Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

This class, presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bereishis, 25 Tishrei, 5787, Oct. 6, 2026. explores the extraordinary, miraculous story of the FlyDubai flight, flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, saved by the co-pilot who attempted to murder hundreds, maybe thousands. It speaks of twelve miracles that saved the day and caused a nation to erupt in praise and dance. 

The class tells the story of sibling rivalry throughout Bereishis, beginning with Kayin and Hevel, ending with Joseph and his brothers. It contrasts the stories of Adam and Eve and Kayin and Hevel, who avoid responsibility for genuine leadership, which assumes responsibility. It shows the difference between Kayin and Yosef, and how that inspired Moshe to go out to his brothers and stand up when "there was no man."

The class concludes with a lesson to each of us, even the simple ones, to have the courage to "storm the cockpit" and bring our plane home. There are moments when history asks a person a single question: Will you remain in your seat, or will you stand up and become the person this moment needs?

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on 11 Tishrei, 5787, September 22, 2026.

The joy of Sukkos cannot merely mean relief that the Yamim Noraim are over. Relief is valuable, but it is not the explosive simcha described by Torah and Chazal. Every night of Sukkos in the Beis Hamikdash, multitudes gathered in Jerusalem. Great sages danced and juggled flaming torches. Light flooded the city. Before dawn, a procession descended to the Shiloach spring, drew water, and carried it upward with shofar blasts. The water was poured on the mizbeach together with the morning offering. Was this joy only because Yom Kippur is over? That seems strange.

So what is the secret of this intense joy? The Mishnah says (Sukkah 51b), One who never witnessed Simchas Beis Hashoavah, the Sages declare, never witnessed joy in life. But why? And why say it in the negative? And also why be “stingy” with joy? Maybe a person did experience happiness in another setting or environment! How can anyone state that “if you did not come to my wedding, you never saw joy!” It seems very strange.

The class delves deeply into the secret of the schism of the water on day two of creation and how the joy of Sukkot heals the tension that has become part of the fabric of life. The class shows how the deepest gift we can bring into the sukkah is not perfection on the table; it is a living heart, present enough to channel joy, love, and the flow of Hashem.

The class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 4 Tishrei 5787, September 15, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This class explores a Rosh Hashanah discourse by the Alter Rebbe, explaining the two frequencies of the soul, Yaakov and Yisroel, Memale and Sovov, and redefining the meaning of sin and Teshuvah.

The class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 26 Elul 5786, September 8, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 19 Elul 5786, September 1, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This life-changing class helps heal our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur from stress and anxiety. What is the meaning of the day of judgment? Who is judging us and why? Should I panic about what my new year will bring?

We explore the powerful story the Baal Shem Tov would share before the blowing of the Shofar: As you cross over to the other side, you see there were never any walls... 

The class concluded with a letter from Mr. Sender Russel about how he healed his Rosh Hashanah from desperation and frustration.

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Eikev, 14 Av 5786, July 28, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Vaetchanan, 7 Av 5786, July 21, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Devarim, 29 Tammuz 5786, July 14, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Matot Maasei, 22 Tammuz 5786, July 7, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.