The signs of a kosher animal serve as spiritual benchmarks to ensure our physical involvements remain refined. The juxtaposition of the Mishkan’s inauguration with prohibitions against eating insects teaches that even the most spiritually exalted individual requires the discipline of divine decrees to remain grounded. King David’s "leaping and dancing" before the Ark in this week's Haftarah represents a state of joy that transcends intellect, serving as a model for our own connection to Hashem as we approach the era of Moshiach. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Shemini in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1.
📄 PDF of Sicha: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f100048037.html
📄 PDF of Sicha in English by SIE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KPAoLTY_uOQOWoVCj9ZZgpueL2I9isKw/view?usp=drive_link
📖 Buy Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1 at Kehot: https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/prodinfo.asp?number=HRE-LS1
0:00 Welcome / 11 Nissan
*Sicha 1: The Kosher Animal*
06:50 Are kosher signs indicators or actual causes of kashrus
15:34 “Kosher by divine decree
22:41 We are what we eat—internalizing the traits of kosher animals
25:28 Using kashrus as a test for evaluating physical behavior
39:14 Split hooves—remaining above material involvement
44:54 The “split” as an opening for G-dliness in action
51:51 Left and right—balancing closeness and boundaries
01:03:58 Chewing the cud—thinking things through repeatedly
01:12:32 Relying on mesorah (“Rabbi hunter”) over personal intellect
*Sicha 2: The Discipline of the Exalted*
01:24:32 The “Eighth Day”—a permanent, essential connection to Hashem
01:31:04 Nadav and Avihu—spiritual intensity without grounding
01:32:08 Why even the loftiest must avoid the lowest prohibitions
01:34:35 Kabbalas Ol—connection beyond intellect
01:39:16 Without acceptance, even the highest can fall lowest
*Sicha 3: King David, Joy, and Moshiach*
01:40:04 David’s dancing vs. leaping—two modes of joy
01:47:44 The Ephod Bad—preparation and self-nullification
01:57:18 Measured joy vs. transcendent joy
02:00:34 Michal’s critique
02:01:32 David’s response
02:06:53 Clapping and dancing on Shabbos as preparation for Moshiach
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*About SoulWords:*
SoulWords is a virtual community hosted by Rabbi Shais Taub, where people come together to explore the spiritual insights of Torah and discover their unique purpose. This platform is here to facilitate your spiritual growth by sharing the mystical teachings of Judaism in contemporary language—making deep wisdom accessible and relevant to your life.
About this video
“Shemini | Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1” is a video from SoulWords—Rabbi Shais Taub, published on March 30, 2026 and available to watch on VideoVinkel. The total runtime is 2:10:16. It has been viewed 581 times so far. Press play above to stream the full video right here, or open the original on YouTube.
“Shemini | Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1” was uploaded by SoulWords—Rabbi Shais Taub on March 30, 2026. You can browse more uploads from SoulWords—Rabbi Shais Taub on VideoVinkel.
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