Mylife: Chassidus Applied

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What can we learn from the LA fires?  Should we see them as a punishment?  How do our good deeds help prevent disasters?  Are they a sign of better things to come?  What does it mean that after a fire we become rich?  Are events like this foretold in the Torah?  Why are the prophets cryptic?  What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?  What personal and global lessons does it offer us?  What does it teach us about suffering?  Why is Moshe known by the name given to him by Pharoah’s daughter and not the one given to him by his parents?    What do we learn from the incident of Moshe killing the Egyptian?  Do Dasan and Aviram get any “credit” for informing on Moshe and thereby leading him to his wife and ultimately G-d appearing to him?  Why did Moshe accuse G-d of “doing evil to these people”?  How does Dan salvaging lost items relate to the winter months?  What guidance is offered to us by the story in Midrash about dida

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Hei Teves What do we commemorate and celebrate on this day? What was the spiritual trial and victory connected to this day? Why were the stolen books considered a challenge to the Rebbe’s leadership? Why did the Rebbe take such offense to the statement by the opposition that Chabad is not “active”? How does Hei Teves express a deeper victory than the miraculous victory of Chanukah? What did the Rebbe mean that the stolen books were like live bombs? Why was the Rebbe so upset on Beis Kislev about the people hanging out in the streets? Why were criminal charges of theft not filed against the accused? If G-d infused His “soul” in the Torah, why is the Torah finite? 10 Teves What lessons does this day offer us? What is the significance of the fast day being on Friday? What does it teach us about fighting our battles in Israel today? Vayechi What is the central theme of this Torah chapter? What personal and global lessons doe

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What is Chanukah’s message to us today?  How does it teach us to find hope and light in challenging times?  What is the personal application of the Chanukah light details – time, place, number, oil? What does the oil represent? Chassidus Applied to Chanukah and Zos Chanukah  Why do we eat potato latkes and donuts on Chanukah?  Is it a mitzvah?  What is the difference between a custom and a mitzvah?  What is the significance of Zos Chanukah?  Is Zos Chanukah considered to be the final sealing in the Book of Life inscribed on the New Year?  According to Shammai would the first day of Chanukah be called Zos Chanukah?  Just like we put on a few pairs of tefillin, why don’t we light two menorahs to satisfy both opinions of Hillel and Shammai?  What can we do to ensure that the joy and lights of Chanukah last all year long?  What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?  How could the righteous tribes have sold their brother into slav

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 Pri

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 d

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

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How does Rosh Chodesh Kislev empower us today?  What does Chanukah teach us about dealing with darkness?  Why is this month called Chodesh Ha’Geulah?  How does Jacob’s journey from Be’er Sheva to Charan reflect in our lives today?  What does this chapter teach us on how to counter the fears triggered by recent events?  What is the significance of Jacob’s dream?  Why did G-d promise the land to Jacob after He had already promised it to Abraham?  Did Jacob practice favoritism with his wives and children?  Why did Jacob marry two sisters?  Did Jacob “hate” Leah?  Was Dina meant to be a male?  Should we take dreams seriously?  Would the Rebbe approve of the current ceasefire in Lebanon?  Did the Rebbe suggest security protocols for Chabad houses?  What more should we be doing to protect ourselves from our enemies?  How can we not be frightened?  What should we be telling our children?  Should we move to Israel?  How can some peo

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: How should we react to the horrific murder of R’ Zvi Kogan hy”d? What are its deeper implications? Is this a sign of a widening war against Jews? Should we be afraid? How are we to understand Iran’s extreme hostility and hatred toward Israel and Jews? If we defeated the Persians on Purim, why do we still need to contend with Iran? Can we interpret the Yalkut Shemoni as referring to today’s events? Would it be correct to say that the current Iranian regime, established in 1979, is like an alter ego (le’umas zeh) of Chabad, l’havdil elef havdolos? Is evil a creation or only the absence of good? Why do we need evil, especially extreme evil? How do we explain why we are challenged today to face rising crime and terrorism? How does the Rebbe Rashab explain why saying amen yehei shmei rabba with all our might eliminates negative decrees? What do we learn from Parshas Toldos? What can we learn from the Baal HaTurim explaining the connection between the

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What do we learn from Parshas Chayei Sarah?  How can these Torah chapters help us understand today’s wars and what we can do to help the situation?  What is the central theme of this Torah portion?  Why is the portion that talks about the death of Sarah called the life of Sarah?  What is the lesson from Eliezer initially wanting his own daughter to marry Yitzchak, but ends up serving as the messenger to have Rivkah marry him?  How can Eliezer be Og King of Bashan, who was a villain?  What is the meaning of V’Avraham zokon bo ba’yomim?  Why did Abraham remarry Hagar/Keturah?  Why is Ishmael’s return discussed at the end of this portion?  What can we learn from Sarah insisting that Ishmael be sent away?  Vayeira Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would give birth? Was she rebuked?  Why did the akeidah cause Sarah’s passing?  If the akeidah was meant to reveal higher levels of love between us and G-d, why was Sarah harmed when s

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What do we learn from Parshas Vayeira? What is the central theme of this Torah portion? Why did G-d reveal Himself to Abraham? How can we gain Divine revelation? How could Abraham turn away from G-d to greet guests? If greeting guests is greater than greeting the Shechina, why was G-d offended by Malki-Zedek first blessing Abraham and then blessing G-d? What can we learn about today’s hostages from Abraham freeing Lot and his family who were taken hostage? What do we learn from Abraham praying for the wicked people of Sodom? Can we apply this to praying for Gazans and other criminals? Are there parallels between today’s events in the Middle East and the story with Sodom? Does the pillar of salt still exist? What can we learn from Lot’s wife? Why didn’t Lot learn from Noah’s mistake in getting drunk? How can you possibly explain G-d asking Abraham to kill his son? Why did Abraham not refuse this request? Cheshvan What is the meaning of Mar Ches

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to this time of year What is the lesson from this period following the Tishrei holiday season? What is the meaning of the custom to announce, “and Yaakov went on his way”? How can we manifest Divine infinity into our finite lives? What is the story behind the song to the words “kesiva v’chasima tova”? What does the month of Cheshvan teach us? What is the meaning of the name of this month – Mar Cheshvan? Why is this month related to bitterness (mar) when it follows the festive month of Tishrei? Why is this month also called bul? What lessons do we learn from the 7th of Cheshvan? How do we maintain a connection with G-d even when we feel separate? What do we learn from this week’s parsha? What is the central theme of this Torah portion? How do the promises in this week’s chapter help us in our current battles? Why does G-d give three descriptions of Abraham’s departure location and is vague about his destination? What does it me

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to this time of year Why are these days between Yom Kippur and Sukkos so powerful? What is the lesson from these days? Why is the day after Yom Kippur called “G-d’s Name”? What is the proper way to greet people during these days? What is the significance of new year and holiday blessings? How do our blessings and best wishes help? Can we bless others with the priestly blessing even if we are not kohanim? Though I am a simple person, can I bless others? Is it appropriate to bless people with “may you always have good news to share”? Post Yom Kippur If everyone was forgiven on Yom Kippur, why are some people being punished and suffering? Why do we sound the shofar at the end of Yom Kippur? What's the difference between a regular shofar and the “great shofar” that will be sounded when Moshiach comes? Is there a connection between the call of the “great shofar” and Yom Kippur’s impact on all Jews to do teshuva? Why do we sing Napo

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 diffe

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How can Rosh Hashana help us during this time of war in Israel?  Is it an open miracle that the Israeli army was able to dismantle the leadership of the Hezbollah terrorists in less than a week?  Is the killing of the head of Hezbollah and Israel’s recent victories connected to this time of year?  Is there a teaching that if a year begins badly it will end positively?  Is the year following Hakhel a time of diminished energy?  Is it significant that the secular anniversary of October 7th is on the 5th of Tishrei?  Should we be thanking G-d for these recent successes?  Should we be celebrating the fall of our enemies?  What can we do on Rosh Hashana to ensure the safe release of the hostages, and the final victory over our enemies?  Do we have a spiritual “nuclear option,” a special prayer or “tool” that is reserved for very serious times like this?  A beautiful story: Does intensifying commitment to Torah and mitzvos and unity help us win ou

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 i

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

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How does Elul empower us today?   How can we ensure that the 13 Divine attributes of compassion radiating this month manifest in our collective and personal lives – in helping secure the release of the hostages, in bringing us blessings in our livelihood, health, children etc.?  Should we buy lottery tickets this month?  What accounting (cheshbon ha’nefesh) should we be doing during this month?   Is Elul initiated from above or from below?  Why is it the “king” and not the “queen” in the field?  Is everything in Judaism centered around men?  How does the Alter Rebbe’s example relate to our times when kings don’t go out into the field?  Should leaders be going out into the “field”?  Why do we blow shofar every day in Elul in preparation for Rosh Hashana and don’t eat matzah every day for a month in preparation for Pesach?  Why do we pray at a tzaddik’s resting place during this month?  How is this reconciled with the prohibition of “praying t

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

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: Will war in Israel ever end? 01:34 • How should we react to the latest events in Northern Israel and Lebanon? 08:27 • What can we do? 09:30 • Did the prophets predict today’s war? 11:14 What does the transition from Av to Elul teach us today? 17:24 • How do these months empower us to turn challenges into opportunities and growth? 17:37 • Where do we see today the transformation of darkness to light? • Is a known adversary during the riots in Crown Heights in 1991 now supporting Israel? How do we bring light and truth into a world full of lies? • How do we overcome the appalling lies being propagated today? How can we not be disheartened and depressed by it all? • What can we do to advance the truth? • Does light automatically dispel all types of darkness, includ

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 Mos