Sinopse
MyLife: Chassidus Applied Podcast by Simon Jacobson addresses the personal and emotional needs of our community by answering the most pressing questions of our lives -- from the perspective of Chassidic thought. The podcast demonstrates how the Torah 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. Get unlimited free downloads of MP3 recordings o
Episódios
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Ep. 548: What Should We Focus On During This Time of War with Iran?
23/06/2025 Duração: 01h04minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should we focus on during this time? What's a good way to thank Hashem publicly for all the great miracles he did to protect us from Iran's attacks? What lessons about current events can we learn from these days and this week’s Torah portion? Should we be relying on President Trump and the USA to help Israel? How will this war change the future of the world? What is our role in these unfolding events? How can we inspire each other? Are there parallels between Haman and Khamenei and between Persia then and Persia today? Are we to blame in any way for today’s events? Once Iran is vanquished, what happens next? How do we reconcile G-d's all pervasive unity (ein od m’levado) with forces of evil? Should we be gathering names of our enemies online? Are we allowed to watch a video or read updates about the war posted in Israel on Shabbos? Should we be seeking vengeance and retribution over our enemies?
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Ep. 547: How Should We React to Operation Rising Lion?
16/06/2025 Duração: 01h05minMyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answeredDonate now: https://mylife500.comFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How should we react to Operation Rising Lion? • What is G-d's message to us today? 05:36 • What can we learn from the operation being called Rising Lion, from the verse k’lovi yokum? 16:20 • Is the lion, the symbol of Judah, connected to Moshiach? 20:17 • What can we do about this situation? 27:40 • Should we be afraid? 31:38 • With open miracles taking place, is this an auspicious time for receiving G-d's blessings? 34:36 • Is there a deeper story unfolding? 36:59 • What are the historical and spiritual roots of this conflict? 41:00 • Are there parallels between the current war with Iran and the war with our enemies in ancient Persia concluding with our victory celebrated on Purim? 43:20 • Where is this headed? 47:15 • What did you learn from your time with Israe
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Ep. 546: How Should We React to the Fallout Between President Trump and Elon Musk?
09/06/2025 Duração: 01h09minMyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answeredDonate now: https://mylife500.comFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Post Shavous? • What is the significance of the 12th of Sivan? 01:10 • What is the energy and focus of our work during this time period? 07:54 • Why did we need to refine ourselves during the 49 days of Sefirah in preparation for receiving the Torah, when the Torah itself refines us? 10:27Behaalotecha • What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter? 13:50 • What is the significance of the “flame rising on its own”? 16:30 • What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? 21:58 • Why did Moses say “where am I to get meat”? 26:52 • Why was he able to relate to meat when it came to the Passover offering? 32:30 • Why did they want actual meat and did not suffice with the manna tasting like meat? 36:43 • Why was only Miriam punished for speaking ill about Moses? 39:0
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Ep. 545: How Should We Respond to the Latest Tragic Washington Murders?
26/05/2025 Duração: 01h08minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How should we respond to the latest tragic Washington murders? Where is Hashem in all of this? Is there something we can do? Should we stop displaying our Jewish identity, not go to shul, remove Jewish symbols? Why do we read this Torah chapter before Shavuos? Who owns the Torah? Can anyone claim royalties? What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? What is the personal significance of this holiday? What is the Torah, and why is the giving of the Torah such a monumental event? What is the deeper meaning of so many seemingly trivial details in the Torah? Why is it important for everyone to go to shul on Shavuos to hear the Ten Commandments if we have already heard them in previous years? If the “entire Torah” is about loving another, why do we see many Torah observant people who are not loving? Does the “entire Torah” include the inner dimension of Torah? Why do the Ten Commandments begin with describing G-d as taking us out of Egypt and no
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Ep. 544: Should Israel Be Relying on America for Protection?
19/05/2025 Duração: 01h07minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What is the connection between this Omer period, Lag B’Omer and the weekly Torah portion? Revealing the hidden and deeper good even in negative experiences What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter? Is Judaism rigid or flexible? Static or dynamic? What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? Why are some blessings so great that they have to be hidden within curses? Is it appropriate to get an aliya when they read the tochacho? Why did the Mitteler Rebbe not learn from the Alter Rebbe’s previous readings that the curses are actually blessings? Can we say that the only reason we are still in golus is due to the pleasure Hashem gets from our effort to overcome the darkness and the challenges it presents? What is the difference between Lag B’Omer and Yud Tes Kislev? Should Israel be relying on America for protection? What can we learn from Rashbi’s criticizing the Roman government? Why does Lag B’omer, the Mattan Torah of the Inne
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Ep. 543: What Does R’ Yisroel Aryeh Leib’s Name and Life Teach Us?
12/05/2025 Duração: 01h12minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What lessons can we learn from 13 Iyar, the 73rd yahrzeit of Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib a”h What does his name and life teach us? What did the Rebbe say after he stood up from shiva for his brother in 1952? How do we deal with setbacks and difficulties? How do we personalize this day? Is there a connection between the 13 and 14th of Iyar? Why do we celebrate on the day Rashbi passed away? What is the connection between Rashbi and joy? What do we learn from Rashbi and Lag B’omer? What impact does the inner dimension of Torah have on our lives? What is the significance of counting the Omer? How do we apply to our lives the fact that the Omer counting begins after the barley offering? What different meanings are there in the word sefira? Why do we refine our emotions during these days? Why not focus on cognitive emotions? After counting the Omer why do we recite psalm 67 about the conductor of songs? Why do we not make a blessing after we missed one day of counting?
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Ep. 542: What Responsibilities Do We Have to Ensure We Are Sanctifying G-d in Our Lives?
05/05/2025 Duração: 01h07minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:In loving memory of Rabbi Sholom Lipskar a”h A few words about Rabbi Jacobson’s relationship with Rabbi Lipskar What is the meaning of “living with the times”? What is the central theme of this Parsha? What is the meaning of sanctification? How do we sanctify the mundane? How can someone be despicable in the “name of Torah”? How do we create balance in our lives – balance between transcendence and integration?Why was the offering of Nadav and Avihu called “strange fire”? Can you explain how the imbalance of rotzo and shuv led to the death of Aaron’s sons? How do we reconcile the different reasons given for their death? What responsibilities do we have to ensure we are sanctifying G-d in our lives? How would the Rebbe advise us to deal with the pro Hamas protests in our neighborhoods? Are the Jews who march supporting Hamas terrorists part of the erev rav? What reaction should we have to a recent confrontation between a Jew and a man in a wheelchair? Is owning a
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Ep. 541: Tut Altz Vos Ir Kent – What More Can We Do?
29/04/2025 Duração: 01h09minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Transition from Nissan to Iyar What is the central theme of this period in time? What is the meaning of geulah – personally and psychologically? Rosh Chodesh Iyar What lessons do we learn from this month? What is the significance of it being the second month, and of its acronyms? Beis Iyar Is there a connection between Tiferes of Tiferes and l'chatchila ariber? How do we personalize this day? 28 Nissan How can we not feel despair after hearing the Rebbe’s words on Chof Ches Nissan – if the Rebbe was not successful in bringing Moshiach, what chance do we have? Tut altz vos ir kent – what more can we do? What specific things did the Rebbe instruct us to do to help bring the geulah? A message from a child to the Rebbe about increasing acts of goodness and kindness How do we envision the geulah? How do we achieve geulah consciousness? Why will the wolf be at peace with the lamb? Is Seudas Moshiach connected with the Rebbe’s words on Chof Ches Nissan? Does part
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Ep. 540: How Do We Honor the Rebbe’s 123rd Birthday?
16/04/2025 Duração: 01h13minMyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answeredDonate now: https://mylife500.comFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Alef Nissan • How do we honor the Rebbe’s 123rd birthday? 02:17 • What is the significance of the number eleven? 17:30 • How is it related to the Rebbe’s leadership? 17:50 • Is there a connection to the Rambam’s birthday on Erev Pesach? 20:08Personalizing the experience • Why is Yetziyas Mitzrayim so central to life? 29:10 • Why do we need to envision ourselves leaving Mitzrayim in every generation and every day? 29:10 • Why do the Ten Commandments begin with I am your G-d that took you out of Egypt and not that Created heaven and earth? 25:38 • If we must remember the Egyptian exodus every day, why is Pesach only eight days? 31:30 • How would you advise me to use the extra time on my hands during this Yom Tov season? 36:20 • In addition to addressing negative Pesach experiences, c
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Ep. 539: Is Pesach Meant to Be a Dreaded Holiday Filled With Extreme Stringencies?
31/03/2025 Duração: 01h04minRabbi 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 wit
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Ep. 538: What Lessons Do We Learn From Chof Zayin Adar?
24/03/2025 Duração: 01h05minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:27 Adar What lessons do we learn from this day? Did the Rebbe say anything prior to this day preparing us for events to come? The chronology of this week’s Torah portion and the following books of the Torah What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter? Why is accountability so vital? What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? Why was a cloud descending on the Mishkan a sign of the Shechina’s presence? How does Chassidus explain why the Parah Adumah purifies the impurity of death? And why does it impurify the pure? What is the source of your explanation on the progression of the four chapters? How do we apply Parshas HaChodesh to our lives today? Why is the period around Purim and Pesach connected to the obliteration of Amalek? Do we commemorate the erection of the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nissan? Why are we not told to increase in joy in the month of Nissan? How do we prepare for Pesach thirty days before the holiday? Do our sages
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Ep. 537: How Should We Approach Obstacles in Our Lives – As a Challenge to Overcome or a Sign That We Should Change Course?
17/03/2025 Duração: 01h04minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Triple Purim (Meshulash) in Jerusalem Adar How can joy increase after Purim? Is there a connection between joy and Purim and the sign of Pisces/fish of the month of Adar? inner dimensions and secrets? How does joy revealWhat does Purim teach us about today’s wars with our enemies? Why did Mordechai not bow to Haman (follow-up)? Why do the sages interpret that Esther was married to Mordechai (follow-up)? Why do we commemorate the Fast of Esther the day before Purim when the actual 3-day fast was in Nissan eleven months earlier? Is humor and light-heartedness allowed at other times, or only on Purim? Why don’t we find humor in the written Torah? (follow-up) Will Moshiach have a sense of humor, or will that time be strictly serious? Are we allowed to make fun of the Purim villains? What is the difference between frivolous and “holy” humor? What is the central theme of this week’s Torah chapter? What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? Wh
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Ep. 536: What Does Purim Teach Us About Today’s Wars With Our Enemies?
10/03/2025 Duração: 01h06minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What lessons can we learn from Tes Adar – 85 years later? Why was coming to America a new era in history? What does Purim teach us about today’s wars with our enemies? Can we compare Hamas to Haman? Is there a connection between the redemption of Purim and the final redemption? Why will Purim be the only holiday that we will celebrate in the future? Why was it so important that Mordechai not bow to Haman? After all, Jacob bowed to Esau. If Esther could violate one of the three cardinal sins to save the Jewish people, why couldn’t Mordechai bow to Haman for the same reason? Is there a way today to replicate the Rebbe’s hurrah hurrah hurrah that eliminated Stalin? How do we justify the killing of 75,000 enemies? Why do we praise the Jews for not taking spoils when they killed so many people? Why the need for a second decree? Why does fasting annul decrees? Why then don’t we fast or wear sackcloth today in honor of the hostages? What is the significance of Purim f
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Ep. 535: What Is the Significance of the 44th Siyum HaRambam?
03/03/2025 Duração: 01h17sRabbi 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 permi
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Ep. 534: How Should We React to the Horrific Murder of Shiri Bibas and Her Two Babies?
27/02/2025 Duração: 01h10minMyLife Chassidus Applied: Where YOUR questions are answeredDonate now: https://mylife500.comFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Bibas family tragedy 0:30 • How should we react to the tragic news that the mother and her two red headed babies were murdered by the terrorist savages? 05:10 • Is revenge an acceptable response? 12:04 13:52 • What should I say to a friend who no longer wants to be observant due to G-d allowing this to happen? 17:45 • How do we apply the Rebbe’s words about the blessings of Chof Beis Shevat to Chof Beis Tishrei (October 7)? 25:18Adar • How can we experience joy in face of recent tragic events in Israel? 28:20Terumah • What is the central theme of this Torah chapter? 31:40 • What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? 34:03 • What does “I will dwell in them” mean? 36:28 • Do we all own a piece of the Mishkan/Mikdash? 37:53 • What was the purpose of the temporary Mishkan?
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Ep. 533: What Does the Rebbetzin Represent in Our Lives?
17/02/2025 Duração: 01h07minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Are we living in Messianic times? How do we open our eyes and see redemption coming? What lessons do we learn from this day, especially for our times? What does the Rebbetzin represent in our lives? How do we know what stories to believe about the Rebbetzin? If the Rebbetzin wanted her privacy, why are we speaking about her so publicly? Is there significance to the number 22 in connection with the Rebbetzin? Why is the Rebbetzin named Chaya Mushka? What does this name signify? Did the Rebbetzin once save someone by pushing him out of danger and then felt that she needed to do teshuva for pushing a Jew? How did the Rebbe connect this parsha with 22 Shevat? What is the central theme of this Torah chapter? What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times? Do we need acknowledgments of world leaders for Moshiach to come? If mitzvos after Mattan Torah transform the physical objects why are we allowed to throw out tzitzis and
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Ep. 532: How Should We React to President Trump’s Gaza Suggestion?
17/02/2025 Duração: 01h07minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Shevat – 75 Years: Chassidus Applied to Basi L’Gani What is the main takeaway from this foundational discourse? What do we learn about the tzimtzum in this year’s chapter 15 and the Rebbe’s maamorim of 5725 and 5745? What are its practical applications? Does tzimtzum separate or connect us with the Divine? What do we learn from the Magid’s Torah on tzimtzum, as elaborated upon in Hemshech Ayin Beis? How is the tzimtzum not really a concealment, but rather a deep revelation? Why is G-d's ability to conceal greater than His ability to reveal? How much is G-d in touch with our reality of tzimtzum? Why can’t G-d allow us to understand His essence? Will the tzimtzum still exist in Moshiach’s times? Why does it say “my sister, my bride”? What is an example of shtus d'kedusha that everyone can do in their daily lives? Can we ask G-d to splurge His treasures upon us? How should I interpret a dream I had of the Rebbe? 15 Shevat What lessons do we learn from the New
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Ep. 531: How Does Basi L’Gani Capture the Central Theme and Mission of Our Seventh Generation?
03/02/2025 Duração: 01h10minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Shevat – 75 Years What is the significance of this milestone? How does Basi L’Gani capture the central theme and mission of our seventh generation? What lessons do we learn from chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani? What is the chiddush that the most hidden treasures – l'maaleh maaleh ad ayn kaytz – are splurged on to the foot soldiers empowering them to be victorious over the enemies? What did each Rebbe add to the understanding of tzimtzum? Why did the maamar Basi L’Gani 5745 create a buzz by Chassidim? What are the practical applications of knowing that there are tzimtzumim before the tzimtzum ha’rishon (as explained in Basi L’Gani 5745)? What does chassidus mean when it refers to Hashem’s essence as light – etzem ha’ohr? Why is ohr so fundamental in uniting G-d with existence? What’s the point of knowing that G-d is so great that we can never really know him? Can we say that spreading the teachings of Chassidus by the Rebbeim i
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Ep. 530: How Is the Egyptian Exile and Exodus Reflected In Today's Challenges, Disruptions and Transitions?
27/01/2025 Duração: 01h04minRabbi 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
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Ep. 529: Is the Recent Cease Fire and Hostage Exchange a Positive Thing?
20/01/2025 Duração: 01h07minRabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Is the recent cease-fire and hostage exchange a positive thing? What would the Rebbe say about this? Is there anything positive that emerged from the hostage crisis? What should be our long-term goal? With all the disappointments should we become more complacent? What can we learn from the Rambam today? How was the Rambam unique? What can we learn from the Alter Rebbe today? What does his name represent? What were the Alter Rebbe’s last words to the Tzemach Tzedek? Is this yahrzeit a sad day? How do we honor it? Is it appropriate to reprimand those who persecuted the Alter Rebbe? What is the central theme of this Torah chapter? What personal and global lessons does it offer us? Should we expect to see ten plagues against Iran and its proxies? How should we prepare for this day? What is a short synopsis of the main ideas and innovative chiddushim of chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani? What is a practical ex