MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 132, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
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The 15th of Elul marks the beginning of the 120th year since the founding of Tomchei Temimim (1897-2017). With the beginning of a new school season upon us, this special day is an opportune time to reflect on our educational institutions and the commitment we have towards our children to provide them with a Torah education and livelihood. What would the Rebbe say about our challenges today? How should we deal with prohibitively rising tuition costs? Should we settle for a mediocre chinuch? How can we improve the system according to the vision of our Rebbeim?
“When negotiating tuition with a school administrator, I was questioned as to why I have so many children! Is that what the Rebbe intended – that tuition costs should cause us to have less children?!”
As important as it is to apply Chassidus to our lives, is there a standard that must be kept up, or does anything go? The Rebbeim caution us to be careful in how we explain Chassidus, to ensure that we maintain its subtlety and integrity? How do we know if we are crossing the line?
With Tishrei quickly approaching, what can Crown Heightsers we do to welcome all of our out-of-town guests and create a special aura of unity? What personal conduct is appropriate in 770? Should residents be more flexible about their reserved seats in the Rebbe’s shul to make room for everyone else?
In addition to these topics, Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “The Secret to Getting Unstuck” by Izzy Greenberg, “Choice: A G-dly Activity” by Esther Gur, and “The Soul of Compulsive Smartphone Use;” by Sholom DovBer Hershkop. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: Avodah seems to be a cornerstone in all of Chassidus, with its focus on “breaking one’s nature,” and getting beyond your comfort zone. Why is that so vital? What is wrong with serving in ways that are comfortable rather than going to a point that it hurts and beyond?
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 Ki Savo
15 Elul: 120 years since the founding of Tomchai Tomimim
What can we do about rising tuition costs?
Should tuition be a factor in how many children we have?!
How can we improve our educational systems?
Chai Elul: Is there a standard for learning and applying Chassidus?
What personal conduct is appropriate in 770?
Pets: follow-up
Chelek Elokah: follow-up
Chassidus Question: Why break yourself?
MyLife Essays: The Secret to Getting Unstuck, Choice: A G-dly Activity, The Soul of Compulsive Smartphone Use
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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Live Video:
I am responding to moving over for the guests in 770 Tishrei. I don’t feel someone living here, payed for his/ her seat should move over! Be friendly & respectful yes not rude but not forfeit their opportunity to Daven as they wish. The local moves over 3 weeks out of 4! If it’s not a Yomtov its a pegisha,a shabbaton, a simcha, a chassidishe yt, a kinus, shluchim here on vacation etc…. There is no end to the locals stretching themselves…. And their families and pockets too! So perhaps our guests should be taught to show gratitude and be… Read more »