MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 144, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
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What lessons can be learned and applied from the 30th anniversary of Hei Teves?
What should our attitude be towards the recent UN Resolution and to the general transition from President Obama to President-Elect Trump in regard to their relationship with Israel?
“Often in your classes, you mention that the Rebbe says the most important criteria to look for in a spouse is fear of G-d. Relationships must be well-suited on all levels, though. If spouses are both G-d fearing but there are fundamental personality/belief differences between them, how is this a recipe for a healthy relationship? Can you please shed some light on this guidance from the Rebbe?”
“For years now, I’ve been afraid to travel to Israel. With the recent peak in hostility, my fear only increased tremendously. Each time I think of going, I get a panic attack because, what’s if I’ll be in the wrong place at the wrong time like all the other people who were hurt or killed for only that reason? What is your advice? Is there a realistic way for me to get over my fear?”
“Being in the shidduch scene for a while, people constantly tell me that I need to open up more easily. I’m naturally a closed person I guess, because it’s not a conscious choice to shut people out. Being on the quieter side and being private gives people the impression that I’m a very closed person. Must I change my personality to a more open one if I want to get married? Shouldn’t someone want to marry me because of my ’closedness’?”
Rabbi Jacobson will address these and other relevant issues in this week’s 144th episode of MyLife: Chassidus Applied.
In addition to these topics, Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “Unleashing the Power of the Mind” by Menachem Mendel Landa, “Chassidus: The Real Evaluator” by Nir Moriah, and “You Shall Choose Life” by Shlomie Naparstek. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: In Tanya chapter 1, the Alter Rebbe, citing Reb Chaim Vital, writes that everyone, tzaddik and rasha alike, has two souls, the animal soul and the divine soul. Later in Tanya we learn, though, that a tzaddik has only a divine soul. How can we resolve this contradiction? Also: Is there an alternate opinion by “early mekubolim” (Kabbalists) that only a tzaddik has a divine soul?
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 Hei Teves: 30th anniversary
· Lessons from Vayigash
· The greatest challenges facing our community: Part III
· What should we make of the recent UN resolution?
· G-d fearing: The sole criteria for a spouse?
· How can a naturally closed person date successfully?
· What can I do about my fear of traveling to Israel? Should Jews be afraid to go?
· Why are Chassidim called Chassidim?
· Is Tanya racist? Follow-up
· Chassidus Question: Resolving a contradiction in Tanya: Does a tsaddik have one or two souls?
· MyLife Essays: Unleashing the Power of the Mind, Chassidus: The Real Evaluator, You Shall Choose Life
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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