Our sages teach that the Holy Temple was destroyed because of the baseless hatred that Jews harbored towards one another. It follows then, that rectifying that problem will be the catalyst for rebuilding it. And Speedily.

No person is “broken” or ready to be discarded. Each of us is valuable, and has a valuable contribution to make to our world.

Surrounded by original paintings and bas-relief mosaics, long-white-bearded Michoel Muchnik was working on a 3D mosaic of Shabbat and holiday candlesticks when I arrived at his Brooklyn studio.

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

Jono and Rabbi Kadoozy perform a comedy routine at a comedy club.

When this Air Force chaplain was sent to remote Greenland, he knew it was G-d's will. He also knew he had a lot of preparing to do.

The Power of Talmud Study: Strengthening Faith Through Torah Study and Prayer

Watch a visual presentation on the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), the center of our nation and the place where we were closest to G-d. This webcast provides a general overview of the Temple’s magnificent structure and the awesome experience one encountered.

Why Hashem wants us to access Infinity through a finite world experience. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 19 Devarim)

How to perform the havdalah ceremony at the conclusion of Shabbat and festivals.

On the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Av, known as Shabbos Chazon, everyone is shown a vision of the future Holy Temple. The Chassidic masters offer a parable of a precious suit to clarify the significance of this vision. Why does a garment fits better than a home to explain the house of Hashem?

Most conflict is not about bad people. It’s about vague agreements and selective memory. This class steps into the Beit Din, the court of Jewish law, to examine what happens when expectations stay in someone's head instead of on paper. From ketubahs and gets, to leases, loans, and contractor jobs, we explore how the Torah approaches commitments between two parties. When is a handshake enough? Does “we had an understanding” hold up? And what makes an agreement binding when the stakes are real?

G-d loves you. Even when it seems otherwise. (Parsha Perks | Devarim | with Dr Michael Chighel)

Ultimately, I trusted her to her own devices, realizing that it is time for her to experience independence. And perhaps that’s a bit like this week’s parshah.

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

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 166 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

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.

No one is immune to feeling hurt when being admonished. Moses teaches us how to rebuke carefully and sensitively.

The parshah of Devarim contains 105 verses, and the mnemonic for it is the name Malkiya. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Judaism does not expect everyone to become Jewish. Here’s what Judaism means to non-Jews.

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

Larry Goldstein calls the Tefillin Customer Support line, G-fish answers, and, of course, hilarity ensues.

Put in the proper perspective, even a whale of a challenge can be nothing at all. (Parsha Perks | Ve’etchanan | with Dr Michael Chighel)

The Torah commands us: You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart. How can we be expected to feel a love for Him if the feeling is not embedded in our heart?

An analysis of the first two paragraphs of the Shema express two modes of interaction with the divine, and an inspiring and encouraging message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 9)

Understanding the power, protection and blessing of the Mezuzah.

The prohibition against intermarriage appears in this week's portion. How does Torah guide Jews in finding Jewish spouses? (This video was shot live on location from Jerusalem.)

The Torah describes the revelation at Sinai by saying: "You have been shown, in order to know that the Lord He is G-d; there is none else besides Him." (Deuteronomy 4:35) Rashi explains that the way G-d showed the people is that "He tore open the heaven and earth." How are we to understand this unusual imagery?

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

Analysis of Rashi’s (seemingly superfluous) elucidation of the verse on Tefillin, quickly leads into broader exploration presenting a profound understanding of this foundational mitzvah. Discover defining differences between the hand and head set; and a fascinating duality of dimensions encoded into it. Revealing eye-opening legal, philosophical and mystical insights, this rumination will forever change the way you view the mitzvah of Tefillin!

Even though Moses’ fervent prayer seems to not have been granted, he teaches us to never give up on our prayers being answered.

A headless, one-armed stick man does some stuff.

The Torah says to remember and guard the Shabbat together. This refers to the dos and don’ts in observing Shabbat.

Why the uncommon term for prayer for Moses’ appeal to G-d to allow him to enter the Land of Israel. Rashi, as recorded in the manuscripts, sheds light on the interpretation.

The Torah commands us to “love G-d with all your heart”. The Hebrew word for 'heart' is spelled with an extra letter: the letter 'vet' appears twice. Our Sages explain that this means that we are to love G-d with both inclinations of the heart, the good (yetzer tov) and the evil (yetzer hara). But how can one possibly love G-d with one's evil inclination?! This class offers three answers in ascending sequence and offers a parallel model for a blissful marriage.

The final Mishnah of Tracate Shabbat concludes with the law that one may "close up [a window], measure [an object needed for a mitzvah], and tie a [non-permanent] knot on Shabbat." What do each of these three ideas represent in our spiritual service of G-d? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 14)

In the verse “Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One,” (Deuteronomy 6:4) the letter Ayin in the word Shema (Hear) and the letter Daled in the word Echad (One) are both unusually large. Ayin and Dalet spell Ayd (witness) to teach us that when we recite the Shema we should bear witness to G-d’s Oneness.

The eighth step is based the verse “And you shall teach the Torah...and you should speak…when you are at home and when you travel, before you lie down…and when you wake up.” Discover, how we are not only instructed to study Torah, but rather to view every moment of life as a teachable opportunity; potentially impactful on a global scale. See how every casual encounter or situation may become transformative. Learn how you can elevate our world, accelerating universal redemption. Regardless of circumstances, we are each empowered to transcend the challenges and bring about a world of difference!

Are the head and arm tefillin one mitzvah or are they two separate mitzvahs? The text is nuanced— pointing to two different perspectives on the mind/heart interplay.

In the mitzvah of Torah study, the emphasis placed on teaching Torah to children conveys a lesson in how to learn Torah as G-d intended it.

The deeper meaning behind putting Tefillin on your arm before your head.

Why did Moshe pray so hard to enter the Holy Land? Why were his prayers not answered and what does that mean for us about our exile?

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.

The exile started with a single event, and the children have the power to end it.

Study a variety of vibrant and topical subjects with scholarly teachers. These Torah classes are from a day of learning in Montreal, Canada dedicated to help bring peace to Israel on 8/3/2008.

The Talmud’s narrative of the unfortunate episodes that led to the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and our subsequent exile.

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.

In the third haftorah of the “Trilogy of Tribulations,” we learn how Isaiah’s prophecy contains a hidden lesson about our power to visualize and manifest our greatest hopes and dreams.

A precise textual analysis of ch. 4, halacha 1 of Rambam's "Laws of the Chosen House" (Hilchos Beis HaBechira) considers the historical role of the Ark in the Temple as well as its location today. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 21)

Why it is illogical to say that the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile, came about as a punishment for the Jewish people.

This class begins with a history of the three-week period of mourning for the Destruction of the Holy Temple and continues with an analysis of a prophecy of Jeremiah that hints to the future transformation of "bitterness into sweetness."

A look at the three Haftorah portions read during the "Three Weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple.

The Third Temple to be built by Moshiach corresponds to the third phase in a relationship in which opposites are harmonized and ultimate peace is achieved.

Before the siege of Jerusalem, G-d commanded the prophet Ezekiel to place an iron pot around a brick symbolizing the city's siege. (Ezekiel 4:3) Iron can be a metaphor for the grave character defect of rigidity or for the deep inner strength of the Jewish people that leads to Redemption.

Why building a Temple on the Temple Mount is by necessity the first stage in making the world a G-dly place. (A Tisha B'Av study, based on the Rebbe's discourse Gadol Yihyeh K'vod Habayis Hazeh, 5722.)

The mystical secrets hinted at by the numbers in the dates associated with the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem—the 17th day of Tammuz, the 9th day of Av, and the three weeks or twenty-one days between them.

Says the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations, “For these things I weep.” Where were the rest of the Jewish people when Jeremiah was mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple?

"Pinchas...has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me... therefore I hereby give him My covenant of peace." (Numbers 25:11-12) In this verse, the letter 'vav' of the word 'shalom' (peace) is written like two separate letters, a 'yud' above and a small 'vav' below. What does this teach us about how to make true peace?

G-d tells Moses, “A thousand for each tribe, a thousand from each tribe, from all the tribes of Israel you shall send into the army [to battle the Midianites].” (Numbers 31:4) The Hebrew word for thousand is “elef,” which is spelled the same as “alef.” What is the connection between the battle against Midian, the letter alef, and the Three Weeks of mourning over the destruction of the Temple?

This class continues to describe the reign of the Herodian kings and the events leading to the fall of the Holy Temple to the Roman Emperor, Titus.

The Torah prohibits constructing the Temple with wood; only stone and brick are admissible. Yet the high priest's chamber, located in the Temple proper, was made of wood. This class will present an analysis of the subject from both halachic and spiritual viewpoints. (Likutei Sichos vol 28, Parshas Massei)

The Midrash relates that at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, seventy years before the Jews’ return to Jerusalem, G-d instructed Ezekiel to teach them the dimensions of the Holy Temple, because when they engage in its study, G-d considers it as though they built it.

In the book of Eicha – authored by Jeremiah the prophet – the letter Lamed in the verse “Let it not befall you...” is written small. This symbolizes Jeremiah's role, and by extension every Jew, to be a light unto the nations.

In analyzing Maimonides' description of the future transformation of the current fast days into days of celebration in the Messianic era, this class sheds new light on the nature of things to come. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, p. 412)

The Book of Lamentations is a sad song which contains the most heartrending prophecies of Jeremiah about the destruction of the Holy Temple and the ensuing exile. Join us for an informative and uplifting text-based study of this Biblical book, which is traditionally read on Tisha B’av.

This text-based class on Megillat Eicha provides a general overview and analyzes the first two verses.

This text-based class on Megillat Eicha focuses on verses 3-4 of the first chapter.

Learn the laws and customs for the mourning period of the “Three Weeks,” which begin with the fast of 17 Tammuz, and culminates with the fast of Tisha B’Av.

By Rabbi Zushie Rimler

When tragedy struck, the rabbi needed to find inner strength, faith, and focus to be there for his daughter, his grandchildren, and most of all himself.

Tisha b’Av, the ninth of Av, is Judaism’s national day of mourning. Learn the history and significance of this tragic day, and how from the tragedy is planted the seeds of hope.

Hashem wants us to inherit Israel, do we? A deeper understating of Rashi’s commentary teaches us that when we rely on Hashem and declare that Hashem gave us Eretz Yisrael, we are protected and saved in a flash.

On the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Av, known as Shabbos Chazon, everyone is shown a vision of the future Holy Temple. The Chassidic masters offer a parable of a precious suit to clarify the significance of this vision. Why does a garment fits better than a h

The Torah lists the 42 places where the Jewish People journeyed to in the desert. Why does the Torah refer to the destinations where they encamped as journeys? Learn a profound message regarding our mission to always travel higher.

The two tribes of Reuven and Gad asked Moses to stay in the land Trans-Jordon, where there is sufficient pasture for their flock. How were they different from the spies in not wanting to settle in the land of Israel? And why was half the tribe of Menashe

Dreaming of an incredible life can bring you a wondrous life. This is what radical commitment to Hashem looks like.

Does Teshuvah help if it's not altogether sincere? Learn a powerful lesson about teshuvah from the sons of Korach.

Like the story of Pinchas, almost everything in the world can be channeled for a positive or destructive objective. What is the barometer to know if it’s virtuous?

Why would a tzadik make a bracha that implies he doesn't deserve Hashem's blessings?

Why every Parah Adumah must link back to Moshe.

The Talmud is a repository of Jewish learning, tradition, and law, written in a blend of Hebrew and Aramaic.

Mendel was just seven years old when his father suddenly passed away, leaving behind four orphans. The Rebbe took a unique interest in the Scharf children, showering them with attention, love, and paternal concern – which we can all learn from. Watch Rabb

The individual who chopped wood in the desert and desecrated the Shabbos, ironically, was out to prove a point about keeping Shabbos. He demonstrated how though good intentions are wonderful, but action is the key.

The spies were deeply spiritual people with high ideals, yet they were misguided and missed the point. This leads to fascinating dive into the Rambam’s definition of attaining the ultimate level of love of Hashem. A lesson from the spies: The goal of Juda

When Moshe sent the spies, were they kosher? If not, why send them. If yes, why did Moshe pray that Yehoshua be save from their plans?

Rambam states that one of the core values of Judaism is the belief that Hashem empowers humans with prophetic ability. Then he details the qualities needed to access prophecy, which tells us what we need to believe about Nevuah.

Is the celebration of Yom Tov all about meat? Is the mitzvah of Simcha on Yom Tov spiritual or physical enjoyment? Is there a mitzvah of Simcha on Shabbos?

The Second Passover offering is brought by those who didn’t bring the Korban Pesach a month earlier in its proper time. Is Pesach Sheni relevant if one didn't miss Pesach? And what is its value today without the Korban?

Phil Rosenberg describes the role of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. He also describes several outlines of what the community should be focusing on to ensure a brighter future.

Shavuos is when we connect with the essence of Hashem, which allows us to fundamentally transform the weekdays that follow. This we see in the days of ‘Tashlumin’, the make-up period for the Shavuos pilgrim offerings.

The way the Leviim needed to transport the holy Aron containing the Luchos, shows the degree to which we need to respect the Torah, and conveys how Torah builds a forward-facing, personal relationship with Hashem.

How we created a Yom Tov out of the day after Shavuos. Analyzing Talmudic sources for the Alter Rebbe’s description of Isru Chag.