Mylife: Chassidus Applied

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Lessons from Beis NissanWhat was the most important contribution the Rebbe Rashab made to Chassidus and what can we learn from it to improve our lives? Chassidus applied to MetzoraWhat lessons do we learn from this week’s Torah chapter? Is quarantine the perfect punishment for gossiping? What benefits are there in quarantining? Tazria Follow-up: Isn’t conception tangential to the continuing verses? What do we learn from that? Lessons from Shabbos HaGadol: What personal lessons do we learn from this Shabbos? The Miracles of Nissan:What type of miracles happen this month? Are we to expect miracles to occur now as they did during the exodus from Egypt? What can we do about the recent terrorist attacks in Israel? How can I guide my son struggling with gender issues? Is there anything I can do to repair a relationship with an estranged child? Why is it so difficult to find mashpia to speak with? Chassidus question: What is the meaning of the b

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 Tazria and HaChodesh         o What lessons do we learn from this week’s Torah chapters? 2:02        o Is it possible to achieve renewal in our lives? 05:02        o What can we learn from people with tzaras leprosy being forced to quarantine? 09:04        o Why was it considered a good tiding if someone's house had leprosy? 12:09 • Shemini Follow-up:         o Did Nadav and Avihu sin or did they sanctify G-d as ones who were “close” to Him”? 14:16  

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: How does Purim help us endure and ultimately transform darkness to light? Chassidus applied to Shemini and ParahWhat does the number eight signify and what is its connection to this time of year? Why do we read Parah this week and what is its lesson for us? Why did a continuous fire burn upon the altar; isn’t that a waste of resources? Follow-up: PurimIs there anything to be learned today from the Rebbe declaring “hurrah” Purim 5713? Can we place a curse on the Russians? Can we learn from Haman that humiliation is the beginning of his downfall? If we wear sackcloth and pour ashes on our heads like Mordechai did, will that inspire Hashem to annul the decree and end the war in Ukraine? What's the connection between the king awaking from his sleep and our prayers “awakening” G-d in golus? How can we take advantage of Purim’s kol ha’poshet yad noisnim lo (anyone who stretches out his hand should be given) to receive G-d's blessings? Should I feel guilty that

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Personal thank you Transformation of darkness to light What can Purim teach us about the war in Ukraine today?Is it a sign that Moshiach is coming when nations are at war? Are there similarities between the Jews in Persia and Ukraine? What are we to do when we witness such battles? What did the Rebbe say in 1983 about nations in conflict? How are we to see these events in context of the Rebbe’s words over 30 years ago about the bloodless fall of the Soviet Union? Letter from Kharkiv: How can we increase in joy during the month of Adar with a war raging in our city? Should we cancel Purim this year in solidarity with the Ukranian Jews? When leaders attack others is it by their free will or is it ordained from above? More about the war in UkraineShould we be taking sides in this war? Should we be pacifying or fighting the aggressor? Are Ukrainians being punished for their crimes? Should Jews be escaping Ukraine? Is that consistent with what the Rebbe sai

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to the Book of Shemos and the MishkanWhy is it called the Book of Redemption? What is the connection between the Egyptian Exodus, Sinai and the Sanctuary? If the main purpose of creation is to reveal the divine presence in each of us, why do we need to have a centralized temple in Jerusalem? What were the cherubim on top of the holy ark and what was their purpose? And what replacements do we have for them today? Were the donations to the tabernacle an atonement for the golden calf? Lessons from Vayakhel and ShekalimWhat do we learn from this chapter? The power of synergy Does community compromise individuality? What do we learn from Shekalim? Is the recent new development making the library manuscripts available to the public a form of “splurging the treasures”? Who should we support in a war between Russia and Ukraine? Is it appropriate to name someone after an abuser or a criminal? How should we address

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Ki Tissa  What do we learn from this chapter?  How do we navigate life’s ups and downs and twists and turns? The Rebbe’s Sicha 30 years ago this week  Is there a connection between the golden calf and the giant bull sculpture on Wall Street which symbolizes money and greed?   If the 13 attributes of mercy say G-d is slow to anger, why was G-d so quick to anger at when He saw people building and worshipping a golden calf?  What is the significance of Moshe’s mask?  Does it have any connection to the masks we wear on Purim?  Why was it necessary to make a second set of tablets instead of just repairing the first broken set?  Purim Katan  Did the original Purim happen in a leap year, and if so was it in the first or second Adar?  What are some of the customs we do on Purim Katan?  Is there a connection between a leap year, called a “pregnant” year (shana m’ueberes) and women having childr

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: • Chassidus Applied to Tetzaveh         o What do we learn from this chapter? 01:55        o What can we do today as a substitute for the rituals in the temple? 09:39        o What was the tzitz that the kohen gadol wore on his forehead? 13:26        o Is there a connection between the tzitz and tzitzis we wear? 14:45 • Adar/7 Adar 05:20        o Did the Rebbe once say that by increasing in simcha sixty fold during these two months of   Adar all negativity will be nullified, batel b'shishim? 17:10        o How do you measure your growth in happiness? 22:29        o How did Haman know that Moshe passed away on the 7th of Adar? 26:56 • How should we respond to the claims that the Holocaust was not racist? 33:18 • Is Judaism a race or a

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Adar IWhat is the significance of this year being a leap year, with two months of Adar? What do we learn from a leap year? Why is Adar the extra month? Did the Rebbe ever say that a leap year is a propitious time and has more opportunities for Moshiach to come? In this month when it’s favorable to go to a din-Torah, can we take G-d to a din-Torah to bring Moshiach? Lessons from TerumahHow do we build a mishkan in our lives today? Why can’t we have a temporary sanctuary until the Third Temple is rebuilt? What was the showbread in the Mishkan? What is its substitute today? Does praying toward the north bring us wealth? Follow-up: 22 Shevat – How do we repay the Rebbe for all he did and does for us? Is there a connection between Mrs. Lapine’s murder 30 years ago this week and the Rebbe’s stroke three weeks later? Did the feminist movement kill femininity? How should we address the rece

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 22 ShevatWhat do we learn from this day? What is the deeper meaning and significance of the name “Chaya Mushka”? What changes and new things did the Rebbe institute after 22 Shevat? Is it significant that the Rebbe and Rebbetzin had the same first names as the Tzemach Tzedek and his Rebbetzin? What is the Rebbetzin most famous for, besides being the Rebbe’s wife? Years ago the Rebbe told someone that he would be forever grateful for a favor they did for the Rebbetzin. Is it disrespectful to ask the Rebbe to repay this favor now? Is it appropriate to display the Rebbetzin’s photo? What are some practical things we can do to honor the Rebbetzin on her yahrzeit? Lessons from MishpatimIs logic logical? What can we learn from the connection of the rational laws to Sinai? Why did it take 40 days and 40 nights to r

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 15 ShevatWhat do we learn from trees? Should we water our plants on the Rosh Hashana of Trees? Lessons from YisroWhat is the relevance of Sinai today? Why was the Torah given in a way that frightened the people? How do we reconcile the Jews accepting the Torah without question, and then trembling when they heard G-d's voice? Did we receive the entire Torah at Sinai or only the Ten Commandments? Is there a connection between Yisro advising Moshe to delegate and the Rebbe sending out thousands of shluchim? Yud Shevat follow-upDuring the Yud Shevat Farbrengen 5711, did someone ask the rebbe to say a maamar? What’s the story about the newspaper announcing the Rebbe’s assuming leadership? What is the shechina? And how can it be concealed? What can we learn from yesterday’s hostage crisis in Texas? Do these things happen to elicit

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Yud ShevatWhat is the primary chiddush in this year's chapter 12 of Basi L’Gani? What does the Rebbe add in his maamorim of 5722 and 5742? What lessons do we learn from this discourse and its chapter 12? What deep hidden treasure is given to us? In the Basi L’Gani maamer is the Frierdiker Rebbe not just hinting but overtly saying that Moshiach will come in the 7th generation? Please explain the concept of shtus d’kedusha What is your favorite maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe? Did the Frierdiker Rebbe ever indicate who should be his successor? What was going on in the community during that year until the Rebbe officially accepted the leadership? What is shovavim and is it our community's custom to honor it? Did the Rebbe once say the month of Shvat is an acronym of 

Torah Perspective on Such a TravestyWhat should be our overall response? Why would G-d allow an individual who would commit such heinous crimes to reach such a high position of power and influence within the religious public, and especially over the innocent hearts and minds of children? How do we deal with such a mass betrayal? Who comes first: perpetrator or victim? Can we assume his absolute guilt? Where do you draw the line between assuming someone’s innocence and judging people favorably and the danger they pose and the damage they may cause others? If someone harmed people, but also helped others, does one negate the other? How do I deal with my deep feelings of betrayal and internal conflict: On one hand I grew up and was shaped by his books. Yet, I cannot look at his books knowing what kind of double life he led, and the countless people he harmed? Do we have the right to judge another? Is there hope for a

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VaeirahWhat can we learn from this week’s parsha about our own challenges? Why did G-d reveal the name Havaya to Moshe and not to the Patriarchs? How could Moshe just walk into Pharoah’s palace? Lessons from 24 TevesWhat is the significance of this day and what does it teach us? What did the Alter Rebbe know about the founding of the USA which happened in his time? Why was it important that the Alter Rebbe was a new soul? Why can’t we sing the Alter Rebbe’s niggun any time we wish? Did the Alter Rebbe write another book called Sefer Shel Tzaddikim? Does a mashpia have to care for his mushpa? Can a rov ever go bad, and if he does, how can you know and what can you do? Follow-upDo I pursue intellectual truth no matter where it may lead me, even if that causes me to leave yiddishkeit? When Moshe killed the Egyptian&nbs

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to ShemosWhat personal lessons do we learn from the story of the Egyptian exile and redemption? Why do we need to read about all the painful details of the Jews suffering and affliction? How did Moshe find out he was Jewish? Who were the two Jewish men that saw Moshe kill the Egyptian, and why would they report him? Why were some wicked people, like Dasan and Aviram, fortunate to have their names and lineage mentioned in the Torah? What is the significance of G-d talking to Moshe from the burning bush? Why was Moshe commanded to take off his sandals before approaching the burning bush? Was the Egyptian redemption initiated from above, and will the future redemption be different? What are some practical examples of how we can express bitachon in our everyday lives? Lessons from 20 Teves: What is the significance of this day&nb

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VayechiWhy is the chapter about Yaakov’s passing called “and Yaakov lived”? Why did Yaakov send Yehuda to Egypt to set up a yeshiva – don’t parents do this for their children, rather than the other way around? If Yaakov was not allowed to reveal the time of Moshiach’s coming, why did the Rebbe reveal it? Why was Yosef not buried in Israel like his father Yaakov? How many tribes are there – twelve or thirteen? Was Yosef superior to his brothers? Lessons from Asarah b’TevesWhat is the significance of this fast day and what does it teach us? Why is the writing of the Septuagint on this day considered a bad thing? Hei TevesDoes the ruling mean that every Chassid has part ownership of the books? Should we forgive those that stole the books? Is it better to give $10 to one cause or $1 to 10 causes? Follow-upChanukah Dr. Feldman Sholom BayisWith the Rebbe discouraging family planning, how shoul

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Zos ChanukahWhy is it called by that name and what is its significance? Since we increase in light each night, why do we stop at eight? What's special about the eighth candle that it's light endures for the entire year? Chanukah discourses compare the dedication of the altar to the extra support we give a child to launch their education. How does this apply to a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect: how can they gather strength to be productive? Does the precedence of a Shabbat candle over a Chanukah candle indicate that a natural flame is greater than a miraculous one? Why do Hillel and Shammai disagree according to the explanation that they lit one eighth of the oil each day? Were the Chashmanayim righteous people or murderous mutineers who usurped the kingdom that belonged to Judah? Why don’t we emphasize the vital rol

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to ChanukahWhy do the Chanukah lights endure, while the Temple Menorah did not? Why do we light eight candles, at night, facing outside, unlike the Temple Menorah? What does Chanukah teach us today? What is the connection with us being lamplighters and Chanukah? Is the oil of Chanukah related to Chassidus? Why do we celebrate the zealotry of the Maccabees? Is there anything wrong with giving Chanukah presents? Is religion stopping frum Jews from contributing to society (a modern Hellenist claim)? Lessons from MiketzWhy did Joseph have to torment his brothers with an elaborate scheme and not just reunite with them and his father? Can Pharaoh’s dreams about the seven cows and seven stalks of wheat be interpreted to relate to the seven generations of Chabad and the subsequent time after Gimmel Tammuz? Why did Joseph have to suffer so

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Tes Kislev  What is the most important lesson we can learn from the Alter Rebbe’s imprisonment and redemption in our daily lives?  Since Chassidus empowers and heals our souls, why was it not given earlier?  How could have heavenly angels mistakenly opposed the revelation of Chassidus?  How was the Alter Rebbe’s spreading of Chassidus different than that of his predecessors?   Why did other Jewish communities see the Alter Rebbe’s work as an existential threat to Judaism? And did they ever apologize to him afterward?   How do we explain Reb Shmuel Munkes’ words to the Alter Rebbe before he was arrested “if you’re a Rebbe no harm will come to you:” 1) Didn’t the Alter Rebbe know this on his own? 2) We see that true tzaddikim were harmed throughout history?  What is the comparison of Yud Tes Kislev to Yetziyas Mitzrayim?   Is their significance in Yud Tes Kislev leading right into Chanukah?  W

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Kislev  What is the significance of this day and what can we learn from it?  How is the geulah of the Mitteler Rebbe different than that of the Alter Rebbe?  Lessons from Vayishlach  How does the theme of this parsha play itself out in history, and especially in our lives today?  What do we learn from Yaakov’s confrontation with Esau?  Why did Yaakov prepare for war with Esau and not trust that G-d would protect him?  If Yaakov kept all 613 commandments, how could he marry two sisters, which is clearly against Torah law?    What is the significance of Yaakov’s name being changed to Yisrael? Why didn't his parents give him that name?   If a child’s name is determined by parents who have a mini-prophecy, why does G-d sometimes change a name?   Why did the angel wrestle with Yaakov and injure his hip?  Can it be said that Reuven is worse than Esau?   Was Dinah in any way at

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Tes Kislev  What was the unique contribution of the Mitteler Rebbe and what can we learn from it?   Where can I find more of your approach on applying the Torah to our personal lives?  Lessons from Vayeitzei  How do we apply Jacob’s journey to our personal lives?  Why were the matriarchs barren?  What is the significance of dreams?  Why was Jacob’s marriage to Leah valid when it was a result of deception?  Why do some people say Yankov and not Yaakov?  Was it disrespectful for Yaakov to sleep on the holy ground that would house the Holy Temple?  Who were Bilha and Zilpa?  Should we support the new Mayor-elect Eric Adams?   Toldos follow-up:  Why was Yitzchak’s prayer for children accepted and not Rivkah’s?  What right did Esau have to be angry at Yaakov?  What should I do about my husband who no longer finds me appealing?  How to navigate a difficult marriage?&