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.

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.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 5

Absolute beginning is found only in absolute end. Likewise, the absolute end is the singular expression of the ineffable cause of all, i.e. the absolute beginning. Although fulfilment of the Ratzon, which initiates and drives the evolutionary chain of being, is achieved only in Sof Maaseh (the very end), Ratzon is not, Techilah, but rather the first definable stage and primary drive on creation. As such, it itself is part of the process from which being emerges. Techilah, is the transcendent, consummate source of all, including Ratzon (revealed and hidden).

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 4

Until now, the Maamer has discussed the sequential process by which Ratzon commands the evolutionary development of being. In this process, the light the ‘primal will’ is most apparent at higher levels and progressively diminishes and divides as the multiple details of lower orders are willed into being. The end of the chain is Maaseh, a process which reveals next to nothing of the light. The outcome of Maaseh, the final complete product, however, encompasses the very essence of the motivation for creation.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 3

Continuing the discussion of the evolution of Ratzon from its source to actualization in Maaseh.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 2

The evolution of Ratzon, from its source to actualization in Maaseh: How the terms “Hischalkus” and “Hislabshus” apply to the progression of Ohr,which is, in essence, a Makkif.

The evolution of Ratzon, from its source to actualization in Maaseh: How the terms “Hischalkus” and “Hislabshus” apply to the progression of Ohr,<br>which is, in essence, a Makkif.

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki HaMitzvah, Part 1

Samach Vav: Vehayah Ki Savo, Part 12

Dr Brawer you are doing a very nice job in explaining this hemshech.  Samech vav is delicious, profound and deeply moving

Student of Chassidus

Understanding Chassidus

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!