MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 52
“My children go to cheder and it seems as if the primary focus is learning about Geulah and the Rebbe, as well as some Tanya. I know those things are important, but I feel it comes at the expense of basics like Chumash and Mishneh. Is the emphasis perhaps a bit unbalanced? Shouldn’t we as Chassidim first give our children a sound Torah foundation, of course as is age appropriate? What is the correct balance?”
“How do I address something I feel needs correction in my children’s’ school without undermining their teacher’s and faculty’s authority and causing them to doubt the entire system?”
As parents navigate the complicated path of bringing children up in our challenging times, what can be done if there’s an underlying distrust in the very system we entrust to partner with us in the raising of our children and the next generation of Chassidim? Are we allowed to question the Chinuch system, and is there an appropriate channel for constructive criticism? Rabbi Simon Jacobson, in episode 52 of My Life: Chassidus Applied, will address this explosive issue and will present the Rebbeim’s suggestions and guidelines for this complex topic.
Also in this week’s episode we will celebrate MyLife’s first anniversary, corresponding with the Alter Rebbe’s 202nd yahrzeit on Chof Dalet Teves, by launching the MyLife: Essay Contest. A $10,000 first prize will be awarded to the person who writes the best original essay applying a concept or idea in Chassidus to solve a contemporary life issue or challenge. Click here for details: http://meaningfullife.org/mylife/contest/.
Other topics to be addressed include: If and how a parent should approach their sons about picking their beards? Should we decline a good job opportunity if it compromises our home life? Are jobs that require overnight travel appropriate?
This hour-long dose of insights is meant to inform, inspire and empower us by applying the teachings of Chassidus to help us face practical and emotional challenges and difficulties in our personal lives and relationships. To have your question addressed, please submit it at www.meaningfullife.com/mylife.
The topics in this Sunday’s hour-long broadcast will include:
· MyLife: Essay Contest announcement
· Chassidus Applied on Bo, Chof Dalet Teves and Shevat
· Discipline: Is there an alternative to yelling?
· Challenging our chinuch system
· Balance in our cheder education: Basics vs. Rebbe focus; Chassidus vs. Nigleh?
· How to respectfully disagree with a child’s teacher?
· Picking Beards
· Livelihood at expense of home life
MyLife: Chassidus Applied addresses questions that many people are afraid to ask and others are afraid to answer. When asked about the sensitive topics he has been addressing, Rabbi Simon Jacobson commented, “I understand that the stakes are high, but the silence and lack of clarity on matters plaguing the community can no longer go unaddressed. The stakes of not providing answers are even higher.”
The on-going series has provoked a significant reaction from the community, with thousands of people viewing each live broadcast and hundreds of questions pouring in. At the root of every question and personal challenge tackled by the series is the overarching question: Does Judaism have the answers to my personal dilemmas?
In inimitable “Jacobson-fashion”, the broadcast answers people’s questions in simple, clear language while being heavily sourced. Each episode is jam-packed with eye-opening advice from the Rebbeim, gleaned from uncovering surprising gems in their letters, sichos and maamorim that address our personal issues with disarming relevance. Simultaneously, Rabbi Jacobson is able to crystallize a concept quickly, succinctly, and poignantly for any level of listener.
All episodes are immediately available for viewing in the MLC’s archive and can be downloaded as MP3’s for listening on the go.
Questions may be submitted anonymously at www.meaningfullife.com/mylifelive.
Live Video:
The genius of the contest idea is that of course each person will him- or herself start thinking “How can I apply the chassidus I know to the challenge I’m currently facing?” Which is exactly Chassidus Chabad, to a) use your brain and b) do the work yourself. Brilliant!!!
I would venture to say that many (if not most?) “Beard pickers” have some dose of anxiety and therefore are expressing it with their hands. It’s a habit that they are not proud of, they just need another way to deal with it. One should judge them favorably.
this will truly give them a chance to judge totally on the merit of the idea or presentation and not be clouded by any other considerations.
The judging will be anonymous. The judges won’t know whose paper they are reading. I heard firsthand from MLC staff.
perhaps Rabbi Jacobson can re-consider this detail AND allow for more than one entry per contestant. GR8 idea to motivate people.
The same way it works with state exams etc.
Each person has a number or code that none of the judges know and then afterwards they can find out who it is.
Yap was there! An amazing event with an amazing speaker!
I think you’re right. I hope they listen to your advice!
Then how do they know who the winner is? anyone can claim it…
he spoke by the 24 sivan event, when they blocked off eastern parkway
If the contest for the $10000 prize is to be truly based on the content of the essay then the judges should not know the author, or their personal details……
What an absolutely wonderful idea!! As a CH resident and parent, as well as long time educator, I applaud Rabbi Jacobson’s dedication to sharing his direct approach of applying Chassidus and making it so pleasant and simple for all of us to listen weekly. Rabbi Jacobson, on behalf of my family, I wish you continued success and a multitude of blessings for completing an entire year of MyLife-Chassidus Applied. Your ingenuity and creativity in creating this contest is brilliant and fantastic! CHAZAK!!!
who thought of the idea?