Matzah Zu 5749: Class 2—The Power of Matzah

Chapter 1 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah introduces the idea that all of created reality is composed of arrangements of the 22 letters of the Holy Tongue and that it is the Divine Speech that issues for these letters that causes all of creation to continue to exist rather than revert into nothingness.

Join Rabbi Shais Taub as he brings the mystical Ten Sefiros to life, straight from the core texts of Kabbalah and Chassidic philosophy. This session isn't just an overview—it's a deep dive into sacred writings like the introduction to Tikunei Zohar and Igeres HaKodesh, chapter 15. Rabbi Taub translates ancient wisdom into practical insights that resonate with our everyday lives. Discover how these fundamental Kabbalistic concepts can transform your understanding and spiritual practice.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe's discourse Kol Yisrael begins with the Mishnah that is recited before the study of Pirkei Avos stating: "All Israel has a portion in the world to come." In this lesson, covering chapters 1-2 of the maamar, we question why even those souls that reside in the highest levels of heaven will need to come back down to the physical world in order to experience resurrection after the coming of Moshiach.

We begin the second volume of Tanya known as The Gate of Unity and Faith (Shaar HaYichud Ve'HaEmunah) which explains the oneness and unity of Hashem. In this introduction, the Alter Rebbe explains why we need to understand this subject matter as it is the foundation to developing proper love and awe of Hashem.

Rabbi Shais Taub leads a guided meditation session at the Kansas City Recovery Retreat. The focus of the meditation is on the idea of G-d's complete "Everything-ness" and how we can surrender our separate egos to that reality to experience greater serenity and, most importantly, increase our usefulness to our Maker.

Co-founder of AA, Dr. Bob, once said that the entire 12-Step program could be summed up as: 1) Trust G-d, 2) Clean House, 3) Help Others. In that spirit, Rabbi Shais Taub presents a 1-hour overview of the 12 Steps of recovery structured into "three phases of freedom" corresponding to three months on the Jewish calendar as well as three phrases in the verse (Song of Songs 1:4) "Draw me, we will run after you; the king brought me to his chambers." This was delivered as the step workshop at the Kansas City Recovery Conference in 2024.

First we review last week's class and get into a very lively discussion of the importance of getting Jews to eat matzah on the night of Pesach. We then continue with the maamar and learn about how the matzah we eat possesses the advantages of various different spiritual levels all at once. Text-based study of the Rebbe's maamar Matzah Zo 5749. This class covers Chapters 3-4 of the maamar.

Join Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Jacob L. Freedman in a thought-provoking discussion on mental health, addiction recovery, and Pesach. Delve into the intersection of spirituality and mental well-being as they share insights and strategies for personal growth during the holiday season. Gain valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and finding inner strength amidst adversity. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers practical wisdom and compassionate guidance. To purchase the Four Cups Haggadah: https://a.co/d/1dWimj7

What is the reason why we eat matzah at the Seder? In the Haggadah, we say that the reason is because "our ancestors did not have time for their dough to rise before the Holy One revealed Himself and redeemed them." But is that the actual reason why we eat matzah? Is it not because we were commanded to do so? Analysis of the reason why we eat matzah leads us to understanding different spiritual levels that can be attained through eating matzah on Pesach. Text-based study of the Rebbe's maamar Matzah Zo 5749. This class covers Chapters 1-2 of the maamar.

Modern life has disconnected us from the rhythms of the cosmos. However, during an eclipse, we collectively look up and are reminded that the universe is in motion, hinting at the existence of a Divine Creator.