Twilight

From Living Torah (Volume 56, Episode 221)

Now that we stand two weeks before Chanukah, it is time to raise some points as to the nature of the Chanukah campaign:

The Chanukah Menorah is kindled at twilight. “Twilight” represents a dual state: on the one hand, there is darkness; but at the same time, the sun is still fully there, albeit obstructed.

The Chanukah campaign must reach those Jews who are in a state of spiritual twilight. Like the sun at twilight, G-d’s Divine light may not be readily visible upon them, but in truth, it is fully present, for just like the sun always shines, the Jew’s heart remains ever-awake to G-d, Torah and Mitzvos.

The same is true for Jews living in their “twilight years.” Their health and physical condition is no longer robust; many are forced into nursing facilities, leaving behind active, vigorous lives. And certainly for Jews who are in prison… For them, the Chanukah campaign is needed even more.

Also in this Episode:
* Farbrengen
* Protecting the Beauty of the Jewish Woman
* Not Quite What the Doctor Ordered

G-d Believes in Israel

From Living Torah (Volume 55, Episode 218)

G-d places free choice in the hands of Israel’s Jews to choose a course of action, because He believes in the Jewish People that ultimately they will choose the path of Torah. Then the Torah, the People and the Land will all be complete.

Also in this Episode:
* A Match Made in Heaven — and on Earth
* Nigun “Ach Tzaddikim”
* To Save a Life

Leaving Paris

From Living Torah (Volume 55, Episode 217)


An excerpt from the Jewish Educational Media film, The Early Years IV
Rabbi Sholom Ber Levine shares the account of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s departure from Paris, as told to him by the Rebbetzin herself.

Also in this Episode:
* Action by Individual, Inaction by Committee
* Visit by Israel’s Chief Rabbi
* Yeshiva: True Jewish "Settlement"

“Roll-over” Blessings

From Living Torah (Volume 54, Episode 213)



All Jews should have a good and complete year. You should have two-in-one, to compensate for last year, which was lacking… When a Jew receives material blessing from G-d, he gives back spirituality to G-d, through charity.

Also in this Episode:
* The Art of Sublime Needlework
* Selichos
* To Honor His Mother

Torah Businessman

From Living Torah (Volume 53, Episode 212)



Instead of devoting all your time to Torah study and helping your Shliach, continue your business also. You will then show an example of a successful businessman who has set times for Torah study every day - and is happy about it!

Also in this Episode:
* Divine Service on Two Fronts
* Nigun “U’vyom Simchaschem”
* Fatherly Concern

The Beinoni

From Living Torah (Volume 53, Episode 211)



Tanya opens with a Talmudic passage: “Every Jew, before he is born, is administered an oath: ‘Be righteous, and be not wicked’” -- if it is not possible for you to achieve the level of the righteous, at least do not be wicked; be a ‘Beinoni - intermediate.’ This is followed by an extensive discussion defining the spiritual level and service of the Beinoni - that “he has never sinned, and never will sin…”

The level of Beinoni is so high that the great Chassid, Reb Hillel of Paritch proclaimed in wonder: “If only I could be a Beinoni!” How can every man, woman and child be expected to live up to this nearly impossible standard?

The answer: According to Jewish law, an oath is administered “according to the understanding of the court.” The Heavenly court knows from the outset that a Jew will face challenges, and even setbacks. But by maintaining constant joy and happiness in his service of G-d, he is able to achieve complete repentance. Then all his past misdeeds become counted as “merits,” and he is retroactively transformed into a Beinoni.

Also in this Episode:
* Selichos
* Giving and Receiving
* Rabbi Engineer, Part 2: Solid State

Rabbi Engineer, Part 1: The Brooklyn Navy Yard

From Living Torah (Volume 53, Episode 210)



Mr. Yaakov Hardof is an electrical engineer, and founder of Amperon Electronics and Soundsystems and Interconcept Incorporated. In 1957, he spent close to two hours with the Rebbe discussing... engineering!

Also in this Episode:
* Atonement
* Maamar
* The Chassidic Brotherhood: Lubavitch and Ger