Torah Deep-Dive with Rabbi Levi Dubov

For All HumankindLesson 1: The Message of Abraham What is Judaism's message to the world? It's not "be Jewish." What does it mean to be a light unto the nations? From Abraham's radical vision of ethical monotheism to seven foundational values given at Sinai for all of humanity — this first session uncovers a dimension of Judaism that is fascinating. Join us in lesson 1 as we begin exploring how an ancient tradition holds answers to life's most essential questions.

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 6: Forging ForwardWill AI replace rabbis?That’s just one question today’s technology is challenging us to answer.Lab-grown meat. Surrogacy. Space travel. All of these raise important questions for Jewish practice. We’ll uncover the decisive answer to the highest-stakes question of them all: Now that we’ve seen what it takes to answer a question of halacha—if AI can do all that, could it replace rabbis?

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 5: The Fifth FactorIn our fifth lesson, we’ll see cases where taking a question at face value would mean missing the point.These are cases where rabbis had to look past the question to see the questioner:You know your tefillin will be incinerated if you bring them to the hospital—so what are you really asking?You know this man isn’t the messiah—so what is your real question?Explore five fascinating cases to discover the social, political, and emotional factors that rabbis have to consider when answering questions.

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 4: Counterweights ConsideredYou’ve probably heard a lot of loose talk about “loopholes” in Jewish law. In Lesson 4, we’re putting those rumors to rest.Why do rabbis sometimes rule in unexpected ways? Turns out, there are values hardwired into Jewish law to protect things.

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 3: Precedent in PracticeNew inventions, dangerous new historical realities, or just people doing new things—how is the Torah able to guide us through it all? Dive into more fascinating cases to explore the Torah’s model for applying existing precedent to new and novel situations. 

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 2: The Quest for FactsDo sages make assumptions about how reality works, or do they investigate the facts? Follow rabbis as they conduct five fascinating investigations worldwide.Cases: Cairo, 1548; Altona, 1709; Hamburg, 1772; Jerusalem, 1866; Brooklyn, 1958

Captivating Cases in Rabbinic ResponsaLesson 1: The Questions and the People who asked themWhat do these questions reveal about our ancestors? What did they think, feel, and value? Explore five fascinating stories to find out.Cases: Barcelona, 1300; Algiers, 1450; Modena, 1530; Spain, 1450; Auschwitz, 1944

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 6: I Mean Something, Therefore I AmBefore you do anything, you are worthy. Discover Judaism’s empowering understanding of your inherent worth as an individual and as a Jew, and how it calls us to even greater achievement.

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 5: Meaning in the UnchosenSome things are clearly meaningful, but what if everything is? Explore a vision of life where every event and circumstance catalyzes growth and leads to greater purpose.

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 4: Meaning in the Rhythms of TimeAs time flies by, is it just more of the same? Discover the rich texture of Jewish time, and how attuning ourselves to each moment’s message enables profound spiritual purpose.

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 3: Meaning in the MundaneIf existence has a purpose, then what is it? Discovering that purpose uncovers the mystery of life's details. Even if it happens every day, daily life needn’t feel ordinary. See how every part of the day can be as significant as your highest aspirations.

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 2: To Make or Not to Make MeaningWhen life lacks luster, should we invent a more meaningful way of seeing things? Or is there already a purpose hiding in plain sight?

The Kabbalah of MeaningLesson 1: The Meaning We SeekWhen we have it all, we still need something more: purpose. Discover four fundamental human qualities that provide lasting fulfillment.

Is a Mitzvah worth anything if the doer had no understanding or intention? Does a transgression not count if it was done unintentionally? In this fascinating teaching of the Rebbe, we will explore the fascinating dynamic interplay between action and intention, and the special message it holds for every Jew.

The Jewish people have traditions dating back thousands of years that outline the specific form and format of our traditions. But what happens if archeologists find contradictory evidence? What is a rational approach to the tension between tradition and modern discoveries?

Over the generations, the Tablets became one of the best-known Jewish symbols. But as its popularity grew, so did the historical error about their appearance: an inaccurate illustration of Christian origin became entrenched in the Jewish community. A careful analysis of what Moses put inside the Ark of the Covenant can teach us the correct look of the Tablets.

Twice in Moses' leadership, he responded to times of crisis by praying, but G-d made it known to him that this was the wrong course of action. There are moments in life when prayer is not enough - we must act!

The 10th of Shevat marks the 73rd anniversary since the fateful day the Rebbe formally assumed leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In this class, we will study the Rebbe's landmark first address, in which he laid out his historic vision of our generation's mission and how to achieve it.

A historical journey into the relentless Egyptian efforts to control the Jewish birthrate, a look at the heroism of the Jewish women, and what this teaches us today.

Is there significance to the day of the week I was born? Does Judaism believe in the Evil Eye? Is there a safe zone? A fascinating teaching from the Rebbe, connected to Jacob's blessing to Joseph in this week's parsha.

Difficulties, suffering, mental and emotional upheavals, difficult financial times, relationship problems... Who of us doesn't contend with our fair share of pain and struggle? In this class, we will learn how G-d comforted a distressed Jacob as he led his family down to Egypt, entering a difficult phase of history for the fledgling Jewish people. A lesson about the growth that comes from difficulty, and the light that emerges from the darkness.

Who was the young woman who kindled the fire of rebellion against the oppressive Syrian-Greeks? Who was the woman whose resourcefulness helped the Maccabees win? And why did Jewish women suffer more than anyone else under Greek rule? We will learn the stories of these special heroines, and the lessons they teach us today.

This week we celebrate the 19th of Kislev, the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.” It was on this date, in the year 1798, that the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812), was freed from his imprisonment in czarist Russia. More than a personal liberation, this was a watershed event in Jewish history, heralding a new era in the revelation of the “inner soul” of Torah. In its formative years, the Chabad chassidic movement was the object of strong, and often venomous, opposition from establishment rabbis and laymen. In the fall of 1798, Rabbi Schneur Zalman was arrested on charges that his teachings and activities threatened the imperial authority of the czar. After 53 days, he was exonerated of all charges and released. Rabbi Schneur Zalman's opponents made three libelous charges against him. In this class, we learn what they were, what the truth was, and how to apply it to our lives.

For time immemorial, the Jewish people have always fought to release their captives. The current situation in Israel brings this painful reality to the front of our minds. In this class, we will discuss various perspectives on this mitzvah: its history, importance, and spiritual application, and how we can harness the bond between all Jewish people to support our brethren in captivity.

At the world's very first Bar Mitzvah, a showdown and debate unfolded. Can a nation built on education, faith, and spirituality stand the test of time in a world dominated by brute force? Is Judaism sustainable? Can little 13-year-old Issac stand up against the giant king Og? A lesson on heritage, true strength, and the key to Jewish continuity.

A powerful lesson from Abraham how to prioritize helping others even before helping yourself, and how it isn't self-sacrifice but a profitable investment!

It is a difficult time for the Jewish people. Israel is at war. What can we do to help? How can we deal with the fear and anxiety? In this class, we'll discover the power of our thoughts and speech, and why it is so destructive to speak negatively about fellow Jews.

When G-d tells Noah that he plans to destroy humanity, Noah does not pound on the table and demand mercy for humanity. Why? Why didn’t he act like Moses, who argued and prevented the Children of Israel from being punished? We'll have to dive-deep, discovering Noah’s thinking and a powerful lesson on how to judge others.