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…
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Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus during these days as we transition from Av to Elul? Why is Elul a special month? How do we maximize its opportunities? What is our main work this month? What is its personal relevance in our lives? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? What is the connection between Shoftim and…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus during these days? Why do we begin blessing each other with wishes for a good year on the 15th of Av? Why is it written that there were no holidays like the 15th of Av in the past tense? What is the relevance of this day? What is the significance of this day coming 40 days before Rosh Hashana? Why did the Rebbe’s father…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus during these days following Tisha B'Av? 15 Av What is the relevance of this day? Why is it considered the greatest holiday together with Yom Kippur? Why did they break the axe after finishing the yearly wood chopping quota instead of keeping it for next year? Will this day still be celebrated after Moshiach comes? Or will…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 5 Av: Yahrzeit of the Arizal What is the relevance of this day? How was the Arizal unique? What is a short biography of the Arizal and his teachings? What does it teach us? What did the Arizal say in his eulogy of the Ramak? How should we honor this day? What should be our focus during these days leading into Tisha B'Av? What is the meaning of this…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What should our focus be during these days? 01:48 • What is the correct way to understand and experience the sadness of this time of year? 01:48 • How does the spiral of time work according to Jewish thought? 05:19 • How do we explain the Gemara “just as when Av begins one decreases in rejoicing, so too when Adar begins, one increases in rejoicing”?…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: How do we transform this period of the three weeks into geulah? 00:54250th anniversary of July 4th • How did the Rebbe connect July 4th with his arrival to America? 07:50 • Is there an explanation why July 4th 1776 was the 17th of Tammuz? 12:09 • How about the divine providence of Founding Fathers Adams and Jefferson both dying on July 4th? 15:38 •…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Gimmel Tammuz – 99 years: What does this day teach us? What is the underlying power and message of this liberation for our times? What maamorim did the Frierdiker Rebbe deliver on the days of his geulah, and what are their lessons for today? Is there a comparison between Rashbi and Reb Elozor and the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe? What do we…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Beis Tammuz – 99 years: What does this day teach us? What happened on this day and what lessons does it offer us today? Why does the celebration of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s liberation extend for two days – 12-13 Tammuz? Why is this month named after a Babylonian idol? What is the spiritual energy of this month? Is there a connection between the…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 29 Tammuz: The bridge between 28 Sivan and 3 Tammuz What should be our focus as we move from the third to the fourth month? How do we reconcile Gimmel Tammuz with the Rebbe telling us about the imminence of Moshiach’s coming? Ad mosai – how much longer must we wait for the geulah? Did the Rebbe make any statements that implied Gimmel Tammuz was…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Ches Sivan – 85 years: What lessons does this day teach us? What is the historic, spiritual and cosmic significance of the Rebbe coming to America? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? "Send them if you wish": Why did G-d leave the decision to Moshe, and what does it teach us about life's choices?…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 15 Sivan What is the significance of this day? What events happened with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin during the arrest on this day in 1927? What lessons do we learn from the word behaalotecho – raising the flame until it rises on its own? What is the deeper meaning behind Moshe’s words “where will I find meat”? If Moshe transcended physical meat, how…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our primary focus during these days following Shavuos? How do we integrate and internalize Torah into our lives? What is the appropriate way to learn Torah? Where do you begin? How important is it to understand what you’re learning? How can the study be inspiring and dynamic? Where do you begin? What are the axioms and underlying…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Rosh Chodesh Sivan What is the unique power of this day? What does “like one person, with one heart” mean? What’s the most important way to prepare for Matan Torah? It’s gratifying to see that Rabbis in Jerusalem reacted to your program last week, warning against harassment. What are we celebrating on Shavuos? What is the historic and cosmic…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Bamidbar What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? What is the connection between Bamidbar and Matan Torah on Shavuos? If the Torah was given in the desert to show that nobody can claim ownership of it, how can the Jewish nation claim exclusive ownership of the Torah? Is the Torah only for Jews? What is the…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 16 Iyar Why don’t we recite the Parsha about Manna every day, as well as the Ten Commandments, like we do the Parsha of the Akeidah, as stated in Shulchan Aruch? What is the significance of this special day? How could the students of Rabbi Akiva not respect each other to the point of it causing a plague? Why don’t we see such harsh consequences…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to this Omer period How does refinement of our characters reflect the unique power of being a Jew? What is the best response to adversity and hatred? How do you celebrate the beauty of your soul while recognizing the despicable toxins of your selfish body? Lessons from Tanya chapter 31. How do we apply Netzach, this week’s…
Beis Iyar • How do we apply l’chatchila ariber in our lives? 01:30 Acharei-Kedoshim • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 13:04 • Is there a connection between these two chapters? 19:20 • How do I sanctify my life? 17:40 • What was wrong with Nadav and Avihu’s behavior? 19:28 Tazria-Metzora • What is the relevance of the spiritual maladies in these…
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?…
Topics: Nissan, Miracles and Iran What can we expect in this month of Nissan, a month of miracles and redemption? 06:57 Are there parallels between the redemption from Egypt and today’s battles? 04:50 How do Pesach and Mitzrayim reveal the inside story of history in general, and specifically the current war against Iran? 22:35 What is the connection to the month of Nissan? 12:30 What is the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Episode 580 When: Sunday, February 8, 8:00PM ET For 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?…
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…
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…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What is unique about the month of Kislev, and what lessons does it offer us? Yud Tes Kislev Why is this day the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus? Why was Chassidus revealed in the later generations? What is the difference between “before Petersburg” and “after Petersburg”? What do we learn from this day? Why was there a heavenly accusation against the…
What is unique about the month of Kislev, and what lessons does it offer us? Yud Kislev What do we learn from this day? What distinguishes the liberations of the Mitteler Rebbe’s on Yud Kislev and the Alter Rebbe on Yud Tes Kislev? How are these differences connected to chochmah and binah? Do we know why this day is not celebrated with the same level of festivities as the 19th of Kislev? Can you…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Kislev Why is it called the month of geulah? What message does this month teach us in our personal lives? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? What is the personal application of Vayetzei Yaakov? What is represented by Jacob’s ladder and the angels ascending and descending? Why is prayer compared to a…
MyLife 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: Shluchim conference • Why did the Rebbe institute the annual Kinus HaShluchim? • What can we all learn from it? • What is the meaning of shlichus? • How did the Rebbe connect the shluchim…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Cheshvan What is the unique energy of this time period? Who was the Rebbe Rashab named after? What is the significance of this name, and how does it reflect the work of the Rebbe Rashab? What lessons do we learn from the Rebbe Rashab for our times? Did the Rebbe Rashab pick the souls of all the students of Tomchei Tmimim? Why did he refer to…
MyLife 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: Vayeira • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 05:25 • Can you explain the story of the Rebbe Rashab crying as a child why Hashem doesn’t…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Post Holidays Follow-Up What should be the focus of our work during these first days of Cheshvan? Why do the revelations of Tishrei, specifically on Shemini Atzeres, give birth only on Pesach? And if that’s the case, what does our avodah entail during these months? Can MarCheshvan also mean Gmar Cheshvan? Why the need for Tohu? Why does G-d…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Post Holidays What should be the focus of our work during these last days of Tishrei? What is the meaning of the V’Yaakov holach l’darko announcement after the Tishrei holidays? Why is this next month called MarCheshvan, mar meaning “bitter”? Can mar be interpreted as “master”? What are your thoughts on the over-consumption of alcohol on Simchas…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Gimmel Tishrei What was unique about the Rebbe Maharash? How did the Rebbe explain (on 13 Tishrei 5740) the words of the Baal HaHilula: “Now we have to go visit my father and hear what is happening? What practical lessons can we learn from the Rebbe Maharash? Does a Rebbe ever "leave" us? How could such an atrocity happen on the day when G-d’s…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Vav Tishrei Any recollections of Vav Tishrei 5725? Why did the Rebbe honor his mother by explaining Rashi’s commentary on the parsha? Can you tell a story about the Rebbe’s mother to inspire us as we head into Yom Kippur? Why is this the holiest day of the year? What is the personal significance of this day? Does G-d need to “atone” for suffering…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Why does Rosh Hashana offer us new opportunities and possibilities? Erev Rosh Hashana • Why is it customary to visit the gravesite of the righteous before Rosh Hashana? • Please describe how to write a letter to the Rebbe at the Ohel. Or do you write to G-d in merit of the Rebbe? • What is the connection to the Tzemach Tzedek’s birthday on Erev…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Preparing for the New Year • What should be our focus during these last days of Elul? • What do we learn from the creation of the universe on the 25th of Elul? • Looking back at 5785 can we say it was a good year? • How can we prepare for the New Year if we feel empty and alone due to family separations? • Can a person prepare for the New Year…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus as we begin the third week of Elul? What is unique about the month of Elul? Why is the entire month of Elul not a holiday due to the revelation of the Divine compassion during this month? Why does Elul include V’Dodi Li (from above), which seems to be primarily during the holidays in Tishrei? Why am I not seeing the…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus as we begin the second week of Elul? How can Elul practically help us in our daily struggles? Since we can do teshuva in the “blink of an eye” why do we need thirty days of Elul and ten days of teshuva? How do we apply the Alter Rebbe’s example of the “king in the field” in our daily lives? What did the Rebbe add to this…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus as we begin the month of Elul? What is unique about this month? What journey did Moshe take on Rosh Chodesh Elul? How do we recreate that journey in our lives? Why does the name Elul, adopted from Babylonian, carry so much weight? Is there a connection between Elul and hilula? What are the thirteen divine attributes of…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our focus as we move from the month of Av into the month of Elul? How does the Jewish calendar mirror our life cycles? How does it help us navigate the ups and downs of our lives? How do we apply the acronym of Elul in our personal lives? What is the significance of the rose in the verse I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me, he…
MyLife 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: What should be our focus as we go forward from the 15th of Av? • What is the significance and the virtue of the nights getting longer? 02:02 • What do we learn from the full moon – when it…
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Tisha B’Av How does this day capture the paradox of a Jew? Why are we still grieving? What is the healthy way of mourning over loss while not being defined by it? Should the main focus of this day be the sadness and grief over the destruction of the Holy Temple, or should it be the joy and happiness that the third Temple will…
