Chassidic Texts
Lessons in Tanya: Written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), the founder of Chabad, Tanya is the central text of Chabad Chassidism. Its stated aim is to show a path to realizing one's purpose and developing a deeper relationship with G-d.
תניא - The Book of Tanya in its Hebrew Original: The fundamental work of Chabad Chasidus, composed to show all Jews how to achieve their spiritual potential.
Hayom Yom: Hayom Yom: From Day To Day …"its every day is indeed a day." A treasure of aphorisms and customs for every day of the year.
Tzava'at Harivash: One of the earliest Chassidic texts, Tzava'at Harivash, is actually a manual of Chassidic directives, insights and guidance for deveikut, communion with G-d, culled from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his successor, Rabbi Dovber of Mezritch.
Flames: "Flames" focuses on the multiple images of the lamp; the oil, the wick and the different hues of the flame, in order to express profound guidance in the divine service of every individual: Just as the oil fuses flame and wick, so does the performance of practical mitzvot keep the radiance of the soul kindled upon the body.
Maamar VeYadaata: One of the classics in Chasidic literature, "Veyadaata" is renowned for its simple yet profound explanation of the oneness of G-d, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of day-to-day living, exploring ways in which one can receive the inner G-dly light that is invested in the physical world.
Maamar Heichaltzu: Although "Love your fellow as yourself" is, as Rabbi Akiva taught, the great underlying principle of the Torah, actually achieving this love is a profound challenge for most people. Human personality is instead, often given to baseless hatred. This discourse deals with the spiritual roots of such hatred, its practical consequences, and the remedies for it.
The Tree of Life: Shortly after founding Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, Rabbi Shalom DovBer delivered this discourse to help his students, past and present, nourish the spiritual fire within. From the mysteries of the first days in Eden, the Rebbe extrapolates a set of standards for a student's learning goals and schedule, personal conduct, prayer, and appearance.
The Ethical Will: This remarkable document is, in great measure, a treatise on education and child-rearing.
Isa B'Midrash Tehillim: The official maamar (discourse) recited first by the fifth Chabad Rebbe and since then by all Chabad boys on the occasion of their Bar Mitzvah, translated and annotated in an accessible format, with additional chapters on customs relating to a Bar Mitzvah
Chassidic Discourses (Two Volumes): A Collection of discourses by the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Written during the turbulent years of 1941-1945, many of the discourses focus on self sacrifice, repentance, and strengthening Judaism, often speaking of the lessons to be learned from the earth-shattering events of the time and their connection to the coming of Moshiach
Maamar Reishit Goyim Amalek: The first discourse delivered by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe after succeeding to the mantle of leadership in 1920. It was first heard in the midst of the bitter civil war that shook the cities of Russia in the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution and the First World War.
On the Study of Chasidus: A trilogy of Chasidic essays by Rabbi Yosef Y. Shneersohn of Lubavitch including: Some Aspects of Chabad Chasidism, On The Teachings of Chasidus and On Learning Chasidus.
The Principles of Education and Guidance: Originally written as an educational guide for two venerable mashpi'im (spiritual mentors) in the original yeshivah in Lubavitch, this treatise by the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch has since serve as a classic definition and elucidation of what "education" truly is
Maamar Lecha Dodi: Two classic discourses, traditionally recited at weddings. The first of which was delivered by the previous Rebbe at the marriage of his second daughter to the Rebbe in 1928. The second, on the same verse and topic, was delivered by the Rebbe in 1954. Also included is an anthology of wedding customs listed in Sefer HaMinhagim.
Basi L'Gani: An English translation of the last Chassidic discourse written by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Shneersohn, Yud Shvat 1950, and the first Chassidic discourse delivered by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Yud Shvat 1951.
Likkutie Sochos: Likkutei Sichos (literally, "Collected Talks") contains both the scope and the core of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings, and is the most authoritative source text for the Rebbe's unique, original, and often revolutionary explanation of Judaism.
Led By G-d's Hand: Nothing happens by chance; even a leaf blowing in the wind does so because G-d wills it to. This book presents several analytical treatises by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, on the Baal Shem Tov's conception of Hashgacha Pratis, Divine Providence.
Kuntres HaHishtatchus: The classic Maamar explaining the significance of visiting the grave of a Tzaddik.
Anticipating the Redemption - Volume I: Awakening the desire for the Redemption can only be accomplished through learning about it. The Rebbe details different aspects of the Redemption, the role of Moshiach, and how we can prepare ourselves for this new era.
Seek Out the Welfare of Jerusalem: Analytical studies by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson on the Rambam's rulings concerning the construction and the design of the Beis HaMikdosh
Crown Jewels: Selected from the Rebbe`s voluminous Likkutei Sichot, these "Crown Jewels" expound the most profound of Chassidic concepts, presented according to the Torah portions in which they originally appeared.
Timeless Patterns in Time: The Jewish year, with its holidays and fast days, is a cycle of recurring spiritual influences, with each year bringing a new dimension to the cycle. These essays highlight the spiritual message of the holidays, showing the connection between the historical significance of these days and their eternal relevance to Jewish life.
