Mylife: Chassidus Applied

Chassidus Applied to 15 Elul – 125th anniversary of the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei TemimimWhat is the significance and contribution of Tomchei Temimim? What was the Rebbe Rashab's goal with creating the Yeshiva, and did he succeed? I was in Tomchei Temimim throughout my life, but I struggle with what I'm supposed to stand for. What are some of the advantages, and the spiritual and physical responsibilities, of a Tamim? Chai ElulWhat is the significance of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe both being born on the 18th of Elul? Would it be fair to say Chai Elul gives life to the entire month? What is novel about the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe? What do they have in common and how do they differ? What is the difference between Chabad and other types of chassidus and is any one more aligned than another with the Baal Shem Tov’s approach? Why are there no chiddushim on shas from the Baal Shem Tov? What can we learn from the Baal Shem Tov going into the forest to daven and meditate? Ar

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to the Month of ElulWhat is special about this month and how can we tap into its energy? How can we apply the work of Elul to our personal mission in life? Why do we say L'Dovid Hashem Ori starting Rosh Chodesh Elul? Why is it customary to check tefillin and mezuzas during Elul? Are we allowed to start praying for the new year in Elul? Are there things we are not allowed to pray for? What are the thirteen attributes of Divine compassion?What are practical ways we can benefit from the revelation of the 13 attributes in Elul? How can we access them? Where can we meet the “king in the field” – do we need an actual field? What is the correlation between having a beard and the 13 attributes of compassion? Can women and those without a beard access these attributes? What's the difference between the 13 attributes that Hashem told Moshe and the 13 attributes revealed to the prophet Micha? How were you able to remain composed wh

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should we be doing during the month of Elul?What is special about this month? Why is G-d compared to the “king in the field”? What are good middle ground resolutions for the new year that neither overreach nor underestimate our abilities? If G-d is more approachable in Elul, when He is like “the king in the field,” does that mean that He is less approachable the rest of the year? How can we practically experience renewal in the new year? Chassidus Applied to ShoftimWhat exactly is justice that we are obligated to pursue? Why were people killed for worshiping idols? Why is such foolishness taken so seriously? Is the Torah supportive of a monarchy? Lessons from Eikev and Re’ehWhy does the Rebbe quote "Aini Hashem Elokecha..." as proof that G-d is protecting the Land of Israel, when Rashi explains that this may include good or bad decrees? Why does G-d need us to bless Him? Since the Torah takes such care not to say anything negative, wh

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What life lessons do we learn from the transition of the month of Av to the month of Elul? Chassidus Applied to Re’eh and its connection to this time of the yearWhat is the meaning of curses in the Torah? If they are truly blessings why are they expressed in negative terms? Why were the people obligated to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year? And what can we do today to connect and draw down similar energies? What is a nisayon (test), and what is its purpose? How does it elevate the Divine sparks? And how does it increase one’s perception (daas)? What does it mean that G-d never gives someone a problem they can't handle? Preparing for ElulDoes the “king in the field” manifest in physical ways? How would you explain repentance to someone who is not that familiar with the concept, and how can we practically implement it? Can you provide a fresh perspective on the high holidays? Rebuilding the Beis HamikdashWhy don't the sages use posi

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to the days following Tisha B’AvHow do we rebuild after loss? Lessons from Chof AvWhat is the significance of this day? And what is the best way to honor it? What is appropriate conduct and proper mindset for a Chabad chossid going to Alma Ata? What is expected of us during the second half of Av?Why did they break the axe after finishing cutting the wood on the 15th of Av – isn’t that wasteful baal tashchis? Why was the tribe of Benjamin allowed to rejoin the community on the 15th of Av after their heinous crime? Which day is the happiest day of the year? What can we do during the two last weeks in the month of Av to get a head start on our work in Elul? May I ask you to sing a niggun? Should we be worried that if we turn away from Torah and mitzvos and turn to idolatry that Hashem won't be able to take us back because we have "married" someone else? Why isn’t there more discussion about Ahavas Yisroel in Shulchan Aruch?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Tisha B’Av nidcheWhat is the significance of Tisha B’Av being pushed off a day due to Shabbos? How do we reconcile the negative and positive elements in sadness? If the energy of a day is recreated each year on that day, why do we fast on the next day? Why do we need the Holy Temple when we draw down the Divine through our prayers? Why is the Beis Hamikdash such a central component of the Geulah? Why do we assume that life with the Third Temple will be better than it was during the first two Temples? After all the work that great men and women did over the generations, how can our sages say that a generation that didn't rebuild the temple is considered as if it destroyed it? What is the meaning of the verse Tzion b’mishpat t’podeh v’shaveha b'tzedaka? How exactly does learning about the Beis Hamikdash cause it to be recreated? When will the attacks in Israel ever end? How to avoid giving up after many disappointments? Chassidus App

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to the Three Weeks and Nine DaysWhat life lessons do we learn from this sad period? What does this time teach us about navigating the cycles of our own lives? If we believe that everything Hashem does is for the good, why do we mourn during the Three Weeks and Nine Days? Wouldn’t it make more sense to increase in joy during these days to break through and counteract the negative events? Why are we prohibited from swimming during the Nine Days? Is it correct that the Rebbe opposed commemorating Yom HaShoah during the month of Nissan and that he preferred that it would be during the 3 weeks or 9 days? What’s so special about the Holy Temple that we study about it during this time? Is it appropriate to watch holocaust movies on Tisha B'Av or the 9 days? And is it okay to watch movies that illustrate important lessons? Chassidus Applied to Matos-MasseiHow do I find relevance in everything the Torah says? How do we explain all k

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 17 Tammuz NidcheWhat does this day teach us? What can we learn from the nidche? If Judaism doesn't believe in collective punishment, why do we fast and do teshuva for the sins of our fathers? How are the Three Weeks relevant today? Chassidus Applied to PinchasWhy was Pinchas granted the covenant of peace for his act of zealousness? Why did G-d wait until the daughters of Tzelofchad complained about not having an inheritance before writing new inheritance laws into the Torah for them? How should we react to new astronomical discoveries?How large is the universe according to the Torah? Why did G-d create the multitude of galaxies? Doesn’t this render the Earth as nothing but a puff of a speck in the universe without much importance? Do these findings prove that the universe is billions of years old? Can we go on a hunger strike until G-d sends us Moshiach? What can I do about my addiction to TV? What was the Rebbe’s intention

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 12-13 Tammuz – 95 years laterWhat does this day teach us? Can we learn anything from this liberation regarding the situation in Russia today? Chassidus Applied to BalakWhat do we learn from this chapter? Why was enticing the Jews into lascivious behavior the only way to hurt them? What was the messianic prophecy of Balaam and how is it relevant to us today? What was the sin of Baal Peor and how does it apply today? Was Pinchas spearing Cozbi through her stomach a primordial form of abortion? Chassidus Applied to ChukasDo the suprarational chukim come from a higher spiritual source? What right did we have to enter the land of Canaan and murder men women and children and steal their land? What is the “song of the well”? Can you please comment on the passing of Dr. Zelenko? Gimmel Tammuz follow-up: What should we be doing other than what we have already done for the past 30 years? What is a Lubavitcher? July 4th foll

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Post-Gimmel TammuzHow should we describe this day? How do we connect to the Rebbe today? Is it correct to say that one of the central themes in the Rebbe's teachings was not resting on one's laurels? Is Techiyas Ha’Maysim only in the hands of G-d, or can scientists figure out a way to regenerate DNA and bring people back to life? Can you give a short synopsis and explain the significance of the V'atah Tetzaveh maamar, the last one the Rebbe edited and distributed? Chassidus Applied to ChukasWhat do we learn from this chapter? What is the significance of a chuka and why is it engraved in us? Why was Moshe not supposed to hit the rock when the first time he was told to do just that? What should be our reaction and attitude to the reversal of Roe v. Wade? Why are secular studies not taught in our Yeshivos as it is taught in other schools? Chassidus question: If the tzimtzum is also part of Hashems “essential abilities”

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 28 Sivan and 3 TammuzWhy was the Rebbe’s coming to America a watershed event? What does Gimmel Tammuz mean to us today? 28 years have passed since Gimmel Tammuz. How much longer do we have to wait? What can I do about my feelings of disappointment in the Rebbe? Why can’t we unite and directly address our post-Gimmel Tammuz challenges? If prayers are not answered, how can we continue to trust G-d? If the Rebbe’s promises did not get fulfilled, how can we continue to trust that they will be fulfilled in the future? Is it possible that since we did not have the right mindset to bring Moshiach, we will not merit to see it, like the scouts who did not enter the Promised Land? Is Moshiach only a mindset but not an actual event? Chassidus applied to KorachDid Karl Marx borrow ideas from Korach who said if everyone is equal why are some people higher than others? Why was Korach wrong? Why are secular studies not taught in Yeshiva?

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: • Chassidus Applied to Shelach        o Why did Moshe send scouts? 02:20       o What mistake did the scouts make and what can we learn from it? 03:30       o Why were scouts sent if G-d promised us he would give us the land? 07:58       o Are we supposed to rely on G-d or on our own resources? 11:00       o Who were the maapilim? Why were they punished for taking the initiative and trying to enter Israel? 15:39 • What are the Rebbe’s directives for the summer? 19:49 •  How important is it to be with friend

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Post ShavuosHow do we maintain inspiration after the initial spark dissipates? If G-d gave every Jew the Torah for free, why are yeshiva tuitions so expensive? What positive changes can I expect now that I have finally counted Sefira all 49 days with a brocha? What do we learn from the seven days of tashlumin? Chassidus Applied to BehaalotechaWhat do we learn from lighting the Menorah in a way that the “flames rise on their own”? Why were the Levites commanded to shave off all their hair? How about their beards? Why did the Jews complain about the manna – the perfect food? Who were Eldad and Medad? Why was Miriam punished for criticizing Moshe? Is there a connection between Miriam waiting seven days and the mikveh? Is it appropriate for schools to have their children solicit their families for a fundraising campaign? Why are people so opposed to the government requiring yeshivas to teach more secular studies? Chassidus ques

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What can Sinai teach us about the horrific shooting of innocent children in Texas? What is missing in our education system that can help prevent wanton violence? Chassidus Applied to Bamidbar and ShavuosWhy do we read Parshas Bamidbar before Mattan Torah? Who owns the Torah? What is right way of receiving and learning Torah? What is the significance of the Torah being given on Mount Sinai? How do we reconcile the census of the Jewish people with the teaching that we are not supposed to count people? What exact parts of Torah were given at Sinai? How did the Jews oversleep the night before Mattan Torah? Why is the 50th level of impurity considered a point of no return when we have a concept in torah that anyone can do immediate teshuva? Why do we eat dairy on this holiday? Why don't we read from the Torah every day? What's the difference between a hidden blessing and a revealed blessing? And why would anyone want a hidden bles

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to BechukoseiDoes Torah provide us with a better and healthier life? What is the function of chukim (supra-rational) mitzvos, and what is its connection with engraving (chakikah)? Is Halacha (Jewish law) rigid and inflexible? How do you avoid being a “mechanical” Jew, preforming mitzvos robotically? Why are there curses in the Torah? Is Hashem breaking His promise to us every day Moshiach doesn’t come? Is tithing just like paying taxes? How can we assure that our prayers get answered? Is there a secret prayer that is like a master key to open up the heavenly doors? What is the significance of the Ono B’Koach prayer and why do we say it when we count the Omer? What is the meaning of the few paragraphs we say after counting the Omer? Why do we say “L’Omer” and not “B’Omer”? Lag B’OmerWhat is the significance of Lag B’Omer being hod within hod? Why isn’t the burial place of Rashbi unknown to us like that of Moshe’s? Why do we li

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Pesach SheniWhat personal message does this day offer us? How can we say that “it’s never too late” when there are mistakes that cannot be reversed or corrected? If it's truly never too late, why isn't there a Pesach Shlishi, Riviei, etc.? Did the Rebbe ever say that Pesach Sheni is an opportune time for Moshiach to come? Lessons from 13 Iyar: 70th yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s brother, Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib Chassidus Applied to Lag B’OmerWhat is its personal relevance to us? Is there a connection between this day and Moshiach? Why is there a custom to use a bow and arrow on this day? Are any of its rituals taken from non-Jewish sources? Students of Rabbi Akiva:Why do we cease mourning on Lag B’Omer and on the other hand, we don’t make weddings after Lag B’Omer? What lessons do we learn today from the students of Rabbi Akiva dying during this time due to disrespecting each other? When people disrespect each other today does it hav

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What can we do about the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel? Chassidus Applied to EmorWhy does the Torah discriminate against handicapped Kohanim by not allowing them to bring an offering? How do we explain seemingly harsh attitudes in the Torah, called a Torah of love and kindness? What do we learn from the Torah about sensitivity to others, especially the less fortunate? Why is it forbidden to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day? What is the story with the son of Shlomit? Why was he so mistreated by the tribe of Dan not allowing him to camp with them? Why is blasphemy such a severe crime that warrants the death penalty? Is there ever a situation when we do not show unconditional love to a child? How about one who is behaving in a destructive and criminal way? OmerHow could they bring an Omer offering of barley on the second day of Pesach when barley is one of the grains forbidden on Pesach? Why don’t they announce the Omer co

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to the month of IyarWhat energy and message does this month contain? What are the different acronyms of Iyar? What is true health and true healing? Lessons from Parshas KedoshimWhat is holiness? How is it different than goodness? What does the Kedoshim add to all the many other verses where we are told to sanctify ourselves? How can a Torah observant Jew be obnoxious? Why is love the “entire Torah” when many mitzvos are between man and G-d? Is eating and sleeping l’shem shomayim a mitzva equal to mitzvos like tefillin, shabbos and kashrus, because it falls under kedoshim ti’hiyu? How can the Torah speak negatively about people when there is a prohibition of loshon hara? Will committing not to sacrifice our children to Moloch help us have children? What do we learn from pigul? How do I explain to my children why we can't attend a Yom Ha’atzmaut event? How do I honor my mother who just passed away? Why isn’t music used more often in sh

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Post PassoverHow can we ensure that the lessons of Pesach are internalized and last throughout the year? Why do we call one of the four children a “rasha” when the Rebbe would always emphasize the pure soul in every person? Moshiach’s SeudahWhat is the significance of this meal on the last day of Pesach? Can we apply the process of leaving Mitzrayin followed by Moshiach’s Seudah at the end of the Yom tov to our own freedom from our personal traumas? Why did the Rebbeim not institute the drinking of a fifth cup in Moshiach’s seudah corresponding to Eliyahu’s cup? How do we explain Moshiach’a meal being done in Israel on the 7th day of Pesach? What lesson do we learn from the fact that during these weeks the Torah portion read outside of Israel is different than the one read in Israel? Lessons from Parshas Acharei and KedoshimWhat is the right way of experiencing divine passion without being hurt? Why can we pray anywhere when

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Alef Nissan – 120 YearsWhy are we honoring this day? Why should the Rebbe’s birthday matter to those that never heard of the Rebbe? What is the significance of the Rebbes 120th birthday if Gimmel Tammuz happened 28 years ago? How did the Rebbe change the world and what is his impact on my life today? How to deal with the challenges of the 21st century? What methods did the Rebbe teach in order to prosper without apathy? 13 Nissan – Tzemech Tzedek’s 156th Yahrzeit: Why did crying out Tzemech three times not bring the geulah? Chassidus applied to PesachHow do I deal with my wife’s OCD around Pesach? If the seder represents our celebration of freedom from slavery, why do we make a seder during golus when we are not entirely truly free yet until Moshiach comes? Why do we mention during the seder that we are descendants of slaves and idolaters when it is prohibited and insulting to remind a convert that he came fro