MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 168, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
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How are Chassidim to look at Gimmel Tammuz? What lessons does it contain for us? Is there any precedent to Gimmel Tammuz?
Why is mental illness more stigmatized than other illnesses? We’ve progressed by leaps and bounds when it comes to children with special needs and abuse victims, so why does it seem like we’re still behind in undoing the demonization of mental and emotional disorders?
What is the Torah’s approach to global warming? Are we held accountable for harming our environment? Is one halachically obligated to take active measures to protect the environment? After all, it is G-d’s world – shouldn’t we be doing what we can to preserve its health?
Jewish communities are often distinguished by their different minhagim. But it seems that Lubavitch stands out in that it is always doing things differently than the rest of the Jewish world? Why?
Much of the day and mind space of shluchim is consumed by covering the expenses of running a Chabad House. Is running a business on the side an appropriate way for a shliach to relieve some of the stresses of fundraising? If the sole aim of going into business is to help Chabad activities continue, should it be done? What does the Rebbe say about this matter?
Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in the last MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “Crowning the Queen” by Rachel Diamond, “Trust” by Motty Shochet, and “Parenting Like a Gardener” by Rachel Shaked. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: What is the meaning of the concept of hiyuli often discussed in Chassidus?
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 Gimmel Taamuz
· What’s the proper way to write to the Rebbe? Why is there a formula for self-expression?
· Why is mental illness more stigmatized than physical illness?
· Are we halachically obligated to protect the environment?
· Why is Lubavitch always doing things differently?
· Should Shluchim help support Chabad activities by running a business?
· Chabad and luxuries: follow-up
· Chassidus Question: What is hiyuli?
· MyLife Essays: Crowning the Queen, Trust, Parenting Like a Gardener
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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