MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 123, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
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Chassidus teaches that, even within areas of life that are neutral and permitted (reshus), care should be taken to ensure one doesn’t become too indulgent, and that one should even sanctify the permissible (kadesh atzmecho b’mutar loch). It seems so difficult to avoid self-gratification while involved in things that are permitted, though. What is the right approach to doing what’s permitted, and doing it in a sanctified manner?
Is modifying the truth for the sake of peace always acceptable? The sages tell of Aharon Hakohen’s method of tweaking the truth to maintain peace. Is this allowance across the board or is there a yardstick with which to measure when it’s appropriate to alter the truth and when it’s blatant dishonesty? Is it ever permitted to actually lie for peace? Can one be dishonest honestly?
We often hear about the need to change yourself. In the current climate of acceptance of all differences, challenges and even shortcomings, the stress on internal change and growth might’ve quieted. What’s left is the question of whether change is really possible or whether surrendering and embracing the way things are is the better option. Can people really change? Is there any kind of change that isn’t possible?
When applying Chassidus and bringing it down to our personal lives how can we ensure to maintain its purity and integrity?
These are among the relevant issues Rabbi Jacobson will address in this week’s 123rd episode of MyLife: Chassidus Applied. Other topics that will be discussed include: the relevance of Yus Beis Taamuz, managing anger, soulmate issues, as well as feedback to the previously discussed topic of gaining forgiveness from the deceased.
Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “Achieving Success in Relationships” by Talia Dayman Green, “One in One, Equality in Equality” by Hayyim Rothman, and “Deeply Simply Happy” by Sholom Dovber Sheingarten. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays-2016.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: How are we to understand angels according to Chassidus? How are they different from the sefiros and other spiritual energies and expressions of G-dliness?
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 meaningfullife.com/mylife.
The topics in this Sunday’s hour-long broadcast will include:
· Chassidus Applied to Balak
· Yud Beis Tammuz: entering the 90th anniversary
· Does Applying Chassidus rob it of its purity?
· How can one be engaged with life and avoid self-gratification?
· Why does my soulmate have to be Jewish?
· Truth and lies: How to be dishonest honestly.
– Is it ever justified to distort the truth, or even lie, for the sake of peace?
– What are the criteria for this: How does one know when it is appropriate to tamper with truth toward good ends?
· Can people really change?
· Is there a way to completely eliminate anger issues?
· Forgiving the deceased – follow-up
· Chassidus Question: What are angels according to Chassidus? How are they different from the sefirot and other spiritual energies?
· MyLife Essays: Achieving Success in Relationships, One in One –Equality in Equality, Deeply Simply Happy
In what has now become a staple in so many people’s lives, 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 and great care has to be taken when speaking openly, 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 week after week. 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 MP3s for listening on the go.
Questions may be submitted anonymously at meaningfullife.com/mylife
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