Our Mission
Spreading the Wellsprings of Chassidus
SIE’s mission is to present the teachings of the Chabad Rebbeim to the broadest spectrum of English readers, sharing the insights of these chassidic masters as they communicated them, without being filtered through other thought structures. Spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward to the furthest peripheries, both geographic and in mindset, we hope to usher in the time when “the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d.”
About Us
Who We Are
The premier publisher of Chassidus Chabad in English, SIE was founded in 5738 (1978) to accommodate the growing demand for English translation of the Rebbe’s frequent talks. The Rebbe welcomed this initiative and guided the translation process, at times personally editing entire talks or essays directly for the SIE publication.
Its immediate success saw it become a publisher of many classic texts of Chabad Chassidus that were otherwise out of reach from the English-speaking public. Beyond translating the language, its library of hundreds of titles provides elucidation and context, making them a go-to for anyone wishing to experience the world of Chassidus.
Est. 1979
Our History
In 5738 (1978), a small group of students at 770 felt a need to respond to the ever-widening circle of students and adults who identified as Lubavitcher chassidim, but could not understand the Rebbe's talks because of the language barrier. Those students began to translate the Rebbe's talks and to circulate them throughout the Crown Heights community.
As the demand grew, the talks were sent around the world, and there was a need to formalize the process. It was then that SIE — Sichos In English — was born.
Rabbi Yonah Avtzon assumed the directorship and Rabbi Eliyahu Touger undertook primary translation responsibility. Beginning in 5746 (1986), Uri Kaploun and Rabbi Sholom Ber Wineberg were entrusted with translating earlier classic chassidic texts.
After 27th Adar 5752 (1992), SIE adjusted its mission to focus on translations and adaptations of the Rebbe's edited works as well as earlier classic chassidic texts — a mission pursued to this day with ever-increasing vigor.
Our People
The SIE Team
Rabbi Yonah Avtzon OBM — Founding Director
Rabbi Shmuel Avtzon — Director
Rabbi Eliyahu Touger — Editor in Chief
Rabbi Hertzel Pewzner — Executive Editor
Rabbi Zalmy Avtzon — Managing Editor
Rabbi Meir Avtzon — Communications & Strategy
Rabbi Dovid Goldberg — Sales Manager
Yosef Yitzchok Turner — Typography & Graphics
Mayer Preger — Advisory Board
Our People
Translators and Editors
Rabbi Uri Kaploun — Senior Translator
Rabbi Eliyahu Touger — Senior Translator
Rabbi Sholom Ber Wineberg — Translator
Rabbi Hertzel Pewzner — Writer
Rabbi Elisha Pearl — Writer & Translator
Rabbi Sholom Zirkind — Content Editor
Rabbi Shea Shmotkin — Writer
Rabbi Levi Oster — Translator & Researcher
Mrs. Malki Baruchi — Editorial Consultant
Mrs. Uriella Sagiv — Editorial Consultant
Explore Our Library
Browse our collection of translated Chassidic works