Reuven Flamer's Podcast: Recent Episodes
ChabadLife.tv
Farbrengen is Art. Art of the soul. It is a living palette of heart and mind, mixing the modern Chassidic culture and contemporary issues ….which perhaps we rather not talk about. Add honesty and simplicity, and you have a Street Farbrengen.“Our canvas is the Street corner we cherish - common sense, heart, and the spirit of adventure. Its what is ChabadLife.” Co- hosts Reuven Flamer and Zacharia Lipitz talk about what normally lives underground...Gimmel Tammuz.
At Starbucks this week, Reuven’s daily journaling yanked him back 50 years—to a 3 AM café in Vancouver, same pen, same seeker. From Vancouver nights to the Rebbe’s court: am I the “same guy,” or did I just change what I’m looking at? What if that’s exactly what Selichos is—teshuvah not as self-replacement, but re-aiming the lens. Hear the convo on Street Farbrengen.
Americana glorifies the lone cowboy, the self-made man, the myth of total independence.
But what happens when the Rebbe redefines independence — not as isolation, but as a deeper kind of freedom within Jewish life? In this farbrengen, we wrestle with the tension between American individualism and the hidden power of Chai Elul.
Can you be truly independent… while still connected to something outside and higher?
In this week’s Street Farbrengen, Reuven shares a gripping “Hasidic geneiva” Yechidus story that an elder chossid confided to him—how, at his brother’s bar mitzvah, he slipped the Rebbe a three-page letter about a toxic mashpia, his confusion, and the urge to leave yeshiva. The Rebbe’s response was razor-clear: in Lubavitch there are always two mashpiim—find the one you connect with; then “forget the past—have Kabbalas Ol—and your job is to learn.” From there, the conversation dives into Elul: what it really means to drop the victim narrative, choose responsibility, and serve with authentic joy—echoed through the Baal Shem Tov’s “kukarikoo” tale and Dr. Edith Eger’s insight that we are not prisoners of our past. A raw, timely exploration of exchanging gvul for bli-gvul—limits for boundlessness—and how Kabbalas Ol can cut the tether to yesterday so we can actually show up today.
There”s an old joke about the man shipwrecked on a deserted island who builds the shul he goes to and the shul he'd never step into"?
But what happens when both of those shuls live inside the same room, or in the same heart and mind??
In this episode, we dive into the “two shuls within one shul” phenomenon—where some come to daven and others come to schmooze, and the tension it creates in Chabad communities worldwide.
Why does this culture of tolerance exist? Is it compassion, or just avoidance? And most importantly, what does it mean for our children, our values, and the future of our davening?
From practical solutions—like creating quiet spaces or forming grassroots leadership—to deep questions of Chassidus about emes, values, and Elul’s demand for authenticity, this farbrengen doesn’t just point out the problem. It asks: what do we really stand for in shul, and what are we teaching the next generation?
The awesome and wonderful month of Elul begs participation. It asks for something new from you.
A " cheshbon hanefesh”
What is it, this "tally of self?
Street Farbrengen looks at the control and chaos of making good for a full year by peering into the self from the past year
Are We Living Our Spirituality Dynamically?
In this week’s episode of Streetfarbrengen we dive into a thought-provoking question sparked by a morning shul conversation: Do we live our spirituality symbolically, practically, or dynamically? Using the famous Talmudic scenes of Rabbi Akiva at the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, we explore how two different moments — seeing the Temple’s ruins from afar and witnessing a fox emerge from the Holy of Holies — reveal distinct ways of experiencing reality. Is spirituality just an abstract picture, or an unfolding event we actively connect to? And how can that shift change the way we approach our faith, memory, and lived experience today?
What does it take to go against the grain? How do you defy the gravity of culture of 'this is the way things are' and lift off into your intended orbit?
“Zacharia, I am almost twice your age ", remarks Reuven in this week's episode of Street Farbrengen! "People insist I should slow down and "act my age". Chill out they say! But, I am in a renewal and on a number of new journeys. Today and tomorrow are not yesterday. And, I am just getting going!"
What does it take to go against the stream?
Street Farbrengen unpacks some more on inspiration vs aspiration. One keeps you in place while the other launches rockets.......make your choice!
The 12th of Tammuz highlights courage and sacrifice in the fight for your values and truth - no matter the size and authority of your opponent!
In this episode of Street Farbrengen let's tackle how to bridge with the Yud Beis story and ask "Is the behavior of the Rebbe leave me inspired or aspiring!?
Chassidic circles stress the story of the spies' reluctance to enter Israel as the choice for spiritual isolation and comfort over the task of grappling with the physical realities of turning a land ( of Israel) into a heavenly oasis. How is it possible not to be eaten alive by the time consuming and emotional rollercoaster of making a living, raising a family, fighting wars, or the pulling the weeds between the vegetable rows?
Street Farbrengen continues the conversation around drops of water making a change on the rock they fall upon. There are times when the greatest joy is the moment of decision to live for engagement - spread out rather than reticence and hesitation. The water hits the rock. Will I choose fear or leaning in and moving forward?
We often call success winning, like when you cross the goal line.
We look to the end of the line, to know the end game, and to finding our cherished goal at the “end of the rainbow.” There is the “ end of days.”
When Zechariah and Reuven last met they pledged to contemplate for 30 days the scene of Rabbi Akiva by the river seeing a constant drip of water on a rock by the side of the river making an impression on the stone. What is our rock to making an everlasting imprint? What is the water?
Today we explore the significance of “repetition” and the consistency as its own virtue and strategy for success. Ironically perhaps, consistency is created when the definition for success is when there is no end game!
A Street Farbengen is a focus on the road; on the path to take after all the talk and exchange between friends.
Reuven and Zacharia continue the focus on Rabbi Akiva by the river. A constant drip on a rock burrows an indent. So too, thinks Rabbi Akiva, can the Torah drill a hole in my heart.
Sometimes the rock is the dream unheeded and met. Sometimes the water is the dream that shall hit the rock.
This episode of Street Farbrengen ends with a surprise; a pact between Reuven and Zacharia to accomplish until 3 Tammuz to live with and be Rabbi Akiva by the river.
Rabbi Akiva saw drops of water falling on a stone making a deep hole. What power there is in a drop of water,” thought Rabbi Akiva. “Could my stony heart ever be softened up that way?”
Lag B'omer is the Yom Halula of the Holy Rashbi. His teacher Rabbi Akiva gives us the picture of how to approach the 'stones and boulders' along the path's we walk.
What are your boulders blocking the road? What is the water that can make a dent in them? Are you willing to embrace the long road of drip by drip?
Street Farbrengen and Lag B'Omer: What are you making a dent in?
The letters of the month Iyar are an acronym for “I am G-d your healer.”
What is your attitude towards health? Do you believe that good health is a gift from heaven, our days are numbered anyway and health is not your issue; or, is health a gift package from heaven which must be opened, user - manual read, then put in the batteries and press “On”?
No surprise, Reuven votes for the latter, he is the founder of Natural Food Certifiers after all. But in the end, are sprouts, veggies and whole grains really going to make a difference? After all its all in the hands of G-d, right?
Street Farbrengen takes an initial dive into the nexus of body and soul, health and G-d.
What did the Rebbe mean when he said on Nissan 28th “I have done what I can do ... and now I give it over to you?”
Was he intimating retirement, or even 3 Tammuz?
Reuven suggests that we had it all wrong. The 28th of Nissan is not a lesser relationship between Chassid and Rebbe, but a stronger one more than ever.
“ Most of us sat at farbrengens at the feet of the Rebbe like “ the scullery maid at the splitting of the Sea!”
It comes down to the pilates spirit of being Chassid from the core : choose Rebbe.
“If you don’t apply yourself in Avodah ( to grow spiritually) then you are an atheist!”
This needs explanation.
This segment of Street Farbrengen struggles with the period of Sefiras Ha'omer. Intertwined with the counting of the Omer is the kaleidoscope of emotional traits that make up who we are. How do we take Sefira out of the dark basement and shine a light we can see?
It starts with Avodah - (working for inner transformation) otherwise you are like an atheist!
Be it in business, sports, and even in health, there is an emphasis on “The Target”, where is the bullseye, what’s your target?
Reuven asks what is the target of a Chassid? We read that a Tzaddik is not the goal, and halavay, it should be a Benoni for an hour! So then do we conclude we have no target?! What’s the target you have in mind for yourself?
We enter the starting gate of the season of leaving Egypt. A Chassid asks him or herself “ what area of slavery do I live in?”
Living in slavery is also formed in the mind, with a picture you have of yourself deep within. It creates an often unconscious identity, a glass ceiling, to contradict the very goal and desire you have in mind you to accomplish .
Zacharia and Reuven farbreng on ”breaking your glass ceiling “ with an approach of learning to “ see yourself” leaving Egypt
Present day culture has the Purim bright lights highlighting the Mitzvah of “ mitzvah to intoxicate” (with wine -Rashi)
The dropped walls that foster camaraderie around the Purim feast is unique. The costumes allow us to play and act on our own stage is a unique moment in the calendar.
But when the lights go out and the music stops Reuven and Zacharia ask “ what is all this ad da lo yada all about anyway!? How is this different than the last Shabbos kiddish you had too much for your own good? Is there an “ad da lo yada” to be lived all year round too?
We live in an economy that a hundred years ago would be viewed as a fantasy!
Nevertheless it’s possible to have “wall to wall carpets and California kitchens” and remain a pauper.
The difference lays between attitude and focus.
In this week’s “Street Farbrengen” Reuven and Zacharia dig into the art of thinking higher!
Do you know people - or maybe even you - who days before are anxious about scheduling their aliyah for the Shabbos before or Shabbos Yud Shevat?
Reuven floats a question on this week's Street Fabrengen:
I am wondering whether this is provocative, downright insane, against the rules, genius, or maybe all of these?
....We do not mark the Yartzheit of the Rebbe Rashab, the Maharash, and the other Nasi- Leaders like we do with the Previous Rebbe. Is it possible that though we must arrange to have an aliyah on the Shabbos before or on Yud Shevat, that we are missing the the mark on this? Or in other words, is the focus of a Chassid on the performance of soul, or the soul of performance?
Yud Shevat makes sense ?
Do you sometimes feel that those special days connected to our Rebbes are
“ blasé” or confuse you or maybe give a twinge of anxiety? How do you not feel tzaaamished and feelings of senseless overwhelm , given what we have heard and yet here we are!
Street Farbrengen agrees it’s all senseless. And that is exactly each of us is Mendel Futerfas in the making .
5785 - 2025 is 5687 - 1927 .
Action with mitzvahs makes His Ratzon, Will.
Not through the spirituality of intention...
Maamar 5666
There is “The Thinking Mind” which never stops, especially when it faces the joy of simplicity!
Is the search for reasons and meaning behind the latest news an embrace of the Holy or an escape of the Thinking Mind.
A Street Farbrengen on Trump, Messianism, and the magic with black magic!
“ I sought out G-d and He answered me….. He saved me from all my terrors”
Tehillim - Psalms 34.
"He even saved me from all me fears" (Commentaries)
Dovid was no stranger to conflict, war, famine, and more. He doesn’t ask or praise G-d for removing his fears , but for getting through them all.
Why not ask to have no more fears altogether?
In this weeks Street Farbrengen Zachariah and Reuven tussle with whether it’s what we fear that ties us in knots or we just think we should be fearless that locks us into a room without a key!
Do we wish to be fearless, or accept what we fear
and ask to be saved from what we dread……
This episode of Street Farbrengen takes a different look at the time of Hey Teves through Yud Shvat.
The relationship between Chassid and Rebbe can be demanding and complex. At its core is "the Rebbe is my Rebbe but am I a Chassid?”
Reuven thinks he’s a Trans Chassid!
A fun look at being confused and sincere and striving to be a Chassid.
We have seen an uptick of Chassidim looking for direction and help in unfamiliar places: sweat lodges, drum circles and offices of psychotherapists, psychiatrists and other wellness oriented sources.
This brings up the question what is the role of Chabad Chasidim for each other in sharing their personal problems and challenges.
What is the relevance of Yud Tes Kislev in this generation?Reuven has the nerve to suggest “ don’t go to a Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen because you feel should.”
And, if you ask who the heck am I to make such a statement… just a slob farbrenging…..
*The Rebbe writes: On this day, that light is called forth, in a general way, for the entire year. It is our duty, on this day, to awaken our hearts with an innermost, elemental desire and will, in the very core of our heart, that G‑d illuminate our souls with the light of His Inner Torah.
“IIluminating our souls'" depends on the difference between a challenge, and a doctrine.*
Is Rebbe and his Chassidus a challenge or a doctrine?
Life begins small and in time grows into maturity. There is spiritual maturity and immaturity as well.
I can live with G-d with the neediness of a child or the sophistication and maturity of a grown adult.
Leaving the womb of the month of Tishrei to walk into the New Year as full grown adults demands a further shift into the self.
The goal, to be spiritual and mature
We often hear that a Chassid is one who is butil - self nullified. Is the emphasis on bitul the nullification of the negative or the spotlight on the possible?
Simchas Torah is about the possible - in Torah and in yourself. This is cause for dancing!
What happens after Neilah? Does it disappear as quick as it came?
Yom Kippur is not a one night stand! Once you touch soul, you can’t stay away! But you do need a mindset that supports Neilah and Napoleons March.
It’s the attitude behind what is a Chassid on Chabad: drilling down to the core with the Rebbe by your side .
It is Kabbalistic thinking that the creation “recedes” on Rosh Hashana and awaits the prayers and the sound of the Shofar to begin creation anew.
Not only is the world waiting for a spectacular creation for the next year,
each individual is integral to this new creation process. Each must also must want to create again.
Street Farbrengen peeks into the world of creation- from inside out!
Chassidic transformation ( avodah) boils down to molding G-d into your best friend. More so , G-d is your spouse as alluded in many ways beginning in Shir Hashirim, Song of Songs..
But your therapist?
Street Farbrengen lies down on the couch. Who do I trust and expect to hear guidance from more? My therapist or G-d?
Sent from my iPhone
Elul and Tishrei are a basketful of obligation.
Is that my focus at this time of year?
There is another option.
Elicit the power of the 'one who is obligated' - after all, I've been asked to make it all happen! In this week's episode of Street Farbrengen we explore the connection between things we should do, the things we are being asked to do, and who’s being asked to do it!
Kasiva Vchasima tova
You can set the bar so high that no one shows up for the track meet!
Have chassidim inadvertently set the cruising altitude so high that we don’t join the voyage to begin with
Reuven and Zacharia tackle Avodah in 5784.... are we in or out? Are we ready or not?
Elul. Chabad owns the month, characterizing it as “the King is in the field.”
Is the King not “in the field” all your round? What does this month mean to you and me? What am I supposed to do?
Reuven and Zachariah work through the “month of Elul” and conclude, it is about stepping out of control.
There is an emphasis in Chassidic literature on limiting one’s participation with the physical environment, to measure what is necessary and what is extra and luxury.
We call it eskofia, holding back.
Is this practice relevant today? Does the Chabad culture encourage or train our children and ourselves to “ avoid what’s permitted”?
What is the reason for eskafia? Zecharia and Reuven debate the idea and conclude. It’s doable. We just need to know why!
After fire destroys his home Reuven wonders about his calm and joy. Shouldn't I feel guilty or some sort of contriteness for some actions that led to a fire burning down my house? Zacharia and Reuven talk fire, Tisha B'av and the manner the Rebbe directs to approach and look at the ups and downs and surprises of life.
We open the closet door and let out the secret everybody knows: that the fast days of 17 Tammuz and Tisha B” Av are the essence of Judaism by rote!! Why do we go through this charade?!
Every Geulah is fashioned from a prison.
“The Rebbe # Tammuz 5710”
Zechariah suggests that “prison” is associated with “Nisayon,” a test, different then birurim, extracting the good from the negative. The Rebbe states that the work of birurim is finished. Does this mean that today is the work of “nisyaon”? Why is our time to be approached with the attitude of nisayon? Why is this Moshiach like?
Gimmel Tammuz is a real modern challenge for the serious Chassid. How do I relate to who and what is the Rebbe himself beyond ‘scholar’? Is Rebbe the writings and videos left ‘below’?
Zacharia and Reuven attempt to understand a 4th level of Rebbe-Chassid paradigm refer to as Maor and Ohr
Zacharia and Reuven prepare for Gimmel Tammuz....
Why does it feel that Gimmel Tammuz is an exercise in renewing my membership in the Chabad club?
Is the Chassid's mission these days to promote the Rebbe?
We're only half way through the discussion on Legacy vs the Power of Self...
How deep a dive inside must I take, and how specific do I engage with my darker side ?
Do I need to know the source of why I am triggered by something or why I have a specific type of desire or failing?
In other words, how do I conquer my city as the Alter Rebbe writes in Tanya ? Do I inspect my landscape before I begin to conquer it? How do I avoid the pitfalls of the spies that saw themselves as grasshoppers and “ become “ afraid of what I find, and lose my motivation to win "my war"?'
The blessing given for Shavuous is to receive the Torah B'pnimius - integrate the Torah from within.
What exactly is this core that integrates this Torah? How do I incorporate Torah in such a manner?
A heart to heart talk on Street Farbrengen on pnimius and making it work on Shavuous .
Zacharia and Reuven take a different look on the day of the 28th of Nissan.
In place of a response to the message of the day by finding ways to convince the public of the agendas the various factions that Chassidim have developed over the years - “ tut altz “ do what you can, how about a response of being all you can….and mentor.
You will want to listen carefully to this one. Don’t be afraid to stop and rewind…. Moshiach Now!
In this week’s Street Farbrengen we ponder freedom.
Are we really free if we are in the habit to make weak or wrong choices ? Can we be free if we are afraid to make choices ?
This Street Farbrengen concludes that freedom is Pesach and of all things freedom begins with sweeping, scraping and making our houses and cars and backyards free of the dreaded chometz!
Pesach cleaning can be a curse or a blessing!
Choose blessing!
“The older I get and the more Chassidus I digest the more I realize just how lazy and stupid I can be...And that’s going to change in Adar. I have all the tools! Why don’t I use em!???”
There are two approaches to Chassidic material. One is ready for “what is it saying should be”! The other asks “what will this be asking me to do?”
When you hit a wall, what is your go to? "I should” or “what do I do to.......?”
Using the example of a soldier’s way of learning can help move you into making your mission happen.
Do you consider yourself a disciplined individual?
Can I be disciplined and also be in a joyous state?
Welcome to Street Farbrengen 48 - Fun is not Joy and Discipline isn’t a dirty word.
Does G-d need you as his defense lawyer?
Does truth need you to defend it?
Do we move forward when we “drink the Koolaid?”
How honest do we be with our children?
Street Farbrengen tackles the challenge of “truth and consequences”.
A fundamental slice of Chabad life is action. We know the what - hiskashrus to the Rebbe , learning sichos and maamarim etc.
But how often do we attend Farbrengens and hear 'the what' but much less of the “how”?
Join in on a Street Farbrengen presentation on a small dose of “how.”
“I admit I have a PHD in sarcasm” Reuven tells Zacharia.
The use of sarcasm at some chassidic gatherings is common enough to be a concern for discussion on this week’s episode of Street Farbrengen. Sarcasm is a cover for something very important that must be addressed: do we feel capable to live up to the standards and goals of Chabad Chassidus?
Reuven opens tonight's farbrengen with the theme song from a hit movie during the 1960’s, “The Good The Bad and The Ugly.”
"It came up for me as part of our farbrengen topic tonight:
I’ve been thinking for awhile: I am not interested in religious organization …. even Chabad Lubavitch.
Religious people in general , Chassidim in particular, and Chabad Chassidim specifically, are often accused of being dreamers. Often enough they even may be considered mildly delusional!
Zacharia asks when do you know you dreams are real and when they are not?
The finger of delusion often points to Moshiach. But as the song goes, “you don’t have to be Chabad to want Moshiach, but you have to want Moshiach to be a Yid!
Culture: “The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.”
What is the modern day Chabad culture?
Reuven and Zacharia explore the connection between Hey Teves and the culture of Chabad.
What is your framework which contributes to your approach to Chassidus? Is Chassidus a system of thought? Is Chassidus the system for personal transformation ? Perhaps it’s the key to being a member of your particular clan?
This week”s episode of Street Farbrengen concludes Chassidus is an invitation to “meet G-d”
"That year, during Tishrei, the Rebbe was extremely joyful. He mentioned to the chassidim who were close to him that he had not yet made a seudas hoda'a for his geula, as one is obligated to do, al pi halachah. From this, they understood that the coming Yud-Tes Kislev would be something out of the ordinary.”
What do I learn and use as a guide that the Alter Rebbe waited one full year to make a seudas hodaah, a thanksgiving meal?
Street Farbrengen thinks of a current kitrig, heavenly accusation against Chassidus today and waits for a modern thanksgiving meal!
One generation comes and another goes. Do the expectations to be considered a chassid from one Rebbe to the next stay the same (and get increased) or is the slate wiped clean?
Reuven and Zecharia ask if the desire of the Mittler Rebbe’s stated request that he have Chassidim who when they meet will speak about Yichudah Ilaah and Yichudah Tataah (Upper and Lower Unity) is something as a relic or whether it still applies.
Is there any practical relevance to having unlimited potential when it seems that nobody has attained it?
(How much do we ask about the relevance of Chassidus?)
Zacharia and Reuven delve into the extremely high expectations of accessing the infinite. Or are we just wasting our time?
Picking up where we left off last Farbrengen, we continue about living with extremes both within and on the outside . Does cancel culture apply when one side wants to sweep the other under the rug? Or is it time for them to learn how to coexist? The answer is with the one who decides......
How do you deal with the stark reality of war while miles away from the rockets and the fighting?
Do you seek ways to explain the evils with Torah sources Moshiach mentions or Prophecy predictions?
When you find them, do you feel better?
Zacharia and Reuven dive into the emotional sides of "theology and reality".
The military runs “ a post mortem” report on military operations performed in battle .
In this week of Ki Tetzei - when you go to battle- Reuven and Zacharia review some thoughts and feelings about the three weeks.
The focus is on breaking walls and making walls. Sometimes you just need to want to go to war!
Chassidus focuses extensively on the emotions: How does mind interact with emotions, what is the source of mind and heart? What sort of emotional response is there in the mind itself and because of the mind?
At the base of it all, emotions have a major role in spiritual work and perhaps are the driving force of the work.
Too often the spotlight shines on ridding oneself of the negative side of emotions and less is spoken amongst chassidim of nurturing and building the positive states of emotions such as love of G-d and fear of G-d.
Zacharia asks why so many of us do not attempt to reach emotional heights such as these. Do we not have the ability?
The hallmark of Matan Torah is the stance the nation chose na'ase v'nishma.
As I prepare for Shavuous this year, in what way do I reignite “we will act and then understand”? And how do I understand the Baal Shem Tov's love of “a posheter” yid - simple can still be quite sophisticated!
The 28 Nissan Bike Ride
Do you remember learning to ride a bicycle, when your coach/trainer let go of his or her grip on the seat ?
" I am solo.!"
When you realized you are on your own, what did you do?
How did you feel? Scared?
Exhilarated?
Did you fall?
Zacharia and Reuven dive into the generations”s most important bicycle ride:28 Nissan and we are up and riding
Countless teachings of an unprecedented style and amount. Correspondence through letters are in the hundreds of thousands. Hours of private audience with people from all walks of life, Jewish and not. He even answers millions of people until today!
Rabbi Adin Steinsalz once remarked that “the most remarkable thing about the (Lubavitcher) Rebbe - was his enormous drive. To always supercede oneself, to always do more”.
Zecharia and Reuven grapple with how to learn from the Rebbe's non-stop energy and implement our own .
What’s the process here? How is it that every year I feel like the last?
What am I missing here? Can Pesach be more than a Jewish thanksgiving for an ancestral exodus?
Reuven and Zacharia discuss Egypt, eating Cake, and Geulah in America...
Do you ever run your life like there is a mountain over your head? Habits become the driver and routine becomes your chariot?
Zecharia want to know what's on Reuven's mind.
"Purim", suggests Reuven, "is all about personal choice. Do I feel like I am choosing my life or do I go along with the flow?"
The essence of all Chassidic Red Letter Calendar dates is Rebbe and Chassidus. The two are united, as the Rebbe once said: the spokesperson for Chabad is the Maamar. Chassidus is life, not simply a theological or political platform of sorts. In this episode Zacharia and Reuven grapple with how to approach Chassidus as consciousness and not just information.
How do you define being a chassid? Is a chassid defined by who the Rebbe is or who he or she is?
Sounds like a strange question. In truth it's important to know how you understand who you are in order to clarify who the Rebbe is!
Reuven and Zacharia dive into the bitul of a Chassid in our generation as we come close to Yud Shevat.
Hei Teves is a “red letter” date on the Chabad calendar. Its significance at the time was enormous.
Many years later is its celebration simply adding to your personal library?
Zechariah explains his unique understanding of what the day truly means for him and the rest of us. His opinion is a surprise, as is his custom:
“Hei Teves is not about the Rebbe!!!"
Reuvan and Zechariah are challenged to continue the conversation. Joined by Moshe Friedman who answers the question, "what do I do when negative emotions try to disconnect me from my relationship to G-d? What place do my emotions have in serving G-d and how far can we extend it?" Where is my safe space?
This week Zacharia and Reuven are with Dovid Losh, Moshpia at Achi Tmimim. How can we, as a moshpia, a parent, a friend, sit across the table without judgement and help each other move forward in life? At what point do we stop numbing out our lives and finally say (yell, cry, scream) "I want to change!"
Zacharia and Reuven are with Eli Erenthal, Director Of Operations Director Of Operations of Our Village - Sober Living. "What needs to be done" explains Eli, "is creating a safe non-confrontational space for each other, a Community which supports and nurtures."
Can a farbrengen fulfill the instructions of the Previous Rebbe “But this reproving at a farbrengen is only for such matters that will not cause any embarrassment whatsoever. This has been the way since the earliest days - one reproved another with love and deep affection”?
How do we achieve “ an open and safe” space without the fear of condoning?
The cultural waves of interest and participation with , psychedelics, legal marijuana, and the long time acceptance of alcohol, is now part of the Jewish religious culture in general and Chabad specifically. What fuels the increased use of mind altering substances in the community? What is found in psychedelics which cannot be experienced in Jewish and Chassidic life? Join Zecharia and Reuven in a discussion on what may be news to you, ‘old hat’ to others, or a "subject not to be discussed" by others.
Reuven reaches the Big 65. He struggles with his Time Line. So many different decades all with their own color and hue. How do you incorporate your past with the present and the future? How do you connect the folly of youth with the maturity of your later years?Is it futile to live young, when as the great musical poet Leonard Cohen writes " my hair is gray and I ache in all the places I used to play."
Enjoy the struggle of another year .
Can you evaluate performance and success without a standard to compare to? Can you be accountable without a system to do so?
Street Farbrengen invites you to join Zecharia and Reuven to join Street Farbrengen's Whats APP program Three 4 83. Dedicated to support develop strategies and accountability for your most successful year possible Three 4 83 is a group of likeminded friends which will help you commit, stick to, and reach your goals for 5783. Your business, your spiritual life and service , what you will learn, and what you will do with family, friends, and your relationship with the Rebbe is all part of Three 4 83. Make three strong goals for 5783. Strategize how you will accomplish them enlist advice, experience and resources from others, or just sit back and listen to the conversation. Three 4 83. Email chabadlife@gmail.com for more information or to join .
We take an honest look at Elul/Tishrei Season. Why will this year be different than what I did last year? Can we control the outcome better than ever?
Reuven and Zacharia grapple with what to do to make this year's New Year season have more impact than ever. They both commit to planning for the next year . You are invited to join in. A Kasiva Vchasima Tova!
Zacharia and Reuven continue the discussion on Chesbon Hanefesh - evaluating who you really are is a behavior check list or something different? Who are we anyway? Does my behavior define who I am? What if what I am doing on a regular basis is not who I really feel to be?
Is finding my true identity a " Mission Impossible".
It is Zacharia’s birthday!
This means its time for a farbrengen. It is time to make decisions, soul level decisions for the next year. Time for making accounts, ‘ taking inventory’ on where you are at, and where you wish to be this upcoming year.
Reuven and Zacharia take an inward dive into “ why am I here” and 'what will I now do? ‘ in real time, as Zacharia works on a birthday cheshbon hanefesh.
What will Zacharia tell you as his hachlata tova, and will we hold his feet to the fire this year?
What do we walk away with after Yud Beis, Yud Gimmel Tammuz.
Venerate : regard with great respect; revere.
Generate: cause (something, especially an emotion or situation) to arise or come about.
Are you in the habit to venerate your Chassidic life or generate it?
Zaharia and Reuven continue to drill down on the idea of living from your core. In the words of the 12 Step program:
Do I look for a Gift Of Desperation? Or do I create Gifts of Operation?
The ultimate work is to inject light into darkness, or in Chassidic terminology " enclothing light in vessels. How do you bind together two diametrically opposed states? The Rebbe explains there is a meeting point .
Zacharia and Reuven struggle to apply this to Gimmel Tammuz. Can Gimmel Tammuz be light rather than what it appears to be ?
We live in a generation filled with confusion.
Often times we hear one thing and see what is being done is an entirely different matter. What does it take to live and walk in clarity? Can we give our children and students a clear message, that is honest, authentic and leading in the right direction?
Singer songwriter Moshe Feiglin joins Zacharia and Reuven on Street Farbrengen. He jumps into Street Farbrengen. What emerges is a new insight into Hashem or Ha-Shame.
LISTEN
The natural step is to identify what you love, pursue it and the journey makes you happy. Why then is the tradition to the Shavuous blessing " Mekabel the Torah b'simcha U'bpinimius, accept the Torah with Joy and b'pnimius, first joy and then what you relate to! Zecharia and Reuven grapple with the foremost issue that every parent is challenged with - the uninterested or rebellious or just plain unhappy teenager . Sometimes, the teenager is even us!
Do you feel you live in a world void of the spiritual mentor you wish you had? In this segment of Street Farbrengen Zacharia shares his formula for connecting to a mentor for any area in your life. Meanwhile Reuven shares his struggle with "doing Chitas and Rambam." Zacaharia says no problem. Just visualize your Chitas mentor. Reuven takes the challenge.
We would love to hear what you think of Zacharia's personal recipe for a Mentor Specific.
*The RaMBam writes:
Every one is endowed with free will; if one desires to bend toward the good path and to be just- it is within their power to reach out for it, and if one desires to bend to a bad path and to be wicked- it is within the power of his hand to reach out for it.
And, this matter is great and integral, the very pillar of the Torah and its precepts, as it is written: "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil" (Deut. 30.15), and "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and curse" (Ibid. 11.26). This is as if saying, the power is in your hand...
Zechariah and Reuven continue to grapple with "choosing to be frum" after episode 10. Let's Street Farbreng.........*
Episode 10 - THE 28TH OF NISSAN - IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, IT’S ABOUT YOUAPR 21
On the 28th of Nissan The Rebbe told an audience standing in 770 ( and thousands afterwards ) that the efforts of over 40 years were vain, and the proof? The Chassidim were dissociated from themselves (a galus Pnimi) in service of G-d.
So just look! You cry about how much longer must we stay in Galus? (Ad masai) is only because I tell you to.
The task is to come to the table of your Jewish Moshiach Life, because of who you are, not because of who the Rebbe is !
Zechariah and Reuven disagree what this means and how to get there. After the dust is settled, we know one thing. It is up to us.
The Chabad world marked the 120th birthday of the Rebbe with public celebrations and renewed commitments. Continuing from Street Farbrengen Episode Real Rebbe Reality Rebbe, Zacharia and Reuven tackle the 4th explanation describing a relationship between Rebbe and Chassid. In Likutei Diburim the Previous Rebbe calls it " Shiner and light".
The difference is between expecting events, or aligning with a reality. For comments and questions email: chabadlife@gmail.com
This week we celebrate Yud Aleph Nissan.
There are four levels a Chassid can connect to a Rebbe. For some it is through the book shelf. For some, it is a source of caring, a source for voicing pain and asking for healing. Some mirror the Rebbe. And the highest level is Sun and sunlight.
What really does it mean to be a Chassid of the Rebbe today?
Chassidim have been challenged since the movement began. Chabad Chassidim have a double task. Live with Geulah and spread the lifestyle around. Is this practical? There are bombs falling on the Ukraine!!Does it make you scream " get a life and be real."
Many expectations are heard in Chassidic material. We live up to many and fail at others. Let's be clear about a main focus we all need to have.
The majority of the Chabad world today never saw the Rebbe other than on video. Can you forge a relationship with a digital Rebbe?
It isn't easy. But scalable
Authenticity, Honesty, and Huge Life decisions often clash with " But I should".
I should go on Shlichus ! I should go into Chinuch! I should stay where I am, even though I hate it.
Join us as we Street Farbreng on making moves in a manner that is your Geulah way!
Lipitz hits it out of the park on this one!!
A Chabad Chassid lives in a world and culture which teaches that there are many expectations we have on them.
What happens if you don't make the grade?
Street Farbrengen continues to discuss the post Gimmel Tammuz reality . Grappling with various choices on placing the years 5751 - 5752 in your understanding and approach to being a Chassid heart, soul, and feet .
Are my boots on the Rebbe's Table?
Farbrengen is Art. Art of the soul. It is a living palette of heart and mind, mixing the modern Chassidic culture and contemporary issues ….which perhaps we rather not talk about. Add honesty and simplicity, and you have a Street Farbrengen.
“Our canvas is the Street corner we cherish - common sense, heart, and the spirit of adventure. Its what is ChabadLife.”
Co- hosts Reuven Flamer and Zacharia Lipitz tackle the seminal event of ChabadLife in this generation in their first Street Farbrengen in the first episode.
Gimmel Tammuz.