Advertise on podcast: MyLife: Chassidus Applied

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Alef Nissan  Pesach  Do we say Gut Yom Tov today? How do we honor the Rebbe’s birthday? What is the single most important thing each of us should do on this special day? How did the Rebbe celebrate his birthday? What were the events that led to the things done for Yud Alef Nissan 5742 – eighty years? What is the significance of the number eleven? Is it significant that “peace in Israel” are the last words in Tehillim chapter 125, which we begin reciting today? Do some people receive answers from the Rebbe more than others?   Miracles and Iran Seder  What is the relevance of the war in Iran to Pesach? What's the underlying message of Pesach? What does it truly mean to be free?  How is the energy of Nissan and Pesach different than that of ani l’dodi v’dodi li of Elul and Tishrei? Do I have to observe the holiday if I am experiencing financial difficulties, which cause stress and anxiety, antithetical to the theme of Passover? Why is Passover celebrated on the day the exodus happened, unlike Purim and Chanukah which are celebrated the day after the miracles happened?   Why do we celebrate it every year? Why does Passover have three names? What can we learn from the great miracle of Shabbos HaGadol and the other miracles of the time about today’s miracles? How do we reconcile Chizkiyahu being criticized for not praising G-d's for His miracles with the ruling that one should not say Hallel every day – how do we find the right balance of acknowledging miracles in our lives? What can each of us do physically and spiritually to help protect all the innocent people and bring victory in the war against Iran? As an American who moved to Israel I am bemused by people questioning the safety of living here. How do we resolve a major conflict between husband and wife of how extreme we should be with our Pesach cleaning? Can you please share some memories of the Rebbe visiting different public Seders in Crown Heights? Why did he do so? Why did the Rebbe ask an artist to illustrate a special edition of the Haggadah for children? 

Topics: Nissan, Miracles and Iran What can we expect in this month of Nissan, a month of miracles and redemption? 06:57Are there parallels between the redemption from Egypt and today’s battles? 04:50How do Pesach and Mitzrayim reveal the inside story of history in general, and specifically the current war against Iran? 22:35What is the connection to the month of Nissan? 12:30What is the meaning of a miracle? 07:12How victory over Iran – and today’s miracles – will bring to conclusion events that began with Abraham and Egypt over 3300 years ago? 12:40What will the Middle East and the world look like with the elimination of Iran as a threat? 18:30How can today’s events help us bring our Pesach Seder alive? 22:30Can we see the Strait of Hormuz as a modern version of mitzrayim, as in dire straits? 25:08How today’s war needs to be fought in our personal lives in microcosm? 30:00War in Iran How should we be reacting to the current war? 32:58What responsibility do we carry in this time? 37:25What should be our response to the ongoing attacks on Israel? 37:25Is Israel still the safest place? 39:43How can we say that when we see the danger and deaths wrought by Iranian missiles? 39:43Can we apply the Rebbe’s words about the Gulf War to today’s events? 44:35Why is today’s war an unprecedented historic opportunity for the nations of the world? 45:40How should we respond to the antisemitic argument that Israel dragged the USA into this war? 45:40Did the Rebbe predict the fall of Iraq and asked not to publicize the details? 47:57What did the Rebbe say about ar’enu niflaos? 49:42Should we learn from Chezkiyahu and praise G-d for today’s miracles? 51:55Should we be celebrating the miracles of G-d's protection by dancing in the streets? 54:27With most Jews now living in Eretz Yisroel, are we witnessing kibbutz goliyos? 55:31Shabbos HaGadol-Passover Why will we remember the Egyptian Exodus after the final redemption? 56:37Why are we required to remember the days (plural) that we left Egypt, when we left in one day? 57:57What lessons does that teach us in today’s battles? 59:55MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast that candidly answers questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The program's objective 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  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: War in Iran  Should we be supporting this war? How do we determine when war is just? How do we understand the deeper cosmic battle between Rome (the Western World) and Persia (the Arab/Muslim World) How can we envision these battles leading us into the Geulah?  How should we react to antisemitic and anti-Chabad rhetoric by media personalities? Is there anything positive that we can learn from this? Is it appropriate to wear patches with an image of the third temple? Do we continue increasing in joy throughout the entire month? How does joy empower us in challenging times? Is there a connection between the good mazal of joy and the Torah portions discussing the building of the Mishkan? What is the significance of building a sanctuary? How do we apply it to our lives today? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why does the Torah repeat the details of building the mishkan? Adar Vayakhel-Pikudei Can brochos come to someone diagnosed with clinical depression beyond their control? How would you react to a “zealot” smashing a snowman that children built with the claim that it is an “idol”? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Purim and Persia: Then and Now  What lessons can we learn from Purim about today’s events in Iran? How do we connect the dots of many seemingly fragmented events now and throughout history? Why would anyone think of reading the Megillah backwards? What are the parallels between ancient and modern-day Persia? Is it providential that Khamenei and his cohorts were wiped out while we were reading the Torah portion about obliterating Amalek?  What happened on Purim 1953 when the Rebbe led the chassidism in shouting hoo-ra hoo-ra three times, and its connection to Stalin’s death that night? How does that apply to our times? What was the general theme of the maamar the Rebbe delivered then? What is the central message of Purim? Why is G-d's name not mentioned in the Megillah? If our enemies cannot hurt us within the structures of nature, how do we explain tragedies that we suffered throughout history? How do we reconcile the Purim miracle being dressed up in nature and the fact that it was connected to Purim/lots, which is a level beyond nature? Why would we be obligated to reach a point where we can't distinguish between “blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman”? If the “Guardian of Israel does not slumber or sleep” why does it say that the “king’s sleep was disturbed that night”? Why is golus (exile) compared to sleep and dreams? How do we access the transcendent power of Purim today? What is the meaning of the expression “anyone who stretches out their hand is given”? What can I do to ensure that these blessings are fulfilled in my life? What happened on Purim 60 years ago? Why did we not take spoils in Persia as we did in Egypt? Now that the world's biggest terrorist Khamenei is gone what comes next? Is this a prelude to Moshiach? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Adar  What does Purim teach us about retroactively transforming a negative past? Is there a connection between joy and Pisces, the sign of Adar? Why is Adar made up of the two words, “alef dar”? Are there other reasons why we increase in joy during this month? Does Adar have an association with Adaru (this month in Akkadian and Babylonian), which means darkness and gloom? Can animals be trained to do mitzvos? 7 Adar  Why don’t we make a bigger deal of this day – the birthday and yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu? How do we apply Zayin Adar to our lives? 11 Adar  What do we learn from the Rogatchover Gaon, whose yahrzeit is on this day? Tetzaveh  What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why is Moshe’s name not mentioned in this Parsha? What is the positive reason for this? Why is the pure olive oil, the ketoros and the Yom Kippur service not discussed in the same Torah portion of the actual building of the Mishkan and its vessels? What should our attitude to sports be?  How should we react to someone watching a game while sitting in a Torah class? Is there room for sports in a Chassidishe life? How about the Olympics?  How would the Rebbe advise a community facing a disagreement whether to build a smaller or larger building?  Which places should I visit in Israel? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:  Adar  Why do we increase in joy during this month? What unique opportunity does this month offer us? Can you begin your program about Adar with a piece of humor? Is this entire month filled with joy? What is the difference between the good mazal of Shevat and that of Adar? Is this a month when Iran will be held accountable just as it was with Persia of old? How do we reconcile the fact that ancient Persia allowed us to rebuild the second Temple and Rome destroyed it, with the tables being turned today with Iran being our enemy and the Western empires being our allies? Should we be praying for the innocent people of Iran? Which events during the 1991 Persian Gulf War did the Rebbe cite as signs that the world is ready for Moshiach — and that all we need to do is open our eyes? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? How do we create a sanctuary for G-d today?  What is the significance of the holy ark?Can we compare G-d to energy?  If physical existence is really Divine energy, what are we actually accomplishing when we perform mitzvos with material objects and make blessings on actual foods? What is the difference between chapters 11 and 12 at the end of the Rambam? What positive lesson do we learn about breaking down walls to spread Chassidus? What are we to make of the uprisings in Iran? Terumah Understanding G-d Siyum HaRambam What do we learn from the President announcing a "National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving" on May 17th, which is Rosh Chodesh Sivan?    Ramming into 770 – Follow-up 

Episode 580 When: Sunday, February 8, 8:00PM ETFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Beis Shevat  How did this day impact the Rebbe and what do we learn from that? What is the significance of this day for each one of us? Can you share a short biography and some stories about the Rebbetzin?  What practical actions should we be doing in honor of this day? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why weren’t all Torah laws given at the same time? Why do rational laws (mishpatim) have to be built upon the foundation of Sinai, Anochi Hashem Elokecho? Why was the Torah given on Mt. Sinai and not on Mt. Moriah, the Temple Mount? Since the Patriarchs studied and kept the entire Torah, what was unique about Matan Torah? What is the significance of naaseh v’nishma? And what is the logic of committing to something before hearing what you are committing to? Is there a connection between the ten commandments (aseres hadibros) and the ten utterances (asorah maamoros) with which the world was created? Why was Yisro’s acknowledgment necessary before the giving of the Torah? Why did Yisro have seven names? Why did the altar have a ramp and not steps? Can we “compel” G-d to learn Torah? How can we explain the paradox that Hashem is both infinitely inaccessible and infinitely accessible?  What's the difference between Shechina and Atzmus? Why did the Rebbe institute the daily learning of Rambam? What is the history behind it? How can I stop my husband from watching the Super Bowl? Should we root for any team? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:  15th of Shevat  Why do we celebrate the New Year for Trees? Why don’t we celebrate it on the third day of creation, when trees and vegetation were created?  How do trees celebrate their new year? What is the basis of Shammai and Hillel’s different opinions of when we celebrate the new year for trees? Can it serve as an analogy for stages in the revelation of Moshiach? Was this day celebrated in Biblical times? What is a 15th of Shevat Seder and how do we conduct one? What are some lessons we learn from trees? Is there a source that Shevat is the acronym of sheyihi besuros tovos? Why is Shevat considered a month of good news when sad events took place in it, such as the passing of the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? How do the three major events in the book Shemos – Exodus, Matan Torah, building the mishkan – reflect three key stages in our personal, collective and cosmic journey? Why is Matan Torah in Parshas Yisro?How would you describe G-d? Is G-d aware of His own existence? Why did the giving of the Torah begin with the Ten Commandments? How did Matan Torah change the world? Why were they not allowed to approach Mt. Sinai, but today anyone can climb that mountain? Why are the Jewish people called a “kingdom of priests”? Is Mitzrayim compared to the meitzar ha’goron, the narrow neck?   Why was there a need for the parting of the sea, when their path to Israel did not require going through the Red Sea? Was the parting of the sea an actual event or a metaphor? What is the significance of the people singing the song of the sea after it was parted? What is the power of song? Shevat Yisro Beshalach What lessons do we learn from the car ramming into 770 on the night of Yud Shevat?    How do I know if I am doing the right thing in launching a new training program based on Chassidus? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Shevat/Basi L’Gani  What is the main theme of Basi L’Gani and this year’s 16th chapter? What is the mission of our generation? What is the role of Gan Eden today? Why can’t the Divine be revealed in the presence of sins? What treasures are being splurged to win today’s wars? If the treasures are being splurged, why are some of us struggling financially? How do we benefit from learning about higher spiritual worlds and levels of G-dliness that we might be unable to access in our physical world?   Does the power to conceal require deeper energy than the power to reveal? How would you define a Rebbe in one word? How do you translate “bittul”? Is tzedakah an act of bittul?  Should we add tzedakah in honor of Yud Shevat? What is the Torah view on alternative forms of healing, such as breathwork, plant medicine, somatic therapy and others? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Rosh Chodesh Shevat • What is the significance of this month and what should be the main focus of our avodah in this time? 02:36 • What do we learn from the mazal of Shevat – bucket (d’li)? 02:36 • What does the word Shevat mean? 07:20Bo • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 10:42 • Why does this parsha combine both the end of the exile and the beginning of the redemption? 11:04 • Why does it mean that during the plague of darkness, there was “light among the Jews”? 14:30 • Why did that light not dispel the surrounding darkness? 17:39 • Why did Pharaoh survive the plague of the firstborn? 21:22 • Why did the exodus begin with the mitzvah of HaChodesh Hazeh Lochem, establishing a lunar based calendar, and why was this the first commandment in Torah? 23:03 • What was the significance of offering the Pascal Lamb and what was the process? 27:16How can we benefit today from the fact that the Jews left Egypt with great wealth? 30:44Vaeirah • What is the story behind the maamar of the Alter Rebbe called "Der Frumer Vaeirah”? Follow-up 35:18Yud Shevat/Basi L’Gani • What is the significance of this day in practical and personal terms? 44:28 57:24 • How does Basi L’Gani describe the purpose of our lives (in the first 10 chapters), and the treasures we are given to fulfill this purpose (in the last 10 chapters)? 44:28 57:24 • What is a summary and chiddush of this year’s chapter 16 of Basi L’Gani? 44:28 57:24 • Why are all sevenths beloved, when the number eight represents a higher, transcendent level? 01:00:33

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Dalet Teves  What is the significance of a Tzaddik’s histalkus? How does it impact us? What connection does it have to current events? What lessons do we learn from the Alter Rebbe’s hilula?  What were the circumstances that led to the Alter Rebbe’s passing? How was it related to him fleeing Napoleon’s advance? Is there a connection between the Alter Rebbe returning to retrieve a pair of slippers so they not fall into the hands of Napoleon and Jacob returning to retrieve the small vessels? Why was the Alter Rebbe on a spiritual trial for teaching Chassidus? Was the opposition to the Alter Rebbe based on fear resulting from the Shabbatean movement? Why was the Alter Rebbe attracted to the teachings of Chassidus, which drove him to found Chabad Chassidus? Do we know why the Alter Rebbe family surname changed from Pozner to Baruchovitch? Who authored the maamorim in Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah that begin with the words “LeTosfes Biur”? How can I support the printing of Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah in English?  What is the story behind the maamar of the Alter Rebbe called "Der Frumer Vaeirah”? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? What is the connection between the revelation of Havaya to Moshe to help him free the Jews from Egypt and the splurging of the treasures to help us win our current battles? What do the four expressions of redemption refer to? What is the deeper meaning of Aaron's staff turning into a snake and swallowing the staffs of the Egyptian sorcerers? Why did G-d send ten plagues and not just one massive plague to break Pharoah? Do we know the original names given to Moshe by his parents? How did Moshe find out that he was Jewish? What lessons can we learn from Moshe’s childhood in Pharoah’s palace? How do they reflect on the bigger scheme of future events? Did the Rebbe make any public statements about Iran during the 1979 Islamic revolution that we can learn from today? Vaeirah Shemos What are we to make of the uprisings in Iran? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Teves  What is the significance of the Rambam’s yahrzeit?  What makes a leader different than a scholar?What does the Egyptian exile teach us about dealing with difficulties? What did the Rebbe say about this day? What did he have in common with the Alter Rebbe? What personal lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why do we recount the suffering in Egypt?What does the story of Moshe’s birth teach us?  What is the significance of him being born before the enslavement began and that he himself was not a slave? Why did Hashem appear to Moshe in a burning bush? Why did Moshe challenge G-d by saying “Why are You doing evil to these people?” After the Egyptian exile and redemption why was there a need for other exiles? How can we understand the tzimtzum in simple and practical terms? What does “Yaakov Avinu lo mes” mean? Is there a plan to print more Chassidus in English? Shemos Vayechi Are there any relevant lessons to be learned from the United States toppling the Venezuelan president? Hei Teves What can be done about "discrimination" against Ba'alei Teshuva or others seen as outsiders? If I feel that my teacher is not being fair, how can I challenge him without being disrespectful? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What does the cold winter teach us?  Asarah B’Teves  What is the significance of this day and what lessons does it teach us, especially facing our current challenges? Why does this fast day supersede Shabbos? Does this fast day commemorate other sad events that happened during these days? Why was translating the Torah into Greek considered a tragedy? And what about the passing of Ezra the Scribe?  May I vent and express my anger and frustration? After all the pain and anguish, I want to also voice my pride in the powerful response of the Jewish people Where does the expression “didan notzach” originate? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why did Yaakov initially consider revealing when Moshiach would come? And then why was he prevented from doing so? If we include Menashe and Ephraim as tribes, why are their twelve tribes and not fourteen? What's the difference between Reuven and Shimon in our personal avodah? What exactly does hiskashrus to the Rebbe mean? Can it be imposed and done mechanically? Does it leave room for individuality? How does hiskashrus enhance life? Aftermath of the horrific Sydney massacre Hei Teves Vayechi Hiskashrus 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Aftermath of the horrific Sydney massacre  What inner strength (netzach and hod) does Chanukah offer us? What are the souls of the kedoshim experiencing now? We still cannot fathom this terrible tragedy. Any words of wisdom? Why would G-d allow it to happen? How can we call G-d kind and compassionate in face of this horror? During the time of the Greeks the Jews would hide their observance due to the danger involved. How is today different? What is the special significance of this day? What comes next? What is the connection between the eighth day of Chanukah and Shemini Atzeres, completing the high holiday season? How will it work after Moshiach comes and we light eight candles on the first night? What is the significance of the new moon? Why was finding pure olive oil so significant? What's the connection between Chanukah and education? What is the significance of it being a rabbinic holiday? Why is chassidus compared to oil? Does Shammai not hold that we have to grow each day in holiness? Why is chapter 67 in Tehillim printed in the shape of a menorah? What should we focus on in the month of Teves? What are we celebrating on Hei Teves? How did the Rebbe instruct us to observe this day? Is there a connection between Chanukah and Hei Teves? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why did Joseph ask everyone to leave the room when he revealed his identity to his brothers? Why did Joseph not inform his father over the 22 years that he is alive? Zos Chanukah Rosh Chodesh Teves Chanukah Hei Teves Vayigash How should we react to Mamdani’s visit to the Ohel? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:  How can we possibly address the horrific terror attack on Jews celebrating Chanukah in Sydney leaving 16 of our people dead?  Ad mosai?! What does G-d want of us? How could this happen on Chanukah, which is about conquering darkness with light? And demonstrating this in the streets with a public menorah as the Rebbe instructed?  How can we ever explain the tragic murder of any innocent person, let alone a shliach, when we are told that shluchei mitzvah einan nizokin? Where was the protection from above, especially considering that Chanukah draws down from the highest levels of G-dliness, eight above seven? Is it safe to light public menorahs? What do we do about this – physically and spiritually? How can we not feel deep despair and want to give up on Judaism? How do we celebrate Chanukah and learn its lessons in face of this tragedy? What are the primary lessons of Chanukah? Why do we mark the holiday by lighting flames rather than commemorating the victory in the battle against our enemies? What does the light actually represent? What was the war about between the Greeks and the Jews? Did it also include a civil war between the Jewish Hellenists and the rest of the community? Why do we light the candles in the evening, at the door facing outside, and why eight candles – differently than the menorah lighting in the Holy Temple? Why are we not allowed to benefit from the light of the Chanukah candles? Why did the Rebbe institute the lighting of public menorahs? What is the basis of Hillel and Shammai’s different opinions about the order of lighting the Chanukah candles? How will we light the candles after Moshiach comes? How to navigate when you're at rock bottom with barely any support?\Can we apply the story of hearing the child’s cry to Hashem and His people? Does Miketz hint to the end of golus? Chanukah Dealing with harsh difficulties Miketz