Only a single manuscript of the Alter Rebbe’s handwriting of the Tanya remains, and it is housed in the Rebbe’s library. What happened to the other original manuscripts?
These People Are Stars, How About Me?
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: As the war continues, more and more horrific stories of pain and suffering emerge R”l, but there are also stories of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel who are becoming stronger and prouder. These people gathered the strength, during such a difficult time, to make real changes in their lives.
“You’re Living in a Box, and I Think It’s Insensitive”
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: It’s natural to be interested about the situation in Eretz Yisroel and to spend time following the news, WhatsApps and what not. But an honest assessment may help us recognize that in most cases, they leave us feeling down, dark, anxious and depressed.
We Know He’s In Charge, But a Pogrom is a Pogrom!
Photo: Ziv Koren
Photo: Ziv Koren
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: In the early 1900s, after some devastating pogroms, the Rebbe’s melamed found a source in the Torah for what was going on. The Rebbe repeated this episode one Simchas Torah and concluded, “Still, a pogrom is a pogrom!”
He Was Fooled by a Sheperd Boy Who Slept Above the Oven
A talmid and dear friend of Reb Hillel Paritcher, Reb Betzalel Azaritcher was an esteemed chossid and shadar of the Tzemach Tzedek. Yet, he felt unworthy when he did not recognize the shepherd boy.
They Knew How to Breakdance, and They Danced in a Circle
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Breakdancing and disco dancing are full of self. Dancing in a circle demonstrates togetherness. These bachurim knew that while breakdancing will attract attention, the circle is really what it’s all about.
The Stories Behind the Rebbe’s Shtenders
Over the years of the Rebbe’s nesius, he used a number of shtenders, each with their own unique story and history. These are the shtenders and the story behind each one.
He Chose Heaven Over Earth
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Can we find areas in our lives where we’re willing to forego materialism for the sake of spirituality? For some, it may be closing their business in order to keep Shabbos, and for others, it may be closing their phone in order to daven properly.
“Rebbe! I Can’t Deal With Him!”
Climbed up to the Alter Rebbe‘s second-floor window, R. Yekusiel Lyepler cried out, “Rebbe! Cut out my left side! I can’t deal with him!” From that moment on, he became a different person and his neshama shone intensely – in surprising moments.
Being a Servant is Actually Pretty Good
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Ironic as this may sound, being Hashem’s servant is actually the most liberating way to live. The less of an independent existence we are, the more we allow Hashem to shine through us, and it’s much easier to overcome challenges and obstacles.
His Bumper Sticker Said “Hashem Loves Me”
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Hashem’s love for us should make us feel so secure that we have no need to announce it or have others validate it. It should make us feel less self-absorbed. A Baal Shem Tov-inspired bumper sticker might read something like: Hashem Loves You!
When the Rebbe’s Library Went Underground
Over the years, as the Rebbe’s library continued growing, it began taking up more and more space. Rabbi Berel Levine relates the full history of the library’s expansions from the 1940s until today.
He Was Looking at His Phone Instead of His Wife
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: A newlywed couple sat at a sushi place, with the wife looking through the menu while her husband looked through his phone. Eventually, she too took out her phone and began scrolling. Their sushi was served, and they both ate, looking at their phones the entire time instead of at each other.
As a Little Boy, He Journeyed from Homel to Lubavitch
In something that was unusual for his time, Reb Avraham Ber Yirmiya’s of Babroisk merited as a little boy to visit the Tzemach Tzedek in Lubavitch. His incredible account captures life in Lubavitch in the eyes of a young boy.
Why Teachers Are Leaving the Classrooms
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: I just heard from several melamdim strongly considering leaving their positions because of two issues: One is lack of respect and appreciation—from their own administration as well as parents. The second is the financial strain; they’re simply not being paid enough.
The “Pnimi” Who Was Entrusted with Educating a Rebbe
A house in Rashbatz's town of origin, Shventzyan
A house in Rashbatz's town of origin, Shventzyan
R. Shmuel Betzalel Sheptel, known among chassidim as Rashbatz, was a prominent chossid of many Rebbeim, the melamed of the Frierdiker Rebbe, and later a mashpia of Tomchei Temimim in Lubavitch. His sayings and meshalim guided generations of chassidim.
The Shofaros That the Rebbe Used and Their Unique Stories
Special episode for Chodesh Elul: Here are the shofaros that the Rebbe used over the years of his nesius, including one which only went on display a number of days ago.
Where Are Our Community’s Leaders?
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: “Where are our leaders?” many people ask. But as the people, we should primarily ask a different question: “Where are the followers?” There are many qualified Rabbanim and mashpiim to lead us with the Torah as their guide, the question is if we are willing to follow.
The Railroad Magnate Who Was the Rebbe’s Ambassador
A wealthy chossid who lived in the capital city of Petersburg, R. Shmuel Michel Treinin was a supporter and activist for the Rebbe Rashab. But when he proudly showed the Rebbe his huge factory, the Rebbe reminded him whose davening brought it.
‘Ahhhs’ and ‘Oys’ May Not Stay the Same
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: There has never been a more confusing time than ours. We are exposed to endless information on how to live our lives; choose priorities; educate our children; and be married. But we need to be open to the possibility that these ahhhs may one day prove to be oys.