Letters For Our Time

Bedtime Shema: Halacha & Chassidus

What is the source for reciting Shema before going to sleep? Learn the Halacha and uncover the story of Rabbi Abba and the anonymous man in the Zohar, as well as the history of two people who seem to have written the same book. Sources: Talmud (Berachos & Megillah), Rashi in parshas Balak; Zohar, Menoras HaMaor (may not be what you think!), Siddur HaShelah, Hemshech Ayin-Beis, Simchas Torah Farbrengen with the Rebbe, and Hayom Yom.

Déjà vu all over again - Behaalosecha 5786

Pesach Sheini: the tension between Halacha & Chassidus. Based on Likkutei Sichos vol.33 behaalosecha sicha 1

Out in No-Man’s Land — Naso 5786

Kehos, Levi & Gershon in the desert: then & now. Explore a talk delivered by the Rebbe on parshas Naso in 1972 (Likkutei Sichos vol.13).

Milk, Meat, & Malachim - Shavuos 5786

When three angelic visitors arrived at Avraham’s tent, he served them dairy followed by meat. Explore the halachic and mystical significance of this curious menu, and discover how Avraham’s hospitality provided the decisive answer to the angels’ claim that the Torah belonged in heaven—and why it was given to us instead.

A Sign From Heaven. Literally.

Through the ages, many have claimed to have received a sign from Heaven, sometimes even on a piece of paper. Explore various claims -- including one that is mentioned in halacha -- and gain some insight into an obscure topic. In memory of Reb Moshe Yehudah ben Reb Tzvi Yosef Kotlarsky, on his second yahrzeit, 27 Iyar.