MyLife: Chassidus Applied (Rabbi Simon Jacobson)

• Chassidus Applied to Yud Tes-Chof Kislev and Vayeishev 0:24

• How can we say that the Yidden had Bechirah by matan torah - Hashem picked up the mountain over their heads?  09:20

• Is there anything wrong with listening to Jewish music that are not niggunim?  13:36

• Is there a reason the Rebbe does not put so much emphasis on Rebbetzin Devorah Leah's story? It seems that Chassidim feel very emotional about it, and I was wondering if there is an explanation as to why, for example the Rebbe does not say a sicha every year about it?  17:05

• What's the regard that we, as Dor Hashvi Chassidim (who never knew any other Rabeim) should be having with the Chassidus of the six previous Rabbeim - besides for the Horaos the Rebbe clearly gave (i.e.  Chitas, Tanya, Likuttei Torah, Torah Ohr ex.)? Shouldn't we be only/ mainly learning our generations Chassidus? But then what about the rest of Chassidus?  21:18

• Should I be nervous when something comes too easy, if it says yagati umatzati taamin? 26:43

• Why do we teach and give Chassidus to young children? Why don't we hold it back a bit so they can appreciate it when they grow up?  29:00

• How can one attain real bittul if one can actually have the Rebbes will be his own?  31:43

• What's a mashpia for - we know she is to connect you to the Rebbe but how?  35:08

• What is Torah's perspective on therapy? If Torah has all the answers on how to live a healthy life, then why the need for therapy? And if Torah does, why does it not feel applicable? If it isn't, then what's our approach to this all?  38:43

• What should I do if my feelings are numb? I've been through some really painful things in the past few years and until a little while ago, I felt the pain, it hurt, I cried, but now I just don't feel anything anymore.  I also stopped feeling for things in Yiddishkeit. What's the way to start feeling my emotions again?  43:15

• What is a practical way to think of/ deal with having depression and anxiety disorder?  47:27

• When an emotion arouses what should one do with it?  49:48

• How can I use my capabilities of doing all my dreams now when I am only in high school, is it true that my fullest potential is kind of blocked by my position as a student?  52:00

• Why does hashem set people up for failure? Like when Moshe hit the rock, Hashem purposely made him hit the rock so the yidden wouldn't get into Eretz Yisroel etc. 54:19

• Are all neshamos the same? If not, what makes them different?  56:44

• Will we turn into malachim?  59:21

• Will the world ever end?  01:00:34

• Do tzadikim start out perfect? if not how would someone know if they are a tzadik?  01:02:17

• What does chassidish mean?  01:04:44

• How do you deal with bad influences?  01:05:56

• If time is a creation down here and there's no concept of time above, why do we say a Neshama is busy for 30 days after it's niftar?  01:07:16

•  When the Sforno talks about Moshe hitting the rock, he brings in 3 types of miracles. The first one is Tzadikim davening. Why does it mention specifically Tzadikim, can't all yidden daven? And if it's specifically for Tzadikim why are we all encouraged to daven when someone is unwell?  01:10:04

•  I like learning geography and world history, but it's not really chochmas haumas - so am I allowed to learn it?  01:11:13

• What does it mean hesech ha’daas in relation to validating your emotions?  01:11:50

• The Rebbe says that we have finished our avodah and we are ready to greet Moshiach, but the Rebbe also says that we haven't done enough and need to do even more. Which one is it? 01:13:42

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Pesach SheniWhat personal message does this day offer us?
  How can we say that “it’s never too late” when there are mistakes that cannot be reversed or corrected?
  If it's truly never too late, why isn't there a Pesach Shlishi, Riviei, etc.?
  Did the Rebbe ever say that Pesach Sheni is an opportune time for Moshiach to come?
  
• Lessons from 13 Iyar: 70th yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s brother, Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib
• Chassidus Applied to Lag B’OmerWhat is its personal relevance to us?
  Is there a connection between this day and Moshiach?
  Why is there a custom to use a bow and arrow on this day?
  Are any of its rituals taken from non-Jewish sources?
  
• Students of Rabbi Akiva:Why do we cease mourning on Lag B’Omer and on the other hand, we don’t make weddings after Lag B’Omer?
  What lessons do we learn today from the students of Rabbi Akiva dying during this time due to disrespecting each other?
  When people disrespect each other today does it have a negative impact?
  
• How do we respond to a prominent rabbi arguing that we are not allowed to demand “we want Moshiach now” and other things the Rebbe initiated or endorsed?
• What can we learn from the rising gas prices?
• Iyar: Where do months come from?
• Is it alright for me to have linens with the image of butterflies embroidered on them?
• Chassidus question:  Is there a difference between the energy generated on a Biblical holiday and a Rabbinic one? Will we celebrate these holidays after Moshiach comes?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to BechukoseiDoes Torah provide us with a better and healthier life?
  What is the function of chukim (supra-rational) mitzvos, and what is its connection with engraving (chakikah)?
  Is Halacha (Jewish law) rigid and inflexible?
  How do you avoid being a “mechanical” Jew, preforming mitzvos robotically?
  Why are there curses in the Torah?
  Is Hashem breaking His promise to us every day Moshiach doesn’t come?
  Is tithing just like paying taxes?
  
• How can we assure that our prayers get answered?
• Is there a secret prayer that is like a master key to open up the heavenly doors?
• What is the significance of the Ono B’Koach prayer and why do we say it when we count the Omer?
• What is the meaning of the few paragraphs we say after counting the Omer?
• Why do we say “L’Omer” and not “B’Omer”?
• Lag B’OmerWhat is the significance of Lag B’Omer being hod within hod?
  Why isn’t the burial place of Rashbi unknown to us like that of Moshe’s?
  Why do we light bonfires on this day?
  How should we address the deplorable behavior of some in Meron on Lag B’Omer?
  
• Did the Rebbe explain why putting on Tefillin can stop wars and terrorist attacks?
• Follow-upAbortion
  Yom Ha’atzmaut
  Pesach Sheni
  
• What can I do about inappropriate images I have seen in the past?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus applied to Tes Adar – 80 years 5:34

• Lessons from Zayin Adar, Tetzaveh and Zochor 12:19

• How do we know that Moshe was born on the 7th of Adar when the Jewish months were not organized until long after Moshe lived? 13:03

• Why are Menashe and Ephraim not included in the shoham stones? 29:52

• How is it just for G-d to command us to kill all Amalekite men, women and children? 21:40

• What does it mean to increase in joy in Adar? 37:32

• What attitude should we have to the coronavirus? 43:07

• Questions on Parshas Terumah: a) Acacia wood. b) Space of the ark 50:38

• Chassidus question: How do we have free will if G-d is recreating the world every second in a specific way? 55:01

• My Life 2019 essays:

      o Going Beyond, Mendel Marcus, 21, Mission Viejo, CA 01:04:14

      o Overcoming Peer Pressure, Sarah Esther Schmukler, Montreal, Canada 01:05:38

      o תחפושת ותלבושת בחסידות ,בשדה החינוכי והתראפיוטי, Sharon Colombus, 55, Herzliya, Israel 01:07:03

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Is Elul a serious time or a time of joy? 

Chassidus applied to Ki Teitzei in relation to Elul 

How should we deal with adversity? 

Why are we so consumed with remembering and erasing Amalek more than any other nation? 

Is G-d “violating” the prohibition of withholding payment to a worker by not bringing Moshiach after all our work in golus?  

Is there a reason that according to Torah law only a man can initiate a legal divorce by writing and delivering a get? 

What is a mamzer and why is he punished for his parent's sins? 

What can we learn from the ben sorer u'moreh about the community’s responsibility to  a teenager who goes wayward and rebels? And what can the community do to help the teen to get back on track? 

Lessons from 13 Elul 

What can we learn from the marriage of the Frierdiker Rebbe on this day? 

Can we apply the prohibition to return to Egypt due to its depravity to living in depraved communities in society today?  

How would you sum up Moshe’s last instructions and can we compare that to the Rebbe’s last instructions? 

Is it possible that Moshiach won’t come in this generation? 

What will it take to have G-d answer our prayers to prevent tragedies? 

How do I help my son make the right decision about moving away from us? 

When Moshiach comes... 

Will our daily burdens be eased? 

Will it be very hot outside? 

Follow up: A Nassi who is not physically present 

Chassidus question: Do we really exist or are we just programmed to think we exist? Part 2 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What energy do we draw from these days between Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah? 

• What do these holidays have in common? 

• Why don’t we study Torah on nittel eve? 
• How can refraining from Torah study have a positive impact? 
• How can a negative turn into a positive? 
• Why is there a custom to play chess at this time? 
• What connection does it have with Chanukah? 
• Why aren’t we obligated to read Megilas Antiochus on Chanukah, as we are about reading Megilas Esther on Purim? 
• Why is it called Megilas Antiochus? 

• How does Chassidus explain the lessons of Chanukah? 
• Why do we mark this holiday by lighting candles and not by commemorating the victory in the war with our enemies? 
• Since the Chanukah menorah represents the rededication of the Temple Menorah, why is it different in so many ways (eight instead of seven candles, kindled in the evening and not the morning, at the door facing outside, not inside the home, lit by every Jew not just the High Priest)? 
• What does the number eight represent? How does it differ from eleven? 
• What can we learn from Shammai’s opinion to begin lighting all eight candles on the first night? 
• Why did the High Priest light the Temple menorah? 
• Who are the seven shepherds and what is their connection to the seven branches of the menorah? 
• Do we add an eighth shepherd to correspond to the eight branches of the Chanukah menorah? 
• What is the connection between the eight days of this holiday and the eight days of Sukkos, with Zos Chanukah corresponding to Shemini Atzeres? 
• Why did the Rebbe wash and farbreng on Zos Chanukah 5738? 
• Is giving gifts on Chanukah and displaying blow-up Chanukah decorations appropriate? 
• Help me resolve a disagreement with my spouse: Can I give my children a Chanukah gift before the actual holiday? 
• Another disagreement: Is snow a blessing or a nuisance? 

• What are the lessons from emphasizing the victory of light over darkness? 
• What is the connection with Syria? 
• Should we be praising G-d for the fall of Assad in Syria and other victories over our enemies? 
• Is this part of the geulah process?  
• Is there a prophecy that all our enemies will fall before the redemption? 

Nittel Chassidus Applied to Chanukah  
What does Chanukah teach us about today’s war? 

Chassidus Applied to Behar-Bechukosei Is there any truth to the idea of chassidim and family members “giving” of their years to the Rebbe? Is the Torah always sensitive to people’s feelings? How can a spouse handle a relationship when there is absolutely no intimacy? What is the healthy way for a teenager to interact with the opposite gender? Follow-up (episodes 210-211): Butterflies Yarmulka Does G-d accept us for who we are? Moshiach and Geulah Was the holocaust a punishment? Chassidus question: According to this week’s Likkutei Torah, why does the Torah still call sheep כשבים (shin before beis) after Yaakov’s avodah of והפריד את הכשבים? My Life 2018 essays: Retroactive Healing: It’s in Our D.N.A., Nechama Dina Zwiebel, 45, Kingston, Pennsylvania; Is Man Superior to the Beast? Chani Tzaitlin, 34, Israel; The Chassidic Perspective on the Well-Being of the Elderly, Dror Yahav, 36, Ramat Gan, Israel

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Chof CheshvanWhat is the connection of the Rebbe Rashab to Keser?
  What were the Rebbe Rashab’s two main contributions?
  Why is the 5th Chabad Rebbe called the Rebbe Rashab?
  What was his most important teaching?
  What can I do differently to manifest and reveal the blessings of the Rebbe Rashab that the students in his yeshiva would be successful?
  
• Chassidus Applied to Chayei SarahWhy is the chapter called Chayei Sara when it discusses her death?
  What is true life?
  Are there any lessons that singles can learn from Eliezer's successful mission in finding Rivkah for Isaac?
  
• Why did G-d bless the patriarchs with mundane things like children and land, and not something more spiritual, such as the world to come?
• If the patriarchs had difficulty raising their children properly, what chance do we have with ours?
• What parenting lessons, if any, can we learn from the patriarchs and matriarchs?
• What does it mean that Abraham's children will be like the stars?
• Is it appropriate for frum women and girls to wear nose rings today as they did in Biblical times?
• What is the difference between the head covering for women in Judaism and the head covering in Islam?
• How should we respond to the latest bout of antisemitic vitriol?
• Follow-upIf Abraham could have saved Sodom with just 50 righteous people, why were the Jews not spared during the Holocaust with many more than 50 righteous?
  Did Lot speak loshon ha’ra when he said that most of the people in Sodom are wicked?
  
• Is Lee Zeldin’s loss a heavenly sign that he is being punished and publicly embarrassed for marrying a non-Jew?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Lessons from Gimmel Tammuz 
• Is darkness a creation or is it just an absence of light?  
• Chassidus applied to Parshas Korach 
• Behaalotecho – follow up: What does the upward and downward movement of light teach us about G-d?  
• Shelach – follow up:  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to ToldosWhy was Jacob deceptive in receiving the birthright and blessings?
  What do Jacob and Esau represent in our lives?
  What can we learn from Isaac and Rebecca to ensure that G-d blesses us with children?
  What was Esau thinking when he sold his birthright for... lentil soup?
  
• Why do we assume that Hashem is only capable of doing good?
• Is G-d beyond good and evil?
• Chassidus Applied to Rosh Chodesh Kislev: What happened on this day and what lessons does it offer us?
• Was the Kinus HaShluchim the Rebbe’s idea?
• Is a Thanksgiving family dinner considered a Hakhel gathering or do we need to do something in the realm of Torah and Mitzvos?
• Should I start learning Gemara Yerushalmi November 14 with the new cycle?
• Who created G-d?
• Follow-upDoes the acronym of the Rebbe Rashab have any deeper meaning?
  Why don’t we wear nose rings?
  Was Abraham wrong for not telling Sarah that he was instructed to sacrifice Isaac?
  Why did G-d test Abraham with ten tests but zero tests for Sarah?
  What is the difference between Malkitzedek and Abraham?
  Why are most of the great stories about Abraham told only in the Midrash?
  Is G-d invisible?
  
• Why did you criticize someone for having a sense of entitlement for asking G-d to fulfill His promise to reward us for giving tzedakah?
• Will there be another essay contest in the future?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

What do we learn from this time period – following Tisha B’Av?

Chassidus applied to the 15th of Av

What does this day teach us?

What is the connection between the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur?

Does it make a difference if we say Tu B'Av or Chamisha Asar B'av?

Why is this day related to shidduchim?

Why is it customary to start wishing each other kesiva v'chasima tova on the 15th of Av?

In our times how do we fulfill the custom of young men and women meeting for shidduchim on this day?

Why is this day called the “day that broke the axe”?

What connection does that have to the meaning of the 15th of Av and to the additional Torah learning that begins on this day?

What is the significance of cutting down a tree with the axe handle made of the very wood of the tree itself?

If it takes the wood of a tree to cut down trees, how did they cut down the first tree?

Post Tisha B’Av

How do we address our children’s disappointment that Moshiach has not come yet despite the different promises and signs?

Since King Solomon build a hidden Holy of Holies to demonstrate that it never gets destroyed, why do we fast on Tisha B’Av?

Why do we fast when eating is a way of placating the animal soul?

Lessons from Eikev

What is the general lesson from this week’s portion?

Does Eikev hint to ikvasa d'meshicha?

What is the significance of the eikev (the heel)?

How is the resurrection of the dead alluded to in this parsha?

According to chassidus what is the significance of Israel being a land that flows with milk and honey?

The Rebbe visiting summer camps

Why did the Rebbe visit the camps?

Why only a few times?

What was his message to the campers?

Any good stories that happened during these visits?

Gimmel Tammuz follow-up: What does it mean that “tzaddikim never die”?

Chassidus Applied to Chukas What takes precedence: Supporting local mosdos or supporting shluchim? How do I improve my relationship with my mother? Is it okay to date and establish a home before fully dealing with my own self-esteem and dependency issues? How can I control the unspoken urge? Follow-up (episodes 215-216): Does it make sense to spend Shabbos at the Ohel? How does the Rebbe answer us today? What can we do to improve our yeshiva system to work for all our students? OCD Chassidus question: Is energy physical or spiritual? My Life 2018 essays: How to Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier, Devorah Block, 19, San Antonio, TX; Finding a Geulah-Life of Bliss & Joy, In a Place Called Golus, Levi Ginsberg, 22, Brooklyn, NY; Rectifying Chaotic Marriages, Yonason Johnson, 39, Melbourne, Australia

Chassidus Applied to the Post-Holiday season Lessons from Parshas Noach Do fathers have to ignore their families on Simchas Torah? I feel stifled in my ultra-religious home. What can I do? Can I balance my secular interests with my spiritual/religious life? How can I get beyond a past relationship and move toward marriage? How do I return to Chabad after being away? What is the Rebbe's view regarding a prenup? Follow-up: Another Chassidus project thanks to this MyLife program Chassidus question: What does Achdus Hashem mean? My Life 2018 essays: “Third Person” Terminology: the Empathetic Approach of Chassidus, Toby Lerner, 19, Jerusalem, Israel Does the Mind Really Control the Heart? Ofir Raz, 22, Kiryat Ata, Israel Letting Stress Roll Away, Yehoshua Rubin, 27, Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus Applied to Post Pesach

What opportunities do we have at the end of Nissan?

Why don’t we say a version of al ha’nissim on Pesach?

How do we explain that 4/5 of the Jewish people died during the plague of darkness?

Why was prayer rejected as an option when the Jews were stuck between the Egyptians and the Red Sea?

What is the source of the custom of Moshiach’s Seudah on the eighth day of Pesach?

What is the difference between Seudas Dovid Malka Meshicha on Motzei Shabbos and Moshiach’s Seudah on Acharon Shel Pesach?

Did the Jews build the pyramids?

How does the redemption from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago help us today to climb out of physical boundaries and limitations and become better people?

What are the four levels or stages of geulah? Is there a fifth stage?

Why can’t Rabbis today undo the ruling about kitniyos on Pesach?

Why don’t Rabbis prohibit the use of foods that look like chametz?

In what areas of our lives can we bring down spiritual blessings by doing physical acts?

Chassidus Applied to Chof Ches Nissan

What should we do to honor this day?

What will the world look like when Moshiach comes?

When we declare that we want Moshiach now is that a lack of a faith in G-d's plan to send Moshiach in the time He chooses?

Will the first born become kohanim?

How does counting the Omer correct a blemish in a particular sefira?

What internal work do we need to do during the days of sefira?

What is the relevance of the laws in the Rambam that are not applicable today?

What should we do to feel less helpless in this increasingly polarizing and infuriating political environment?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Why is Kislev called the month of Geulah? What is the meaning of Geulah?
• Chassidus Applied to Tes Kislev:What is the main contribution of the Mitteler Rebbe?
  Why is the Mitteler Rebbe compared to Binah?
  
• Chassidus Applied to VayeitzeiWhat personal lessons do we learn from Jacob’s journey from Beer Sheba to Charan?
  What is the significance of Yaakov's dream of the ladder and what practical advice does it give us in our daily lives?
  Was Yaakov’s 14 years of work a punishment for the 14 years he spent in the yeshiva of Shem V’Eiver?
  Who were Bilha and Zilpa?
  Why did Rachel steal her father's idols?
  
• Follow-upHow can we say that Rivka was only three years old when she married Yitzchak?
  Are nose rings appropriate today?
  Why did Abraham not tell Sarah about the Akeidah?
  
• Are there any authentic surviving paintings of the patriarchs or Moses?
• Is it wise to learn both tracks of Rambam daily – three chapters as well as one chapter?
• Were the original Jews dark skinned?
• PrayerWhy do we pray?
  Is prayer about cultivating community?
  What is kavanah and the proper way to pray?
  Are our prayers answered?
  Is it possible that my prayers weren’t answered because I didn’t pray properly?
  When we pray are we tuning in to different spiritual frequencies? Is that the reason why we assume different positions when saying certain prayers?
  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus applied to Chai Elul

What does this day teach us?

What did Chassidus come to accomplish?

How did it address the challenges of the time?

How does Chai Elul help us enter Rosh Hashana?

What were some of the revolutionary ideas introduced by the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe?

What is the difference between the “two luminaries”?

Is inspiration ever initiated by us and by Hashem at the same time?

According to Chassidus should we be shunning the beauty of the natural world?

Was Hemshech Ayin Beis ever concluded? New revelation

Lessons from Netzavim-Vayeilech

What is the primary lesson from this week’s portion?

What does the Parsha mean when it says this is “very near to you in your mouth and heart so you can do it”?

Since we are concluding a Hakhel year, should we make one last stand during Elul and organize Hakhel gatherings?

Is the shofar sounding also a wake-up call for Hashem?

Are there situations where G-d, for whatever reason, answers our prayers only at the last possible moment?

What should I tell my daughter when she argues against tzinius saying that we shouldn't be hiding the beautiful body Hashem created?

How to resolve a disagreement between spouses whether to hang a picture of a historic secular activist near the picture of the Rebbe?

Follow-up: Missing a day of putting on Tefillin

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

TISHREI

What is the significance of this month?

ROSH HASHANA

How do I personalize Rosh Hashana?

Why is there no special commemoration of Elul 25, when the world was created?

Why do some people have the custom to visit cemeteries Erev Rosh Hashana?

If we can narrow it down, what is the single most important thing we need to do on Rosh Hashana?

What is the book of life and how do we get inscribed (with a “full page ad”) in it?

Why do we dip an apple in honey?

Is it better to make good resolutions that are small but easily achievable, or larger and more difficult ones?

Is it appropriate to resolve to transgress and then refrain from doing so?

Why can’t Rosh Hashana be on a Friday when the first Rosh Hashana was a Friday?

Why don’t we sound the Shofar on Shabbos? How does Shabbos spiritually accomplish the same thing that blowing the shofar accomplishes?

Has anyone yet come up with an acronym for the new year tof shin pey daled?

TEN DAYS OF TESHUVA

What is the significance of these days and how do I personalize them?

YOM KIPPUR

How do I personalize Yom Kippur?

Why does Yom Kippur come after Rosh Hashana?

Why did the Rebbe dance on a chair during Napolean's March?

YOM KIPPUR TO SUKKOS

What is the significance of the four-day transition from Yom Kippur to Sukkos?

Why is Sukkos such a joyous holiday?

Is it related to Yom Kippur?

How do I personalize Simchas Torah?

HOLIDAYS

How does Chassidus explain the spiritual energy of all the high holidays and why they all come together at the beginning of the year?

Is it called the high holidays because our prayers can travel higher than normal during these holidays

Is there a limit how far our prayers can travel through the spiritual worlds? Can our prayers reach the essence of G-d?

SUKKOS

Why is Sukkos not in the Spring after Pesach?

Are those that sleep in a Sukkah doing anything wrong?

Hakhel: If G-d enjoys us gathering together, why do we only do it in a Hakhel year?

Follow-up: How to resolve a disagreement between spouses whether to hang a picture of a secular hero near the picture of the Rebbe?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-... or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponso...

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Chai Elul  

• Was the Baal Shem Tov a gaon? 

• What does it mean that the Alter Rebbe had a neshama chadasha? Are some souls greater than others? 

• Can you share the three most practical lessons from the Tanya for people today? 

• Lessons from Netzavim-Vayeilech: Unwavering roots and expansive growth 

• 60 Days: Resources for preparing for the New Year in these trying and unprecedented times 

• When praying, is it better to read from the siddur or can someone just make up their own prayers? 

• Can I pray in a place where there are idols? 

• What should I do about my husband’s addiction to inappropriate online content? Part II 

• Announcing the Winners of the 2020 MyLife: Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
How can Elul help us during these trying times? 

• What can we do differently and better this Elul to ensure that 5785 will be a great year? 
• Can you explain in practical terms how I can connect to the king in the field? 
• Why don’t we find Elul and its special customs mentioned in the Talmud or the Rambam? 
• What is the proper translation of kesiva v'chasima tova? 
• Did the Rebbe say that his favorite prayer is modeh ani? 

• 13 Elul 
• 15 Elul 
• 18 Elul 

• As an introverted artist uncomfortable with reaching out to curators and galleries, what more can I do to get my art out there?  

• What does the opening verse teach us? 
• What is its connection to Elul? 
• If the curses in this week’s chapter are really deep hidden blessings, why do we read them in an undertone, and no one is called up to that reading? 
• Why does it take 40 years to truly understand the Torah and have a complete relationship with Hashem? 

• What more can we do to release the remaining hostages? 
• How can we honor the souls of those brutally murdered? 
• How can I get beyond my anguish for the families of the hostages and those that have lost loved ones? How can I find a balance between holding space and praying for them and living my own life? 

• Chassidus Applied to Lech Lecha and 7th of Cheshvan 0:13 • We are a happy and loving family. Yet, for some unknown reason, every time we come back from somebody's house, or an event, or after hosting guests, my spouse and I start a fight. What could be the reason for this? 14:35 • How do I find myself when I feel lost? 21:28 • Why is there more focus on chitzoniyos (externals) in the dor ha’shevii? 26:46 • Is learning and teaching Chassidus Chagas considered “spreading the wellsprings”? 36:59 • What is the difference between the “law of attraction” and bitachon? 39:59 • G-d’s desire for a dirah b’tachtonim (home in the lowest of worlds) (follow-up to episode 200) 43:41 • Follow-up (episode 230): o Ignoring family on Simchas Torah 48:57 o Pre nuptial agreement 50:45 • Chassidus question: What does Achdus Hashem mean – Part II: How does evil (kelipot) fit into Divine Unity? 52:14 • My Life 2018 essays: The Real Life Challenge, Alte Raskin, 26, Brooklyn, NY; l’m Gonna Need That …. Yesterday, Devorah Amsel, 18, Flushing, NY; Think Good and It’ll Be Good, Dassy Chein, 18, Cedarhurst, NY 01:03:48

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Rosh Hashana 5780 0:08

• Lessons from 25 Elul and Netzavim 11:58

• Since a person’s amount of income is determined on Rosh Hashana, does it make any difference how many hours we invest in work? 15:34

• Can we call G-d a "She"? 25:29

• If the Torah forbids tattooing because one's body belongs to G-d, why then is ear piercing or other body piercing allowed? 28:55

• How can I find kosher Jewish poetry to replace poetry coming from other sources? 34:02

• Should women be drinking l’chaim? 38:46

• Follow up (episode 276): Images of women 43:21

• Chassidus question: 1) Was the creation in Tishrei or in Nissan? 2) Tanya Iggeres Hakodesh 16: Since charity is considered as a loan to G-d, isn’t G-d's manifold repayment ribis (interest), which is forbidden? 48:48

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o Plagued by Indecision: How to Make the Right Choices, Leah Goldman, 21, Oklahoma City, OK 01:02:53

    o איך לא לדחות למחר- ב3 מדרגות, Dani Faivish, 19, Naharia, Israel; 01:04:31

    o ין שום דבר קבוע ותמידי מלבד השינוי, Bracha Roitenburd, 19, Chadera, Israel 01:06:12

Submit your question now at http://www.meaningfullife.com/mylife or email: Mylife@meaningfullife.com.

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EMAIL US: wisdomreb@meaningfullife.com

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a series of video webcasts answering questions from the public, with the objective of demonstrating how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought. TOPICS • Chassidus Applied to Shiva B’asser B’Tammuz Nidche • Lessons from the Three Weeks and Parshas Pinchas • Did the Rebbe say anything about July 4th? • Can we establish policy based on a chassidishe hergesh? • As converts we feel isolated in our community and can’t find a mashpia. What can and should we do? • What can we say to parents who were hurt by their child telling them that a chassid farbrenged with his class and said that not they, but the Rebbe is his true parent? • Chassidus question: If keeping the 613 mitzvohs is the recipe to make a dirah b’tachtonim why does the Tanya chapter 15 say that only a person who struggles is an oved Elokim? • My Life 2018 essays: Tools for Dealing with the Temptations of the Internet, Malkie Alperovitch, 22, Migdal Haemek, Israel; Freeing Oneself from Depression and the Path.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Yud ShevatWhat is the primary chiddush in this year's chapter 12 of Basi L’Gani?
  What does the Rebbe add in his maamorim of 5722 and 5742?
  What lessons do we learn from this discourse and its chapter 12?
  What deep hidden treasure is given to us?
  In the Basi L’Gani maamer is the Frierdiker Rebbe not just hinting but overtly saying that Moshiach will come in the 7th generation?
  Please explain the concept of shtus d’kedusha
  What is your favorite maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe?
  Did the Frierdiker Rebbe ever indicate who should be his successor?
  What was going on in the community during that year until the Rebbe officially accepted the leadership?
  
• What is shovavim and is it our community's custom to honor it?
• Did the Rebbe once say the month of Shvat is an acronym of she’nishma besuros tovos?
• How do we stay positive amongst the new covid variant and today's non-ending challenges?
• How should we approach the recent scandal and tragedy of the disgraced author accused of serial abuse? - Follow-up
• Chassidus question: Since the Maamar Basi L’Gani is explaining that the hidden “treasure” being revealed is the level of Ohr Ain Sof l’maaleh maaleh ad ayn keitz, why does he elaborate so much in chapters 12-14 on l’matoh matoh at ayn tachlis?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Chukas 1:04

• Is G-d waiting for every Jew to be observant and every non-Jew to to accept the Sheva Mitzvos before bringing the complete Geulah? 12:32

• Are we meant to be afraid of G-d? Is “fear” the accurate translation?  21:45

• Should I, as a female, be going to a male healer? 26:20

• Is it appropriate for men to lead women's farbrengens? 29:06

• How do we understand polygamy in Judaism? 32:07

• Is What’s App appropriate? 39:28

• Follow up:

      o Pidyon nefesh at the Ohel (episode 266) 47:05

      o Mashpia (episode 263) 48:35

      o Limited contact between groom and bride (episode 264) 52:23

      o Handshaking (episode 261) 53:10

• Chassidus question: How can a tzaddik be called by G-d's name? 54:18

• My Life 2019 essays:

     o Growth Through Trauma, Hadassa Shemtov, 26, West Hollywood, NY; 59:08

     o What Will the Neighbours Think? Rivka Cohen, 34, Greater Manchester, England 01:00:44

     o Respectful Parenting: Discipline Through Ahavas Yisrael and Chesed, Yosefa Wood-Isenberg, 01:01:47 

        29, Philadelphia, PA 

• Chassidus Applied to 10 Teves and Parshas Vayechi 0:21 • Why has Chalukas haShas not gained traction in Chabad? 24:04 • What aspect of a Jewish mother determines the Jewishness of her child – conceiving, carrying or both? 33:22 • Should we insist that our 8-year-old son go to Shul on Shabbos? 39:50 • What should be our goals when we go on mivtzoim? 50:28 • How should we speak to non-Jews about sheva mitzvos? 45:29 • Follow-up (episodes 238-239): o Empowering women 55:52 o Buying a car 01:03:01 • Chassidus question: How does machsoveh (thought) relate to midos? 01:04:09 • My Life 2018 essays: o Overcoming Challenges, Ga’m Zu l’Tova, Emunas Hashem and Bitachon, Mindle Lerner, 18, Woodmere, NY 01:10:15 o The Rebbe’s Leadership after Gimmel Tammuz, Nechama Dina Turk, 44, Chicago, IL 01:12:10 o To Understand A Convert, Aliza Elisheva Garvin, 26, Brooklyn, NY 01:13:45

• Chassidus Applied to Parshas Vayakhel-Pikkudei and Parah 4:44 • The evaluation continues: hundreds of excellent essays in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest 16:46 • Should we be following US Department of Health guidelines regarding time between pregnancies? 19:21 • What is the Rebbe's opinion on homebirth? 23:23 • Is it important to the Rebbe that I live in Crown Heights? 25:05 • How do I deal with a spouse who does not share my need for emotional connection? 37:03 • How do we create balance between tznius and maintaining a strong emotional passion between spouses? 45:33 • How to ensure that a spiritual high is channeled appropriately? 54:25 • Follow-up: o Wall of shame forever? Does a person has paid his dues for violating others need to be shamed for the rest of his life? (episode 203) 58:09 o Healthy eating (episode 203) 01:02:50 o G-d’s Anger (episode 203) 01:03:33 o Reward and punishment (episode 203) 01:04:22 • Chassidus Question:

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does the month of Elul teach us today?  

• How Elul empowers us with strength in threatening times? 
• Which names describe the month of Elul? 
• What is the meaning of the “king is in the field”? 
• What specific things should we be doing during this month? 
• What unique power and energy does this month have? 
• What is its historical background? 
• 60 Days: A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays 
• Is this month an opportune time for receiving blessings to have children? 
• What can prospective parents do during this time to manifest these blessings? 
• How is this month connected with the geulah? 
• Who initiates the effort in this month – we or G-d? 
• What is the meaning of ani l’dodi v’dodi li? 
• What responsibility do we have in these times of challenge and war? 
• Would it be wrong and considered a lack of emunah to move into a bunker for the next few years and come out after the wars end? 
• After the great divine revelation at Sinai how could the people commit the worst sin of idolatry? 
• Should we be concerned that the revelation of Moshiach could also bring such a downfall? 

• What is the practical application of appointing judges and law enforcers? 
• What is its connection to Elul? 
• Are we allowed to cut down fruit bearing trees in Gaza? 
• Are we allowed to use mediums to foresee the future? 
• What then was the function of the urim v'tumim? 

• Should anyone be exempt from joining the military? 
• Do the reservists have the right to not return to battle? 
• Is there any justification for Charedim not participating in the war? 

• Should we carry guns? 

• Who should we vote for? 

• What can I do about my husband being consumed by football? 
• What are our priorities in life? 
• How does that impact our children? 

What do we learn from Parshas Shoftim? Enlisting in the IDF How should we defend ourselves from antisemitic attacks? Presidential Election What should our attitude to sports be? 

• Chassidus Applied to Purim 2:50 o How was Esther allowed to be married to Achashverosh? 4:08 o Why do we make noise when Haman's name is mentioned, giving him more attention than to Esther and Mordechai? 15:01 • Evaluating hundreds of great essays in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest 1:42 • How do we avoid passing on our trauma to our children? 20:57 • Should one wait for a stable parnassa before getting married? 23:41 • What constitutes healthy eating according to the Torah? 29:49 • Wall of shame forever? If a person has paid his dues for violating others should he be shamed for the rest of his life? 34:00 • Follow-up: o Parental abuse (episodes 201-202) 48:56 o Recent school shootings (episode 202) 50:06 o Secular books (episode 202) 53:45 o Prayer (episode 201) 55:56 o Lying (episode 85) 56:50 o General comments 58:14 • Chassidus Question: How does Chassidus explain G-d’s “anger” and “punishment”? 59:26

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson, or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Tragedy in Miron 

      o How do we even begin to address the horrific events in Miron on Lag B’Omer?!  

      o Can we correlate this with the death of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students?  

      o Is it appropriate to blame victims for their demise? 

• Why do we have a period of mourning for Rabbi Akiva's students, but not even one day of mourning for the six million victims of the holocaust?

• Chassidus applied to Behar-Bechukosei 

      o What is the significance of the yovel year? 

      o Why are there curses in the Torah? 

• Why does the Torah discriminate against handicapped people? 

• Chassidus question: How do we reconcile G-d running every aspect of the world and we having the power to create reality above?  

• MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 21st Place winners: 

      o Essay English: Music, Bitachon, and Mental Health, Yael Kane, 27, Bnos Chomesh Academy, Music Teacher, New York   

      o Essay Hebrew (men): מאמר מאין ליש, Yisef Alperowitz, Student, Kfar Chabad, Israel 

      o Essay Hebrew (women): שליחות משמעותית, Dr. Durit Adina, Kiryat Shmuel (Haifa), Israel 

      o Creative: Conquering Pleasures (video), Mendel Cyrulnik, 14, Student, Melbourne YC, Australia 

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.0

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to the month of IyarWhat energy and message does this month contain?
  What are the different acronyms of Iyar?
  What is true health and true healing?
  
• Lessons from Parshas KedoshimWhat is holiness?
  How is it different than goodness?
  What does the Kedoshim add to all the many other verses where we are told to sanctify ourselves?
  How can a Torah observant Jew be obnoxious?
  Why is love the “entire Torah” when many mitzvos are between man and G-d?
  Is eating and sleeping l’shem shomayim a mitzva equal to mitzvos like tefillin, shabbos and kashrus, because it falls under kedoshim ti’hiyu?
  How can the Torah speak negatively about people when there is a prohibition of loshon hara?
  Will committing not to sacrifice our children to Moloch help us have children?
  What do we learn from pigul?
  
• How do I explain to my children why we can't attend a Yom Ha’atzmaut event?
• How do I honor my mother who just passed away?
• Why isn’t music used more often in shuls and Jewish institutions?
• Chassidus question: Can we be as holy as G-d?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Vayeitzei and Tes Kislev  0:14

• What is the connection between the rods Jacob took to breed the flocks and Tefillin? 17:54

• Why didn't Jacob free Bilha and Zilpa? 26:30

• Lessons from the Kinus HaShluchim 34:31

• Is there a point in learning something I don’t understand? 36:26

• Is it within a person’s reach to understand lofty G-dly concepts? 46:16

• Is it preferable to properly learn one daily chapter in Rambam or quickly read three chapters?  47:18

• If someone is not serving G-d is there any purpose to their being alive, since the entire purpose is “to serve my Creator”? 49:55

• What can I do about my parents speaking negatively about my spouse? 53:31

• Is quid pro quo an acceptable principle in Judaism? 58:03

• Chassidus question: As we stand on the threshold of Geulah, are we at a stage where the gevuros rise above the Chassidim? 01:01:12

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o בעיית עודף שעות הפנאי ופתרונה לאור תורת החסידות, Baruch Tzikvashvili, 39, Kfar Chabad, Israel 01:07:54

    o הביקורתיות: איך להביט על זה? ומה העומק הטמון בה, Menachem Mendel Natan, 21, Kiryat Malachi, Israel 01:09:15

    o Exodus from Egypt: Be your own TAS(K) master, Ariella Herzfeld, 28, Morristown, NJ 01:10:48

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Chassidus Applied to Yud Daled Kislev 

• What is its significance?  
• History and stories 
• What did the Rebbe say about meriting the 60th anniversary? 
• Why did the Rebbe not edit his blessing on the 60th anniversary? 
• What personal lessons do we learn from the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin’s marriage? 

• What did Yud Tes Kislev accomplish? 
• How did it affect the larger world? 
• What is its message today? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe laud the impact his liberation had on the nations of the world? 
• Is Yud Tes Kislev connected to Tanya and the verse it is based on: Korov eilecho ha’dovor m’eod? 
• Why is it important to know and discuss all the details of the Alter Rebbe’s arrest? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe wear their finest white garments at their trials? 
• Why was the Alter Rebbe arrested for teaching chassidus – what can possibly be wrong with that? 
• After he was exonerated, were the prosecuting angels held accountable?  
• Why did chassidim do somersaults after the Alter Rebbe was freed? 
• If the geulah of Yud Tes Kislev indicated permission from heaven to teach and spread chassidus, why was the Rebbe apprehensive about publishing Hemshech Ayin Beis? 
• What lesson do we learn from the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to Napoleon winning the war? 
• How is the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to France consistent with his teachings that we need to transform, not avoid, the material world? 
• Are we still meant to avoid engaging with France and the freedoms of the Western World? 
• What did the Alter Rebbe mean when he explained why G-d asked Adam, ayekah? Did G-d not know where Adam stands spiritually?  
• What is the connection between this story and the message of Yud Tes Kislev? 
• Are we still required to teach others the chassidus we learn? 

Yud Tes Kislev 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to SelichosWhat is selichos?
  Why is the first selichos recited at night?
  
• Chassidus Applied to Rosh HashanaHas anyone made a nice acronym yet for the new year 5783, tof shin pei gimmel?
  What is the significance of eating certain foods at certain times?
  What benefit do we achieve by saying the Hebrew words of davening in the siddur if we don't know what they mean?
  Do some people have more power to bless others?
  Is it advantageous to go to the top of a mountain to daven because it's closer to the heavens?
  What are your thoughts about a chabadnik going to Uman?
  What can I do to stop my husband from trying something strange this Rosh Hashana to bring Moshiach?
  
• Why 60 days and not 40?
• Is there special creative energy available every year on the 25th of Elul, when the world was created?
• What can a couple struggling with infertility do differently in the month of Elul to have the “king in the field” grant them a child?
• Can you give an example of something you actually changed in your life?
• Chai Elul: What does it mean that Achiye Hashiloni taught the Baal Shem Tov?
• Apologizing for having negative feelings
• Can we test G-d with tzedakah and expect reward?
• Are we guaranteed to get what we want when we give tzedakah?
• Are we allowed to attend the Queen's funeral in order to be respectful to this country?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Shavuos 

• What exactly is the Torah and what happened at Mattan Torah?  
• When was the Torah written? Did it always exist just as G-d always existed, or did G-d write the Torah when He decided to create the world? 
• Does the Torah contain all of G-d's knowledge, or just the parts that relate to creation and to us? 
• If we were able to travel to a distant planet, would we be responsible to observe Torah and mitzvos there, or was the Torah only given on Planet Earth? 
• Was the Torah written all at one time or did it evolve and grow as a document and get edited into what it is today? 
• What exactly was given at Sinai – the written or the oral Torah?  
• Why is there a written and an oral Torah?  
• Why was it okay for the rabbis to write down the oral torah when it was prohibited to do so? 
• Why then can’t we change other prohibitions? 
• Can there be mistakes in the oral Torah? 
• Since rabbinic Judaism in the oral Torah is filled with disputes, can we say that those that did not hold by it were on a higher state of Ahavas Yisroel, devoid of arguments? 
• Why don’t the disputes indicate that there are mistakes in the oral Torah? 
• Since we ignore certain opinions in the Talmud could it be that we are mistaken in our practice?  
• How did the Avos do the mitzvos before they were given at Sinai?  
• How did they know Torah before it was given? 
• If Abraham performed all the mitzvos, why did he wait until age 99 to do a bris? 

• How could the Jews sleep and need to be awoken for the giving of the Torah? 
• Why is it considered special that the Jews said naaseh v’nishmah? 
• Did they say naaseh v'nishmah out of their own free will, or were they compelled to do so? 
• Why don't we count the 50th day of the Omer? 
• Why do we sing and dance on Simchas Torah and not on Shavuos when the Torah was given?  
• Why do we need two separate commandments, one to believe in Hashem, and another not to believe in false gods? 
• Why does G-d get so angry about idolatry, if other gods don’t even exist? 

• Was the Rebbe loving? 

      Torah         Mattan Torah 

Submit your question now at https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson, or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

Chassidus Applied to Adar

• What opportunities does this month offer us? 
• Why is the entire month one of joy? 
• How can we command one to be joyous – can emotions be forced? 
• What is true joy and is it our natural state? 
• How can we be joyous when faced with difficulty? 
• What is this month’s sign and tribe?

Chassidus Applied to Terumah

• What lessons do we learn from this portion?
• Why do we need a physical Holy Temple?
• How do you build your home into a Mishkan and Mikdash?
• What is the significance of all the materials used in the Temple building?
• Since they were in middle of a desert, where did they get the wood to build the Mishkan?

What contributions did the Rebbetzin make to the Chassidic movement?

What can I say to keep my husband from watching the Super Bowl?

Did the Rebbe ever say not to fly in a single propeller plane?

Are earthquakes Divine punishments?

Follow-up

• Names
• Dreams
• How to make prayers more stimulating?
  

How best to pray for someone with a terminal illness?

Are our prayers always answered?

Topics:

• Tragedy in Miron
  If the “world is ready for Moshiach” (as the Rebbe said), why are we still suffering tragedy after tragedy? What does G-d want of us?
  What is bitachon in face of tragedy?
  How can this bring us to grow in our love, unity, and acceptance of each other?
  What can we learn from the difference approaches of Moshe and Aaron to the deaths of Nadav and Avihu?
  Apology for suggesting that the victims were to blame
  The Talmud about someone being crushed in the Temple
  Please comment on other speakers addressing the tragedy
  Is it right to blame anyone for the tragedy?
  Is there any validity to the Zohar going around about 45 people dying in connection with Lag B’Omer?
  
• Students of Rabbi Akiva
  Why should lack of respect be a cause for death?
  Can we compare other disagreements between students, for example those of the Maggid’s students, to the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva?
  
• Chassidus applied to Bamidbar
  Do we have an image of the tribes’ flags?
  Is a census a good thing or not?
  
• Chassidus applied to Shavuos
  What can we learn from this Shavuos being 3333 years since Mattan Torah?
  
• When Moshiach comes...
  Will there be an official announcement?
  Will we still have a mitzvah to believe in Hashem?
  Will there be a scoreboard and will those who did mitzvos to make him come get rewarded?
  
• Comments and Follow-up:
  Moshiach’s response to the Baal Shem Tov
  Tzedaka box near your bed
  
• Chassidus question: How do we understand the critique in Iggeres HaKodesh 11 of those who have trouble facing tragedy?
• MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 22nd Place winners:
  Essay English: Peeling Away the Mask: The Chassidic Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Mallory Rosten, 23, Student, Mayanot Woman, Alpharetta, GA
  Essay Hebrew (men): החירות האמיתית: הדרך למימוש הפוטנציאל הטמון בך, Menachem Mendel Sudakevitch, Student, Kfar Chabad, Israel
  Essay Hebrew (women): יתן, ויתנו אחרים- חסיד, Michal Turnheim, Student, Beitar Illit, Israel
  Creative: Yud Shevat (sketchbook), Mushka Cyprys, 22, Teacher, Lubavitch London, UK
  

Skip directly to a topic by viewing the episode timestamps in YouTube.

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

MyLife is a community-supported project, requiring hours of research and preparation each week. Please donate or sponsor an episode, to help us continue and expand this important work.

Go here and here for our special section of programs and resources addressing these trying and unprecedented times

• Chassidus Applied to Vayeitzei and Tes Kislev 2:35 • What attitude should one have to Conservative and Reform Judaism? 20:36 • What is the Rebbe’s opinion about creating an endowment? 35:36 • Homosexuality: How can it be prohibited if it is innate? 40:23 • Why does Judaism reject the messiah that other religions have embraced? 49:47 • Follow-up (episode 230-234): o Stuck in marriage 56:35 o Shlichus 01:01:57 • Chassidus question: Does Abraham have the power to refine kelipah? A seeming contradiction in Torah Ohr Parshat Toldos 01:04:14 • My Life 2018 essays: o Letting Go, Chana Naparstek, 20, Brooklyn, NY; 01:12:41 o Tricky Reality, Aviv Aharon Illoz, 22, Morristown, NJ 01:14:39 o Are You Missing a Leg? Getting to the Root of Negative Emotions, Sara Blau, 29, Brooklyn, NY 01:15:51

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Vayeira. 0:15

• How did Avraham know that it was G-d talking to him, and not a hallucination? 09:40

• How can we explain the Akeidah?  15:55

• How can you find your personal Lech-Lecha?  25:05

• What can a child do if he is having issues with his parents, and they don’t respond? 28:11

• How to deal with social anxiety? 33:39

• What can I do about feeling stuck in my life? 43:08

• What can we do about talking in shul? 47:26

• Follow up (episodes 280-281): 

    o Boring holidays 52:51 

    o Kiddush clubs 54:57

    o Peyot 59:00

    o Expanding 770 01:01:50

• Chassidus question: What is the difference between a divine soul rooted in the divine name and all other things that are rooted in the divine name? 01:03:16

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o סוד ההצלחה בחיים, Mordechai Segal, 21, Kfar Chabad, Israel 01:07:29

    o טיפים של קאוצ’ינג חסידי, Arik Melchiali, Lud, 45, Israel 01:08:48

    o Tap In, Tap Out, Shterna Sara Ringo, 18, Montreal, Canada 01:10:43

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS

• Chassidus Applied to 20 Teves and Parshas Shemos 8:11

• How can we understand and want to emulate Yaakov Avinu’s troubling life? 19:29

• How would the Rebbe approach the current issue of government trying to change our education system? 30:46

• Is it appropriate to sing niggunim in the restroom? 36:47

• Is it proper for a chosid to use a fitbit to track his exercise accomplishments? 40:28

• Questions about G-d 43:54

• Follow-up (episodes 238-239):

    o Empowering women 50:31

  • Chassidus question: Is G-d’s “desire” (nisaveh) to have a home in the lowest of worlds rooted in Atzmus or in giluiim? 01:01:26

• My Life 2018 essays:

    o You Are A Gift, Gitel Chana Levin, 62, New Haven, CT 01:06:22

    o Live Every Moment Anew, Yosef Yizchak Shlome Pevzner, 20, Beitar Illit, Jerusalem, Israel 01:08:15

    o Regaining Control Over Your Life, Menachem Mendel Chamu (חמו), 25, Tzfat, Israel 01:09:38

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• What can we do about the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel?
• Chassidus Applied to EmorWhy does the Torah discriminate against handicapped Kohanim by not allowing them to bring an offering?
  How do we explain seemingly harsh attitudes in the Torah, called a Torah of love and kindness?
  What do we learn from the Torah about sensitivity to others, especially the less fortunate?
  Why is it forbidden to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day?
  What is the story with the son of Shlomit? Why was he so mistreated by the tribe of Dan not allowing him to camp with them?
  Why is blasphemy such a severe crime that warrants the death penalty?
  
• Is there ever a situation when we do not show unconditional love to a child? How about one who is behaving in a destructive and criminal way?
• OmerHow could they bring an Omer offering of barley on the second day of Pesach when barley is one of the grains forbidden on Pesach?
  Why don’t they announce the Omer count after morning services each day?
  What is the difference between Netzach she’be’Chesed and Chesed she’be’Netzach?
  What went wrong with Rabbi Akiva’s students who did not respect each other? Was it a failure on the part of Rabbi Akiva and his yeshiva?
  How did Rabbi Akiva react to their death?
  Why are we told about this tragedy and what do we learn from it in educating our own students
  
• With abortion in the news, what is our perspective on this topic?

• Torah Perspective on Such a TravestyWhat should be our overall response?
  Why would G-d allow an individual who would commit such heinous crimes to reach such a high position of power and influence within the religious public, and especially over the innocent hearts and minds of children?
  How do we deal with such a mass betrayal?
  Who comes first: perpetrator or victim?
  Can we assume his absolute guilt?
  Where do you draw the line between assuming someone’s innocence and judging people favorably and the danger they pose and the damage they may cause others?
  If someone harmed people, but also helped others, does one negate the other?
  How do I deal with my deep feelings of betrayal and internal conflict: On one hand I grew up and was shaped by his books. Yet, I cannot look at his books knowing what kind of double life he led, and the countless people he harmed?
  Do we have the right to judge another?
  Is there hope for a perpetrator?
  Why isn't child molestation considered an issur in the Torah?
  
• Intervention and Reporting AbuseDo the laws of mesirah and loshon hara apply to a sexual predator?
  Can we report them to the police?
  Are we allowed to publicly shame a perpetrator to prevent him from harming others?
  How should the community deal with abusers who have been accused by credible accusations without creating collateral damage?
  
• Community ResponseHow can you find clarity between the conflicting and even seriously contradictory messages coming from different Torah authorities?
  How do we justify or explain Rabbis whitewashing or ignoring the travesty?
  How would you respond to the Rabbis that blame the public’s loshon hara for murdering this author?
  Was it wrong that “gedolim” gave positive eulogies at his funeral after all the horrible things he has been accused of? Is this not an overt insult to the victims?
  
• Speaking with ChildrenWhat should we be telling our children?
  How can we protect our children?
  
• His BooksWhat should we be doing with his educational books?
  Should we be reading books from an unholy author?
  
• ClosureWhat can the victims now do to get closure and find justice?
  Do we continue to pursue justice and humiliate him after his death?
  Are we allowed to defile his memory for revenge?
  Can the victims sue his family and his estate for compensation for their injuries?
  How should one think about the suicide of one that caused others harm?
  
• Lessons Learned and Looking AheadWhat can we learn from this and what can we do as individuals and as a community?
  What can we do to help grow awareness and prevent further atrocities against the innocent?
  Why aren’t more female mental health professionals addressing this issue?
  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does the 15th of Av teach us today?  

• How does the cycle from destruction to rebuilding help us navigate the extremes in our times?  
• Why is this day such a great holiday, comparable to Yom Kippur? 
• How do we reconcile the great holiday of the 15th of Av with the rule that we must diminish in joy when the month of Av arrives? 
• Why did we break the axes on this day, and not just put them away to be used the next year? 
• I don’t see the Beis Hamikdash on Shabbos Chazon. What am I doing wrong? 
• Who will build the Third Temple? 

• How is this parsha connected to Moshiach? 
• Why is the time before Moshiach called “ikvesa d’meshicha”? 

• Should we be concerned that our lack of unity may negatively impact today’s events? 
• What can we do to increase unity? 
• How can we help steer Muslim fundamentalists to change course and live peacefully with their neighbors, as the Christians ultimately learned to do after centuries of aggression?  
• Before Moshiach’s coming do we need to endure difficulties? 
• What can we do to wake up people who have been brainwashed by a false alternative narrative? 
• Can we use recent events – the recent plot to attack a popular music concert; Iran’s ludicrous accusations against Israel – to help bring clarity to those that have been indoctrinated? 

• Why don’t you endorse a political party? Follow-up 
• If Moshiach comes now will there still be a presidential election? 

What do we learn from Parshas Eikev? War in Israel Presidential Election 

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought. TOPICS • Chassidus Applied to Yud Beis-Yud Gimmel Tammuz • Lessons from the 17th of Tammuz and Parshas Balak • Should we use the Ziy”a title on the Rebbe? • What are your thoughts about the border and immigration debate? • Should children ever be separated from their parents? • How to trust and become a tougher person? • Is it acceptable to read quality secular books, or must we resign ourselves to Jewish books of poor literary quality? • Follow-up (episodes 215-216): o Does it make sense to spend Shabbos at the Ohel? o Recording the events of Gimmel Tammuz • Chassidus question: Beautifying mitzvot: Why at times do we beautify mitzvot and at other times insist on keeping them simple, saying that the mitzvah itself is beautiful without frills? Is a Mitzvah itself beautiful or does beauty come from a higher place?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-... or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponso...

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Pesach Sheni and Emor in relation to our challenges 

• Programs and resources for these trying and unprecedented times 

• Perhaps we should not call the virus by its name? 

• After a long day committed to my children, is it wrong for me to be 'happy' that my kids are asleep, and I will have some quiet time? 

• Can the current upheaval bring us to discover a new perspective on G-d and Torah? 

• Can we learn anything from G-d hiding His Face from Moshe about our need to hide our faces today behind masks? 

• How do we know that G-d is perfect? 

• How do we change habits based on life circumstances according to Chassidus? 

• How to be a rock for someone when you yourself are crumbling? 

• Please comment on the recent hisorerus of achdus among Shluchim 

• The power of a niggun, especially in times of need

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus applied to Gimmel Tammuz – 27 years 

What is the significance of this day? 

How could this event happen if a shepherd never forsakes his flock? 

Are there people who believe that nothing happened? 

What was the Rebbe’s last major teaching? 

Why is this year’s Gimmel Tammuz any different from the past 26 Gimmel Tammuzes?  

Did the Rebbe leave a will? 

What happened to the Rebbe’s property after Gimmel Tammuz? 

What was the Rebbe’s condition between Chof Zayin Adar and Gimmel Tammuz? 

Who decided to take the Rebbe to the hospital after the second stroke? 

Did the Rebbe make any public statements alluding that Gimmel Tammuz would happen, and what he wanted us to do afterward? Was it alluded to in the 28 Nissan sicha? 

Is Yechi HaMelech a salute people give to a leader during his last stages of life? 

Why don’t we designate this day as a fast day to exhibit our sadness? 

Why wasn’t an 8th Rebbe appointed? 

Lessons from Chukas 

What is its connection to Gimmel Tammuz? 

Why was it a sin for Moshe to hit the rock? 

What is the significance of the copper snakes Moshe created to bring healing? 

Chassidus question: How does the red heifer heal from death? 

MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 26th Place winners: 

Essay English: Loving the World Like We Love Ourselves, Shoshana Gottlieb, 25, Kings Cross Clinic, Receptionist, Sydney, Australia 

Essay Hebrew (men): עצם הנשמה בחיים שלנו, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Student, Nes Tzionah, Israel 

Essay Hebrew (women): שכל, רגש ומה שבינהם, Riki Lerner, Student, Kfar Chabad, Israel 

Creative: Light: The Series (painting), Rivka Einav, 27, Pittsburgh, PA 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus applied to Parshas Shelach 
• Lessons from Chof Ches Sivan 
• What lessons can we learn from the intense smoke recently engulfing the East Coast? 
• If a kind act below generates the divine attribute of chesed from above, does that mean that an unkind act generates unkindness from above? 
• What is Chassidus “standing on one foot”? 

What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us today?

Lessons from Adar

How does joy help us get through difficult challenges?

What is the acronym of Adar?

Does the joy in Adar have the power to transform true darkness?

Is the joy in Adar initiated from above or from our work below?

If we defeated Amalek on Purim why are we still facing enemies like Hamas?

Why don’t I see blessings in my life as the Rebbe Rashab promised to those who will learn Chassidus?

Parshas Ki Tisa

What can we learn from Moshe challenging and prevailing over G-d to forgive the people?

Is there a connection between the broken tablets and the shattered containers of Tohu?

Is the October 7 massacre and subsequent war a punishment for building the Golden Calf?

How could the people transgress such a grave sin of idolatry just 39 days after the greatest revelation at Sinai?

Why not support a Palestinian state?

Why not deport the Arabs and Muslims from Israel?

What should be our attitude to Zionism and to displaying the Israeli flag and singing HaTikvah?

Can you be a Zionist without displaying the Israeli flag and singing its anthem?

Should we allow these displays in our organizations?

Should we not participate in events that have these displays?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Programs and resources for these trying and unprecedented times  

• Chassidus Applied to 15 Sivan and Behaalotecho 

• What is the significance of "raising the flames until they rise on their own"? 

• What is our attitude to racism and to the recent violent protests? 

• Should we be joining the peaceful protests? On Shabbos? 

• Can we compare racism today to the persecution faced by the Jewish people throughout history? 

• Should Chassidim be discussing the riots? 

• Will be bentch ha’gomel when the pandemic is over? 

• Is it alright to learn skills online while in quarantine? 

• Any advice on dealing with escalating tensions in marriage while under lockdown? 

• Follow-up: Masks (episode 307)

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Why is there so much upheaval and instability in the world today? 

• Is it a result of us being in transition from golus to geulah? 

• How did the Rebbe respond to the attempt against President Reagan in 1981? 
• What does it teach us about the state of today’s society and education? 
• Did the Rebbe embrace the US Presidents honoring and proclaiming the Rebbe’s birthday as National Education Day? 
• Should we run away from this country? 
• What should we do to repay and publicly praise Hashem for the miracle of saving Trumps life? 

• What can we learn from the fact that the actual freedom came a day later than the verdict? 

• If G-d could protect the Jews from Balaam, why didn’t He protect from Hamas? 
• Who is the worst enemy of the Jews? 
• What lessons can we derive from Pinchas’ zealotry? 

• What is the deeper meaning behind Moshe hitting the rock instead of speaking to it? 

• Is it possible that the tragic events of October 7th and the taking of the hostages are meant to elicit from us a deeper cry to heaven to bring Moshiach? 

• How can we relive the beautiful times that we spent with the Rebbe? 
• Where do we get guidance today on how to move forward after Gimmel Tammuz? 

• What are some of the Rebbe’s teachings on how we can use the summer months for positive growth? 
• Are we allowed to play sports in the summer or is it considered bittul Torah?   
• What can we learn from the heat wave? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus applied to Tes Kislev 

What was the unique contribution of the Mitteler Rebbe and what can we learn from it?  

Where can I find more of your approach on applying the Torah to our personal lives? 

Lessons from Vayeitzei 

How do we apply Jacob’s journey to our personal lives? 

Why were the matriarchs barren? 

What is the significance of dreams? 

Why was Jacob’s marriage to Leah valid when it was a result of deception? 

Why do some people say Yankov and not Yaakov? 

Was it disrespectful for Yaakov to sleep on the holy ground that would house the Holy Temple? 

Who were Bilha and Zilpa? 

Should we support the new Mayor-elect Eric Adams?  

Toldos follow-up: 

Why was Yitzchak’s prayer for children accepted and not Rivkah’s? 

What right did Esau have to be angry at Yaakov? 

What should I do about my husband who no longer finds me appealing? 

How to navigate a difficult marriage? 

Chassidus question: Since gevuros will be higher than chasodim after Moshiach comes, should we be focusing today more on gevurah than on chesed?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Bamidbar 
• Did the Rebbe suggest that people should visit the Ohel on Lag B’Omer? Follow-up 
• The students of Rabbi Akiva 
• When Moshiach comes will there be a coronation ceremony like they made for King Charles of England but on a much grander scale? 
• Parents and children 
• Sholom Bayis 
• Can we ask for wealth? Follow-up 
• What should be our attitude toward healing methods, like chakra energy healing, which may originate from other spiritual or religious disciplines?   
• Is there any truth in other spiritual schools of thought? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

How should we honor October 7th?

What can we learn from this day's timing in the holiday season?

What does Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Simchas Torah teach us about today’s war in Israel?

Why is Israel and the Jewish people so central to human civilization?

What should be the number one export from Israel?

What is the connection with the yahrzeit of Rabbi Akiva on the 5th of Tishrei?

What lessons can we draw from the 60th yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana on Vav Tishrei?

How can Yom Kippur help us in this time of war in Israel?

What is the central theme of Yom Kippur?

What is Yechida, how does it manifest on Yom Kippur and how do we apply it to our lives?

What does this day teach us about today’s events?

Should our children serve in the IDF?

What do we learn from Yom Kippur?

Why do we need ten days of teshuva when one can do teshuva in the blink of an eye?

What is an example of the proper way to do teshuva before and on Yom Kippur?

What is the difference between teshuva tataah and teshuva ilaah?

Are we automatically forgiven on Yom Kippur?

Is there a connection between saying amen yehei shmei rabbah and repentance, prayer, and charity?

What exactly is determined on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?

Wasn’t everything determined at the time of creation?

Why do we wear white garments?

What should our attitude be about Trump visiting the Ohel?

Why can't Rosh Hashana begin on Friday? Follow-up

• Chassidus Applied to Chof Beis Shevat: 30th yahrzeit of the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka 0:16 • Lessons from Parshas Mishpotim and Shekalim 14:40 • More tips for writing a winning MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay 18:53 • How do we determine the validity of a Torah teacher? 25:58 • Why did G-d create the world for His pleasure at our expense? 40:25 • How can we get men to be more refined in their approach to marriage and family? 46:07 • Follow-up: Chabad shul (episode 199) 53:22 • Why Don’t We Daven the Way Chassidus Expects of Us? Prayer continued 55:52 • Chassidus Question: Does the inanimate world “feel” things? 01:02:11

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to 11, 13 and 15 Elul:  Love, trust and accountability 01:00

• 60 Days: Resources for preparing for the New Year in these trying and unprecedented times 23:31

• Lessons from Ki Tavo and yeshiva: Intimate connection. Internalizing the experience 11:00

• The power of gratitude 14:08

• Are the verses in the Song of Songs ever to be understood literally? 25:27

• Is Elul considered a month of harvest? 22:38

• What should I think about when listening to the shofar? 34:32

• Is there a time of year when prayers are more effective? 40:45

• What should I do about my husband’s addiction to inappropriate online content? 43:23

• Chassidus question: How do we understand the statement that after six millennia there will be one or two thousand years of “destruction”? Will the Messianiac era last only one millennium? 01:05:40

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Elul and Shoftim 0:10

• Why doesn’t Torah and Judaism celebrate art as it does song?  9:19

• How should we relate to Rabbis with different standards? 24:08

• Considering the Rebbe refusing to receive a new car as a gift, what should our attitude be to receiving gifts? 30:32

• Why are older singles looked down upon? 36:34

• Why isn’t more Chassidus being translated and made accessible to the mainstream? 42:56

• Did the Rebbe ever discuss Jewish extremist attacks against Palestinians? What is the proper way to view followers of Baruch Goldstein? 48:20

• Follow up:  

    o Male mashpia for women (episode 248) 52:55

    o Moon launch (episode 269) 52:15

    o Iskafya for pregnant women (episode 274) 54:09

• Chassidus question: Tanya end of chapter 29: If the Jewish people were true believers, why did they defy G-d again and wanted to go up to Israel without permission? 55:59

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o כוחה של השפעה, Michal Yaffa Simchowitz, 39, Kfar Chabad, Israel 01:03:26

    o יסודות לחיים שמחים, Avigail Slonim, 45, Mitzpe Ramon, Israel 01:05:26

    o Watch Your Words, Esther Procaccia, 19, Brooklyn, NY 01:07:22

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com. 

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to the 5th of Av and Shabbos Chazon 1:06

• Is there life on other planets according to Torah? 17:07

• Does Cholov Yisroel affect our emunah? 21:46

• Is it appropriate to paint a mural of the Alter Rebbe on an alley wall? 26:30

• How can we explain the many wives of Yaakov, Shlomo and others? 31:07

• I am no longer frum and feel like I am dying inside. What can I do? 42:17  

• AA and the 12 Steps: Is it legitimate according to Torah and Chassidus? 46:08

• Why is it so bad to commit suicide? 50:30

• What does the Rebbe say about vaccinations? Part III 54:03

• Follow up (episode 269): Parental alienation 59:42

• Chassidus question: Does a non-Jew elevate sholosh klipos ha’tmayos when he fulfills the sheva mitzvos?  01:02:19

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o The Benefits of Uncertainty, Dov Ber Klein,70, Manchester, England 01:06:35

    o How Does One Break Out of “It’s All-Or-Nothing” Attitude? Gishy Weinfeld, 33, Ontario, Canada 01:07:49

    o A More Perfect Union, Chana Peterson, 25, Givat Shmuel, Israel 01:08:42 

Submit your question now at http://www.meaningfullife.com/mylife or email: Mylife@meaningfullife.com.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Lag B’Omer 
• Lessons from Behar-Bechukosei 
• Why is G-d not responding to us and bringing the Geulah as he did to the Jews who cried out “why are we deprived?!” 
• Jewish Soul 
• How should we deal with difficult children? With children who reject their parents? 
• Why is Lag B’Omer an auspicious time for parents and children to reconnect? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

 

Chassidus applied to 12 Sivan 

What is the significance of this day? 

How has Sinai impacted the world? 

Chassidus applied to Behaalotcho 

Why is it so critical to ensure that the “flame rises on its own”? 

Do the seven types of souls of the menorah correspond to different demographic groups?   

Israel under attack and the cease fire 

What should our attitude be? 

What can we do to help the situation? 

Is there hope for a peaceful future? 

Is there anything we can do to show the Arabs that we want peace? 

In an ideal world, what would happen to the Palestinians currently living in Israel? 

Are there any verses in Torah where the prophets describe the miracles we are seeing? 

Rise of anti-Semitic acts 

Should we remove mezuzos to avoid being targeted by anti-Semitic mobs? 

Should we have Ahavas Yisroel to Jews who incite against other Jews? 

When Moshiach comes... 

Will we have to wait for the priests to be trained? 

Will service in the beis hamikdosh commence right away? 

Could Moshiach be here now and we don't know? 

Will he be a kohen? 

Chassidus question: What is the difference between the nefesh elokis vs yetzer tov and nefesh habehamis vs yetzer hara? 

MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 23rd Place winners: 

Essay English: You Are Stronger Than You Think, Aliza Leiner, 26, London,UK    

Essay Hebrew (men): מידת הכעס, Levi Alishevitz, Student, Kiryat Gat, Israel 

Essay Hebrew (women): להאמין בעצמנו ולגלות את הכוחות הטמונים בנו, Chana Veinfeld, Student, Eilat, Israel 

Creative: Creative: Gray World (lyrics), Chaya Solika Garbose, 20, Machon Alte Seminary. Hometown: London, UK 

• Chassidus Applied to the month of Adar 6:05 • Lessons from Parshas Terumah and Shabbos Hafsokeh 13:57 • Closing days of the MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest 3:20 • Abuse issues: o Does a survivor need to show respect to an abusive parent 30:35 o How can a survivor avoid seeing Judaism as horrific when the abuse came from a Jewish role model? 32:25 • Why is Isaac referred to as Abraham’s only son? 45:44 • Why does a divorced woman have to cover her hair? 48:51 • What is the spiritual meaning of colors? 56:33 • Is it inappropriate for a bochur to earn parnossa before marriage? 51:42 • Follow-up: o More refined men (episode 200) 57:36 o Prayer (episode 199-200) 01:01:16 • Why Don’t We Daven the Way Chassidus Expects of Us? Prayer continued 01:03:50 • Chassidus Question: If the hidden good is greater than the revealed good, why do we wish each other revealed good? 01:07:12

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How can Elul help us during these trying times? 

• How do the Thirteen Divine Attributes of Compassion empower us especially when we are faced with difficult challenges and war? 
• What do the last days of Elul teach us today?  
• When we say the King is in the field in Elul, do we mean the Divine essence or some of His characteristics? 
• When it says Hashem is in the field and greets everyone with a beautiful smiling face, does that mean Hashem will automatically respond positively to our requests?
• How do we explain the fact that not all our requests are fulfilled, and sometimes far worse than that? 
• Is there a way to contact G-d directly and have a conversation and get a direct answer? 
• How can we know who the King is, especially if He is undercover wearing regular clothes instead of royal garments? 

• What do the names of these portions and their opening verses teach us? 
• What is its connection to Elul and Rosh Hashana? 
• What does it mean when it says Hashem will hide his face from us? 
• What is the difference between tzimtzum and hester panim? 
• Didn’t G-d say to Moshe that no one can see My face and live, so what additional concealment is caused by our transgressions? 

• What is their function? 
• When do we recite them? 
• How do we understand the different customs about the time when we say selichos? 
• Why don’t we say Selichos during the Ten Days of Teshuva? 

• How should we react to the mass exploding pagers in Lebanon? 
• Will this help protect us? 
• Are there any instances in Torah where we saw similar events? 
• What additional things can we do to thank G-d for helping protect us from the terrorists in Lebanon? 
• Is this a prelude to the geulah? 

Am I responsible for someone else’s transgressions? Follow-up 
 
What do we learn from Parshas Netzavim-Vayeilech? Selichos War in Israel 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus applied to the Month of ElulWhat is special about this month and how can we tap into its energy?
  How can we apply the work of Elul to our personal mission in life?
  Why do we say L'Dovid Hashem Ori starting Rosh Chodesh Elul?
  Why is it customary to check tefillin and mezuzas during Elul?
  Are we allowed to start praying for the new year in Elul?
  Are there things we are not allowed to pray for?
  
• What are the thirteen attributes of Divine compassion?What are practical ways we can benefit from the revelation of the 13 attributes in Elul? How can we access them?
  Where can we meet the “king in the field” – do we need an actual field?
  What is the correlation between having a beard and the 13 attributes of compassion? Can women and those without a beard access these attributes?
  What's the difference between the 13 attributes that Hashem told Moshe and the 13 attributes revealed to the prophet Micha?
  
• How were you able to remain composed when someone berated you in public? How should we react when someone criticizes us?
• Should we limit our requests from G-d for the New Year?
• Is there anything we can do in Elul about inflation and rising gas prices?
• Why are there no maamorim on Parshas Shoftim in Likkutei Torah?
• Chassidus Applied to Ki TeitzeiWhat do we learn from this parsha on how to fight our battles and face our challenges?
  How do we perform the mitzvah of obliterating Amalek in our times?
  What ever happened to Amalek? Do we know today who Amalek is?
  When Moshiach comes will we physically kill every member of Amalek or is the commandment just to kill the philosophy that they represent?
  What is the spiritual meaning of the mitzvah of returning lost objects to their owner?
  When we meet our soulmate is that a way of Hashem returning us a “lost object”?
  
• Is it appropriate to circulate a photo of the Rebbe’s brother? And what should be our attitude to him?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS

• Chassidus Applied to Yud Shevat and chapter 9 of Basi L’Gani 0:09

• Chassidus question: What lessons do we learn from chapter 9, especially in connection with it being the beginning of the 70th Year of the Rebbe’s leadership? 5:01

• Why does Abraham get credit for discovering and promoting one G-d? 24:17

• I’m having difficulties coping with the tragedies and hardships in my life. Can you give me some inspiration and direction? 27:01

• There is probably no more than one Benoni (according to Tanya) for every 100 million people on earth. How could G-d create a world with expectations that are clearly not attainable? 33:25

• Response to request for mental health specialist references 38:48

• Is The Emotion Code in line with Judaism and Chassidus? 42:56

• Follow-up (episodes 241-242):

    o Teenagers drowning 45:43

    o Emulating Yaakov 48:27

    o Singing in the restroom 55:22

• My Life 2018 essays:

    o Freedom from the Forces that Enslave Us, Levy Yitzchak Naki, 19, Hertzaliya, Israel 57:44

   o How to Properly Treat your Wife, Rachel Rosen, 68, Astoria, NY 58:56 

   o A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Shneur Itzinger, 21, Oak Park, MI 01:00:15

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to 17 Tammuz Nidche 0:11

• Lessons from Pinchas 8:17

• How can I alleviate financial anxieties? 17:50

• What is the Torah’s view on borders and immigration? Should we be supporting open immigration even if it may cause security risks? 24:09

• Does the Rebbe address the issue of buying German products today? 31:54

• How would Torah and Chassidus address parental custody and alienation due to an acrimonious divorce? 38:18 

• What does the Rebbe say about vaccinations? 43:52

• Follow up: 

    o Older singles (episode 263) 56:10

    o BPD (episode 268) 59:05

    o Anti-Semitism 01:00:37

• Chassidus question: Where do the five senses belong in context of the ten faculties, which correspond to the ten sefiros? 01:01:18

• My Life 2019 essays:

    o התמודדות עם תסכול וכעס, Chaya Mushka Banor, 17, Tzfat, Israel 01:11:48

    o The Honor of Your Presence Is Requested…, Esther Rochel Elkaim, 31, Bal Harbour, FL 01:14:09

    o הגן של האנושות, Chanania Zohar, 35, Migdal HaEmek, Israel 01:15:47

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Chof Av 0:35

• Teachings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak:  

      o Life is much more than the absence of death 06:07

      o Seeing the divine in everything, even in suffering 10:45

      o Gifting a child with greatness 16:48

• Re’eh: Behold the gift of clarity 19:18

• Can the Rebbe be Moshiach? 31:13

• What should we do about liberals trying to force our schools to teach their agenda? 43:38

• Are we facing a real moral battle in the upcoming elections? 51:17

• Is it appropriate to see non-religious therapists and read secular advice books? 55:43

• Follow-up: 

      o Trust  59:10

      o Gog U’magog 01:01:26

• Chassidus question: What are the dynamics of the “shattering of the containers” in Tohu? 01:02:44

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does this time-period and Torah portion teach us today? 

• How does the transition from Adar to Nissan empower us? 
• Chassidus applied to Rosh Chodesh Nissan 
• What do we learn from the new moon? 
• What's the significance of saying the daily nasi the first twelve days of Nissan? 
• Are the miracles of Nissan within or above the natural order? 
• Can we expect to see open miracles this month, namely victory and the safe return of all the hostages? 
• How do we honor Beis Nissan? 
• What do we learn from Parshas Tazria? 
• Is a leper compared to golus, and its healing to geulah? 
• How do we change the letters of negah, the leprosy of golus, to oneg, the pleasure of geulah? 
• What's the connection between Parshas Shemini and Moshiach? 

• Is the eclipse a negative sign? 
• What lessons does it offer us? 
• Are we allowed to leave yeshiva to view the eclipse? 
• What are we to make of the recent earthquake in the tri-state area? 
• Are earthquakes a sign of Moshiach’s imminent arrival? 
• Is there any significance to the number 4.8 (the magnitude of the earthquake and the date of the eclipse)? 

• Why are we always on the defense and not on the offense? 
• Do the nations of the world have any free choice regarding Israel? 
• Should we consider their opinions? 
• Should religious people be exempt from fighting the war? 
• How can we recreate today Moshe’s holding up his arms to heaven to pray for the victory against Amalek? 

What can we learn from the upcoming solar eclipse and the recent East Coast earthquake? The Gaza War 

 

• Chassidus Applied to Post Shavuos and Behaalosecho 
• How and who produced the Hanochos -- transcripts – of the Rebbe’s talks? 
• What does Torah and Kabbalah say about reincarnation and communication with past lives? 
• Should being a meshichist/saying Yechi be relevant when choosing a shidduch? 
• How much time should a chosson and kallah be in contact with each other during their engagement? 
• As a mother of young children how can I daven properly with the right intentions? 
• Follow up: 
  • Israel-centric Judaism 
  • Chassidus in depth 
  • Teshuva for a sociopath 
  • Anti-Semitism 
• Chassidus question: Is the long golus a result of baseless hatred or the fact that we are weak souls? 
• My Life 2019 essays:
  • הנתינה לאחר ככלי לשינוי עצמי, Michal Torenheim,17, Beitar Illit, Israel; I’m Not a Doormat
  • The Quality of Self Confidence, Sarale Benshimon, 30, Montreal, Canada
  • Back and Forth, Chana Lazar, 20, Montreal, Canada 

Submit your question now at https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson, or email: info@chassidusapplied.com. WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: • Chassidus Applied to Yud Alef Nissan o How should we honor this special day? o Did the Rebbe say that the best birthday present he would like to receive would be an increase in learning Torah? o Should we put more emphasis on learning the Rebbe’s maamarim? o What were some of the important telegrams the Rebbe Rashab sent to the Rebbes parents before and after his birth? o What happened to the art and gifts the rebbe received at Yud Alef Nissan farbrengens? • Can you teach a class on how hanochos were written and published? • Lessons from Tzemech Tzedek’s Hilula on Yud Gimmel Nissan • Lessons from Rambam’s birthday on Yud Daled Nissan • Chassidus Applied to Passover o What is the central message of Pesach? o What is the significance of burning the chometz? o Why is it important to eat handmade instead of machine-made matzah? And why is it round? o Why is matzah sometimes called “bread of affliction” and other times “bread of freedom”? o If eating matzah represents humility, why don't we eat it every day of the year? o Should we refuse to invite any wayward children to the Seder? o Are Jews in prison required to do a seder? o Did the Jews build the pyramids? • What should we do about the recent discord in Israel? • Are the recent protests in Israel a form of hakhel? • A call for unprecedented Jewish unity: Invite a Jew you disagree with to your Seder MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. #MyLife #Chassidus #Uvalde

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Lag B’Omer and Behar-Bechukosei in relation to our challenges 

• The power of Rashbi in times of crisis 

• What we learn from Lag B’Omer about countering a plague 

• Programs and resources for these trying and unprecedented times 

• What is the connection between Lag B’omer activities and this special day? 

• Who is the founder of Pnimius haTorah? 

• Is it sincere to call for achdus on “my terms”? 

• How can we be fearless in frightening times? 

• How to strengthen bitachon when we are losing our jobs? 

• What can we do to hold on to faith in Moshiach after so many disappointments? 

• Follow-up: 

     o Calling the virus by its name? 

     o Song 

• Niggun: Anim Zemiros

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Submit your question now at https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson, or email: info@chassidusapplied.com. WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us about today’s war? • Lessons from Adar: The power of joy 02:57 • What is joy and can we be joyous even when bad things are happening? 05:54 • Lessons from Parshas Mishpatim 09:16 What do we learn from the month of Adar, and especially the two Adar’s in this leap year? 13:23 • With war raging in Israel, is it appropriate to increase in joy during this Adar? 22:37 • Is a leap year a positive or a negative thing? • The paradox of the moon 18:02 • Were the Rebbeim more concerned during a leap year? 20:27 • Is it more likely for Moshiach to come in a leap year? 24:20 Lessons from Chof Beis Shevat • What did the Rebbe say about the Rebbetzin’s ability to bless others? 27:34 • Does a blessing need a container? 27:34 • What is the difference between a blessing and a prayer? 29:32 Since G-d can do whatever He wants, how are we guaranteed that G-d will fulfill His promises? 32:39 What should be our approach to the Muslim world? 36:24 • Are they our sworn enemies? 36:44 • Is there room for reconciliation with them? 44:43 • How many of our problems with our enemies are due to our own mistakes? 44:43 • Is there legitimacy to Meir Kahana’s approach of incentivizing Arabs to leave Israel? 50:18 • How do we address the hypocrisy of liberals supporting UNRWA, the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency? 53:50 How do we maintain confidence that we will success and build a positive future, with the coming of Moshiach? 58:59 Can you please explain the idea of turning the world into a divine garden? 58:59 MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. #MyLife #Chassidus #Uvalde

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Rosh Chodesh Nissan 

• Why is this day and month unique? 
• What is the significance that the first mitzvah we were given as a nation is blessing the new moon of the month of Nissan? 
• What is the meaning of Nissan? 
• What is the difference between nissim and niflaos? 
• Is the revelation of this month initiated from above or below? 
• What does it teach and how can it empower us in dealing with our present challenges? 
• Is there any credence in connecting the name of this month with an auto manufacturer by the same name? 

• What is the significance of this day? 
• What were some of the last words the Rebbe Rashab said before his histalkus? 
• What lessons can we draw from the Rebbe Rashab to help us navigate today's challenges? 

• What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter?’ 
• Why is G-d's name not mentioned in the opening verse? 
• Why does Vayikra have a small aleph? 
• What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? 

• Is Pesach meant to be a dreaded holiday filled with extreme stringencies? 
• Why and when did the Seder become a mechanical ritual for many Jews? 
• How can we rejuvenate the Pesach experience into a personally relevant and exciting experience? 
• What can I do to avoid conflicts with my spouse who keeps adding more draconian Pesach chumras, traumatizing our family? 

Beis Nissan Vayikra Pre-Pesach 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to 15 ShevatWhat do we learn from trees?
  Should we water our plants on the Rosh Hashana of Trees?
  
• Lessons from YisroWhat is the relevance of Sinai today?
  Why was the Torah given in a way that frightened the people?
  How do we reconcile the Jews accepting the Torah without question, and then trembling when they heard G-d's voice?
  Did we receive the entire Torah at Sinai or only the Ten Commandments?
  Is there a connection between Yisro advising Moshe to delegate and the Rebbe sending out thousands of shluchim?
  
• Yud Shevat follow-upDuring the Yud Shevat Farbrengen 5711, did someone ask the rebbe to say a maamar?
  What’s the story about the newspaper announcing the Rebbe’s assuming leadership?
  What is the shechina? And how can it be concealed?
  
• What can we learn from yesterday’s hostage crisis in Texas?
• Do these things happen to elicit our prayers and tehillim?
• What attitude should we have to the recent auction of personal items of the Rebbeim?
• Can one use a pig’s heart for a heart transplant?
• Should we be applauding the launch of a new telescope that can peer back to the beginning of existence?
• How should we address the recent abuse scandal? Follow-up
• Chassidus question: What is the meaning of the statement that “without Ohr the world would be dark and separate from its creator” - doesn’t all of life come from Ohr?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Tisha B’Av nidcheWhat is the significance of Tisha B’Av being pushed off a day due to Shabbos?
  How do we reconcile the negative and positive elements in sadness?
  If the energy of a day is recreated each year on that day, why do we fast on the next day?
  Why do we need the Holy Temple when we draw down the Divine through our prayers?
  Why is the Beis Hamikdash such a central component of the Geulah?
  Why do we assume that life with the Third Temple will be better than it was during the first two Temples?
  After all the work that great men and women did over the generations, how can our sages say that a generation that didn't rebuild the temple is considered as if it destroyed it?
  What is the meaning of the verse Tzion b’mishpat t’podeh v’shaveha b'tzedaka?
  How exactly does learning about the Beis Hamikdash cause it to be recreated?
  
• When will the attacks in Israel ever end?
• How to avoid giving up after many disappointments?
• Chassidus Applied to 15 Av and NachamuWhy is the 15th of Av such a great holiday?
  If the Talmud says to diminish in joy when Av enters, why do we celebrate on the 15th of Av?
  What is the significance of Shabbos Nachamu?
  
• What do we do when our rabbis and role models let us down?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus applied to Shelach
• Why did G-d tell Moshe to send the scouts of his own volition?
• What did the scouts do wrong?
• Why did they bring back large grapes?
• Why was the one who carried wood on Shabbos put to death?
• How do tzitzis remind us of the mitzvos?
• What can we do to increase unity and love?
• Now that cities are opening up, can we say that it is a sign of the imminent geulah?
• With the rise of anti-Semitic acts is it time to start fighting back?
• When Moshiach comes...
  Will he be an actual human being?
  Can Moshiach be a woman?
  Will our divine service be more similar to the Temple periods in Jewish history or shul services today?
  Will 770 be transported to Israel?
  
• Comments and follow-up:
  What were the colors and images of the tribes’ flags?
  12 Sivan
  One state solution
  
• Chassidus question: Can a neshomo be in two places at once?
• MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 24th Place winners:
  Essay English: Elevated Sleep, Rena Pinson, 19, Student, Beis Chana - Tzfas Seminary. Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
  Essay Hebrew (men): אהבת ישראל -  אינטראקציה אנושית בהשקפה חסידית, Eliyahu Lichshtein, Student, Tel Aviv, Israel
  Essay Hebrew (women): מוח שליט על הלב - כהצעה לטיפול בהתמכרות, Mrs. Nechama Dina Kozlofsky, Kfar Chabad, Israel
  Creative: Every Jew is a Diamond that Needs to be Refined (sketchbook), David Naccache, 25, La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, France
  

Chassidus Applied to Zayin Cheshvan and Lech Lecha 0:12

What should we be doing to disseminate the seven Noachide laws?  12:00

Are today’s non-Jews chassidei umos ha’olam (righteous gentiles)? 12:30

How can we be a light onto the nations, when the eastern cultures, which make up half the world, have had little exposure to Judaism? 24:50

Why do some Jews have long peyot (sidelocks) and others do not? 30:46 

Why has 770 not been expanded as the Rebbe wished? 44:27

When is the right time to consider getting married? 50:32

Should we be worried about the rise of anti-Semitic acts? 55:37

How can we explain capital punishment in the Torah: Does one really deserve to be stoned to death for violating Shabbat? 57:46

Chassidus question: Why does evil still exist after the great flood? 01:01:23

My Life 2019 essays: A Big Part of a Bigger Puzzle: Self-Esteem in Chassidus, Malka Bracha Heidingsfeld, 15, S. Monica, CA; 01:04:56

Mindfulness: The Mechanics of Obstacles, Kalman Ezagui, 21, London, England; 01:06:15

 תפיסת השכל כמטרה לשינוי, Eliezer Asraf, 18, Kfar Chabad, Israel 01:07:20

WHERE TO FIND MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED:

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EMAIL US: wisdomreb@meaningfullife.com

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a series of video webcasts answering questions from the public, with the objective of demonstrating how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Chassidus Applied to Rosh Chodesh Elul Lessons from the 3rd Week of the Shiva D’Nechemta How to turn the experience of being bullied into a positive? Art therapist asking: Which psychological streams are aligned with Judaism? What is the Rebbe’s opinion on buying life insurance? Follow-up: Off the derech (episodes 220-221) Can we establish policy based on a chassidishe hergesh? (episode 219) Writing pidyon to other Rebbes (episode 223) Chassidus question: What is the difference between the Kabbalah of the Rama”k and the Kabbalah of the Arizal? Part II My Life 2018 essays: The Greatest Female Power: Not the One Hollywood Tells, Sara Spielman, 38, Brooklyn, NY; Making Your Grass Greener, Shmuel Wagner, 25, Brooklyn, NY; Despair as Catalyst for Change, Shmuel Lepkivker, 23, United States

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Post-Gimmel TammuzHow should we describe this day?
  How do we connect to the Rebbe today?
  Is it correct to say that one of the central themes in the Rebbe's teachings was not resting on one's laurels?
  Is Techiyas Ha’Maysim only in the hands of G-d, or can scientists figure out a way to regenerate DNA and bring people back to life?
  Can you give a short synopsis and explain the significance of the V'atah Tetzaveh maamar, the last one the Rebbe edited and distributed?
  
• Chassidus Applied to ChukasWhat do we learn from this chapter?
  What is the significance of a chuka and why is it engraved in us?
  Why was Moshe not supposed to hit the rock when the first time he was told to do just that?
  
• What should be our reaction and attitude to the reversal of Roe v. Wade?
• Why are secular studies not taught in our Yeshivos as it is taught in other schools?
• Chassidus question: If the tzimtzum is also part of Hashems “essential abilities” why do we seem to only praise the enlivening G-dly life force in a rock and not it’s body that resulted from the tzimtzum? Aren’t both aspects pure G-dliness?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus applied to ShemosWhat personal lessons do we learn from the story of the Egyptian exile and redemption?
  Why do we need to read about all the painful details of the Jews suffering and affliction?
  How did Moshe find out he was Jewish?
  Who were the two Jewish men that saw Moshe kill the Egyptian, and why would they report him?
  Why were some wicked people, like Dasan and Aviram, fortunate to have their names and lineage mentioned in the Torah?
  What is the significance of G-d talking to Moshe from the burning bush?
  Why was Moshe commanded to take off his sandals before approaching the burning bush?
  Was the Egyptian redemption initiated from above, and will the future redemption be different?
  What are some practical examples of how we can express bitachon in our everyday lives?
  
• Lessons from 20 Teves: What is the significance of this day and what does it teach us?
• Follow-up10 Teves: Why do we have four fast days to commemorate the different stages leading up to and including the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash?
  
  Vayechi:Why do we speak about the bones of Yosef if the body of a Tzaddik remains intact?
  Was Jacobs’ blessing to Zebulun fulfilled, that he will dwell on the coast of the seas?
  
• Is it appropriate to listen to a sicha of the Rebbe on double speed?
• Sholom Bayis: How should a couple resolve disagreements about having children?My husband is afraid of having children due to my father’s mental health issues. How can I resolve this?
  What to do if the wife wants children and the husband is just not ready?
  
• Should I pursue intellectual truth regardless of where it may lead me, even if it may cause me to reject my upbringing?
• What does Torah/Chassidus say about fetishes?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Elul and Shoftim 00:37 22:00

• What lessons does Elul offer us?  05:40

• How the transition from Av to Elul can help us today 06:44

• 60 Days: Resources for preparing for the New Year in these trying and unprecedented times 10:48

• Was the Rebbe a novi (prophet)? 24:45

• Why does the Torah endorse and require a king? 38:26

• Can we “change” G-d's mind? 44:24

• What would the Rebbe’s opinion be about the peace agreement between the UAE and Israel? 46:50

• Why was the Rebbe against the Camp David peace agreement with Egypt? 46:50

• Follow up

         • Trust 01:00:08

• Chassidus question: Please explain the Alter Rebbe’s example for Elul of “the king in the field” 01:00:54

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• Chassidus applied to Ki Tissa and Parah 

       o How do I deal with a serious setback? With loss, trauma, death and other hardships? 

       o What fundamentals can we learn from this week’s Parsha based on the sicha of Ki Tissa 5752? 

       o What relevant lessons does the red heifer have for us today? 

       o If the people who saw the miracles of the exodus and the revelations at Sinai could still sin and make a golden calf, what chance do we have to not steer away from sin? 

       o What are the 13 attributes of mercy, and how can we use them in our daily lives? 

       o Why did Moshe break the tablets? 

       o Why was it necessary to create a second set of tablets? 

       o What exactly was the sin of the golden calf, why is idolatry such a severe sin and why would G-d be “jealous” of false gods? 

       o Can we correlate Moses’ mask and the Covid masks we are wearing today? 

• Lessons from Purim 

       o What happened after the Purim story in the Megillah?  

       o Why is the entire Megillah written in Hebrew and not in Persian? 

       o Are kohanim allowed to drink excessively on Purim?   

       o What is the importance of giving the half shekel? 

       o Did the Rebbe ever publicly say a “Purim Torah”? 

       o Why could Esther commit adultery in order to save the Jews, but Mordechai was not allowed to bow to Haman? 

• Follow-up: 

       o Mars landing 

       o Bitachon 

• Chassidus question: How do you explain the Hayom Yom of Shushan Purim Katan that the stones benefit from the words of Torah we speak while we tread on them? 

• MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 16th Place winners: 

       o Essay English: First, Love Yourself, Sara Friedman, 18, Student, Yeshiva Schools Pittsburgh, PA

       o Essay Hebrew (men): שמחה - אתגר החיים, Simcha Bunem Feldman, Educator, Beis Shemesh, Israel 

       o Essay Hebrew (women): מצבי רוח במשנת הרבי, Esther Meizlish, Educator, Kfar Chabad, Israel 

       o Creative: What is Within (3D model), Naomi Deitsch, 17, Student, Beis Chana, Orange, CT, New Haven, CT 

When: Sunday, February 11, 8:00PM ET
For recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
How do we find strength in challenging times? 
What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us today?      > What are three fundamental steps of growth? Exodus, Sinai and the Mishkan      > Lessons from Parshas Terumah 
     > How revolutionary is the idea of building a temple in and from this physical world?      > Lessons from Adar      > How can one be joyous in times of war and loss?      > What is true joy?  
Moshiach 
     > What will the world look like when Moshiach comes? 
     > What can we do to bring Moshiach closer? 
     > What is the difference between the feminine shira and the masculine shir referring to the song of the future? 
     > If G-d is the true reality and is omnipresent, what exactly are we accomplishing when we create a “home for the divine” in this lowest of worlds?
 
What is our attitude to Zionism? 
     > What are the different opinions about the modern State of Israel? 
     > What is Chabad’s approach? 
     > Why did the Rebbe Rashab oppose the creation of a secular state? 
     > Is the Rebbe’s position different? 
     > Did things change after 1948? 
     > How does our unity transcend all the different opinions? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us today? 
 7 Adar 

• What mazal does this day bring us? 
• How does Moshe empower us today? 
• Are there any special customs or observances on this day? 
• How could Haman have made such a big mistake and not know the day of Moshe’s birthday? 
• Is there a connection between Moshe’s name not being mentioned in Tetzaveh with G-d's name not being mentioned on the Megillah? 

• What is the primary theme of this parsha and its lessons to us? 
• What is the significance of the small alef in Vayikra? 
• Why offerings? 
• Are we fulfilling the mitzvah of prayer if we just say the words without the intention of offering ourselves to G-d? 
• What is a shelomim (peace) offering? 
•  What is today's equivalent of the peace offering that we can do to end wars? 

• What is the main theme of Purim and how can we access its power in our time? 
• What does Purim teach us about today’s war? 
• Are any of our enemies today a reincarnation of Haman and his cohorts?  
• Why is G-d's name not mentioned on the Megillah, and how does that give us a deeper appreciation of G-d's essence? 
• How do the references to “the king” throughout the Megillah reflect on G-d? 
• What do we learn from Mordechai about... 
• Why are Jews referred to as Yehudim in the Megillah? 
• What did the Jews do wrong in attending Achashverosh's party? 

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives — from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought MP3 recording of this class are available free of charge to members and $0.99  for non-members. Sign up HERE for your free membership. Topics: Chassidus Applied to Gimmel Tammuz and Korach Lessons from Chof Ches Sivan Why don’t we speak about the details of Gimmel Tammuz as we do about Yud Shevat, Beis Nissan, Chof Dalet Teves etc.? Why don’t we appoint a new Rebbe? Did the Rebbe take responsibility for shluchim? How does the Rebbe answer us today? What is the meaning of going to the Ohel or writing into the Igros? Follow-up (episodes 213-215): What is the difference between a sicha and a maamar? What can we do to improve our yeshiva system to work for all our students? Chassidus question: How do we understand the different statements the Rebbe made about Moshiach, the dor h

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus Applied to Yud ShevatWhat is the mandate and main lessons of this day?
  What is the purpose of Chassidus and what is the unique role of the seventh generation?
  What is the central theme of Basi L’Gani and its message for our times?
  What is the primary idea of Basi L’Gani chapter 13, and the Rebbe’s key additions in 5723 and 5743?
  When a Rebbe says a maamar does he prepare for it or is the shechina speaking through him?
  Why did the Frierdiker Rebbe start enlarging the yud in the second name of his signature leading up to Yud Shevat?
  Can you share some of the details around the histalkus in 5710?
  
• Did the Frierdiker Rebbe wear two yarmulkes?
• Is it a Lubavitch minhag to wear a double-covering on the head?
• What did the Frierdiker Rebbe mean when he said “we have to polish the buttons”?
• What is Yud Shevat’s universal message for the world?
• Should we encourage non-Jews to follow their religion?
• Why did you not explain the Sheva Mitzvos to the evangelicals you spoke to?
• What are the different customs regarding naming children after the Rebbeim?Is it appropriate to mix names of two Rebbeim?
  Were the Rebbeim ever called by one of their names and not both?
  Do I need to call my children with all their names, or can I use a shorter version?
  Which is preferable: to name a child after the Frierdiker Rebbe or after the Rebbe’s father?
  
• Do we have an explanation for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin not having children?
• Chassidus Applied to BeshalachWhat lessons do we learn from this portion?
  What is its connection to Yud Shevat?
  

SPECIAL CHOL HAMOED PESACH EDITION

In this special edition, Rabbi Simon Jacobson explains what we can learn from Moshiach’s Seudah regarding the challenges facing us today 

TOPICS:

• Can you please give us more Torah/Chassidic perspective on the approach we should be taking in dealing with this unprecedented quarantine?  12:55

• As a single, I find the loneliness unbearable. Please share some advice? 13:35

• How can a lockdown in our homes be seen as an opportunity? 27:16

• What possible benefit can the disruption of our routines offer? 35:08

• Chassidus applied to Acharon Shel Pesach especially in this time 41:50

• Why will Moshiach judge with his power of scent? 49:00

• What is the significance of Moshiach’s seudah on the last day of Pesach? 45:53

• Does the coronavirus have any connection with Moshiach? 46:20

• What does Shabbos HaGadol mean today? 55:32

• With a temporary loss of smell do I make the blessing on spices during havdalah? 01:00:30

• Is it permissible to shave one’s beard during coronavirus so that a protective mask will have a better seal? 01:01:20

• What can be done about those fools endangering others? 59:12

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-... or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponso...

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

•  Chassidus Applied to Chof and Chof Dalet Teves  

       o The similarities of the Rambam and the Alter Rebbe 

       o The role of leaders in difficult times 

•  Lessons from Shemos: 

       o Why is the entire book of Shemos called Sefer HaGeulah? 

       o How to deal with demons – Mitzrayim – in our spirits? 

       o How to see beyond the tzimtzum’s abyss? 

•  Is it inappropriate to wish someone Happy New Year? 

•  Suicide 

       o I plan on committing suicide. I’m in so much pain! Please help...

       o What can we do to help someone contemplating suicide?  

       o Suicide is frightening me? Please address this recent tragedy and inspire us all with some light      

•  Chassidus question: Please explain Tanya chapter 12: How can one be a Benoni who has never sinned when there are three daily sins no one is spared from? 

•  MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest: 10th Place winners: 

       o Essay English: Irrelevant Micromanagement, Chaya Rivkin, 19, Student, Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim, Hometown: New Orleans, LA 

       o Essay Hebrew (men): נחיתות ופתרונה - ע”פ תורת החסידות, Shlomo Chaim Shmuelevitz, Beis Shaan, Israel 

       o Essay Hebrew (women): לחיות בתודעה אלוקית, Chana Leibman, Rishon L’Tzion, Israel 

       o Creative: Torah Map (maps), Anthony Bensusan, 63, London, UK

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

• Chassidus Applied to Shemini and Parah 5:16

• Questions about tracht gut vet zayn gut – how far do our thoughts affect our reality? 17:00

• Is there an issue with listening to non-Jewish music with meaningful lyrics? 24:01

• What should we be doing about the situation in Israel? 29:08

• What is my responsibility as a single girl living at home? 34:53

• Should parents show their affection to each other in front of their children? 40:14

• How high should our standards be in seeking a shidduch? Is it too much to ask for a girl who davens 3x daily and learns Chitas? Are there standards that are too high? 47:29

• How can we begin to daven the way Chassidus expects of us 

Prayer continued 53:10 

• Follow-up (episode 253):

    o Megillah reading by women 57:47

    o Josephus 01:02:44

• Chassidus question: If thought is the garment for intellect, what is the garment for emotions? 01:04:57

• My Life 2018 essays:

    o G-d’s Dream, Akiva Greenbaum, 40, Ewing, NJ 01:07:00

    o Stress and Prayer, Ahava Lichtenstein, 18, Hanover, PA 01:08:47

    o Facing Life’s Challenges with an Aleph, Mushka Rivkin, 21, New Orleans, LA 01:10:03

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
MyLife 500 campaign 
 
What does Lag B’Omer teach us today? 

• How does Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai help us deal with our challenges? 
• Why is this day so special? 
• What is the source that Lag B’Omer is the day of Rashbi’s Hilula? 
• Why can we listen to music and make weddings on Lag B’Omer? 
• Did the Rebbe suggest that we visit the Ohel on this day? 
• Is there an alternative for someone who can’t go to the Ohel? 
• Why don’t we celebrate with a parade on other special days of the year? 
• Why is there a custom to light bonfires on Lag B’Omer? 
• How could the students of Rabbi Akiva defy their teacher’s cardinal rule about loving another? 
• Why did the students of Rabbi Akiva die in an epidemic – does not respecting another warrant the death penalty? 
• Why do we say Lag B’Omer, but don’t say Tu B’Av? 
• Should we be relying on the segulos associated with Lag B’Omer? 
• Segulos don't seem to work for me. What should I do differently? 
• What can we learn from Rashbi living 12 years in a cave? 
• Is there a connection between Lag B’Omer and Moshiach? 
• Is it connected to the Zohar? 
• And if so, how does it relate to Chassidus? 
• Who was Moses de Leon, and what role did he play in disseminating the Zohar? 

• What do we learn from this parsha? 
• What is the connection between this parsha and Lag B’Omer? 
• Why are engraved letters higher than written ones? 

• What is the significance of the month of Iyar and the general time between Pesach and Shavuos? Follow-up 

• If Sinai teaches us the lesson of humility, why was the Torah given on a mountain altogether? 

• Why are we not gathering daily and holding prayer vigils and public reciting of Torah and Tehillim and tzedakah beseeching heaven to free the hostages and end this evil war? 
• Where are our leaders? 

Bechukosei Iyar Sinai Why did the Rebbe not go to Israel? Follow-up 
War with Hamas 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Bo

How does this week’s Torah portion about the Egyptian exile and exodus reflect the challenges, disruptions and transitions in today’s world?

What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

Can we apply the story of exodus to the hostages today?

And the war in Gaza with the war against the Egyptians, especially considering that many Gazans are from Egypt?

Is there a connection between the blood smeared on the doorposts and a mezuzah?

Why did they bake bread the last day in Egypt? And why was it so important to rush out immediately and not wait until the bread rose?

How does bread and matzah reflect the central theme of the Egyptian exile?

What is the difference between Moshe and the Patriarchs?

Yud Shevat – 75 Years

What lessons do we learn from chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani?

What is the connection to Golus Mitzrayim?

What is the chiddush of the Arizal with the “secret of the tzimtzum”?

Does the tzimtzum divide or connect us deeper with G-d?

What are the implications and applications of pre-tzimtzum harishon tzimtzumim discussed in the 5745 maamar?

Freeing the hostages

Do we know why some hostages were released but others are still waiting?

What more can we do about the situation?

President Trump’s Inauguration

What attitude should we have to this?

According to Torah and Chassidus should we involved in partisan politics?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
44th Siyum HaRambam 

• What is its significance? 
• Why did the Rebbe institute learning the daily Rambam? 
• When was it instituted and what is some of the background? 
• Why does the Rambam’s book of halachas begin and end with discussing G-d's existence? 

• What is the theme and energy of this month? 
• What is the source that the mazal of this month is special? 
• Why is Adar unique when we’re supposed to be joyous all the time? 
• What are some things we can do to manifest and increase the blessings of this month? 
• Why don’t we find humor in the written Torah? 
• On the night of his passing, what did the Alter Rebbe tell the Tzemech Tzedek about being joyous? 

• What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter? 
• What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? 
• Why was the pure olive oil brought to Moshe and not to Aaron? 
• Why were there seven days of training of the kohanim? 
• Should kohanim be trained now to be ready to serve when Moshiach comes? 
• Why was shatnez permitted in the kohan’s garments? 
• Why do we need a physical temple when G-d dwells within each one of us? 

• Is that appropriate? 
• What can be done about it? 

• Why are some people blessed more than others even if they did not create a “keli”?  

Adar Tetzaveh Do some Jewish publications and sites present revisionist history?   
How much of a container must we make for G-d's blessings? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Chassidus applied to Yud Alef Nissan – 120 YearsWhy are we honoring this day?
  Why should the Rebbe’s birthday matter to those that never heard of the Rebbe?
  What is the significance of the Rebbes 120th birthday if Gimmel Tammuz happened 28 years ago?
  How did the Rebbe change the world and what is his impact on my life today?
  How to deal with the challenges of the 21st century?
  What methods did the Rebbe teach in order to prosper without apathy?
  
• 13 Nissan – Tzemech Tzedek’s 156th Yahrzeit: Why did crying out Tzemech three times not bring the geulah?
• Chassidus applied to PesachHow do I deal with my wife’s OCD around Pesach?
  If the seder represents our celebration of freedom from slavery, why do we make a seder during golus when we are not entirely truly free yet until Moshiach comes?
  Why do we mention during the seder that we are descendants of slaves and idolaters when it is prohibited and insulting to remind a convert that he came from idol worshippers?
  Is there a spiritual reason for the custom to peel fruits and vegetables on Pesach?
  If matzah represents humility and bread represents arrogance, why do we only eat matza for eight days instead of all year long?
  Why do we lean to the left during the Seder?
  
• Chassidus question: How will Pesach be observed after Moshiach comes?

• Chassidus Applied to Isru Chag Pesach, Chof Ches Nissan and Acharei 11:00

• Poway shooting on Acharon Shel Pesach – how should we react? 01:12

• Are the Rebbe’s words on 28 Nissan still relevant today, or did we miss an opportunity? 21:17

• What’s the practical difference between the existence and the revelation of Moshiach? 28:41

• What guidelines can we use to find the right yeshiva for our child? 35:19

• Why not send children to non-Chabad schools which produce better results? 42:46

• Can we make a connection between two negative events that happened in the same location? 45:50

• How can we begin to daven the way Chassidus expects of us? Prayer continued  49:25

• Follow-up (episodes 256-257): 

    o Internet addictions 52:40

    o Learning all parts of Torah 57:23

• Chassidus question: What is bittul and how can I begin to perceive Hashem and his unity in the right way instead of some obscure concept? 58:50

• My Life 2019 essay contest winners:

    o Ageless, Ayelet Skinner, 48, Southfield, MI 01:05:07

    o The Chassidic Method of Dealing with Fear, Ariel Nevei, 44, Beitar Illit, Israel 01:07:46

    o The Essential Yes of a Strong No, Mushka Silberberg, 22, Lincolnwood, IL 01:09:25

    o Rediscovering the Joy of Giving – from Self-Love to Selfless Love, Aidel Cohen, 24, Brooklyn, NY 01:11:15

Submit your question now at https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson, or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

•Chassidus Applied to Purim

• What is the primary message and lesson of Purim?Why was it important that the miracle be manifest and concealed in nature?
• Why does the miracle of Purim not cause us to refrain from saying tachnun in the month of Adar?How did Haman justify the killing of all the Jews due to one man, Mordechai, refusing to bow to him?
• What is the best response to anti-Semitism?
• Why did Haman’s daughter defend the Jews?
• Why is the holiday named after the lots Haman drew?
• Is it a good time to buy a lottery ticket?
• What is the concept of v’nahapoch hu?
• Is the Rebbe’s offer on Purim 5715 for wealth still relevant today?
• What can we learn from Vashti’s decision to resist the king’s command?
• Is it possible that Vashti’s rebellion was an act of bravery?
• How does Vashti’s role in the story reflect broader themes of power, gender, and agency in Jewish tradition? How can we use her story to inform our
• understanding of the social and political dynamics of our own time?
  

•Drinking on Purim

• Is it forbidden to daven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• How do we preform the requirement to drink on Purim until we don’t know the difference between “cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordechai”?
• Would Aaron’s sons have been allowed to enter the Temple drunk if it was Purim or Simchas Torah?
• Why didn’t Rabba and Reb Zeira learn a lesson from the mistakes of Aaron’s sons?
  

• What is the meaning behind the fast day of Adar 9, and did the students of Shammai actually kill the students of Hillel?

• Are disagreements bad?

• Psychological interventions

• What is the Torah/Chassidus view on plant medicine and psychedelics?
• With the recent hype about using these methods to deal with trauma, abuse and addiction, how do we avoid the risks and irresponsible use of these experiences?
• Were the ketores and other rituals a form of mind-altering experience?
• What would the Rebbe advise about digging into and dealing with past traumas?
• Which interventions and therapies are acceptable?
• How about breathwork? EMDR?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought.

TOPICS:

• Chassidus Applied to Yud Tes Kislev 0:31

• Lessons from Vayeishev 18:20

• How can we compare Tanya to Torah She’Be’Ksav?  25:44

• Why was Chassidus not taught earlier? 36:26

• Why don’t we follow the opinion of the majority regarding Chassidus? 41:48

• Does the body have its own energy besides the life force coming to it from the soul? 46:47

• How do we explain all the deception found in these Torah chapters – Part II 50:42

• Chassidus question: What is the role of Yud Tes Kislev in the development of Chassidus? 59:20

• My Life 2019 essays:

     o המיגדר בראי היהדות, Elchanan Weber, 25, Yerushalayim/Tel Aviv, Israel 01:04:32

     o “In G-d We Trust” – How to Effectively Overcome Stress, Deena Heidingsfeld, 20, Winnipeg, Canada 01:06:16

     o Mind, Heart and Action: a Path to Calm in the Face of the Unknown, Mushka Kaplan, 19, Oak Park, MI 01:07:34

Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-rabbi-jacobson/ or email: info@chassidusapplied.com.

WEBSITE: https://www.chassidusapplied.com/

EMAIL US: info@chassidusapplied.com

SPONSOR A MYLIFE: CHASSIDUS APPLIED EPISODE, OR EXPLORE OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.meaningfullife.com/sponsorships

MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. MyLife is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• What should we be doing during the month of Elul?What is special about this month?
  Why is G-d compared to the “king in the field”?
  What are good middle ground resolutions for the new year that neither overreach nor underestimate our abilities?
  If G-d is more approachable in Elul, when He is like “the king in the field,” does that mean that He is less approachable the rest of the year?
  How can we practically experience renewal in the new year?
  
• Chassidus Applied to ShoftimWhat exactly is justice that we are obligated to pursue?
  Why were people killed for worshiping idols? Why is such foolishness taken so seriously?
  Is the Torah supportive of a monarchy?
  
• Lessons from Eikev and Re’ehWhy does the Rebbe quote "Aini Hashem Elokecha..." as proof that G-d is protecting the Land of Israel, when Rashi explains that this may include good or bad decrees?
  Why does G-d need us to bless Him?
  Since the Torah takes such care not to say anything negative, why are there curses?
  
• Follow-up:Why is Ahavas Yisroel not elaborated upon in Shluchan Aruch?
  Why does the crime of the tribe of Benjamin not carry over to the next generations like it is with Amon and Moab?
  

MyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answered Donate now: https://mylife500.com For recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier. Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What does this time period and Torah portion teach us today? • What do we learn from Chof Ches Sivan? 04:40 • Why does this day signify the beginning of a new era in history? 04:40 • What do we learn from Parshas Korach? 10:05 • What lessons do we derive from the Korach episode about leadership and uniting under one leader? 13:00 • What is the significance of Aaron’s rod sprouting almonds to prove that G-d chose him to be the high priest? 20:15 • Why did Korach want to be the high priest? 22:40 • Will he be a high priest in the future? 24:58 • What’s the story with Dasan and Aviram? 29:08 • What do we learn from the haftorah? 29:53 • How do we explain why the Jews so readily received the Torah but opposed entering the Promised Land incited by the scouts? 33:43 How should we react to the Israeli court ruling forcing haredim to join the army? 36:08 USA President • How should we react to the presidential debate? 45:17 • Who should we vote for? 47:00 War in Israel • Are we doing enough in fighting the spiritual war? 53:28 • How do we address the divisiveness that still exists between us? 56:02 • What is the best way to pray for our success? 57:26 • Are we allowed to put the pulsa d’nura curse on governments and officials that are siding with the Hamas terrorists? 59:18 • Can becoming a Nazir help the situation? 01:00:56 • Should we welcome the news that our enemies are fighting with each other? 01:03:20 • Should we celebrate the defeat or death of our enemies? 01:06:19 Should we ban a book that has a negative article about the Rebbe? 01:07:50

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does this time period and Torah portion teach us today?   

• How do we apply the journey of the Jewish people in the wilderness toward the Promised Land to our life journey? 
• What do we learn from the sin of the scouts about facing the challenges in our life’s journeys? 
• What can we do during today's war and unrest to not repeat the same mistake as the scouts? 
• After the sin of the scouts, why were the Jews not given a chance to do teshuva? 
• Is it possible that the Geulah will be delayed due to our mistakes today? 
• What do we learn from lighting the menorah until the flames rise on their own? 
• What is the deeper meaning behind the Jews’ complaining that they want meat? 

• Is Canada different than the USA? 

• Why not conquer all of Gaza and settle it with Jews? 
• Are we allowed to launch missiles from our backyards into Gaza to help the war effort? 
• Should we try to shower the Gazans with kindness? 
• Should Israelis living near the border check their mezuzahs? 

Should we move to Israel? Are our prayers helping free the hostages and win the war in Gaza? 
War in Israel Why did the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva die? Follow-up 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

• Lessons from Yud Gimmel Tammuz 
• Chassidus applied to Parshas Pinchas 
• Chassidus applied to 17 Tammuz 
• Is it better to be another member of a Chassidic community or live out of town where you can be a leader?  
• Should I indulge my family with materialism for the sake of shalom bayis? 
• Gimmel Tammuz follow-up 

Chassidus Applied to Rosh Chodesh Av and the Nine Days Lessons from Parshas Matos-Masei Summer tznius: Until what age is it acceptable for a boy to wear open shoes without socks? What's our role and goal with summer camp? What are reasons why one would "go off the derech" and how can we influence him/her in a positive way?Is Yiddish a lost language? Do we celebrate our English birthdays? What does the Rebbe and Chassidus say about climate change and environmentalism? Follow-up – Episode 219: Pushing off the fast Did the Rebbe say anything about July 4th? Who is our true parent: The Rebbe or our biological parents? Chassidus question: Is it an absolute that Moshiach must come in the next 221 years before the 7th millennium? My Life 2018 essays: Not On Our Own, Shlomo Sherman, 42, Las Vegas, NV; The Positive Side of Atheism and the Way to Reveal It, Dovid Rub, 28, Chaifa, Israel; The Struggle is Real: Using Chassidus to Reframe Challenges, Chana Colin, 28, Philadelphia, PA

When: Sunday, December 24, 8:00PM ET
For recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does this time period teach us? 

• Nittel  
• Is anything accomplished by refraining from learning on Nittel? 
• What should we be doing Nittel night? 
• What do we learn from Nittel about the war? 
• Teves  
• 10 Teves 

• What did Yaakov mean when he said that the best years of his life were in Egypt? 
• What are some things the Egyptian exile can teach us as we transition from galus to the final geulah?  
• Why was Jacob not able to reveal to his children the exact time Moshiach would come?  
• Why are Menashe and Efraim considered part of the 12 tribes, and why then are there not 14 tribes? 

• How do we prepare for Yud Shevat? 
• Can we go to another cemetery to pray if we are unable to travel to the Ohel? 

• What is chassidus and how does it give us the ammunition and fortitude to endure and to be victorious during a time of war?  
• Did the Rebbe ever tell us what is the best way to stop terrorism? 
• How can we increase in simcha to break the boundaries during a time of war? 
• Can we “trick” people into doing mitzvos? 
• Should we boycott companies that support Hamas? 
• Should Israel do whatever it takes to eradicate Hamas even if it puts Israeli soldiers at risk, or should they end the war now? 
• Should we receive converts from Gaza? 
• Is there a connection between the tunnel discovered under 770 with the tunnels in Gaza? 

• Why is it important for us to live in Israel? 

Will the third temple be built of iron? 
Why was the regret of Joseph’s brothers not sufficient to spare the Ten Martyrs from their haunting fate? 
What can we learn from this week’s Torah portion about today’s war?  30 Days Pre-Yud Shevat Actions Who owns the Land of Israel? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us today? 

• Lessons from Adar 
• Parshas Vayakhel: What power is there in gathering together? 
• Parshas Ki Tissa:  

• Should we be doing anything different?   
• Are there any parallels between the war in Ukraine and in Gaza? 
• Why not return any part of Israel? 
• What can we learn from the demonic passion of our enemies? 

• Are we allowed to try to force G-d's hand to bring Moshiach? 
• Why is intensifying Torah and Mitzvos in order to bring Moshiach not an attempt at forcing G-d's hand? 
• Are we prohibited from controlling Israel until Moshiach comes? 
• If there is a question about controlling Israel, why was the Rebbe adamant about holding on to every inch of land?  

• What did the Rebbe mean when he said that the birurim are finished?  
• What does “open your eyes” mean? When I open my eyes I see chaos in the world, not Moshiach 
• Did anything change after 5750 regarding Moshiach’s imminent arrival?