and the commandment concerning the libation of wine on the altar, issued by G-d directly thereafter? In answering this question, this class explores the mystical power of Tefillin and its effect on the world. (Based on the maamar L’havin Inyan Parshas Hanesachim 5747)

Moses had instructed the twelve spies to bring back specimens of the produce of the land of Israel to show to the Children of Israel. Strangely, Joshua and Calev – the only ones to remain faithful to Moses and the mission – did not comply and returned empty-handed. In explaining the justification for their omission, this class will offer a timely lesson on the nature of intent versus action. (Likutei Sichos vol. 38)

After the debacle of the Spies, G-d threatened to annihilate the Jews and begin His people anew with Moshe. In his defense of his fellow Jews, Moshe seems to invoke a strange, even disturbing argument. (Likutei Sichos vol. 23, Sicha 2)

The commandment to attach fringes to the corners of our garments. What it means, and how it is done.

The bond between Moses and his disciple Caleb was not always known to all—even to Caleb himself.

Before entering the land of Israel, Moses sent twelve spies to scout out the land. Follow the spies on their journey through the Holy Land. Where did they go? Where did they stop? What did they see?

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The parshah of Shelach contains 119 verses and the mnemonic for it is the name Felet. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Moses selects scouts to inspect the Promised Land, and excite the people about their new home. Sadly most chose unwarranted negative reportage instead, dissuading the nation from journeying onward to Eretz Yisrael. To bolster their case, they harvest the land’s outlandishly huge and bizarre fruit using them to instill fear and despair into the hearts of the people. These insightful teachings shed sweet light on the sour grapes of this infamous story.

Learn the profound connections between the weekly parsha and its related Haftorah.

Sometimes the spiritual demands that Judaism makes on us seem a tall order. We may not attain all the spiritual ideals of Torah, but each of us is capable of making significant strides.

The dramatic story of the spies Moses sent to scout out the Land of Israel to conquer it is utterly perplexing. How can these handpicked leaders end up claiming that G-d’s mission can’t succeed. Where did the spies go so wrong? Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 4 Shelach.

Contrasting the blunder of the ten spies that Moshe sent versus the success of the two spies Joshua dispatched conveys a fundamental lesson in our personal growth.

Why the mitzvah of separating challah is integral to bringing G‑d into our lives.

The spies looked at themselves as small, failing to internalize how G-d would be helping them in all their conquests.

An alternate reading into the Torah’s words related to the mitzvah of separating challah provides instruction on when to begin educating our youth in yiddishkeit.

The spies negatively reported that the land consumes its inhabitants. We must ensure to positively influence our surroundings and not the reverse.

When G-d wants to punish the people for believing the evil report of the spies, Moses pleads,"Now, please, let the strength of the Lord be increased." (Numbers 14:17) On a mystical level, Moses is asking that G-d express Himself through the Divine Name that is spelled aleph-daled-nun-yud and which represents the power of divinity that is hidden in nature.

Learn all about the tallit and tzitzit, its meaning and special significance.

The Talmud teaches us that each of the spies’ names offers a glimpse into their wayward conduct, yet only one of them has a fundamental lesson for each of us in our lives.

Rashi draws our attention to a nuance in the text that highlights why Moses could save the whole Jewish nation from G-d’s wrath, but not the twelve spies. A lesson in the importance of a Moshe figure. Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 13, Shelach (sicha 2)

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

Laws of guarantors

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple

The maidens' Tu b'Av song

Worker's ethics

Testimony verification

When the era ended for various virtues

Constant growth -- in this world and the next

Who is covered by the cantor's prayer?

Laws of muktzeh on Yom Tov

In the first of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” Jeremiah describes his inauguration as prophet. Although his first prophecy is one of impending doom, it contains within it a hidden message about the power to transform mourning into joy.

In the second haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations” we learn how the prophet Jeremiah’s rebuke of his contemporaries can teach us today how to turn criticism into a powerful catalyst for change.

The Levites' song in the Holy Temple.

Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky of Tel Aviv shares an on-the-ground update from the Home Front, as well as memories of his time as an emissary of the Rebbe to visit Iran and around the world.

Yeshiva students at Lubavitch Mesivta of Chicago sing a soulful Chabad nigun.

How the spies took their scare tactics about the Promised Land to a whole different level.

Contrasting the blunder of the ten spies that Moshe sent versus the success of the two spies Joshua dispatched conveys a fundamental lesson in our personal growth.

A fresh perspective on why impure Jews were upset to be excluded from the Pesach offering.

Following the details of lighting the menorah, the Torah emphasizes that the menorah must be fashioned from a single block of gold. Understanding Rashi’s approach will show how Aharon didn't just light the Menorah, he completed it.

Why were the Jews exhausted when they reached Sinai? Discover how standing at Sinai exposed the deepest Jewish unity. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 28 Rosh Chodesh Sivan)

The Second Passover teaches us how we can fully embrace the present without being hampered by the past.

Why the blessing for the woman falsely accused of infidelity is easy childbirth.

Everything has a purpose; our responsibility is to use it to the max. This we learn from the wagons donated to the Mishkan.

Combining the individual’s unique contribution and the value in being part of the greater collective—to reach the incredibly unique nature of Jewish unity as illustrated in the inaugural offerings of the leaders of the twelve tribes.

In this episode of Torah Unboxed, we dive into interesting English editions of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers)—a classic in a Jewish library. Each one has its own personality; some lean into Chassidic wisdom, others take a scholarly approach, and some

The Leviim were charged with ensuring the boundaries were kept so no Israelite enters the Sanctuary. Learn two dimensions to this responsibility, and how healthy boundaries produce healthy societies.

Rashi offers insight into how Aharon’s sons are considered Moshe’s children. Discover the power of teaching, how you become someone's spiritual parent.

Understanding Rashi’s commentary on the participation of the tribal leaders in counting the nation. A lesson on how each of us has unique qualities, and how that's what makes our nation whole.

Radical unity and radical spiritual growth, and the buildup to the Giving of the Torah.

The Torah details the different jobs of the three Levite families in carrying the Tabernacle when journeying through the desert. Discover how this symbolizes three models of a Jew’s journey in life.

The formation of the twelve tribes, divided into four camps surrounding the Tabernacle, represent the four keys for balanced living.

“The Secret of Faith”: Why accepting G-d’s absolute unity requires faith

Is there any point in saying Viduy (confession) if we don't intend to change? Are we guaranteed to do Teshuvah in the end? We learn about all of this in the section of the rebuke.

How can we ensure our spiritual growth commitments are sustainable? A profoundly spiritual understanding of a halacha in Rambam on the limitations for acquisitions of futures.

Learn when a mitzvah is boosted to a unique level of perfection. The key is a perplexing statement in the Zohar about the confluence of Shemitah and the seventh year for a slave.

Prior to Shavuot we read the portion detailing the harsh consequences for forsaking G-d and His Torah. Is there another way to process these unsettling words?

Learn the unique nature of this Yom Tov and how it’s intrinsically linked to life in the Sukkah—this teaches us how to live connected to Hashem.

Examine the words of the Rambam and uncover the different levels of Simcha on Sukkos. Doing Judaism with joy is a big deal.

When one gives up their life for Hashem but miraculously survives, is that considered Kiddush Hashem?

Learn the power of words to speak about people in a way that unleashes their potential.

What is the spiritual meaning of nullifying chametz?