In the world at large, the Rebbe is known for his visionary leadership of the Jewish community, his encouragement of Torah outreach, the miraculous blessings he gave many, and the vibrancy and energy which his Chassidic teachings infused into Jewish practice.

For many of us, these achievements often overshadowed the unique and distinctive approach to study of the Torah which the Rebbe taught and encouraged. This is an unfortunate oversight. For just as the Rebbe stood out as a leader, he stood out as a teacher. Anyone who heard the Rebbe’s analyses of a Talmudic passage, a ruling of the Rambam, or a contemporary Halachic insight, was struck by the breadth and the depth of his exposition.

Now for the first time, these teachings are being made available in English. In a sampler constructed to convey the unique flavor and distinction of the Rebbe’s insight, his teachings have been adapted and presented in free-flowing English, with thorough notes and explanations.

Table of Contents

Publisher’s Foreword
Distinctive Stances in the Talmud
"Love and Truth Converge": An Analysis of the Different Characteristics of the Schools of Hillel and Shammai
Immanence and Transcendence: An Analysis of the Differences in Approach Between Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Akiva
What Makes the Scales of Judgment Tip? An Analysis of the Contrast Between the Positions of Rabban Gamliel and the Sages

Our Holidays in Torah Law
Rosh HaShanah: Why the Shofros Verses Are Recited
Yom Kippur: Inspiring Atonement
Sukkos: Fulfilling a Mitzvah with a Borrowed Article
Chanukah: Lights in Transition: An Analysis of the Rationales for Increasing the Number of Candles Lit on Chanukah
The Communal Fasts: An End to Fasting
Purim: Should Mordechai Have Sacrificed His Torah Study?
Pesach: A Fifth Cup of Wine at the Seder
Sefiras HaOmer: Seven Perfect Weeks
Shavuos: When Shavuos Is to Be Celebrated
The Seventeenth of Tammuz: The Fast of the Fourth Month

Unlocking the Aggadah
Of Eternal Life
A Perplexing Purim Feast
Is True Humility Possible?
To Whom Should the Torah Be Given?

Issues in Halachah
What Is Dearest to G-d?
To Be Consumed by the Altar’s Fire
The Responsibility for Chinuch
Should We Restrict the Amount We Give?
Accepting Responsibility for Another Person
Spreading Torah Knowledge
How We Can Fulfill the Final Mitzvah of the Torah

Glossary and Biographical Index