Throughout the month of Elul, the Jewish people has a collective task: to prepare itself to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year. Indeed, there is a Jewish custom to wear white on Rosh Hashanah eve, to express the certainty that all will be inscribed in the Book of the Righteous. Clearly, then, the preparation for this must also be with unity.

A rising performer, Deborah Jacobi pined for spirituality. A meal in a sukkah and meeting the Rebbe changed her course forever.

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

Plant Charity and Harvest Salvation: Why it is important to give charity before prayer

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

Itche, Jono, and all of their friends act out different ways of giving charity.

Take an exciting trip back in time to the court of King Ahasuerus and his beautiful Jewish wife Queen Esther as you watch the dramatic story of the Jewish victory over Persian persecution. (Please be advised this video may be too graphic for younger kids.)

A virtuous heroine. A wicked villain. It’s the ancient, true story of Queen Esther, brought vividly to life in a delightfully educational way.

Judaism teaches us to be optimistic and positive, to highlight what we have rather than what is lacking. But here’s one time when this attitude is absolutely destructive.

Tanya teaches that every soul expresses itself primarily through intellect, emotion, or action. While everyone possesses all three, differences in dominance often lead to misunderstanding and conflict in marriage. This class helps you identify your own orientation and your spouse’s and understand where friction comes from. You’ll discover why a healthy marriage requires developing your weaker traits—and how growth in all three areas creates balance and resilience.

The parshah of Re’eh contains 126 verses, and the mnemonic for it is the word Peliyah (wondrous). Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Learn the basics of this special mitzvah: showing what’s inside, where to place it, how to do it, and its extraordinary impact.

Simple-to-follow instructions on how to light the Shabbat candles.

Watch these simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of wearing a Tallis.

Is our relationship with the Torah in the form of seeing or listening?

Take a closer look at Rashi’s commentary on this verse, where he differs from other classic commentators and seems to complicate the simple meaning.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 187 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

There is comfort that comes from above, and comfort that comes from each person’s own heart. Each has a distinct advantage. Is there a way to have both?

Three Hebrew letters contain an encoded message explaining how tzedakah is really not charity but justice.

Sarah and Avi find a letter “mem,” and help him find a mitzvah that starts with the letter “mem.”

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

G-fish tries to cheat at board games by pretending to be a prophet (double gulp!)

Admission of guilt is tantamount to the testimony of one hundred witnesses. This is true only of monetary obligations. If however, one admitted in a court of law to a transgression that carries a penalty to be applied to the person himself, such a confession is of no consequence. This class will explain the reason for this discrepancy and will explore the layers of the nature of ownership. (Likutei Sichos vol. 34, Sicha 2)

"By the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall the one liable to death be put to death; he shall not be put to death by the mouth of one witness." (Deut. 17:6) What does it mean that the Jewish people are "witnesses" to the truth of G-d's existence?

The Torah gives the Sages the power to enact new laws and observances. We look at the "rabbinical holidays" of Chanukah and Purim.

Isaiah's words spur us on to reach the ultimate in Divine comfort.

The verse (Deut 17:14) "When you settle in the land... and you say, 'Let us appoint a king...'" is the basis for the mitzvah for the Jewish people to appoint a monarch. Why is the Hebrew word for "when you settle" (v'yashavta) written with an extra letter "hei" at the end?

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

The parshah of Shoftim contains 96 verses, and the mnemonic for it is the name Selu. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

The Torah instructs to set up judges and police in every city. Learn a personal message about controlling your own inner city.

Three little judges deliberate a case.

In addition to providing a safe haven for one that inadvertently kills someone, the city of refuge is an opportunity to repent and make amends.

Should our young children explore on their own to discover the proper way of life?

The Torah commands us against seeking out diviners, soothsayers and sorcerers. Rather, we should be “Tamim” (wholehearted) with G-d. Exploring the different interpretations of Tamim based on the commentary of Rashi through the prism of the variations in the manuscripts.

An analysis of the legal difference between ownership of property and the proprietary rights one has over one’s own body. We look particularly closely at laws in Maimonides’ Laws of The Sanhedrin. (Based on Likkutei Sichot, vol. 34, p. 106)

In Part 1 of this two-part class, we learned about two different categories of witnesses -- witnesses who corroborate the truth and witnesses who actually "make" the truth. In Part 2, we learn how the Jewish people's testimony that G-d exists leads to the Messianic perfection of this world.

The Torah says (Deut. 18:13) "Be wholehearted with your G-d" in contrast to those who seek fortune tellers and other ways of knowing the future. Rashi explains that G-d doesn't want us to probe the future, but to simply accept whatever comes. But aren't we supposed to be proactive? Doesn't G-d expect us to do our part as well? How is this to be understood?

What is the purpose and function of prophecy, and could there be prophets today? Understanding the mitzvah to listen to Torah true prophets and the significance of prophesy.

The Torah mandates that the Levites not inherit a portion in the Land of Israel like the rest of the tribes, for they are to be set apart for the service of G-d and guiding the people spiritually. Will there be a change in the division of land in the times of Moshiach?

Explore the difference between the role of Torah and prophecy, specifically the unique prophecy of Moshe, and learn why Moshe's project prophecy consolidates the integrity of the Torah. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 19 Shoftim)

We learn about heeding the unusual instruction of a prophet to bring a sacrifice on a Bamah, a temporary altar. As we examine the Siyum on tractate Zevachim, we uncover an incredible insight into prophecy and how we impact the world with holiness.

Why a king is the heart (not the mind) of the nation.

Blessings for success in the practice of law. Every Jew has to prepare their case at this time to be presented before the Heavenly Court on Rosh Hashanah.

On Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of the Jewish mother’s dedication and self-sacrifice in fostering our nation’s deep commitment to G‑d.

A deeper look into the meanings and customs of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year: From crowning G-d as our king to blowing the Shofar and dipping apple into honey.

If you had one wish to be granted by G‑d ... what would it be?

Watch these inspiring Rosh Hashanah and High Holidays videos and learn its traditions and meaning

That first day of school, your first job interview, your first day in your own home, the first day of the rest of your life...

What parent can resist the desperate cries of his or her child? The call of the shofar is our raw guttural cry to our Father in Heaven.

The meaning and symbolism behind the shape of the ram’s horn sounded on Rosh Hashanah.

How the simple sound of the ram’s horn on Rosh Hashanah represents a Jew’s heartfelt cry to G‑d.

What is the purpose of the Ten Days of Repentance? Is it a time of solemn introspection or a time of rejoicing? Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 25)

Understand the meaning and the structure of the Rosh Hashanah prayer services and "why we do what we do."

Rabbi Itche Kadoozy attempts to deliver a Rosh Hashanah message. 255 times.

Just a regular, run-of-the-mill Itche Kadoozy video about the meaning of Rosh Hashannah. Except with lots of bee jokes. Don't worry, we made the video and it still doesn't quite make sense to us.

How to prepare mentally and emotionally for Rosh Hashannah as the 48-hour period on which we connect to our "higher self" by crowning G-d as King.

Rosh Hashanah is not just the start of a new calendar year; it is the renewal of G‑d’s interest in our world that comes as a result of our accepting Him as King.

The Divine attribute of Malchut (Kingship) is described as the bridge between G-d's infinity and His presence within finite creation.

From the story of the prophetess Chanah, we learn the proper way to approach G‑d and express our needs. (A text-based discussion of the first chapter of Samuel I.)

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 52 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

The prophet Isaiah declares: “Seek G‑d when He can be found, call to Him when He is near.” The Talmud explains: “This refers to the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”

This series examines three major themes of the days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: 1) the coronation of G-d, 2) a time of judgment, and 3) a time for repentance.

Rosh Hashanah as the yearly coronation of G-d as king. First in a 3-part series about the High Holidays.

Rosh Hashanah as the yearly Day of Judgment. Second in a 3-part series about the High Holidays.

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the ten days in between are a time of "teshuvah" (returning to G-d.) Third in a 3-part series about the High Holidays.

G‑d is on the campaign trail to be crowned as King of the Universe again this year, and He wants your vote.

Joey and his pals find themselves stranded underwater just as Rosh Hashanah is about to begin!

Several times a year, the Rebbe would write a "michtav klali", a public letter addressed to "all sons and daughters of Israel wherever they may be." In this lecture, we review one of those letters, a Rosh Hashanah message from 1974

Rosh Hashanah is like brain surgery. Every little action can have an enormous impact.

The holiday of Rosh Hashanah marks the New Year, a time of renewal and change; yet the beginning of the yearly cycle also contains the polar theme of steadfast resolve and continuity.

On Rosh Hashana we read in the Haftorah about the birth of the prophet Samuel. Childless for many years, one year on Rosh Hashana, his mother Chana offered a prayer that elicited the Divine blessing resulting in his birth. The Talmud states that Chana's prayer is the model which all prayer aught emulate. This class will explain how to access the awesome power of prayer any time and especially on Rosh Hashana. (Likutei Sichos vol. 29, p.182)

Discover the layers of meaning in blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, and how it elicits within G-d great pleasure.

A deeper look at the many reasons enumerated in the teachings of the Sages for shofar, and the underlying theme it conveys.

A "chance" encounter with a rabbi and a medical scare rekindled Arnie Herz's Jewish soul and inspired him to live a full Jewish life and share it it with others.

Did you know that the Jewish people dedicate an entire month to prepare for the New Year? Watch this explainer on the month of Elul.

Take a closer look at Rashi’s commentary on this verse, where he differs from other classic commentators and seems to complicate the simple meaning.

We all know that Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, but it’s really so much more than apples dipped in honey. Learn all about this profound holiday.

If the two tablets belonged to the nation as a whole, how could Moshe have the right to break them?

In the siyum and end of tractate Taanis, the Gemara encourages to increase learning Torah as the nights become longer. A closer look at the Rambam on meriting the crown of Torah, illuminates why learning Torah at night is transformative.

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.

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?

Tanya teaches that every soul expresses itself primarily through intellect, emotion, or action. While everyone possesses all three, differences in dominance often lead to misunderstanding and conflict in marriage. This class helps you identify your own o

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