MyLife: Chassidus Applied

By Rabbi Simon Jacobson

MyLife: Chassidus Applied Podcast by Simon Jacobson addresses the personal and emotional needs of our community by answering the most pressing questions of our lives -- from the perspective of Chassid... more

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FAQs about MyLife: Chassidus Applied:

How many episodes does MyLife: Chassidus Applied have?

The podcast currently has 397 episodes available.

MyLife: Chassidus Applied episodes:

February 17, 2025Ep. 533: What Does the Rebbetzin Represent in Our Lives?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Are we living in Messianic times?

How do we open our eyes and see redemption coming?

What lessons do we learn from this day, especially for our times?

What does the Rebbetzin represent in our lives?

How do we know what stories to believe about the Rebbetzin?

If the Rebbetzin wanted her privacy, why are we speaking about her so publicly?

Is there significance to the number 22 in connection with the Rebbetzin?

Why is the Rebbetzin named Chaya Mushka?

What does this name signify?

Did the Rebbetzin once save someone by pushing him out of danger and then felt that she needed to do teshuva for pushing a Jew?

How did the Rebbe connect this parsha with 22 Shevat?

What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us for our times?

Do we need acknowledgments of world leaders for Moshiach to come?

If mitzvos after Mattan Torah transform the physical objects why are we allowed to throw out tzitzis and other materials?

Is Israel behaving wisely by not taking President Trump’s aggressive approach with Hamas?

How can we agree to give Gaza to the USA?

Is it moral to expel the Palestinians from Gaza?
...more
1h 8min
February 17, 2025 Ep. 532: How Should We React to President Trump’s Gaza Suggestion?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Yud Shevat – 75 Years: Chassidus Applied to Basi L’Gani
What is the main takeaway from this foundational discourse?
What do we learn about the tzimtzum in this year’s chapter 15 and the Rebbe’s maamorim of 5725 and 5745?
What are its practical applications?
Does tzimtzum separate or connect us with the Divine?
What do we learn from the Magid’s Torah on tzimtzum, as elaborated upon in Hemshech Ayin Beis?
How is the tzimtzum not really a concealment, but rather a deep revelation?
Why is G-d's ability to conceal greater than His ability to reveal?
How much is G-d in touch with our reality of tzimtzum?
Why can’t G-d allow us to understand His essence?
Will the tzimtzum still exist in Moshiach’s times?
Why does it say “my sister, my bride”?
What is an example of shtus d'kedusha that everyone can do in their daily lives?
Can we ask G-d to splurge His treasures upon us?
How should I interpret a dream I had of the Rebbe?
15 Shevat
What lessons do we learn from the New Year of Trees?
Is there a connection to Yud Shevat?
How do you explain the Rebbe’s footnote in his Yud Shevat telegram?
What was the theme of the Rebbe’s 15th of Shevat maamar 40 years ago?
Yisro
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?
What was the theme of the Rebbe’s Yisro maamar 40 years ago?
What personal and global lessons does it offer us?
Why was Yisro’s acknowledgment – that of an idolatrous priest – so important before receiving the Torah?
Why did Moshe marry the daughter of Yisro?
Why was the parting of the sea necessary before receiving the Torah?
Why are the Jews called a “nation of priests”?
What makes the 10 commandments unique?
How should we react to President Trump’s Gaza suggestion?
Would the Rebbe agree with this approach?
Is Gaza part of the Biblical Land of Israel?
What should be our attitude to the Super Bowl?
How should I react to my husband who insists on watching the game at home?
How should I react to my wife who insists on disturbing me from watching the game? Should I just tell her that I’ll go watch it in a bar?
...more
1h 8min
February 14, 2025 Ep: 532: How Should We React to President Trump’s Gaza Suggestion?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Yud Shevat – 75 Years: Chassidus Applied to Basi L’Gani
What is the main takeaway from this foundational discourse?
What do we learn about the tzimtzum in this year’s chapter 15 and the Rebbe’s maamorim of 5725 and 5745?
What are its practical applications?
Does tzimtzum separate or connect us with the Divine?
What do we learn from the Magid’s Torah on tzimtzum, as elaborated upon in Hemshech Ayin Beis?
How is the tzimtzum not really a concealment, but rather a deep revelation?
Why is G-d's ability to conceal greater than His ability to reveal?
How much is G-d in touch with our reality of tzimtzum?
Why can’t G-d allow us to understand His essence?
Will the tzimtzum still exist in Moshiach’s times?
Why does it say “my sister, my bride”?
What is an example of shtus d'kedusha that everyone can do in their daily lives?
Can we ask G-d to splurge His treasures upon us?
How should I interpret a dream I had of the Rebbe?
15 Shevat
What lessons do we learn from the New Year of Trees?
Is there a connection to Yud Shevat?
How do you explain the Rebbe’s footnote in his Yud Shevat telegram?
What was the theme of the Rebbe’s 15th of Shevat maamar 40 years ago?
Yisro
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?
What was the theme of the Rebbe’s Yisro maamar 40 years ago?
What personal and global lessons does it offer us?
Why was Yisro’s acknowledgment – that of an idolatrous priest – so important before receiving the Torah?
Why did Moshe marry the daughter of Yisro?
Why was the parting of the sea necessary before receiving the Torah?
Why are the Jews called a “nation of priests”?
What makes the 10 commandments unique?
How should we react to President Trump’s Gaza suggestion?
Would the Rebbe agree with this approach?
Is Gaza part of the Biblical Land of Israel?
What should be our attitude to the Super Bowl?
How should I react to my husband who insists on watching the game at home?
How should I react to my wife who insists on disturbing me from watching the game? Should I just tell her that I’ll go watch it in a bar?
...more
31min
February 03, 2025Ep. 531: How Does Basi L’Gani Capture the Central Theme and Mission of Our Seventh Generation?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Yud Shevat – 75 Years
What is the significance of this milestone?

How does Basi L’Gani capture the central theme and mission of our seventh generation?

What lessons do we learn from chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani?

What is the chiddush that the most hidden treasures – l'maaleh maaleh ad ayn kaytz – are splurged on to the foot soldiers empowering them to be victorious over the enemies?

What did each Rebbe add to the understanding of tzimtzum?

Why did the maamar Basi L’Gani 5745 create a buzz by Chassidim?

What are the practical applications of knowing that there are tzimtzumim before the tzimtzum ha’rishon (as explained in Basi L’Gani 5745)?

What does chassidus mean when it refers to Hashem’s essence as light – etzem ha’ohr?

Why is ohr so fundamental in uniting G-d with existence?

What’s the point of knowing that G-d is so great that we can never really know him?

Can we say that spreading the teachings of Chassidus by the Rebbeim is an expression of “splurging the treasures” (bizbuz ha'otzros)?

How do we apply the statement that all sevenths are precious?

If the Alter Rebbe opposed France and the West, why did the Frierdiker Rebbe settle in the United States?

What’s the best way to receive a response from the Rebbe today?
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

Can we apply the continuing story of exodus to the hostages today?

Is G-d hardening the hearts of Hamas?

Does the recent release of some hostages reflect the energy of redemption we read about in these weekly portions? How do we tap into this energy?

Once G-d promised Jacob that He Himself would redeem him and his children, why did He appoint Moshe to lead the Jews out of Egypt?
...more
1h 11min
January 27, 2025 Ep. 530: How Is the Egyptian Exile and Exodus Reflected In Today's Challenges, Disruptions and Transitions?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Bo
How does this week’s Torah portion about the Egyptian exile and exodus reflect the challenges, disruptions and transitions in today’s world?
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?
What personal and global lessons does it offer us?
Can we apply the story of exodus to the hostages today?
And the war in Gaza with the war against the Egyptians, especially considering that many Gazans are from Egypt?
Is there a connection between the blood smeared on the doorposts and a mezuzah?
Why did they bake bread the last day in Egypt? And why was it so important to rush out immediately and not wait until the bread rose?
How does bread and matzah reflect the central theme of the Egyptian exile?
What is the difference between Moshe and the Patriarchs?
Yud Shevat – 75 Years
What lessons do we learn from chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani?
What is the connection to Golus Mitzrayim?
What is the chiddush of the Arizal with the “secret of the tzimtzum”?
Does the tzimtzum divide or connect us deeper with G-d?
What are the implications and applications of pre-tzimtzum harishon tzimtzumim discussed in the 5745 maamar?
Freeing the hostages
Do we know why some hostages were released but others are still waiting?
What more can we do about the situation?
President Trump’s Inauguration
What attitude should we have to this?
According to Torah and Chassidus should we involved in partisan politics?
...more
1h 5min
January 20, 2025Ep. 529: Is the Recent Cease Fire and Hostage Exchange a Positive Thing?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Is the recent cease-fire and hostage exchange a positive thing?
What would the Rebbe say about this?

Is there anything positive that emerged from the hostage crisis?

What should be our long-term goal?

With all the disappointments should we become more complacent?
What can we learn from the Rambam today?

How was the Rambam unique?
What can we learn from the Alter Rebbe today?

What does his name represent?

What were the Alter Rebbe’s last words to the Tzemach Tzedek?

Is this yahrzeit a sad day?

How do we honor it?

Is it appropriate to reprimand those who persecuted the Alter Rebbe?
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

Should we expect to see ten plagues against Iran and its proxies?
How should we prepare for this day?

What is a short synopsis of the main ideas and innovative chiddushim of chapter 15 of Basi L’Gani?

What is a practical example of “splurging the treasures” (bizbuz ha’otzros) applicable to our times?

How do we explain the difference between the preciousness of seven and the transcendence of eight?

How do we receive answers from the Rebbe today?
Should we be celebrating a mezuzah preserved in a burned-down building?
Chof Teves Chof Daled Teves Vaeira Yud Shevat – 75 Years LA Fires
...more
1h 8min
January 14, 2025Ep. 528: What Can We Learn From the LA Fires?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What can we learn from the LA fires?
Should we see them as a punishment?

How do our good deeds help prevent disasters?

Are they a sign of better things to come?

What does it mean that after a fire we become rich?

Are events like this foretold in the Torah?

Why are the prophets cryptic?
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

What does it teach us about suffering?

Why is Moshe known by the name given to him by Pharoah’s daughter and not the one given to him by his parents?

What do we learn from the incident of Moshe killing the Egyptian?

Do Dasan and Aviram get any “credit” for informing on Moshe and thereby leading him to his wife and ultimately G-d appearing to him?

Why did Moshe accuse G-d of “doing evil to these people”?
How does Dan salvaging lost items relate to the winter months?
What guidance is offered to us by the story in Midrash about didan notzach?

Why are our efforts not working when “nothing stands in the way of will”?
Can we pray for a local sports team to win a game?

How should I deal with my husband who is consumed with watching football?
Shemos What is the connection between the month of Teves and the tribe of Dan? What can we learn from Hei Teves regarding freeing the hostages? What did the Rebbe say about beginning to prepare for Yud Shevat thirty days earlier?

If the Tenth of Teves is so intense, why does the fast not begin the night before?

What should our attitude be to sports?
...more
1h 5min
January 06, 2025 Ep. 527: Why Do We Celebrate Hei Teves?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus Applied to Hei Teves
What do we commemorate and celebrate on this day?
What was the spiritual trial and victory connected to this day?
Why were the stolen books considered a challenge to the Rebbe’s leadership?
Why did the Rebbe take such offense to the statement by the opposition that Chabad is not “active”?
How does Hei Teves express a deeper victory than the miraculous victory of Chanukah?
What did the Rebbe mean that the stolen books were like live bombs?
Why was the Rebbe so upset on Beis Kislev about the people hanging out in the streets?
Why were criminal charges of theft not filed against the accused?
If G-d infused His “soul” in the Torah, why is the Torah finite?
10 Teves
What lessons does this day offer us?
What is the significance of the fast day being on Friday?
What does it teach us about fighting our battles in Israel today?

Vayechi
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?
What personal and global lessons does it offer us?
Why did Jacob live his best years in Egypt?
Why then was he so adamant to be buried in Israel?
Why did Jacob initially want to tell his family when Moshiach would come and why did G-d prevent him from doing so?
Why does Yaakov bless some of the 12 tribes with non-kosher animal representation: the lion of Yehuda, the viper of Dan, the ass of Yissachar, and the wolf of Binyamin?
Who gathered the lost objects that the tribe of Dan dropped?
Miketz
Is it significant that Parshas Miketz, which alludes to the final geulah, has exactly 2,025 words?
President Jimmy Carter
What are we to make of the fact that Jimmy Carter, the first president to light a public menorah, passed away on Chanukah? Is that justified?
Chanukah (follow-up)
Why don’t we light Chanukah candles according to Beis Shammai?
How should I deal with people not dressed modestly without being rude?
...more
1h 5min
December 31, 2024Ep. 526: How Do We Ensure That the Joy and Lights of Chanukah Last All Year Long?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What is Chanukah’s message to us today?
How does it teach us to find hope and light in challenging times?

What is the personal application of the Chanukah light details – time, place, number, oil?

What does the oil represent?

Chassidus Applied to Chanukah and Zos Chanukah

Why do we eat potato latkes and donuts on Chanukah?

Is it a mitzvah?

What is the difference between a custom and a mitzvah?

What is the significance of Zos Chanukah?

Is Zos Chanukah considered to be the final sealing in the Book of Life inscribed on the New Year?

According to Shammai would the first day of Chanukah be called Zos Chanukah?

Just like we put on a few pairs of tefillin, why don’t we light two menorahs to satisfy both opinions of Hillel and Shammai?

What can we do to ensure that the joy and lights of Chanukah last all year long?
What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

How could the righteous tribes have sold their brother into slavery out of jealousy?

What do Judah and Joseph represent?

Why will “action” be greater when Moshiach comes?

What role does Joseph play as a precursor to Moshiach ben David?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

How is it connected to Chanukah?
What does the Tzemach Tzedek mean by saying that rejoicing in the Alter Rebbe’s celebration is to grasp on to the doorknob (klamkeh)?

Are we required to teach Chassidus to others (follow-up)?
How can I deal with the fact that I no longer can have children?
...more
1h 3min
December 24, 2024Ep. 525: What Does Chanukah Teach Us About Today’s War?
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What energy do we draw from these days between Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah?
What do these holidays have in common?
Why don’t we study Torah on nittel eve?

How can refraining from Torah study have a positive impact?

How can a negative turn into a positive?

Why is there a custom to play chess at this time?

What connection does it have with Chanukah?

Why aren’t we obligated to read Megilas Antiochus on Chanukah, as we are about reading Megilas Esther on Purim?

Why is it called Megilas Antiochus?
How does Chassidus explain the lessons of Chanukah?

Why do we mark this holiday by lighting candles and not by commemorating the victory in the war with our enemies?

Since the Chanukah menorah represents the rededication of the Temple Menorah, why is it different in so many ways (eight instead of seven candles, kindled in the evening and not the morning, at the door facing outside, not inside the home, lit by every Jew not just the High Priest)?

What does the number eight represent? How does it differ from eleven?

What can we learn from Shammai’s opinion to begin lighting all eight candles on the first night?

Why did the High Priest light the Temple menorah?

Who are the seven shepherds and what is their connection to the seven branches of the menorah?

Do we add an eighth shepherd to correspond to the eight branches of the Chanukah menorah?

What is the connection between the eight days of this holiday and the eight days of Sukkos, with Zos Chanukah corresponding to Shemini Atzeres?

Why did the Rebbe wash and farbreng on Zos Chanukah 5738?

Is giving gifts on Chanukah and displaying blow-up Chanukah decorations appropriate?

Help me resolve a disagreement with my spouse: Can I give my children a Chanukah gift before the actual holiday?

Another disagreement: Is snow a blessing or a nuisance?
What are the lessons from emphasizing the victory of light over darkness?

What is the connection with Syria?

Should we be praising G-d for the fall of Assad in Syria and other victories over our enemies?

Is this part of the geulah process?

Is there a prophecy that all our enemies will fall before the redemption?
Nittel Chassidus Applied to Chanukah
What does Chanukah teach us about today’s war?
...more
1h 12min

FAQs about MyLife: Chassidus Applied:

How many episodes does MyLife: Chassidus Applied have?

The podcast currently has 397 episodes available.