Di Kesovim Loz Ich Eich - I Leave You My Writings
Beis Nissan 5780 (2020) marks 100 years since the passing of the Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Sholom Dovber of Lubavitch. The Rebbe Rashab lived at the turn of the twentieth century, and stood at the helm of the Lubavitch dynasty during a period of immense change to the structure of Jewish life, when the bulk of Eastern European Jewry transitioned from shtetl life to industrial societies. To ensure that Yiddishkeit and Chassidus would flourish in this new environment, the Rebbe Rashab emphasised the need to become more inwardly Jewish and thus remain independent and unaffected by the environs. For this purpose, in 5657, he established Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, envisioning it to be the cradle of Chassidim, whose students would have a profound Jewish and Chassidic identity strong enough to withstand their surroundings.
To mark this historic milestone, the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is proud to present this publication entitled "Di Kesovim Loz Ich Eich" ("I leave you my writings"). This title is drawn from a famous aphorism the Rebbe Rashab uttered shortly before his passing, and is an apt title for this collection which focuses on the later events in his life.
This publication includes, for the first time ever, a translation of segments of the book "Ashkavta De'Rebbi", authored by Reb Berel Rivkin who spent the last three weeks of the Rebbe Rashab's life by his bedside. He recounts the story of the Rebbe Rashab's Histalkus in riveting detail and with master storytelling. Additionally, the publication includes a few fascinating articles about the life, achievements and vision of the Rebbe Rashab.
Our utmost appreciation is extended to the Mashpia of Yeshiva Gedola, Rabbi Yaakov Winner, whose vision and persistence have made this kovetz possible, as well as Menachem Mendel Greenbaum.
PDF:
Kovetz Beis Nissan – Section 1 – English Section (1.7MB)
PDF:
Kovetz Beis Nissan – Section 2 – Hebrew Section (2.8MB)
Please note: The English section is not a translation of the Hebrew section; it contains other content.
Daas Elyon
The year 5777 marks 150 years since the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, popularly known as the Tzemach Tzedek after the title of his voluminous responsa. The Tzemach Tzedek was, throughout his life, an activist for his people. He intervened politically, economically and spiritually to help his brethren.
The Tzemach Tzedek was born on Erev Rosh Hashanah 5549 (1789) to Rebbetzin Devorah Leah, the daughter of the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Rebbetzin Devorah Leah passed away three days after the Menachem Mendel's third birthday, and from that day the young orphan was reared and educated by his illustrious grandfather, by when his prodigious abilities were already evident.
After the passing of Rabbi Shneur Zalman in 1813, his son Rabbi DovBer (Rabbi Menachem Mendel's uncle and father-in-law) was appointed his successor. When Rabbi DovBer passed away in 1827, the Tzemach Tzedek became the next Rebbe. Aside from his prolific writings – a unique synthesis of Talmudic, Midrashic, Kabbalistic and Chassidic thought – he devoted himself to improving the economic position and living conditions of his brethren, their spiritual conduct, as well as courageously shielding the Jews from government persecution.
In connection with this historic milestone, the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is proud to present a compilation entitled “Daas Elyon” (“Supernal Knowledge”), which highlights some of the enormous achievements of the Tzemach Tzedek, as well as brief biographies of the Tzemach Tzedek, essays on the topic of joy, and inspirational stories and teachings. This publication is inspired by the Rebbe’s call to mark every Chassidic milestone in a significant manner. This project was spearheaded by Rabbi Yaakov Winner, with special thanks to Shliach Elimelech Backman.
PDF: Daas Elyon - Hebrew Section (33.1MB)
PDF: Daas Elyon - English section (11.9MB)
Please note: The English section is not a translation of the Hebrew section; it contains other content.
Ateres Levi Yitzchok
20 Menachem-Av 5774 (2014) marks 70 years since the passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the father of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the great-great-grandson of the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was proficient in Kabbalah, Talmud, and Chassidic philosophy, and was ordained by the leading Torah authorities of his time, including Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk and Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim Meizel of Lodz.In 1909, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak assumed the position of chief rabbi of the Ukrainian city of Yekatrinoslav (known today as Dnepropetrovsk) and served the community for 32 years. During his years of leadership, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak resolutely engaged in religious activism, never giving in to the ever-growing pressure from Soviets.
In 1939, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was arrested for his activities on behalf of Judaism in the Soviet Union. After more than a year of torture and interrogations in Stalin's notorious prisons, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was sentenced to five years of exile in mosquito-infested Chi’ili, a primitive village located in a remote area in Kazakhstan, which was then part of Soviet Asia. During that time, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak lived in abject poverty and discomfort, with no privacy. Despite the hardships, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak spent much of his time penning his thoughts in the margins of the few books that he had in his possession, with ink his wife prepared from herbs. In 1944, as Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s sentence was nearing its end, his physical condition began to deteriorate. On the 20th of Av, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak returned his pure soul to its Maker.
During his life, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak wrote thousands of manuscripts of Torah analysis and novella, encompassing and intertwining, in his unique style, Talmud, halachah, Kabbalah, and Chassidism. Unfortunately, most of these manuscripts were misplaced or destroyed by the Communists and the Nazis respectively. However, the manuscripts that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak had written during his years of exile miraculously survived and eventually found their way out of Russia. These were eventually published in a five-volume set under the title Likutei Levi Yitzchak.
In commemoration of this historic milestone, the Rabbinical College Shluchim and students are proud to present a compilation entitled "Ateres Levi Yitzchok." This collection features a number of Sichos delivered by the Rebbe on his father's Torah, and several explanations authored by some of the College’s students. The project was spearheaded by Shliach HaTomim .
PDF: Ateres Levi Yitzchok (1.6MB)
V'Samti Kadkod
The year 5773 marks 200 years since the passing of the first Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, in the year 5573 (1812).
The Alter Rebbe founded the Chabad movement, developing an approach that incorporated the enthusiasm of Chassidus with intellectual rigor and scholarship.
The Alter Rebbe contributed to every aspect of Jewish life, transforming them and elevating them to unprecedented heights. He was widely renowned as a mystic, communal activist, philosopher, halachic authority, composer, and talmudist. His works embraced the entire spectrum of Jewish thought - mysticism, philosophy, psychology, ethics, and law. His life continues to inspire, and his works and teachings are as relevant as ever.
In commemoration of this historic milestone, the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is proud to present a compilation entitled “Vesamti Kadkod”. This project was spearheaded by Rabbi Yaakov Winner, with special thanks to Moshe Backman for preparing the print version of the Koivetz, as well as making it available for download.
PDF: Vesamti Kadkod - Hebrew Section (40.7MB)
PDF: Vesamti Kadkod - English section (18MB)
Please note: The English section is not a translation of the Hebrew section; it contains other content.
Kisra Ilaah - Supernal Crown
Chof Cheshvan 5773 marks the 152nd birthday of the Rebbe Rashab, in the year 5621 (1860).
In 5642 (1882), the Rebbe Rashab assumed the leadership of the Chabad movement. Over the next 38 years, he wrote and delivered over 2,000 maamarim (Chassidic discourses) which contain his profound analytical treatment of Chabad Chassidism. These include the famed hemshechim (serialized discourses), most notably “Samach Vov” and “Ayin Beis”.
In 5657 (1897), the Rebbe Rashab established the Tomchei Temimim yeshivah in Lubavitch, the first institution of Jewish learning to integrate Talmudic scholarship with the profound philosophy of Chabad Chassidism. This unique form of Torah study imbued the "Temimim" – the students – with the fiery spirit of Judaism. These students were to be the “lamplighters” of world Jewry – to ignite the spark in every Jewish heart, and to fan it into a bright flame. The yeshivah proliferated and spawned the worldwide Tomchei Temimim network, of which the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is a part.
In commemoration of this special date, the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is proud to present a compilation entitled “Kisra Ilaah”. This project was spearheaded by Rabbi Yaakov Winner, and was originally produced two years ago, by Yitzchok Einstein. Special thanks to Moshe Backman for scanning the file and making it available for download.
PDF: Kisra Ilaah - Hebrew Section (11.6MB)
PDF: Kisra Ilaah - English section (6MB)
Please note: The English section is not a translation of the Hebrew section; it contains other content.
Niflaos Mitorosecha - Wonder of Wonders
Shavuos 5772 marks the 100th anniversary of the Rebbe Rashab’s commencement of the renowned Hemshech (series of Chassidic discourses) entitled "B'shaa Shehikdimu - Ayin Beis". In commemoration, the Rabbinical College of Australia & New Zealand is proud to present a compilation containing Maamarim (Chassidic discourses) from this Hemshech, as well as information about its history and significance.
The Rebbe Rashab is referred to as “the Rambam of Chassidus”. Just as the Rambam clarified each and every Halacha of the Torah, making them accessible to both young and old, so too, the Rebbe Rashab clarified and made accessible the most esoteric Chassidic concepts. This is particularly evidenced in this Hemshech.
The Rebbe (19 Kislev 5737) referred to this Hemshech as "the wonder of wonders" of Chassidus, surpassing even other wondrous Hemsheichim. Hence, this compilation has been named "Niflaos M’Torosecha” (“Wonders of Your Torah").
This project was spearheaded by Rabbi Yaakov Winner, with special thanks to Moshe Aharon Backman and Shneor Zalman Ossowiecki.
PDF: Niflaos MiToroscha - Hebrew Section (20.3MB)
PDF: Niflaos MiTorosch - English section (3.6MB)
Please note: The English section is not a translation of the Hebrew section; it contains other content.
