MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 140, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
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What is the significance of Tes and Yud Kislev?
In the current climate of “I know what’s best for me and no one can tell me how to live my life,” some of us have lost appreciation for the value of mashpiim. Why did the Rebbe introduce the concept of a mashpia as a bakasha nafshis? What makes it so critical to our lives? When one does resolve to have a mashpia, what qualities should he/she look for? Can anyone be a mashpia?
The Rambam writes that the major religions help pave the way and spread the concept of Moshiach. How can we make sense of this statement in light of the havoc and destruction being wreaked in the world today by radical Islam?
A chassid is meant to be non-political/partisan. How then should we react when we hear something wrong on many levels, even though it may be a political issue? Are we expected to ignore it, or should we confront it even if it’s a “hot potato” and “politically incorrect”? In general, being surrounded by a world full of differing opinions, some innocent and some warped, how is one expected to disagree like a mentch? What do you do when you are dealing with someone who is simply being exasperatingly inflexible?
Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in last year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “Outside the Box” by Chaya Shuchat, “Getting to Know the Real You” by Menachem Mendel Marinovsky, and “Bricks ‘n Stones: The Power of Return” by Shimon Gopin. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: In Tanya (Kuntres Acharon 155a. 162a) the Alter Rebbe explains (the Pri Etz Chaim) that prayer – Tefilah – is the primary service in our time. Can you please explain the reason for this in simple words? And if that’s the case, why is davening not emphasized that much by many?
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 Parshas Vayetzei
· Lessons from Tes and Yud Kislev
· Do we need to be politically correct and avoid controversial issues?
· How can we disagree like a mentch?
· Should we take dreams seriously?
· What defines a mashpia?
· Why is the need for mashpiim so critical today?
· Rambam: How is the modern day religious violence setting the stage for Mashiach?
· Kinus Hashluchim: follow-up
· Resignation: follow-up
· Chassidus Question: Why is prayer the primary service in our times?
· MyLife Essays: Getting to Know the Real You, Outside the Box, Bricks ‘n Stones: The Power of Return
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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