MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 76, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
NEW: MyLife is now available as a podcast and can be streamed or downloaded from iTunes.
Everyone is prone, from time to time, to feeling unmotivated. Some are professional procrastinators: Why do it today if you can do it tomorrow? What advice does the Rebbe give on combatting laziness? “I have always had this tendency to leave everything to the last minute. My mashpia gave me good, practical advice about reward systems, good planning, breaking the task into small achievable goals etc. These methods may work for a short period but then my motivation fizzles out and I’m back to procrastinating. Any advice?”
“You often describe how the Rebbe calls on everyone to be a leader, to be proactive and assume responsibility – each of us in our own way. But aren’t some of us simply followers not leaders? How do we apply the Rebbe’s approach to people who are not natural leaders and initiators?
“While we shluchim are accomplishing many great things, especially lately with young adults, I feel saddened that there are so many teens and college students in my town that are not being reached. As a shliach in my town I feel frustrated that I’m not doing enough to reach many more Jews locally who need it. I’m a father of 5 children KAH so that really holds me back from doing much more. Would the Rebbe be happy with our work?”
In this episode Rabbi Jacobson will also discuss homeschooling and following up about couples in the world to come.
Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in the MyLife: Chassidus Applied contest: Addressing Behavioral Addictions, by Shneor Zalman Gershovitz; Overcoming Extreme Depression, by Akiva Greenbaum; Recognizing the Elements, by Miriam Yerushalmi. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/mylife/contest/.
And finally, here is the Chassidus question of the week (our new feature): In various places, Chassidus cites two opinions among Kabbalists whether the oros (energies) are shaped (metzuyorim) or shapeless (bilti metzuyorim). What is the practical difference between the two opinions, and what is Chassidus’ conclusion on the matter – according to which opinion does Chassidus rule?
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:
Applied Chassidus to the Nine Days and Shabbos Chazon
Laziness
Are we all leaders?
Couples in Olam Haba
A shliach’s frustration: Are we doing enough?
Home schooling
Are ‘Oros’ shaped or shapeless?
MyLife Essays: Behavioral Addictions, Overcoming Extreme Depression, Recognizing Your Elements
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:
Imagine that you would get 10.000$ if you watch it
Thank you Rabbi Jacobson for these wonderful episodes. They are the highlight of my week and have inspired me to set k’vius ittim to study Chassidus. Please don’t stop!
What’s the quick fix? Maybe a short write up to those who cant watch it all or post what time each topic starts? Thank You!
If u can spend a hour + watching this video your probably not lazy