My grandmother, Rebbitzen Rivka Zajac (affectionately known by her students as “Morah Rivka”), was ten years old, when she and her family escaped communist Russia, on one of the famous “Polish trains”, emigrating to the United States of America. As a young girl growing up in 770, (young enough be on her father’s side of the Mechitza), she merited to…

We are now in the final two weeks before Yud Shevat, so this week I hope we can; Learn a Ma’amor Baal Peh. Since the founding of Chassidus Chaba”d, Chassidim were encouraged to have a few Ma’amorim in ‘their head’. Something they could always revert to when necessary. (Actually it was more than encouraged; it was one of the foundational…

The fundamental practical component, separating the Shita of the Alter Rebbe from all other Talmidei Hamagid, is Hisbonenus. In fact in the early days, our holy Derech was called ‘Shitas Hahisbonenus’. Hisbonenus is an art that everyone can learn. And though as in all matters for some it is easier than others, nevertheless everyone is capable of it. I would…