Mylife: Chassidus Applied

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 

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

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VaeirahWhat can we learn from this week’s parsha about our own challenges? Why did G-d reveal the name Havaya to Moshe and not to the Patriarchs? How could Moshe just walk into Pharoah’s palace? Lessons from 24 TevesWhat is the significance of this day and what does it teach us? What did the Alter Rebbe know about the founding of the USA which happened in his time? Why was it important that the Alter Rebbe was a new soul? Why can’t we sing the Alter Rebbe’s niggun any time we wish? Did the Alter Rebbe write another book called Sefer Shel Tzaddikim? Does a mashpia have to care for his mushpa? Can a rov ever go bad, and if he does, how can you know and what can you do? Follow-upDo I pursue intellectual truth no matter where it may lead me, even if that causes me to leave yiddishkeit? When Moshe killed the Egyptian&nbs

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&nb

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VayechiWhy is the chapter about Yaakov’s passing called “and Yaakov lived”? Why did Yaakov send Yehuda to Egypt to set up a yeshiva – don’t parents do this for their children, rather than the other way around? If Yaakov was not allowed to reveal the time of Moshiach’s coming, why did the Rebbe reveal it? Why was Yosef not buried in Israel like his father Yaakov? How many tribes are there – twelve or thirteen? Was Yosef superior to his brothers? Lessons from Asarah b’TevesWhat is the significance of this fast day and what does it teach us? Why is the writing of the Septuagint on this day considered a bad thing? Hei TevesDoes the ruling mean that every Chassid has part ownership of the books? Should we forgive those that stole the books? Is it better to give $10 to one cause or $1 to 10 causes? Follow-upChanukah Dr. Feldman Sholom BayisWith the Rebbe discouraging family planning, how shoul

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Zos ChanukahWhy is it called by that name and what is its significance? Since we increase in light each night, why do we stop at eight? What's special about the eighth candle that it's light endures for the entire year? Chanukah discourses compare the dedication of the altar to the extra support we give a child to launch their education. How does this apply to a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect: how can they gather strength to be productive? Does the precedence of a Shabbat candle over a Chanukah candle indicate that a natural flame is greater than a miraculous one? Why do Hillel and Shammai disagree according to the explanation that they lit one eighth of the oil each day? Were the Chashmanayim righteous people or murderous mutineers who usurped the kingdom that belonged to Judah? Why don’t we emphasize the vital rol

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to ChanukahWhy do the Chanukah lights endure, while the Temple Menorah did not? Why do we light eight candles, at night, facing outside, unlike the Temple Menorah? What does Chanukah teach us today? What is the connection with us being lamplighters and Chanukah? Is the oil of Chanukah related to Chassidus? Why do we celebrate the zealotry of the Maccabees? Is there anything wrong with giving Chanukah presents? Is religion stopping frum Jews from contributing to society (a modern Hellenist claim)? Lessons from MiketzWhy did Joseph have to torment his brothers with an elaborate scheme and not just reunite with them and his father? Can Pharaoh’s dreams about the seven cows and seven stalks of wheat be interpreted to relate to the seven generations of Chabad and the subsequent time after Gimmel Tammuz? Why did Joseph have to suffer so

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Tes Kislev  What is the most important lesson we can learn from the Alter Rebbe’s imprisonment and redemption in our daily lives?  Since Chassidus empowers and heals our souls, why was it not given earlier?  How could have heavenly angels mistakenly opposed the revelation of Chassidus?  How was the Alter Rebbe’s spreading of Chassidus different than that of his predecessors?   Why did other Jewish communities see the Alter Rebbe’s work as an existential threat to Judaism? And did they ever apologize to him afterward?   How do we explain Reb Shmuel Munkes’ words to the Alter Rebbe before he was arrested “if you’re a Rebbe no harm will come to you:” 1) Didn’t the Alter Rebbe know this on his own? 2) We see that true tzaddikim were harmed throughout history?  What is the comparison of Yud Tes Kislev to Yetziyas Mitzrayim?   Is their significance in Yud Tes Kislev leading right into Chanukah?  W

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Kislev  What is the significance of this day and what can we learn from it?  How is the geulah of the Mitteler Rebbe different than that of the Alter Rebbe?  Lessons from Vayishlach  How does the theme of this parsha play itself out in history, and especially in our lives today?  What do we learn from Yaakov’s confrontation with Esau?  Why did Yaakov prepare for war with Esau and not trust that G-d would protect him?  If Yaakov kept all 613 commandments, how could he marry two sisters, which is clearly against Torah law?    What is the significance of Yaakov’s name being changed to Yisrael? Why didn't his parents give him that name?   If a child’s name is determined by parents who have a mini-prophecy, why does G-d sometimes change a name?   Why did the angel wrestle with Yaakov and injure his hip?  Can it be said that Reuven is worse than Esau?   Was Dinah in any way at

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?&

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Rosh Chodesh Kislev  What is the significance of this day and can we learn from it?  What is the theme and energy of Kislev?  How to grow through setbacks?  What was the origin of the Kinus Hashluchim?   Lessons from Toldos  What can couples experiencing difficulties having children learn from Yitzchak and Rivkah?   What do we learn from the battle of Esau and Yaakov in Rivkah’s womb?  Why did Yaakov have to dress up as Esau in order to steal the blessings?  What justification is there for Yaakov to steal Esau’s blessings?  Why did only Rivkah, and not Yitzchak understand the status of Esau?  Why couldn’t Yitzchak correct himself and bless Esau with the brochos he mistakenly gave Yaakov?  Why was Yitzchak not spared the pain of seeing Esau become a wicked person as Abraham was by having him pass away earlier?  What was the yeshiva of Shem and Eiver?  Ways to find a shidd

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Chof Cheshvan  What was unique about the Rebbe Rashab?  What do we learn from him and what is his significance to our lives today?  Are all the Rebbeim connected?  Did the Rebbe Rashab say that Tomchei Temimim would impact its students to live as Chassidim did 100 years back?  How do we reconcile the Frierdiker Rebbe saying that we should never expel a student from Tomchei Temimim with Sarah sending away Yishmael?  Lessons from Chayei Sarah   Who was Keturah?  Abraham losing 5 years of his life seems to indicate that this was pre-determined. Do we have free choice or is everything determined?  What defines true and enduring life?  Where are the ten lost tribes?  What should be our attitude to different claims about a people being from the ten lost tribes, as in the recent news about Hispaniola and the Igbo of Nigeria?  Will they return?  What can I do to improve my relationsh

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Vayeira  Why did G-d appear to Abraham and what does that teach us?  Why did Abraham turn away from G-d to greet guests? Doesn’t that seem rude?  Why would a benevolent G-d ask Abraham to kill his son? And why did Abraham comply without question?  Why do we teach our children this violent story?  How were the angels able to eat with Abraham when they are spiritual beings that don’t consume physical food?   Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would have a child at age 90?  Why did Abraham protest G-d's plan to destroy the evil city of Sodom?  Why was Lot saved?  Is the forecasted huge solar storm perhaps a sign of the sun being removed from its shield after Moshiach comes?   How much should one invest in lottery tickets?  Is there a guaranteed segulah that works in order to become wealthy?  What should be our attitude toward gambling?  How can I convince my friend to s

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Cheshvan What can I do when I feel down and unmotivated? At what point is it customary to stop wishing people a happy new year? Why is it called Marcheshvan? What is the significance and lesson of Zayin Cheshvan? Thinking about the First Temple being completed this month, I am wondering what is more important – the physical Temple or the temple of our homes? Noach follow-up Why did G-d have to command Noach to leave the ark? Were there kangaroos on Noach's ark? Was the entire earth flooded? Lessons from Lech Lecha Was Abraham truly a great man by historical standards? How is Abraham considered to be the first Jew if his mother was not Jewish? What is the significance of Hashem telling Abraham that in order to be successful and become a great nation he first must leave his father’s home and place of birth? If we feel uninspired, should we learn from Abraham and leave the place we are living? Shouldn't we discover Hashem on our own as Abraha

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to the Post-Holiday Season and Cheshvan How do we maintain the inspiration? Can we bottle the energy of Simchas Torah? Why are there no holidays in Cheshvan? Why is it called Mar Cheshvan? Lessons from Bereishis Why doesn’t the Torah begin with Elokim barah bereshis? When were angels created? Is a soul a creation, or did souls always exist in the same manner that Torah and Hashem always existed? Why did Adam and Eve cover themselves after eating from the tree of knowledge? Why did G-d ask Adam “where are you?” Was it part of G-d’s plan that Adam and Eve sin in order to repair? And if so, why shouldn’t we sin for the same reason? Lessons from Noach On what grounds did Hashem have the “right” to destroy Noach’s generation with a flood? What did they do aboard the ark not to go crazy with cabin fever? Were there kangaroos on Noach’s ark? How was waste disposed of on the ark? What can we learn from the three floors in the ark? If the purpose of b

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Lessons from Yud Gimmel Tishrei – 139th yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash What should we learn from the Rebbe Maharash? How does his life and leadership impact us? What is the connection between the Tzemech Tzedek being daas and “now let’s travel to father to hear what is doing”? Story: A Rebbe never leaves Chassidus applied to Sukkos What is the spiritual significance of eating in a sukkah? Why is Sukkos not in the spring after Pesach? Is there a connection between sukkah and mikveh, as both surround us completely? Why can a Sukkah be made of any materials you want, but the roof can only be made of materials that grow from the ground? Is the roof of the Sukkah more significant than its walls? Why is Chabad custom not to decorate the Sukkah? What is the meaning of the Gemara that in the future non-Jews will be tested with a Sukkah and they will refuse to sit in it because of the heat, and what is its message for us today? If Hashem wanted us to enjoy our time in

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Lessons from Vov Tishrei Why is respecting parents such a great mitzvah? What is the connection with the Ten Days of Teshuvah? Why did the Rebbe honor his mother by analyzing and explaining Rashi? What can we learn from 9/11?How crumbling structures lead to greater growth Chassidus applied to Yom Kippur Why is it the holiest day of the year? On the high holidays who serves as our lawyer to defend us in the heavenly court? Can we follow a Yom Kippur service via zoom? What is the connection between Yom Kippur and the golden calf? Why was only the kohen gadol allowed to enter the kodesh kadoshim and only on Yom Kippur? Who cleaned the Holy of Holies, and could they tell us what it looked like inside? How does throwing a goat off a cliff to its death atone for our sins? If Moshiach comes before Yom Kippur will we need to fast? Laws and customs Is it acceptable to ask forgiveness via social media? If all our actions are predetermined, why are we responsible to ask

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What can we learn from the heavy rains that fell as we prepare for Rosh Hashana? Chassidus applied to Rosh Hashana 5782 What are some things the Rebbe did Erev Rosh Hashana to prepare for a new year? Why does a king need to be coronated every year? What’s the best way to pray on Rosh Hashana for financial success and abundant parnassah? What can we learn from the story of the farm boy crying out ku-ko-reeku? What is your favorite Rosh Hashana maamar? Shofar What is the reason for the different shofar sounds? If someone doesn’t have a shofar on Rosh Hashana, can they use a trumpet or another instrument? Is the shofar an instrument of war? Will shofar be sounded during techiyas ha’maysim? Why do Sefardim use a much longer shofar than Ashkenazim? If the mitzvah is to hear the sound that comes out of the shofar, what difference does it make who blows the shofar? Should the person blowing shofar face his body north so the sound coming out of the shofar is directed

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What unique opportunities does Elul offer us? Chassidus applied to 25 Elul What do we learn from the day when the world was created? Since time itself was created, how can there be a 25th of Elul, suggesting days and months prior to that day? Lessons from NetzavimWhy do we read this portion before Rosh Hashana? What is the deeper meaning in ki karov elecha hadavar me'od, and why do we need an entire Tanya to explain this verse? What can we learn from the fact that the coming new year is a Shemita Year? What do you think should be the acronym for the new year – Tof Shin Peh Beis? Do each of us have a unique mission or are we all equally charged with fulfilling G-d's will? Why do our souls need a tikkun? Why is speech so powerful that we need to take care of what we say? Why do many people use the expression “Torah and Chassidus”? Is the return of Taliban con

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Chai Elul What can we learn from this day? Is it significant that the Baal Shem Tov was born on Elul? What was the Baal Shem Tov’s main teachings? Why was there so much opposition to the Baal Shem Tov? Is there a similarity between the Besht’s teaching that all Jews are equal in the eyes of G-d to l’havdil the elimination of class distinctions in socialism? Who was Achiyoh Hashiloni and what connection did he have with being the teacher of the Besht? Why were there groups of hidden tzaddikim? Doesn’t it seem inappropriate to deprive people of their greatness? Are shluchim fulfilling the words of Moshiach to the Besht? Are all Besht legends true? Did the Besht eliminate demons? What’s the story with the Maharal and the Golem, and the Frierdiker Rebbe visiting the shul in Prague to see the Golem’s remains? Lessons from 15 Elul: 124th anniversary of the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim  What does it mean to be a tamim? Lessons from Ki