Sicha Insights, Rabbi Yossi Winner: Recent Episodes
Project Likkutei Sichos
This is a class geared to Likkutei Sichos beginners. An insightful anthology of the themes discussed in the sicha, delivered by Rabbi Yossi Winner Director of Chabad at the University of Arizona. This series follows the learning cycle of Project Likkutei Sichos.
Chai Elul. The 2 energies of Elul.
The time of holiness and the content of holiness.
Practical lessons in preparation for Rosh Hashana
The Torah outlines four kinds of forbidden mixtures:
- Shatnez — wearing a garment made of wool and linen together.
- Crossbreeding animals —
- Planting mixed seeds
- cooking meat and milk together.
Are there ever exceptions? What are the spiritual reasons for now allowing them to be mixed?
Judges and officers, We will do and understand. Purpose of creation. Hashem gave his most precious orchard to the his most precious child.
Why is it that the Jewish people are compared to a small child.
The difference between the Mishkan and the Beis Hamidkosh Mikdash.
Rambam and Chassidus.
The difference between the mitzvah of Tefillin, tzitzis and Mezuzah according to the Rabmam. Practical lesson from each. Living inside out.
Parsha's V'eschanan.
The Alter Rebbe in Tanya, Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, the Rebbeim of Chabad-Lubavitch have endeavored to explain G-d’s oneness in a manner that we can grasp it conceptually, not merely as a principle of faith, but as a truth that we can understand and internalize within our thinking. In this way, it will impact not only our belief system, but the way we actually live.
The Bal Shemtov,
Modeh Ani
Renewal
On the Shabbos before Tish B'av, we are shown a vision of the third beds hamidkosh.
Destruction and redemption.
There were Kohanim Gedolim who lived long lives and were compared to a tree — deeply rooted, consistent, and nourishing.
Others served only briefly and were called temporary Kohanim Gedolim, yet their short service burned brightly like a flame. The Rebbe explains that both types played a vital role: one represented steady, lasting growth, while the other embodied powerful, momentary impact.
Moshe is not mentioned in this Parsha, unlike anywhere else in
the Chumash; from when Moshe was born, there is no Parsha in
which he wasn’t mentioned besides for in Mishneh Torah (Sefer
Devarim.) The reason is because he said (to G-d), “Erase me
from the book which You wrote,” and the word of a scholar,
even if conditional, is ultimately fulfilled (Makos 11).
Lessons in early childhood education. The change that happened with the story of the Rebbe Rashab.
Three levels of leadership and three levels of outreach. Noach, Avrohom and Moshe. The era of the creation of the world, the era of the flood, the era of the preperation for the giving of the Torah and the era of the giving of the Torah.
Rebbi Chananya says that G-d wanted to bring merit to the Jewish people and therefore gave them an abundance of Torah and Mitzvos. What is accomplished through the study of the Torah and the fulfillment of Mitzvos? How that changes a person, how that changes the nature of the object used for the Mitzvah, and how learning Torah and doing Mitzvos accomplishes the greatest level of G-d revelation. The Unity of Torah, the surrendering to G-d in Mitzvos, and the refinement of human characters.
Experiencing G-d through miracles and experiencing G-d through nature. Are nature and miracles two distinct realities? The rebbe explores the synthesis of miracles and nature and how they express themselves in each other. A practical lesson in a person's service to G-d. The Moon, the Sun, the month of Nissan, and the month of Tishrei
A conversation with Moshe and Aaron during Aaron's state of mourning. Moshe listens and accepts Aaron's view and shares it with the Jewish people. Moshe & Aaron's core mission and worldview. Moshe is Emes and Aaron is Chesed when both are embraced in the world we make a home for G-d in the world.
The theme of Purim! The Jewish people accepted the Torah with alacrity and enthusiasm. The advantage of doing good deeds willingly and with joy.
A tapestry of Talmudic scholarship woven together through underlying rabbinic theory. The core argument of Rebbi V'rabbanan throughout the Talmud. Music contributed by Eli Marcus
Making a dwelling place for G-d. In the physical, by the people, and shared with the world. The world becomes a home for G-d because the world is the truest expression of G-d in his essence.
Torah Scholars, rebels, and salamanders. A beautiful explanation about the unique transformation of the world through Torah study and good deeds.
No, I don't want to go, there is so much pain and evil on the world below. A tale of two oxen. A tale of 2 groups of Jews!
A Hadran on Mesechtas Chagigah. The common denominator of beis Shammai and beis Shammai and beis Hillel through the Talmud.
Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai lived every moment of his life fully invested in his mission on earth.
A powerful look at how G-d prepared the world for the giving of the Torah and how each Mitzvah object was designed for Am Yisroel. Yisroi, Rav Yosef, Gamara Pesachim.
When teaching children about the infinite power of G-d, we depict it by saying, "G-d's mighty hand." Why do we begin to teach children about the mighty hand of G-d when in reality G-d is infinitely greater than any human form?
The difference between Adam and Moshe The small alef in vayikra. why is the letter small in the Torah? True meaning of humility
Can a story in the Torah be more valuable then it's laws? We discuss the difference between stories that are mentioned in the Torah compared to laws, commands and instructions.
Do you awaken the dawn or does the dawn awake you? 2 perspectives to the holiday of Purim
The Rambam says, from the day the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed Hashem has nothing in His world like the four cubits of halacha. Where does one find the holiness and intensity of the beis hamikdash? That's found in the four cubits of halacha. Why? And how does this connect to Yisroi Find out here. Fascinating take !
The Mitzvah of redeeming your firstborn. Is it the obligation of the father or the son?
In this sicha the Rebbe sets forth the fundamentals in Jewish outreach. How must we approach ourselves and the Jewish world at large. The dream of Joseph is not just a dream about bundles of sheaves bowing to Joseph’s bundle but it also carries a profound eternal message about caring for another Jew.
“In a place where a person wants to be, that is where a person is found" Jacob sent angels to greet Eisav. Spiritual meaning of the mission of the soul being sent into this world. Last teaching of the Magid Lessons is Shlichus
Why did Avrohom and Yitzchok make a covenant with Avimelech while Yaakov chose not to? The difference between the Avois. Lessons from the Yaakov.
The blessing from Isaac to Jacob and his future descendants. Rashi says that Isaac blessed Jacob that G-d should give and return and give again. What is meant by this?
Abraham purchased the cave of Machpalah. Abraham did not accept to receive the land for free. He negated Efron's offer. Why?
The difference between biblical Hebrew and other languages. What's the difference between stones and bricks? Lessons from Abraham in our daily lives
Why do we recite "to enter him into the covenant of our father Abraham.” at a Bris Milah? What is the purpose of all commandements? What is unique about the commandment of circumcision? Abraham was the first to ever do it. Are we like Abraham? This podcast explores these ideas as well as a personal lesson on pain.
Speech etiquette in Judaism and judging others favorably. When seeing something bad in your neighbor is that a sign that you posses that negative trait or is that only a sign to help you friend? When is a life a mirror and when is life a lesson. Noah's Ark
Simchas Torah is celebrated at the conclusion of the holiday of Sukkos. It would be more befitting for the yearly cycle of Torah study to begin and end at the Holiday of Shvous which is the anniversary of the giving of the Torah. Why do we celebrate Simchas Torah at the conclusion of the holiday of Sukkos? Difference between the first set of tablets verse the second. A gift vs toil
The difference between Repentance during the year and the ten days of repentance. How is it that a person can rectify and change his past wrongdoings? Spiritual meaning of praying alone and communal prayer.
Since the ultimate purpose of the world began on the 6th day of creation, Rosh Hashanah, the new year for all of creation is celebrated on the day when Adam was born. This is Rosh Hashanah, On Rosh Hashanah The purpose of the entire creation is fully expressed. But yet what is the purpose creation? What is the purpose of sounding the shofar?
In this episode we explore the meaning of blessing and curse. the inspiration to return to G-d with blessing and curse. what is the meaning? If G-d is the essence of Good, how can there be curses?
Bikkurim - The first fruit ceremony and laws. What is the spiritual meaning of bringing your first fruit?
If you go out to war upon upon your enemies. There are 2 ways that one can overcome is evil inclination, addiction and past. Through prayer and the Torah learning.
The prohibition against fortune-telling and sorcery. Follow in his ways with simplicity.
Why do we keep Kosher? Why were the Jews warned not to eat blood? Why does the verse say, Chazak, Be Strong?
What is the meaning of the broken tablets? What is the meaning of death? What is the meaning of a Yartzait? Our sages teach that the passing of the righteous is similar to the breaking of the tablets. The positive message within the broken tables and how it correlates to the passing of the Righteous.
What is the purpose of the creation of the world. What is the purpose of the recitation of the Shema. Three components to the Mitzvah of Shema. Connection between the beginning of the Talmud and conclusion of Talmud!
Why did Moshe not enter the land of Israel? Was it because of the sin of the spies or because of the waters of Merivah? The Rebbe explains why Rashi did not need clarify the placement of verse 37.
The daughters of Tzlafchad request their inheritance in the land of Israel. Moshe brings this ruling to G-d. Rashi gives two reasons as to why Moshe brought the case to G-d. Why the need for 2 reasons.
2 qualities that Bilam saw in the Jewish people. Some of the most profound and heartfelt blessings in Jewish history were said by Bilam. Profound lesson in our daily lives.
The Red Heifer is a supranational commandment. A relationship with G-d beyond logic and reason. What's the advantage? Commandments are the divine will of G-d connecting to G-d at an even deeper level. A person's will and drive is deeper than a person's logic and reason.
The story of Korach and his rebellion against Moshe. The difference between instigating sin and becoming corrupt through sin. A spiritual lesson in treating people favorably.
Shelach. Spying the land and it's spiritual message. G-d, our designer, fashioned us with the capabilities and capacity to fulfill his commandments to the fullest. When we approach Life and our Jewish practice with the knowledge that we are capable, because G-d designed us this way, then even when the commandments are challenging and difficult, we are confident that we can pass the test.
Why did the Jewish people wander in the Desert for forty years? What is the eternal message of the counting of the tribe of Levi? What is a spiritual desert?
This Sicha in volume 12 talks about the law of interest. When is it permissible, how is it different than stealing, and what is the spiritual significance of interest.
This talk analyzes the hebrew word Mineged, meaning "opposite of". Rashi gives a lengthy explanation for this one word. The Rebbe analyzes the entire composition of Rashi and why every word is needed in order for Rashi to prove his explanation. A spiritual lesson as to why the Jewish people encamped 2000 Amos from the Mishkan even during the weekday when there's no prohibition to walk more than 2000 Amos.
At the start of the Torah Portion of Behar, the Torah mentioned twice that during the Sabbatical year we should rest similar to how we rest on Shabbos. Toras Kohanim learns a specific law based on the fact that we learn Shemitah from Shabbos and not Shabbos from Shemitah. The rebbe explains that there is a foundational difference between Rashi and Toras Koshanim, Rashi is here to explain the meaning pertaining to comprehending the literal verse while Torah Kohanim is expounding the verse to learn a particular law. We also talk about different expressions of holiness in a 'shabbos like world' and in a 'sabbatical year world'
The mystical and chassidic insight on the Mitzvah of counting the Omer. Sefirat Ha'omer - Counting the Omer can begin on a Sunday and thus follow the days of the week or the counting can fall on any day of the week. In the latter order, is it still considered a wholesome and complete counting? The rebbe explains this based on 2 sayings from the Medrash. The rebbe also analyzes the difference between 3 configurations of time. Days of the week, days of the Month and days of the Year.
I am G-d, Your G-d is usually written at the conclusion of a set of laws. The Torah here says I am G-d your G-d at the outset of it's laws. This talk delves into Rashi's two reasons for why the Torah placed these words first as well as why did Rashi feel compelled to bring to 2 reasons.
The positive revelation through Nadav and Avihu's passing and the reason for why they passed according to Rashi.
In every generation one is obligated to feel as if he himself was freed from Egypt. 3 components to this Mitzvah and what is unique about this Mitvzah on Pesach Night.
We are obligated each day to offer Thanksgiving to G-d. When is a Thanksgiving sacrifice required? Rashi's reasoning based on the Verse Text.
The story of the olives and it’s application into our lives! choicest vs oil quality, journey vs end result.