The series of chassidic discourses affectionately known as Samach Vov, from the year 5666 by the Fifth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, are famous for their exceptionally comprehensive and deep nature. Join Dr. Yaakov Brawer for clear and profound elucidations of these discourses.

Understanding Chassidus (Video-LOW)

Samach Vav: Tikku BaChodesh, Part 5

The variety of ways in which Nefesh Elokis can effect the Nefesh HaBehamis.

Samach Vav: Tikku BaChodesh, Part 4

The Varity of relationships between Nefesh Elokis and Nefesh Habamis. The ultimate purpose of Nefesh Elokis is to enclothe itself in the Nefesh Habamis in order to facilitate the Birur of the Nefesh Habamis.

Samach Vav: Tikku BaChodesh, Part 3

Samach Vav: Tikku BaChodesh, Part 2

“Their beginnings are wedged in their ends…” The role of Malchus in the Avodah of Birrurim.

Samach Vav: Tikku BaChodesh, Part 1

Completion of the Maamer. The Superiority of Mitzvos in physical action.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 14

The distinction between Yesh M’ayin Mamash and the seeming Yesh M’Ayin from Keser to Chachmah of Atzilus.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 13

“Their beginnings (Techilasan) are wedged in their ends (Sofon) and their ends are wedged in their beginnings” {Sefer Yitzira}, alludes to the identity of Yecholus Haeztem (Techilah) with Malchus (Sof), and accounts for the role of Malchus in creation Yesh M’ayin. We now consider the more paradoxical relationship of Techilah with Kesser, from which Chachmah of Atzilus (yesh) is created.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 12

Sefer Yetzira states “Their beginnings (Techila) are wedged in their ends (Sof) and their ends are wedged in their beginnings”. The previous class focused on the first clause,“Their beginnings are wedged in their ends…” The maamer now continues with an exploration of the second clause “…and their ends are wedged in their beginnings.”

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 11

Now that we have some insight into the concept of Techilah, we are in a position to explore the premise stated in Sefer Yetzirah that “their beginnings (Techilah) are wedged in their ends (Sof) and their ends are wedged in their beginnings”

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 10

Subtleties in the concept of Techilah. Etzem as opposed to Etzem Mamash.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 9

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 8

The analysis of the stages of “beginning”: 1) Techilah – essential, 2) Kodem – hidden, 3) Gilui – revealed. And using as examples: 1) Radla – Essential, 2) Chochmah Stimah – Hidden, and 3) Chochmah – Gilui.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 7

The stages of “Beginning” (Essential, Hidden, and Revealed) and the distinctions between them.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 6

Continuation of the discussion of the meaning of נעוץ תחלתן בסופן.