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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?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Why does the world not demand that Hamas surrender?What does this week’s Torah portion and time period teach us today?  Lessons from Adar Lessons from Purim Katan  Parshas Tetzaveh  Parshas Terumah  Parshas Mishpatim  Can you distinguish between supporting the State of Israel as a secular governing body and recognizing it as a divinely sanctioned state?   What are the different opinions about the “three oaths” which include forbidding Jews from forcefully reclaiming Israel?  How can we support the government of Israel if the Rebbe Rashab strongly opposed modern Zionism?  How do we respond to the question whether we are Zionists?  Should we allow displays of the Israeli flag and the singing of its anthem in our institutions?  How much should we fight about these issues, if at all?   How do we focus on proliferating the positive meaning of Israel and Zionism, instead of addressing the negative?  

When: Sunday, February 11, 8:00PM ETFor 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? 

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:What more can we do to help win the war that continues to rage on?  Why have all our beautiful, good deeds not ended the war?  After all that we have done, can we demand that G-d finally put an end to this nightmare?  What is the meaning of the song ech ti zimlak that the Rebbe instructed him to sing on various occasions?  What does this day offer us?  What lessons can we learn from the Rebbetzin about how to win the war against Hamas and their antisemitic supporters?   Why do people refer to the Rebbetzin as the Frierdiker Rebbe’s daughter or the Rebbe’s wife instead of describing her in her own right?  What did the Rebbe mean when he said marrying the Rebbetzin bound him to the chassidim:    Wasn't the Rebbe already bound to the chassidim by being a descendant of the Tzemach Tzedek?  Did the Rebbe explain the significance of her passing in connection with the number eleven – on the 22nd day (twice 11) in the 11th month?  Is there a connection between the Basi L’gani maamar and the 15th and 22nd of Shevat?  What do we learn from the central theme of this parsha?  Why were only 10 of the 613 commandments said at Sinai?  If the 10 commandments frightened the Jews even when they heard it directly from G-d, how can we expect to embrace Torah and mitzvos on an ongoing basis?  Did the Jews accept the Torah with joy?  How does G-d observe the mitzvah of honoring parents?  Will civil war break out among Hamas as it did among the Egyptians?  Why did they lie to Phraoah about leaving Egypt for several day when they never intended to return? Can we learn anything from this in our war with Hamas?  How does the manna manifest today in our livers?  Why don’t we say the parsha of manna every day?  With the passing of Cantor Tzvi Tzazkes, what can you share about his connection with the Rebbe? What lessons can we

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What lessons can we learn from this time period about the war Israel is waging?  What resources and strengths are we given to help us fight our battles?  Since the shechina would have remained below if they had not sinned, what is accomplished through our service today?  Can we apply the transforming of shtus d’leumas zeh to shtus d’kedusha to secular music?  When was Basi L’Gani first delivered by the Frierdiker Rebbe?  Is there a connection between Basi L’Gani and Rebbetzin Rivkah, in whose honor the maamar was said?  What do we learn from the central theme of this parsha?  What did Moses and Joshua do to successfully defeat the Amalekites that we can learn from today?   How do we collect a double portion of spiritual and physical “manna” blessings today as we are in the Erev Shabbos before the geulah?  Is there a connection between the serpent in Eden and the staff of Moshe?  Should the fact that we are in exile in any way change our ownership of Israel and our need to protect ourselves from our enemies?  Is there any merit to those Jews that argue against the Jewish people controlling the land of Israel?  Are we prohibited from visiting Israel as tourists? From buying property in Israel and living there, or having a Jewish state in Israel before the Messiah comes?  What attitude should we have to the case brought by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?  How should we react to Jews sympathizing with our enemies?  Are our critics reminding us how important we are and how it's our responsibility to be the best people we can possibly be?  I am distraught: What can I do about my daughters who support our enemies?  And how about those looking like ultra-orthodox claiming they are neturei karta, and marching with Hamas?  Who are these Jews? What is wrong with them?  Are they like the Hellenists?  Why do some of our biggest enemies come from within?  Should we excommunicate them?  How should we react when we see people ripping down posters with photos of the hostages?    Should we be printing and posting pictures of hostages demanding their release? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Shevat  What is the central theme of Yud Shevat and Basi L’Gani and what lessons do they offer us today?  Should Yud Shevat be celebrated with joy, like Lag B’Omer?  Did the Rebbe ever explain why he waited a year to formally accept leadership?  What are the different explanations for the term Shechina?  Can the idea of transforming matter into divine energy be compared to Einstein's first law of thermodynamics?  What can we learn from chapter 14 of Basi L’Gani about today’s war?  Do we have to wait 40 years for the geulah like the 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land?  When does the seventh generation end?  How do we know Moshiach is almost here?  Do we see today signs of Moshiach’s coming?  When bad things come to light is that a sign of Moshiach’s coming?  What do we learn from the central theme of this parsha?  Does matzah serve as a lesson in the humility we need today?  Will new names of Hashem be revealed to us in the geulah?  What should our attitude and response be?  What would the Rebbe say about rogue bochurim vandalizing the holy shul of 770?  Did the Rebbe say that 770 is gematria beis moshiach?  How could such a thing happen in the Rebbe’s shul?  What lessons should we learn from it?  What can each one of us do about it?  Is this just plain madness or does it have some redeeming factor?  Can we learn anything positive from these events?  Is it possible that these events, as deplorable as they may be, and the publicity they created can be used to bring Chassidus to the world and is part of Hashems plan to bring Moshiach?  Should this be inspiring us to expand 770?  Will this finally motivate the powers that be to make order in 770?  How could bochurim behave this way?  What should be done to those involved? Should they be punished? Arrested? How can we make them aware of their mistake and get them to do teshuva?  Should we host such bochurim in our homes?  How were things like this dealt with in the past?  What can we do to make 770 be a shining example to the world?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What is our overall responsibility during this time of war in Israel? Are there parallels between the current battles and events that transpired in the Egyptian exile?  What does this week’s Torah portion teach us about today’s war?  What can we learn from the fact that G-d revealed the name Havaya specifically to Moshe in Egypt and not to the Patriarchs?  What does this teach us about darkness and about challenge?  Why are there four expressions of freedom?  Why did G-d not just redeem the Jews quickly and in one move? Why did it need to be a prolonged process?   Same question today: Why can’t G-d just grant Israel a quick victory?  What can we learn from Moshe looking around and then slaying the Egyptian striking a Jew?  What is someone called a “rasha” when only raising his hand against another? What do we learn from this about our present enemies?  Can we compare Jewish antisemites to Dasan and Aviram?  Why did Hashem ask Moshe “what is in your hand?” What is the significance of Moshe’s staff?  Is G-d hardening the hearts of Hamas as he did Pharoah’s?  Will Hashem bring ten plagues upon Hamas and their supporters?    Should we encourage the Gazans to move elsewhere?  Should we be publicly protesting the atrocities and abuses perpetrated against women?  Is it appropriate to publicly insult the enemy?  Should we threaten to destroy their mosques?  How do we properly channel anger toward our enemies?  What should we make of the Turkish parliament member who died after cursing the Jews?  How should we react to miracle stories coming out of Israel?  Why not place a curse on our enemies?  Why not build a golem?  Can we use supernatural means in times of emergency?  Does Tof Shin Pey Daled stand for T’hei Shnas Palestinian Demise?  Should we be looking for astrological signs to explain today’s events?  Does Basi L’Gani offer us any lessons for today?  What does it teach us about times of war? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What does this week’s Torah portion teach us about today’s war?  Why is the entire book of Shemos, including the narrative about the bitter exile, called the “Book of Redemption”?  What does this teach us about darkness and about attacking Jews?  Can we learn any lessons from G-d appearing to Moshe in the burning bush?   What do we learn from Moshe’s protest to G-d: “why have You harmed this people?”  If Jacob’s best years of his life were in Mitzrayim, why was he so adamant that he should be buried in Israel?  20 and 24 Teves  The Rambam and the Alter Rebbe’s merits should save us all  The Enemy  Should we see all the Palestinians as our enemy?  How can we transform, not just eradicate, the enemy?  If darkness is only the absence of light, how is it that our enemies have captured the minds of many people?  Is the war in Gaza a step toward transforming exile into redemption?   Actions  What impact should this war have on our lives?  How to become a more sensitive person?  What is the best way to restore confidence to someone who has suffered humiliation?  Is there a quota on how much Tehillim should be recited?  Is there a time that we should refrain from learning Torah to deprive the enemy of strength, as we do on Nittel?  Should we have more intention when we say the blessing “matir asurim” to help free the remaining hostages?  Is it wrong to make racist jokes about Hamas?  Should Chassidus be taught to non-Jews?  Lessons from Tunnels  Are there any personal and positive lessons we can learn from the tunnels of destruction built under Gaza?  Can a secular song be the carrier of a inspiring divine message?   Is it appropriate to honor the secular new year?  Is there any similarity between the new year and Rosh Hashana?  New Year  Is it appropriate to honor the secular new year?  Is there any similarity between the new year and Rosh Hashana? 

When: Sunday, December 24, 8:00PM ETFor 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 can we learn from Hei Teves about today’s war  Where does the expression “didan notzach” come from?  What does this day signify?  Why don’t we continue growing in holiness and light more candles after Chanukah?  How does the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers help us understand and navigate today’s events?  What can we learn from Joseph revealing himself to his brothers and from his reassuring them that G-d brought me to Egypt to save lives?   What are some lessons from Joseph’s trials and tribulations?  Why are our actions not achieving the desired results of ending this nightmare once and for all?  What else can we do?  Should we transform the enemy’s expressions into positive messages?  Should we be organizing large public tehillim gatherings? Make more farbrengens? More activities with children? Special prayers from brides and grooms?  My heart is broken over the hostages that were accidentally killed. What else does Hashem want from us?  How should I explain to my children why our tzedakah on Chanukah did not resolve the war?  When there is more negative energy, does that indicate that there is also more positive energy?  How do we know we are closer to Moshiach  Why don’t the Muslims/Arabs and so many others accept the explicit and undeniable words in the Torah that G-d gave the Promised Land to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children – the Jewish people?  Did Jews occupy the land of the Canaanites?  Is it correct to point out to American critics their hypocrisy considering their displacing the native Indians in this country?   How do we address the testimony of the presidents of major universities before Congress?  What’s the best way to communicate with those siding with our enemies?  Why is there such a double standard when it comes to Israel?  Does Chanukah continue to provide us with strength and guidance?  Empowering Torah Portions   Actions Is this a special time?   Who owns the Land of Israel? How should we react to antisemitism on campuses and in academia?  How do we address the testimony of the presidents of major universities before Congress?  What’s the best way to communicate with those siding with our enemies?  Why is there such a double standard when it comes to Israel? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:How Chanukah provides us with strength and direction these trying times  What lessons do the lights of Chanukah offer us?  Why do we celebrate the war victory with lighting candles?  What do we learn from the length of time which the Chanukah lights must burn – “until the feet of the Tarmudoi have ceased”?  Is there a connection between the dreidel and Moshiach?  Who was Antiochus and why did he have a problem with the Jews doing Torah and Mitzvos?  What is the spiritual difference between Shammai and Hillel’s opinion on how we light the Chanukah candles?  Why don't we light two separate menorahs to cover Shammai and Hillel’s opinions?  Can we glean different military strategies from their opinions?  If Zos Chanukah is the true essence of Chanukah being the brightest day, how do we reconcile that with Beis Shammai’s opinion that we light only one candle on that day?  Do our Biblical enemies, like Antiochus and Amelek, actually manifest today or are they more symbolic?  How does the story of Joseph help us understand today’s events?  How can we counter all the confusion today?  What can we do to deprogram and re-educate Muslim/Arab civilians?  Can we trust the enemy?  Do the prophets foretell current events?  Should we be studying these prophecies?  Which ones most vividly describe today’s events?  Was it in a form of prophecy, or were they wise men who could discern patterns and predict the future?  Can we apply the prophesies in the Book of Daniel to our times?  Is there anywhere in the Torah that says this war will be called operation iron swords?    Can this war lead us directly to Moshiach?   Is it possible that G-d will not allow Moshiach in our generation because we are involved in a war?  If Moshiach comes today, will we still have murderous enemies? Will Hamas be brought to justice?  Will Moshiach have supernatural powers to destroy our enemies?  How do I respond to people who claim that Israel occupied Palestinian land?  In addition to Rashi on the first verse in the Torah that G-d gave the Jewish people the land of Israel, why don’t we also cite Rashi later that speaks about how Noach and Abraham apportioned the land to their children?  Does the Torah document Abraham purchasing land in Israel to pre-empt others claim to the land?  Empowering Torah Portions  Dealing with the enemy Can you share details about your meeting with the Argentinian president? How Does the Story End?  Who owns the Land of Israel? Conclusion: What is the message of the enduring flames of Chanukah?