MyLife: Chassidus Applied

Ep. 597: How Did the Frierdiker Rebbe Honor America's Liberty When He Visited Philadelphia in 1929 30.06.2026 1h 6min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:Yud Gimmel Tammuz – 99 years: What does this day teach us? What is the underlying power and message of this liberation for our times? What maamorim did the Frierdiker Rebbe deliver on the days of his geulah, and what are their lessons for today? Is there a comparison between Rashbi and Reb Elozor and the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe? What do we learn from this day? Was shattering the tablets a positive thing? What did the Rebbe say about this in his deeply emotional talk on Simchas Torah 5747? Will it be transformed into a holiday like Tisha B’Av? How did the Frierdiker Rebbe honor the Declaration of Independence when he visited Philadelphia in 1929? What did the Rebbe say about the Founding Fathers' divine inspiration? What is the core mission and purpose of the United States? How does it prepare the world for geulah? What role do the nations of the world play in the grand divine scheme of things? What is the connection between 12-13 Tammuz and July 4th? Is it appropriate to thank the Rebbe together with thanking Hashem? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why was the Land of Israel divided by lottery? Why was the complaint of the daughters of Tzelofchad not rejected like other complaints of the Jews? 17 Tammuz Should we be recognizing the 250th anniversary of July 4th? Gimmel Tammuz Pinchas What is the significance of a Siyum Sefer Torah? Why the great celebration?

Ep. 596: What Does Yud Beis Tammuz Teach Us? 25.06.2026 1h 15min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Beis Tammuz – 99 years: What does this day teach us? What happened on this day and what lessons does it offer us today? Why does the celebration of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s liberation extend for two days – 12-13 Tammuz? Why is this month named after a Babylonian idol? What is the spiritual energy of this month? Is there a connection between the events of this day in 5754 and back in the time of Joshua when the sun was stopped? Is there something special about today, June 21, being the longest day of the year? Why didn’t Joshua simply pray that the enemy be defeated? What is the mission of Chassidim who are not on shlichus? Is the Rebbe perfect? Follow-up What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Can we heal people today by using a similar treatment to gazing at a serpent of brass mounted on a pole, as Moses was commanded? Why was Moses striking the rock such a great sin? Why was he not given the opportunity to do teshuva? Why were others not given the opportunity to do teshuva just as the sons of Korach were? What was the sin of Baal Pe’or? What lessons does this despicable sin offer us today? Why is a Parsha named after the evil Balak? What parts of Balaam’s blessings were about Moshiach? What can we learn from Balaam’s closing plot against the Jews? How should we react to the President's latest deal with Iran? Can we parallel the back-and-forth attitude of Iran to what Pharaoh and the Egyptians did regarding freeing the Jews? Tammuz Gimmel Tammuz Chukas-Balak Iran How is today's unrest in the Middle East a continuation of the unresolved conflict between Ishmael and Isaac? And what can we do to achieve permanent peace? Is it a good idea to allow my son to travel with a group to visit the concentration camps in Poland and Ukraine?

Ep. 595: What Does Gimmel Tammuz Teach and Expect of Us? 15.06.2026 1h 5min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 29 Tammuz: The bridge between 28 Sivan and 3 Tammuz What should be our focus as we move from the third to the fourth month?How do we reconcile Gimmel Tammuz with the Rebbe telling us about the imminence of Moshiach’s coming? Ad mosai – how much longer must we wait for the geulah? Did the Rebbe make any statements that implied Gimmel Tammuz was about to happen, and did he give clear instructions for what he wanted us to do afterward? Why do we discuss fewer details about Gimmel Tammuz than about the day of the passing of the previous Rebbes? How can one honor Gimmel Tammuz if they are unable to visit the Ohel? Are kohanim and others who usually avoid visiting a gravesite allowed to visit the Ohel? Is a Rebbe perfect? How should a Chassid approach a situation where he does not understand something the Rebbe said or did? Is the Rebbe doing more miracles today than before Gimmel Tammuz? Can we say that the Rebbe is Moshiach after Gimmel Tammuz? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Is there a connection between Korach and Gimmel Tammuz? What was the deeper reason for Korach’s opposition to Moses? Was Korach like a “communist”? Why did the children of Korach survive? Why does it say that they “thought they were alive” when they were actually alive? Were Dasan and Aviram total villains? Didn’t they allow themselves to get whipped instead of their brethren? Why will Korach serve as Kohan Gadol in the future? How about the rioting that ensued? Gimmel Tammuz – 32 years: What does this day teach and expect of us? Korach Are there any lessons to be learned from the NY Knicks victory?

Ep. 594: Chof Ches Sivan – 85 Years: What Is the Historic, Spiritual and Cosmic Significance of the Rebbe Coming to America? 08.06.2026 1h 7min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Ches Sivan – 85 years: What lessons does this day teach us? What is the historic, spiritual and cosmic significance of the Rebbe coming to America? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? "Send them if you wish": Why did G-d leave the decision to Moshe, and what does it teach us about life's choices? Why were all the Jews punished for the sin of the scouts? Who was Tzelofchad and what was he trying to accomplish by purposely gathering sticks on Shabbos? Modern Orthodoxy? How do we determine which different opinions are acceptable in Torah?Shelach What do we “live with” when the parsha we read in Israel is different than the one we read outside of Israel? 23 Sivan: What is the significance of this day? May we walk on the Temple Mount? How should we react to the Mayor of NYC not marching in the Israeli Day Parade? What should be our attitude to other types of Jewish communities?

Ep. 593: How Should We Respond to the Recent Tragic Deaths of Young People in Our Community? 01.06.2026 1h 3min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 15 Sivan What is the significance of this day? What events happened with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin during the arrest on this day in 1927? What lessons do we learn from the word behaalotecho – raising the flame until it rises on its own? What is the deeper meaning behind Moshe’s words “where will I find meat”? If Moshe transcended physical meat, how could he pass on the command for the Jews to perform physical mitzvos, including bringing meat offerings? Could the people choose that the manna should taste like non-kosher food? What will change when non-kosher animals will be permitted in the future?Why are the details of every tribe leader’s offering repeated? How important is individuality in Judaism? What is the practical meaning of the Birchas Kohanim? Why do we thank the kohanim after they bless us? Does everyone have a custom to bless their children before Shabbos with the priestly blessing? Is it appropriate to embrace this custom? How do I find a sicha based on the date it was said? Why don't we find an emphasis on hisbonenus today? Behaalotecho Nasso How should we respond to the recent tragic deaths of young people in our community? What is the appropriate way to learn Torah and Chassidus? Follow-up With children leaving their hometowns to go on shlichus, how will their elderly parents be cared for? Are animals rewarded for helping us do mitzvos? How do I deal with guilt over past mistakes?

Ep. 592: How Do I Study Torah and Chassidus in a Meaningful and Inspiring Way? A Step-by-Step Guide 25.05.2026 1h 14min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should be our primary focus during these days following Shavuos? How do we integrate and internalize Torah into our lives? What is the appropriate way to learn Torah? Where do you begin? How important is it to understand what you’re learning? How can the study be inspiring and dynamic? Where do you begin? What are the axioms and underlying principles one needs to know in order to appreciate Chassidus? What is the structure of sichos and maamorim? What texts do you suggest for a 20-year-old? How can I be sure that what I learn is true? How can I personalize the ideas and not simply see them as abstract concepts? How can I be sure that my application of the learning is accurate?What is the appropriate way to study Chassidus?

Ep. 591: What’s the Most Important Way to Prepare for Matan Torah? 18.05.2026 1h 5min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Rosh Chodesh Sivan What is the unique power of this day? What does “like one person, with one heart” mean? What’s the most important way to prepare for Matan Torah? It’s gratifying to see that Rabbis in Jerusalem reacted to your program last week, warning against harassment. What are we celebrating on Shavuos? What is the historic and cosmic significance of the Giving of the Torah? What exactly is Torah? Since Torah is the purpose of creation, why was it not given to Adam in the beginning of creation? What was the purpose of the patriarchs keeping the Torah before it was given? Why is the holiday called Shavuos? What is its connection to oaths? Is Shavuos the anniversary of our nation’s birth? Why is the 50th day not counted? Why don’t we begin the new cycle of reading the Torah after Shavuos, when we received the Torah? Why don't we dance with the Torah on Shavuos like we do on Simchas Torah? Why were there thunder and lightning when the Torah was given? What did we receive at Sinai – the entire Torah, or just the Ten Commandments? Why do the Ten Commandments begin with an Egyptian word – Anochi? Is there any connection with Adam using that word when he hid from G-d after eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Why are there differences between the two texts of the Ten Commandments documented in the Torah? Why is naaseh v’nishma considered a great act? What is the virtue of committing and acting before listening and understanding? If action is primary, why the need to understand? What is the meaning of the two crowns given to us at Matan Torah? What does the Rebbe Rashab say about this in his magnum opus Hemshech B’Shaah She’hikdimu Ayin Beis? Shavuos – Matan Torah The Ten Commandments Naaseh V’Nishma and the Crowns Why don't we recite the chapter about Manna in our daily prayers? Follow-up

Ep. 590: Is the Torah Only for Jews? 11.05.2026 1h 5min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Bamidbar What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? What is the connection between Bamidbar and Matan Torah on Shavuos? If the Torah was given in the desert to show that nobody can claim ownership of it, how can the Jewish nation claim exclusive ownership of the Torah? Is the Torah only for Jews? What is the purpose of counting the Jewish people? Why did the Rebbe gaze at each person passing by to recite the blessing over the Lulav on Sukkos 5752?What does all this teach us today? How are the curses in Torah really hidden blessings and why do they have to be disguised as the opposite? What is an example of a great blessing hidden within an apparent curse? If they are really hidden blessings, how do they serve as a deterrent? Should we see negative life experiences as hidden blessings? How do we reconcile counting the Omer with the care taken not to count people? Behar-Bechukosei In our times, are we all obligated to learn the Inner Torah? How do we explain the idea that a soul is a “piece” of G-d? How can we understand and relate to G-d? Is counting a positive thing? How can a blemished person pray? How should we react to “observant” Jews harassing Arabs? How should I deal with religious incompatibility in my marriage? Why don't we recite the chapter about Manna in our daily prayers? Follow-up

Ep. 589: How Does Lag B’Omer Apply to My Daily Life? 04.05.2026 1h 4min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 16 Iyar Why don’t we recite the Parsha about Manna every day, as well as the Ten Commandments, like we do the Parsha of the Akeidah, as stated in Shulchan Aruch? What is the significance of this special day? How could the students of Rabbi Akiva not respect each other to the point of it causing a plague? Why don’t we see such harsh consequences (G-d forbid) due to other acts of disrespect in our times? How did the Mitteler Rebbe celebrate Lag B’Omer? Why was it a day of miracles? How can Lag B’Omer open up channels of connection between parents and children? What is the source that this day is the hilula of Rashbi? Why is the day of Rashbi’s passing a time of joy and celebration? What is the connection with Hod of Hod? Why is Rashbi referred to as Shabbos? What were some of the big secrets Rashbi revealed right before his passing? How could Rashbi have passed away while he was teaching Torah? What is the connection between Lag B’Omer and the gal (mound) that Jacob built to serve as a witness of the boundary between him and Laban? How is that consistent with the verse gal einei, which is a state of open revelation, the opposite of Jacob’s gal that separates and conceals? How does Chassidus explain the difference between Choni HaMaagel and Rashbi causing it to rain? Why did Rashbi hide from the Romans, while the Alter Rebbe allowed himself to be arrested? How could Rashbi have caused fire to consume and destroy? Is Lag B’Omer or Yud Tes Kislev the Rosh Hashana of the Inner Torah? What did the Rebbe mean when he said that Rashbi is at the Ohel? Should I write a pan to the Rebbe or to Rashbi, or both?Chassidus Applied to Lag B’Omer

Ep. 588: What Is the Best Response to Adversity and Hatred? Lessons From This Omer Period 27.04.2026 1h 6min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to this Omer period How does refinement of our characters reflect the unique power of being a Jew? What is the best response to adversity and hatred? How do you celebrate the beauty of your soul while recognizing the despicable toxins of your selfish body? Lessons from Tanya chapter 31. How do we apply Netzach, this week’s sefirah/midah, to today’s challenges? Why don’t we listen to music during this period? What is the connection between refining our character traits with the Omer barley offering? What lessons do we learn from the R’ Yisroel Aryeh Leib’s 74th yahrzeit? What did the Rebbe say after he stood up from Shiva in 1952? What does his name indicate? What does this day teach us? Does it have any specific application to current events? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why does the Torah seemingly discriminate against handicapped priests? Sharing a personal miracle in my family Is it legitimate? Should we rely solely on Torah and Chassidus and not turn to other methods? 13 Iyar Pesach Sheni Emor Praising G-d for miracles Is it appropriate to wear patches with an image of the third temple? follow-up How should we react to the pope’s critique? The Emotion Code Is every sicha of the Rebbe relevant to us? How do you determine what can or cannot be changed in Torah?

Ep. 587: Beis Iyar: How Do We Apply L’Chatchila Ariber in Our Lives? 19.04.2026 1h 10min

Beis Iyar • How do we apply l’chatchila ariber in our lives? 01:30Acharei-Kedoshim • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 13:04 • Is there a connection between these two chapters? 19:20 • How do I sanctify my life? 17:40 • What was wrong with Nadav and Avihu’s behavior? 19:28Tazria-Metzora • What is the relevance of the spiritual maladies in these Torah portions to our times? 24:10 • How does one find mental, emotional and psychological healing? 24:10 • Is there a connection between Mitzrayim and Metzora? 27:15Iyar • Does Ani Hashem Rofecho include all forms of healing? 29:20Omer • What maamar would you suggest we learn that explains Sefiras Ha’Omer? 37:25 • Why do we need to refine our emotions every year when the Jews already did that before receiving the Torah? 39:55 • Why do we only refine our emotional midos and not our intellectual midos? 42:23 • How do we understand chesed within chesed, gevurah within gevurah etc.? 45:24 • Is it inappropriate to use a phone app to remind us to count sefira? 47:38 • Why is it customary to study Mesechta Sotah during sefira? 49:28Post Pesach and Iran • What lessons can we learn from this time period regarding world events? 52:58 • What is expected of us during these days? 52:58 • Why did G-d not protect the young soldier killed in Lebanon before Pesach? 57:59Chof Ches Nissan – 35 years later • What is a summary and explanation of the Rebbe’s famous 28 Nissan sicha? 01:00:43 • Is there a connection between that sicha and that of Purim 5747? 01:03:55 • How did the Rebbe explain his words in a “straightforward way” in the farbrengen of Shabbos Tazria-Metzora 5751? 01:05:30 • Has anything changed since the Rebbe’s talk 35 years ago? 01:06:05 • If we are closer than ever to the geulah, why does the world situation and the anxiety caused by it seem to be getting worse rather than better? 01:06:05 • What should we be doing now, 35 years after 28 Nissan 5751? 01:07:25

Ep. 586: How Do We Honor the Rebbe’s Birthday? 14.04.2026 1h 10min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Alef Nissan Pesach Do we say Gut Yom Tov today? How do we honor the Rebbe’s birthday? What is the single most important thing each of us should do on this special day? How did the Rebbe celebrate his birthday? What were the events that led to the things done for Yud Alef Nissan 5742 – eighty years? What is the significance of the number eleven? Is it significant that “peace in Israel” are the last words in Tehillim chapter 125, which we begin reciting today? Do some people receive answers from the Rebbe more than others? Miracles and Iran Seder What is the relevance of the war in Iran to Pesach? What's the underlying message of Pesach? What does it truly mean to be free? How is the energy of Nissan and Pesach different than that of ani l’dodi v’dodi li of Elul and Tishrei? Do I have to observe the holiday if I am experiencing financial difficulties, which cause stress and anxiety, antithetical to the theme of Passover? Why is Passover celebrated on the day the exodus happened, unlike Purim and Chanukah which are celebrated the day after the miracles happened? Why do we celebrate it every year? Why does Passover have three names? What can we learn from the great miracle of Shabbos HaGadol and the other miracles of the time about today’s miracles? How do we reconcile Chizkiyahu being criticized for not praising G-d's for His miracles with the ruling that one should not say Hallel every day – how do we find the right balance of acknowledging miracles in our lives? What can each of us do physically and spiritually to help protect all the innocent people and bring victory in the war against Iran? As an American who moved to Israel I am bemused by people questioning the safety of living here. How do we resolve a major conflict between husband and wife of how extreme we should be with our Pesach cleaning? Can you please share some memories of the Rebbe visiting different public Seders in Crown Heights? Why did he do so? Why did the Rebbe ask an artist to illustrate a special edition of the Haggadah for children?

Ep. 585: How Do Pesach and Mitzrayim Reveal the Inside Story of the Current War Against Iran? 27.03.2026 1h 3min

Topics:Nissan, Miracles and Iran What can we expect in this month of Nissan, a month of miracles and redemption? 06:57Are there parallels between the redemption from Egypt and today’s battles? 04:50How do Pesach and Mitzrayim reveal the inside story of history in general, and specifically the current war against Iran? 22:35What is the connection to the month of Nissan? 12:30What is the meaning of a miracle? 07:12How victory over Iran – and today’s miracles – will bring to conclusion events that began with Abraham and Egypt over 3300 years ago? 12:40What will the Middle East and the world look like with the elimination of Iran as a threat? 18:30How can today’s events help us bring our Pesach Seder alive? 22:30Can we see the Strait of Hormuz as a modern version of mitzrayim, as in dire straits? 25:08How today’s war needs to be fought in our personal lives in microcosm? 30:00War in IranHow should we be reacting to the current war? 32:58What responsibility do we carry in this time? 37:25What should be our response to the ongoing attacks on Israel? 37:25Is Israel still the safest place? 39:43How can we say that when we see the danger and deaths wrought by Iranian missiles? 39:43Can we apply the Rebbe’s words about the Gulf War to today’s events? 44:35Why is today’s war an unprecedented historic opportunity for the nations of the world? 45:40How should we respond to the antisemitic argument that Israel dragged the USA into this war? 45:40Did the Rebbe predict the fall of Iraq and asked not to publicize the details? 47:57What did the Rebbe say about ar’enu niflaos? 49:42Should we learn from Chezkiyahu and praise G-d for today’s miracles? 51:55Should we be celebrating the miracles of G-d's protection by dancing in the streets? 54:27With most Jews now living in Eretz Yisroel, are we witnessing kibbutz goliyos? 55:31Shabbos HaGadol-PassoverWhy will we remember the Egyptian Exodus after the final redemption? 56:37Why are we required to remember the days (plural) that we left Egypt, when we left in one day? 57:57What lessons does that teach us in today’s battles? 59:55MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast that candidly answers questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The program's objective is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.MyLife is a community-supported project, requiring hours of research and preparation each week. Please donate or sponsor an episode, to help us continue and expand this important work.Go here and here for our special section of programs and resources addressing these trying and unprecedented times

Ep. 584: War in Iran: How Can We Envision These Battles Leading Us Into the Geulah? 10.03.2026 1h 8min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: War in Iran Should we be supporting this war? How do we determine when war is just? How do we understand the deeper cosmic battle between Rome (the Western World) and Persia (the Arab/Muslim World) How can we envision these battles leading us into the Geulah? How should we react to antisemitic and anti-Chabad rhetoric by media personalities? Is there anything positive that we can learn from this? Is it appropriate to wear patches with an image of the third temple? Do we continue increasing in joy throughout the entire month? How does joy empower us in challenging times? Is there a connection between the good mazal of joy and the Torah portions discussing the building of the Mishkan? What is the significance of building a sanctuary? How do we apply it to our lives today? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why does the Torah repeat the details of building the mishkan? Adar Vayakhel-Pikudei Can brochos come to someone diagnosed with clinical depression beyond their control? How would you react to a “zealot” smashing a snowman that children built with the claim that it is an “idol”?

Ep. 583: Purim and Persia: Then and Now 02.03.2026 1h 8min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Purim and Persia: Then and Now What lessons can we learn from Purim about today’s events in Iran? How do we connect the dots of many seemingly fragmented events now and throughout history? Why would anyone think of reading the Megillah backwards? What are the parallels between ancient and modern-day Persia? Is it providential that Khamenei and his cohorts were wiped out while we were reading the Torah portion about obliterating Amalek? What happened on Purim 1953 when the Rebbe led the chassidism in shouting hoo-ra hoo-ra three times, and its connection to Stalin’s death that night? How does that apply to our times? What was the general theme of the maamar the Rebbe delivered then? What is the central message of Purim? Why is G-d's name not mentioned in the Megillah? If our enemies cannot hurt us within the structures of nature, how do we explain tragedies that we suffered throughout history? How do we reconcile the Purim miracle being dressed up in nature and the fact that it was connected to Purim/lots, which is a level beyond nature? Why would we be obligated to reach a point where we can't distinguish between “blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman”? If the “Guardian of Israel does not slumber or sleep” why does it say that the “king’s sleep was disturbed that night”? Why is golus (exile) compared to sleep and dreams? How do we access the transcendent power of Purim today? What is the meaning of the expression “anyone who stretches out their hand is given”? What can I do to ensure that these blessings are fulfilled in my life? What happened on Purim 60 years ago? Why did we not take spoils in Persia as we did in Egypt? Now that the world's biggest terrorist Khamenei is gone what comes next? Is this a prelude to Moshiach?

Ep. 582: What Does Purim Teach Us About Retroactively Transforming a Negative Past? 24.02.2026 1h 4min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Adar What does Purim teach us about retroactively transforming a negative past? Is there a connection between joy and Pisces, the sign of Adar? Why is Adar made up of the two words, “alef dar”? Are there other reasons why we increase in joy during this month? Does Adar have an association with Adaru (this month in Akkadian and Babylonian), which means darkness and gloom? Can animals be trained to do mitzvos? 7 Adar Why don’t we make a bigger deal of this day – the birthday and yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu? How do we apply Zayin Adar to our lives? 11 Adar What do we learn from the Rogatchover Gaon, whose yahrzeit is on this day? Tetzaveh What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why is Moshe’s name not mentioned in this Parsha? What is the positive reason for this? Why is the pure olive oil, the ketoros and the Yom Kippur service not discussed in the same Torah portion of the actual building of the Mishkan and its vessels? What should our attitude to sports be? How should we react to someone watching a game while sitting in a Torah class? Is there room for sports in a Chassidishe life? How about the Olympics? How would the Rebbe advise a community facing a disagreement whether to build a smaller or larger building? Which places should I visit in Israel?

Ep. 581: Why Do We Increase in Joy During the Month of Adar? 16.02.2026 1h 2min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Adar Why do we increase in joy during this month? What unique opportunity does this month offer us? Can you begin your program about Adar with a piece of humor? Is this entire month filled with joy? What is the difference between the good mazal of Shevat and that of Adar? Is this a month when Iran will be held accountable just as it was with Persia of old? How do we reconcile the fact that ancient Persia allowed us to rebuild the second Temple and Rome destroyed it, with the tables being turned today with Iran being our enemy and the Western empires being our allies? Should we be praying for the innocent people of Iran? Which events during the 1991 Persian Gulf War did the Rebbe cite as signs that the world is ready for Moshiach — and that all we need to do is open our eyes? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? How do we create a sanctuary for G-d today? What is the significance of the holy ark?Can we compare G-d to energy? If physical existence is really Divine energy, what are we actually accomplishing when we perform mitzvos with material objects and make blessings on actual foods? What is the difference between chapters 11 and 12 at the end of the Rambam? What positive lesson do we learn about breaking down walls to spread Chassidus? What are we to make of the uprisings in Iran? Terumah Understanding G-d Siyum HaRambam What do we learn from the President announcing a "National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving" on May 17th, which is Rosh Chodesh Sivan? Ramming into 770 – Follow-up

Ep. 580: How Did Chof Beis Shevat Impact the Rebbe, and What Do We Learn From That? 09.02.2026 1h 11min

Episode 580 When: Sunday, February 8, 8:00PM ETFor recording visit the archive page or your favorite podcast carrier.Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chof Beis Shevat How did this day impact the Rebbe and what do we learn from that? What is the significance of this day for each one of us? Can you share a short biography and some stories about the Rebbetzin? What practical actions should we be doing in honor of this day? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? Why weren’t all Torah laws given at the same time? Why do rational laws (mishpatim) have to be built upon the foundation of Sinai, Anochi Hashem Elokecho? Why was the Torah given on Mt. Sinai and not on Mt. Moriah, the Temple Mount? Since the Patriarchs studied and kept the entire Torah, what was unique about Matan Torah? What is the significance of naaseh v’nishma? And what is the logic of committing to something before hearing what you are committing to? Is there a connection between the ten commandments (aseres hadibros) and the ten utterances (asorah maamoros) with which the world was created? Why was Yisro’s acknowledgment necessary before the giving of the Torah? Why did Yisro have seven names? Why did the altar have a ramp and not steps? Can we “compel” G-d to learn Torah? How can we explain the paradox that Hashem is both infinitely inaccessible and infinitely accessible? What's the difference between Shechina and Atzmus? Why did the Rebbe institute the daily learning of Rambam? What is the history behind it? How can I stop my husband from watching the Super Bowl? Should we root for any team?

Ep. 579: 15th of Shevat: What Are Some Lessons We Learn From Trees? 04.02.2026 1h 7min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: 15th of Shevat Why do we celebrate the New Year for Trees? Why don’t we celebrate it on the third day of creation, when trees and vegetation were created? How do trees celebrate their new year? What is the basis of Shammai and Hillel’s different opinions of when we celebrate the new year for trees? Can it serve as an analogy for stages in the revelation of Moshiach? Was this day celebrated in Biblical times? What is a 15th of Shevat Seder and how do we conduct one? What are some lessons we learn from trees? Is there a source that Shevat is the acronym of sheyihi besuros tovos? Why is Shevat considered a month of good news when sad events took place in it, such as the passing of the Frierdiker Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? How do the three major events in the book Shemos – Exodus, Matan Torah, building the mishkan – reflect three key stages in our personal, collective and cosmic journey? Why is Matan Torah in Parshas Yisro?How would you describe G-d? Is G-d aware of His own existence? Why did the giving of the Torah begin with the Ten Commandments? How did Matan Torah change the world? Why were they not allowed to approach Mt. Sinai, but today anyone can climb that mountain? Why are the Jewish people called a “kingdom of priests”? Is Mitzrayim compared to the meitzar ha’goron, the narrow neck? Why was there a need for the parting of the sea, when their path to Israel did not require going through the Red Sea? Was the parting of the sea an actual event or a metaphor? What is the significance of the people singing the song of the sea after it was parted? What is the power of song? Shevat Yisro Beshalach What lessons do we learn from the car ramming into 770 on the night of Yud Shevat? How do I know if I am doing the right thing in launching a new training program based on Chassidus?

Ep. 578: What Is the Torah View on Alternative Forms of Healing, Like Breathwork, Plant Medicine, Somatic Therapy and Others? 26.01.2026 1h 7min

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Shevat/Basi L’Gani What is the main theme of Basi L’Gani and this year’s 16th chapter? What is the mission of our generation? What is the role of Gan Eden today? Why can’t the Divine be revealed in the presence of sins? What treasures are being splurged to win today’s wars? If the treasures are being splurged, why are some of us struggling financially? How do we benefit from learning about higher spiritual worlds and levels of G-dliness that we might be unable to access in our physical world? Does the power to conceal require deeper energy than the power to reveal? How would you define a Rebbe in one word? How do you translate “bittul”? Is tzedakah an act of bittul? Should we add tzedakah in honor of Yud Shevat? What is the Torah view on alternative forms of healing, such as breathwork, plant medicine, somatic therapy and others?