THE REBBE'S DISCOURSES
A collection of summaries of a selection of the discourses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, delivered over decades of the Rebbe's leadership.
This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vaetchanan, 5725 (1965). The verse 'And I pleaded with G-d' is explored through two Midrashic traditions: one says Moses asked for a free gift without using his merits, and the other explains that he chose the form of prayer called tachanunim, asking for mercy. The discourse explains how in relation to G-d even the greatest person can only ask as a free gift, since all human achievements are as nothing before the Infinite.
This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vaetchanan, 5729 (1969). The verse 'G-d will rebuild Jerusalem, and gather the scattered of Israel; He will heal those of broken heart' is explored through Kabbalistic analysis. The word Jerusalem means 'complete Awe', and the discourse explains that the Exile came about through a deficiency in awe and the Redemption will come through restoring it, with the Third Temple representing a higher revelation than either the First or Second.