In the previous chapters the Alter Rebbe explained how a Jew can perform Torah and mitzvot “with his heart” — with a love and fear of G‑d. When a Jew is motivated by love and by a desire to cleave to the Almighty, his Torah and mitzvot will then surely be lishmah, i.e., with the […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

The Alter Rebbe goes on to explain that it was our forefather Jacob whose entreaties secured an abundance of divine compassion for all Jews, throughout the generations. Even when their misdeeds cast them into exile, they are able through their study of Torah and performance of mitzvot to be raised from this state and become […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

In the previous chapter the Alter Rebbe described yet another manner in which a person can perform Torah and mitzvot “with his heart” — with the love and fear of G‑d — and that is, by utilizing the attribute of Jacob, which is the quality of mercy. In this case the individual arouses compassion within […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

כדי לקרבם אליו בקירוב ויחוד אמיתי, בהתקשרות הנפש ממש in order to bring them near to Him in true closeness and unity, with a real attachment of soul — so that the Jew’s soul will be truly bound up with the Almighty, This is also so regarding the Torah, concerning which G‑d says: “I have […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

וזהו שאומרים: אשר קדשנו במצותיו This is the meaning of the text of the various blessings pronounced before one fulfills a mitzvah: “[Blessed be He] Who has betrothed us by His commandments”: The Hebrew word kidshanu — generally rendered, “Who has sanctified us” — is here rendered, “Who has betrothed us,” from the Hebrew word […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.