Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Rosh Chodesh Kislev  What is the significance of this day and can we learn from it?  What is the theme and energy of Kislev?  How to grow through setbacks?  What was the origin of the Kinus Hashluchim?   Lessons from Toldos  What can couples experiencing difficulties having children learn from Yitzchak and Rivkah?   What do we learn from the battle of Esau and Yaakov in Rivkah’s womb?  Why did Yaakov have to dress up as Esau in order to steal the blessings?  What justification is there for Yaakov to steal Esau’s blessings?  Why did only Rivkah, and not Yitzchak understand the status of Esau?  Why couldn’t Yitzchak correct himself and bless Esau with the brochos he mistakenly gave Yaakov?  Why was Yitzchak not spared the pain of seeing Esau become a wicked person as Abraham was by having him pass away earlier?  What was the yeshiva of Shem and Eiver?  Ways to find a shidduch – follow-up  Comments: The importance of asking questions  Women in the Torah  Why does the Torah rarely mention the girls in the families?  How should I respond to someone who criticizes the Torah for being a patriarchal system that keeps men in power?   Why don’t women wear a yarmulke?  Chassidus question: Based on the rule that the highest levels fall to the lowest ones, 1) why did Rivkah and Yaakov give up on Esau and not let him receive the blessings in the hope he would do teshuva? 2) Does this rule apply to the monsters in history as well, like Stalin? 

MyLife: Chassidus Applied

Ep. 377: What Can Couples Experiencing Difficulties Having Children Learn From Yitzchak and Rivkah?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Chof Cheshvan  What was unique about the Rebbe Rashab?  What do we learn from him and what is his significance to our lives today?  Are all the Rebbeim connected?  Did the Rebbe Rashab say that Tomchei Temimim would impact its students to live as Chassidim did 100 years back?  How do we reconcile the Frierdiker Rebbe saying that we should never expel a student from Tomchei Temimim with Sarah sending away Yishmael?  Lessons from Chayei Sarah   Who was Keturah?  Abraham losing 5 years of his life seems to indicate that this was pre-determined. Do we have free choice or is everything determined?  What defines true and enduring life?  Where are the ten lost tribes?  What should be our attitude to different claims about a people being from the ten lost tribes, as in the recent news about Hispaniola and the Igbo of Nigeria?  Will they return?  What can I do to improve my relationship with my parents?  How does one stay positive that Hashem has a bashert for them, after a long and trying dating process?  Follow-up: Lottery  Chassidus question: Please explain the concept that G-d recreates the world every moment 

Ep: 376: How Does One Stay Positive That G-d Has a Bashert for Them, After a Long and Trying Dating Process?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Vayeira  Why did G-d appear to Abraham and what does that teach us?  Why did Abraham turn away from G-d to greet guests? Doesn’t that seem rude?  Why would a benevolent G-d ask Abraham to kill his son? And why did Abraham comply without question?  Why do we teach our children this violent story?  How were the angels able to eat with Abraham when they are spiritual beings that don’t consume physical food?   Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would have a child at age 90?  Why did Abraham protest G-d's plan to destroy the evil city of Sodom?  Why was Lot saved?  Is the forecasted huge solar storm perhaps a sign of the sun being removed from its shield after Moshiach comes?   How much should one invest in lottery tickets?  Is there a guaranteed segulah that works in order to become wealthy?  What should be our attitude toward gambling?  How can I convince my friend to stop gambling away his money in casinos?  What should I do about discovering my father watching inappropriate content?  How do we distinguish between Taliban fundamentalism and l’havdil the “fundamentalism” described in the Torah?  Chassidus question: What is the experience of “taanug in Elokus” supposed to look or feel like? 

Ep. 375: How Much Should One Invest in Lottery Tickets?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Cheshvan What can I do when I feel down and unmotivated? At what point is it customary to stop wishing people a happy new year? Why is it called Marcheshvan? What is the significance and lesson of Zayin Cheshvan? Thinking about the First Temple being completed this month, I am wondering what is more important – the physical Temple or the temple of our homes? Noach follow-up Why did G-d have to command Noach to leave the ark? Were there kangaroos on Noach's ark? Was the entire earth flooded? Lessons from Lech Lecha Was Abraham truly a great man by historical standards? How is Abraham considered to be the first Jew if his mother was not Jewish? What is the significance of Hashem telling Abraham that in order to be successful and become a great nation he first must leave his father’s home and place of birth? If we feel uninspired, should we learn from Abraham and leave the place we are living? Shouldn't we discover Hashem on our own as Abraham did, instead of learning it from our parents and educators? Why was so Sarah so special? Didn’t she behave cruelly by insisting that Hagar and Yishmael be sent away? Why did Abraham hide Sarah in a box and what possible message does this have for us? What can we learn from their descent to Egypt? If Abraham kept the entire Torah why did he not circumcise himself until G-d commanded him to do so at age 99? Shemitah: Why does a sabbatical year cancel debts? Chassidus question: What is the divine chariot and what is its significance in our daily lives?

Ep. 374: If We Feel Uninspired, Should We Learn From Abraham and Relocate?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to the Post-Holiday Season and Cheshvan How do we maintain the inspiration? Can we bottle the energy of Simchas Torah? Why are there no holidays in Cheshvan? Why is it called Mar Cheshvan? Lessons from Bereishis Why doesn’t the Torah begin with Elokim barah bereshis? When were angels created? Is a soul a creation, or did souls always exist in the same manner that Torah and Hashem always existed? Why did Adam and Eve cover themselves after eating from the tree of knowledge? Why did G-d ask Adam “where are you?” Was it part of G-d’s plan that Adam and Eve sin in order to repair? And if so, why shouldn’t we sin for the same reason? Lessons from Noach On what grounds did Hashem have the “right” to destroy Noach’s generation with a flood? What did they do aboard the ark not to go crazy with cabin fever? Were there kangaroos on Noach’s ark? How was waste disposed of on the ark? What can we learn from the three floors in the ark? If the purpose of bringing animals into Noach’s ark was to prevent their extinction, why would G-d allow thousands of species from becoming extinct since? Why did G-d allow the consumption of meat after the flood? Sukkos Why do we say that it’s challenging to eat in a Sukkah when in Israel the weather is perfect that time of year? What is the origin of the Sukkos ushpizin? Chassidus question: Please explain the application of the Chet Etz HaDaas to our personal lives?

Ep. 373: How Do We Maintain Inspiration After the Holidays?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Lessons from Yud Gimmel Tishrei – 139th yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash What should we learn from the Rebbe Maharash? How does his life and leadership impact us? What is the connection between the Tzemech Tzedek being daas and “now let’s travel to father to hear what is doing”? Story: A Rebbe never leaves Chassidus applied to Sukkos What is the spiritual significance of eating in a sukkah? Why is Sukkos not in the spring after Pesach? Is there a connection between sukkah and mikveh, as both surround us completely? Why can a Sukkah be made of any materials you want, but the roof can only be made of materials that grow from the ground? Is the roof of the Sukkah more significant than its walls? Why is Chabad custom not to decorate the Sukkah? What is the meaning of the Gemara that in the future non-Jews will be tested with a Sukkah and they will refuse to sit in it because of the heat, and what is its message for us today? If Hashem wanted us to enjoy our time in the sukkah why did he create mosquitoes and bees to torment and ruin it for us? Why do we shake the Lulav? Why does an Esrog cost $100 when its cousin, the lemon, can be found in the supermarket for fifty cents? How do we justify price gouging? Why do we use an esrog from Italy instead of from Israel? What is Simchos Beis Hashoeiva and why did the Rebbe reinstitute this celebration? How can we control our diets during this holiday season with all its meals? Chassidus question: How does Chassidus explain Sukkos?

Ep. 372: A Rebbe Never Leaves: What Can We Learn From Yud Gimmel Tishrei About Life After Gimmel Tammuz?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Lessons from Vov Tishrei Why is respecting parents such a great mitzvah? What is the connection with the Ten Days of Teshuvah? Why did the Rebbe honor his mother by analyzing and explaining Rashi? What can we learn from 9/11?How crumbling structures lead to greater growth Chassidus applied to Yom Kippur Why is it the holiest day of the year? On the high holidays who serves as our lawyer to defend us in the heavenly court? Can we follow a Yom Kippur service via zoom? What is the connection between Yom Kippur and the golden calf? Why was only the kohen gadol allowed to enter the kodesh kadoshim and only on Yom Kippur? Who cleaned the Holy of Holies, and could they tell us what it looked like inside? How does throwing a goat off a cliff to its death atone for our sins? If Moshiach comes before Yom Kippur will we need to fast? Laws and customs Is it acceptable to ask forgiveness via social media? If all our actions are predetermined, why are we responsible to ask forgiveness for sins? What are the origins of the kapparot ritual? Why did the Rebbe distribute honey cake before Yom Kippur and how can we maintain this tradition after Gimmel Tammuz? Why do we wear a white tunic (kittel) on Yom Kippur? Why do we fast over 25 hours on Yom Kippur, when a day is only 24 hours? Why are marital relations forbidden on Yom Kippur? Is using a caffeine suppository on Yom Kippur cheating? Prayers Why is Al Cheit said in the plural? Why do we read the book of Jonah on Yom Kippur? If singing Napolean’s March signifies that we have won the war even before the battle has begun, why don’t we sing it at the beginning of the day, before Kol Nidrei? Chassidus question: What is the connection between Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av?

Ep. 371: Is It Acceptable to Ask Forgiveness via Social Media & Other Intriguing Yom Kippur Questions

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What can we learn from the heavy rains that fell as we prepare for Rosh Hashana? Chassidus applied to Rosh Hashana 5782 What are some things the Rebbe did Erev Rosh Hashana to prepare for a new year? Why does a king need to be coronated every year? What’s the best way to pray on Rosh Hashana for financial success and abundant parnassah? What can we learn from the story of the farm boy crying out ku-ko-reeku? What is your favorite Rosh Hashana maamar? Shofar What is the reason for the different shofar sounds? If someone doesn’t have a shofar on Rosh Hashana, can they use a trumpet or another instrument? Is the shofar an instrument of war? Will shofar be sounded during techiyas ha’maysim? Why do Sefardim use a much longer shofar than Ashkenazim? If the mitzvah is to hear the sound that comes out of the shofar, what difference does it make who blows the shofar? Should the person blowing shofar face his body north so the sound coming out of the shofar is directed east? Was there an emphasis to look at the Rebbe’s face as he sounded the shofar? Are we allowed to blow shofar at night? Are there similarities between shofar and other gentile traditions? Why don’t we blow shofar on Shabbos? Foods and customs Why do we dip an apple in honey? What is the reason that some communities have the custom of simanim – eating a series of symbolic foods? And does Chabad follow this custom? Since we don’t eat nuts on Rosh Hashana because “nut” in Hebrew is the gematria of “sin”, why do we eat nuts year-round? Why do we perform the Tashlich service near a body of water with fish in it? Personal challenges How to break an addiction as a New Year resolution? How do I resolve a disagreement with my spouse before the New Year? How do we deal with Holiday related OCD? Lessons from the Tzemech Tzedek’s 233rd birthday on Erev Rosh Hashana Why do we fast on Tzom Gedaliah? Who was Gedaliah? Chassidus question: If our fate is not sealed until later, why is it so important to be inscribed for a good year on Rosh Hashana?

Ep. 370: What Can We Learn From the Heavy Rains That Fell as We Prepare For Rosh Hashana?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What unique opportunities does Elul offer us? Chassidus applied to 25 Elul What do we learn from the day when the world was created? Since time itself was created, how can there be a 25th of Elul, suggesting days and months prior to that day? Lessons from NetzavimWhy do we read this portion before Rosh Hashana? What is the deeper meaning in ki karov elecha hadavar me'od, and why do we need an entire Tanya to explain this verse? What can we learn from the fact that the coming new year is a Shemita Year? What do you think should be the acronym for the new year – Tof Shin Peh Beis? Do each of us have a unique mission or are we all equally charged with fulfilling G-d's will? Why do our souls need a tikkun? Why is speech so powerful that we need to take care of what we say? Why do many people use the expression “Torah and Chassidus”? Is the return of Taliban control a sign that evil will make one last stand before Moshiach comes? What can I do as a tikkun for killing a deer? Follow up: Golem, Tomchei Tmimim Chassidus question: If G-d recreates the world every moment, what is so special about Rosh Hashana?

Ep. 369: Is the Return of Taliban Control a Sign of Evil Making One Last Stand Before Moshiach?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Chai Elul What can we learn from this day? Is it significant that the Baal Shem Tov was born on Elul? What was the Baal Shem Tov’s main teachings? Why was there so much opposition to the Baal Shem Tov? Is there a similarity between the Besht’s teaching that all Jews are equal in the eyes of G-d to l’havdil the elimination of class distinctions in socialism? Who was Achiyoh Hashiloni and what connection did he have with being the teacher of the Besht? Why were there groups of hidden tzaddikim? Doesn’t it seem inappropriate to deprive people of their greatness? Are shluchim fulfilling the words of Moshiach to the Besht? Are all Besht legends true? Did the Besht eliminate demons? What’s the story with the Maharal and the Golem, and the Frierdiker Rebbe visiting the shul in Prague to see the Golem’s remains? Lessons from 15 Elul: 124th anniversary of the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim  What does it mean to be a tamim? Lessons from Ki Tavo Selichos: When we say "Machnisei rachamim, hachnisu rachameinu" whom are we addressing and what are we asking to be done?  Did the Rebbe comment on the Crown Heights riots 30 years ago? Is there a connection between Covid and dibbuk (covid in reverse)? Is flood damage from a big storm or hurricane bad in and of itself, or is the bad due to too much chesed and a lack of gevurah? Follow-up: Why would the Torah allow a husband to abuse his power of withholding a get? Mamzeirim. Chassidus question: Why do we exist?

Ep. 368: Did the Rebbe Comment on the Crown Heights Riots 30 Years Ago?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Is Elul a serious time or a time of joy?  Chassidus applied to Ki Teitzei in relation to Elul  How should we deal with adversity?  Why are we so consumed with remembering and erasing Amalek more than any other nation?  Is G-d “violating” the prohibition of withholding payment to a worker by not bringing Moshiach after all our work in golus?   Is there a reason that according to Torah law only a man can initiate a legal divorce by writing and delivering a get?  What is a mamzer and why is he punished for his parent's sins?  What can we learn from the ben sorer u'moreh about the community’s responsibility to  a teenager who goes wayward and rebels? And what can the community do to help the teen to get back on track?  Lessons from 13 Elul  What can we learn from the marriage of the Frierdiker Rebbe on this day?  Can we apply the prohibition to return to Egypt due to its depravity to living in depraved communities in society today?   How would you sum up Moshe’s last instructions and can we compare that to the Rebbe’s last instructions?  Is it possible that Moshiach won’t come in this generation?  What will it take to have G-d answer our prayers to prevent tragedies?  How do I help my son make the right decision about moving away from us?  When Moshiach comes...  Will our daily burdens be eased?  Will it be very hot outside?  Follow up: A Nassi who is not physically present  Chassidus question: Do we really exist or are we just programmed to think we exist? Part 2 

Ep. 367: Why Can Only a Man Initiate a Legal Divorce by Writing and Delivering a Get?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought. Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-..., 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/sponso... THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: • Chassidus applied to Rosh Chodesh Elul         o What special power does Elul have?         o How do we to enter the month of Elul? What avodah should we be doing?         o What is the connection of Elul to prayer, and why is prayer the “service of the heart?”         o What can we do differently while praying during Elul than the rest of the year, in order to take advantage of this special month?         o What does it mean in Elul G-d is like a “king in the field”?         o Should we be wearing nice clothes in Elul to greet the “king in the field”?         o What is the meaning of “ani l’dodi v’dodi li,” the acronym of Elul?  • What is the source and meaning that a bride and groom are like a queen and king? Do they actually have greater strengths?  • What can we do about the housing crisis facing our young couples today? Did the Rebbe ever advise newly married couples on the best way to find safe affordable living space?  • Lessons from Shoftim:         o What are some practical applications today of eglah arufa? Does it mean that the community bears responsibility if one of its members is hurt or abused?         o What is the application of the idolatry today? Does it include deifying a “red chair”?         o What stops someone from exploiting the different exemptions from going to war, by, say, planting a small vineyard?  • What lessons can we learn from the recent efforts to build rockets to travel into outer space?  • What is your opinion on those behaving as if the Rebbe is here in a physical body?  • Follow up: Vaccines  • Chassidus question: Do we really exist or are we just programmed to think we exist?  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 is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge.

Ep. 366: What Can We Do About the Housing Crisis Facing Our Young Couples Today?

Addressing the Personal and Emotional Needs of Our Community and Answering the Most Pressing Questions of Our Lives -- from the Perspective of Chassidic Thought. Submit your question now at  https://www.chassidusapplied.com/ask-..., 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/sponso... THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: • Chassidus applied to Re’eh         o How can a “curse” be called a gift?          o What happened at Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal?          o Why are we not allowed to drink blood?         o What is the criteria for an evil idolatrous city to be destroyed?  • How to respond to recent tragedies?  • As I celebrate my 100th birthday, what is one important lesson of Jewish wisdom I can impart to my family to ensure they will have the passion to carry on our Jewish traditions?  • Is it appropriate to induce a spiritual experience through a drum circle?  • How should I deal with my family opposing my choice of being a Chassid?  • As I become more religious I am alienating some of my friends. What should do about that?  • Follow up: Magen Dovid on the Reb Levik’s matzeivah  • Traveling to Alma Ata: Sentiments about the Rebbe and his father  • Chassidus question: Is it significant that there are three weeks of mourning and seven weeks of consolation?  • MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest – 32nd Place winners:         o Essay English: Just Not Feeling It, Chani Herzog, 21, Teacher at Lubavitch Senior Girls school London, England.          o Essay Hebrew (men): ויתעצב אל לבו בהשקפת תורת החסידות, Rav Royi Tor, Beit Sha’an, Israel         o Essay Hebrew (women): הלילה הזה, Mrs. Irit Tzipori, Kiryat Shemona, Israel        o Creative: A Soul; A Flame (short story), Shaina Rochel Goldstein, 19, Student, Beis Chana – Tzfas Seminary. Home town: Brooklyn, NY    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 is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center as a public service, free of charge. 

Ep. 365: Traveling to Alma Ata: Sentiments About the Rebbe and His Father

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What can we learn from the transition from Tisha B’Av into the following days? The journey and dialogue between G-d and the people through the Seven Weeks of Comfort 15th of Av: Why was it a big joyous holiday in the times of the temple, and why is it no longer observed today? Why is it in the month of Av? Tisha B’Av: Why is the focus on the destruction of the Temple and not on the many that were killed? Nacheim: How do we apply some of the words in this prayer to life today? Why do we say in grace after the meals “my father, master of the house” even when we are not in our father’s home? Chassidus applied to Chof Av What is the Rebbe’s fathers’ most famous Torah? Kadesh U’Rechatz Did the Rebbe ever comment about the magen david on his father’s matzeivah? Practical directives Lessons from Parshas Eikev What does “eikev” mean? And which mitzvos fall into this category? How should we react to Ben and Jerry’s boycott of Israel? Jews turning against Jews – is that a sign of Moshiach's coming? Is it advisable to pray in the forest as the Baal Shem Tov did? Follow up and comments: Baseless love Kamtza and Bar Kamtza: Father and son? Chassidus question: How should we categorize the Rebbe’s fathers' contribution to Chassidus? MyLife 2020 Chassidus Applied Essay and Creative Contest – 31st Place winners: Essay English: The Passionate Life – Adding Vitality and Joy into Your Every Day, Sarala Weinstein, Student, MBCM Monsey High. Hometown: Spring Valley, NY Essay Hebrew (men): תכלית וייעוד האדם בעולם, בהשקפת תורת חסידות, Meir Heber, student, Kfar Chabad, Israel Essay Hebrew (women): להיות אשה, Mrs. Penina Geldtzeler, Givat Ayleh, Israel Creative: Inspiration vs. Internal Motivation (video), Pessi Naparstek, 21, Shlichus, Myrtle Beach, SC 

Ep. 364: How Should We React to Ben and Jerry’s Boycott of Israel?

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 children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Get unlimited free downloads of MP3 recordings o

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MyLife: Chassidus Applied

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