MyLife: Chassidus Applied

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should our focus be at this time of year?

• What should we do when we don't feel inspired?
• What great things are accomplished through self-generated effort?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• Can we view Sarah's laughter when she heard that she would bear a child in a positive way?
• Are the problems caused today by Arabs/Muslims a continuation of Hagar and Ishmael being sent away from Abraham's home?
• How could Abraham, a merkavah to G-d's will, challenge G-d for wanting to destroy Sodom?
• Was it inappropriate of Abraham to pray for Sodom?
• What does it mean when G-d says "I will descend now and see" if Sodom has sinned – isn't G-d omnipresent and omniscient?
• Why did the residents of Sodom mistreat travelers?
• Why doesn't G-d destroy other wicked cities?
• Why did Lot's wife turn into a pillar of salt?
• How do we explain the strange story of the Akeidah?
• Why didn't Isaac resist?

• Can you present a short biography of the Rebbe Rashab?
• How do we explain the Tzemech Tzedek's response that Abraham earned G-d's revelation due to his circumcision – didn't G-d reveal Himself to Abraham earlier as well?

Vayeira
Chof Cheshvan Can we say that Europe is suffering its fate due to its mistreatment of Jews, as G-d told Abraham, "Those that bless you shall be blessed"?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Zayin Cheshvan

• What happened on this day and what lessons do we learn from it?
• What should our focus be during this time of the year?
• What are ways we can express in today's day and age a similar level of Ahavas Yisroel as was manifest on Zayin Cheshvan?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• Why does the story of Abraham begin with Lech Lecha?
• What was the bris bein ha’besarim?
• Why is this type of covenant not practiced today?
• What is the significance of the letter Hei added to Abraham and Sarah’s names?
• Is there a connection between Abraham and Sarah not having a child until after Abraham was circumcised?
•
Why don’t we find G-d discussing with Abraham the coming of Moshiach or the World to Come?

• Why did Noah get drunk and uncover himself?
• Why was it considered inappropriate behavior?
• Why did Cham disgrace his father?
• What was the sin of building the Tower of Babel?
• Why is “making a name for yourself” such a terrible thing?
• Why doesn’t G-d intervene when other transgressions are done as he did by the Tower of Babel?
• Is there anything positive about the creation of different languages by different nations?
• What lessons does the Tower of Babel offer us regarding building AI today?
• What is the purpose of other religions? And if they ‘serve’ with sincerity, is there any truth to them?

• Should we use airlines that employ jihadist pilots and terrorist flight attendants who wear Hamas flags and other anti-Israel symbols?

Lech Lecha Noach Miracle of Flight 1073 What is the Torah view on the US military planning to execute a former Army major?

Would the Rebbe discourage us from using AI to help write Torah thoughts or watch AI-generated videos?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

What should our focus be as Tishrei concludes and Cheshvan begins?

• What does v’Yaakov holech l’darko mean?
• Why do we use a verse about Yaakov’s return to Israel to describe our leaving the holiday season and entering the mundane year?
• Why is this month called MarCheshvan?

Can we predict what will happen in 5787 based on its number Tav Shin Paz (gold)?

• What can we learn from events that happened 100 and 200 years ago?

Noach

• What do the flood and the ark teach us about today’s world?
• What is the meaning and significance of the teivah (ark)?
• How can we say that teivah refers to the words of Torah before the Torah was given?
• Why is this Parsha read in the month of Cheshvan?
• What is the connection between the flood and a mikveh?
• Why did G-d destroy the entire world in the great flood and not just the sinners?
• Is it possible that G-d will destroy the world because of today’s terrorists and their supporters as He did in the time of the flood?
• What was the difference between Noach and Abraham?
• How do we reconcile Noach being a tzaddik just in his generation with the meaning of that title explained in Tanya?
• Why the distinction between kosher and non-kosher animals entering the ark, when consuming meat was not permitted before the flood?
• What happened to the fish during the flood?
• Why did the animals want to leave the ark after the flood, unlike Noah?
• Why was life expectancy lowered to 120 after the flood?

Miracle of Flight 1073

• Why does G-d not do more great miracles?
• How do we reconcile this miracle with the many times miracles don’t happen to save people from tragedies, such as on October 7 when 1200 people were killed?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should our focus be during this last week before Rosh Hashana?

25 Elul

• What is the significance and personal application of this day?
• How can we say that the world was created on the 25th of Elul when time itself was a creation and there was no time before creation?

• What is unique about this year beginning on Shabbos?
• And it being the longest possible year?
• Has anyone come up with a good acronym for Tov Shin Pei Zayin?
• Do you have anything to say about the fact that we have 213 years left until the end of the sixth millennium?

• Should we be afraid of Judgment Day?
• What can I do about the heaviness and guilt I feel every Rosh Hashana?
• Is everything I do for myself and not for G-d a sin?
• Why should I bother going to shul on Rosh Hashana?
• Especially considering that my prayers are not being answered?
• What is the source in Torah that on Rosh Hashana we coronate Hashem as King?
• If the creation of the universe and G-d's coronation as King is dependent on us, how did that come to be at the outset of creation before there was an “us”?
• Since “malchus has nothing of its own” do we say that our relationship with G-d is completely dependent on us?
• What is the difference between the renewal of existence on Rosh Hashana and its renewal every moment?
• How could G-d consult the angels about creation when the angels themselves were created?
• Are there any differences between how the 13 attributes of mercy manifest in Elul and how they manifest in the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?
• What is the connection between Atem Netzavim HaYom and Rosh Hashana?
• Why was the shofar sounded in the Beis Ha’Mikdash on Shabbos?
• Since Shabbos accomplishes the same thing the shofar accomplishes, why do we need to sound the shofar on the second day of Rosh Hashana?

• What is the sequence of the holidays following Rosh Hashana?
• What is yechida and how do we access it on Yom Kippur?
• What is the significance of the joy of Sukkos following the Days of Awe?

• Why do they have to remain hidden?

5787 Rosh Hashana Yom Kippur and Sukkos 36 Tzaddikim (follow-up)

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What is Chai Elul's Personal Message to Us?

• Who revealed to us that this day is the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe?
• Why was it kept secret for many years?
• What is the meaning of the statement that Chai Elul infuses chayus into the entire month of Elul?
• What is the source that the last twelve days of this month correspond to the twelve months of the year? And what is the connection with Chai Elul?
• Why did the Baal Shem Tov sign his name “Yisroel from Okup” when he was born in Tlust?
• What is the story about the Baal Shem Tov’s previous reincarnation?
• What is the significance of the Alter Rebbe being a neshama chadasha? Why does such a neshama need 24 months of gestation?
• Who was Achiya HaShiloni, the teacher of the Baal Shem Tov, and what is their connection?
• What do we know about the thirty-six hidden tzaddikim?
• What were the two last things the Baal Shem Tov heard from his father, and how did that shape him and the philosophy of Chassidus?
• Why was the Baal Shem Tov not arrested for spreading Chassidus like the Alter Rebbe?
• What is the connection with the establishment of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim?
• Do we know why the cornerstone of 770's expansion was laid on the 17th of Elul?
• Why do they say that if you don't believe Baal Shem Tov stories you are an apikores and if you do believe them, you are a fool?
• Did the Baal Shem Tov banish demons from this earth?

• Why did the Frierdiker Rebbe get married on a Friday, as was customary then, but today we don't usually have weddings on a Friday?

• Does the “king in the field” mean that Elul impacts us even if we don’t improve our behavior?
• And does this power exist all year round?
• How do we reconcile the explanation of ani l’dodi v’dodi li with the Frierdiker Rebbe’s interpretation that it refers to businesspeople and scholars?
• How do we justify tragedies in this month of compassion?
• Why are our prayers not being answered?

13 Elul Elul Thank you

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should our focus be during these days of Elul?

• What makes Elul unique?
• Is Elul initiated from below (Ani L’Dodi) or from above (the king in the field)? (follow-up)
• How do we create vessels for G-d's blessings this time of the year?
• If the king is in the field during Elul, where does that leave us the rest of the year?
• Is G-d more present during this time of the year?
• I’ve had a very difficult year... What more can I do to ensure that the thirteen attributes of compassion manifest in my life?
• Since G-d does all the mitzvos he commands us to do, how does He perform the mitzva of teshuva?
• Can we say that this is like tzaddikim doing teshuva?
• How can we say that G-d “regrets” anything?
• Why does a Baal Teshuva reach higher than a Tzaddik?
• Why are there no Shoftim maamorim in Likkutei Torah?
• Can we bless someone with a happy new year over the phone? Should they answer amen?
• What is the power of answering amen?
• Is the blessing valid and does it work even without answering amen?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• What is the significance of “Tavo” and the mitzva of the first fruit offering (bikurim)
• What do we know about the stones upon which the Torah was inscribed?
• How do we possibly explain the hidden blessing in child cannibalism?!

• Why did the Rebbe tell us to celebrate and be extra joyous on the Frierdiker rebbes wedding anniversary?

Ki Tavo 13 Elul G-d leading our footsteps when we travel on vacation (follow-up)
Are we allowed to pray for others without their knowledge and consent?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What should our focus be during these early days of Elul? 05:03 • How does Av give birth to Elul? 01:04 • What is unique about the “king in the field” in Elul when we have access to G-d all year round? 08:59 • Is Elul initiated from below (Ani L’Dodi) or from above (the king in the field)? 15:29 • What are the thirteen attributes of divine compassion (Yud Gimmel Midos HaRachamim)? 20:43 • How are they related to the Yud Gimmel Tikkunei Dikna (thirteen strands of the beard)? 24:11 • What more can I do to ensure that these attributes of compassion manifest in my life? 30:27 • Is there a connection between Elul and the similar sounding word hilulah? 38:12 • What’s the best way to bless someone for a happy new year? 40:06 • Is it enough just to bless each other for a good year, or do we need to do some action as well? 42:40 • Why don’t we refrain from sounding the shofar thirty days before Rosh Hashana as we do with eating matzah before Pesach? 44:25 • What maamar would you suggest we study in Elul that discusses the spiritual energy of the month of Elul? 47:30How do I deal with a guilty past? • How to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy remorse? 49:42 • Can the mystical concept of sheviras ha’keilim help us in this process? 54:20Ki Teitzei • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 58:55 • Why do we “go out” (ki teitzei) to wage war, and we do so “above our enemies” (al oi’vecho)? 58:55 • How does that dramatically change the way we face life challenges? 01:00:50 Who is leading our footsteps when we travel on vacation? 01:02:38Camp (follow-up) • Does Gan Israel suggest a level lower than Israel? 01:05:30

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should be our focus during these days as we transition from Av to Elul?

• Why is Elul a special month?
• How do we maximize its opportunities?
• What is our main work this month?
• What is its personal relevance in our lives?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• What is the connection between Shoftim and Elul?
• Why does the Torah prohibit sorcery and witchcraft? How is it different from a doctor?
• Can this be applied to going to shamans today for plant medicine ceremonies?
• Why were those exiled to the cities of refuge freed upon the passing of the High Priest?
• What does this teach us about current leaders?
• What lessons do we learn from the Eglah Arufah?
• Why is a king prohibited from buying many horses?
• How does this apply today?
• Why did the Shaloh ask his son not to build a house more opulent than his needs?
• Why did the Rebbe reject a new car?

• Should we pray based on our merits or asking for G-d's favor? Follow-up

Shoftim Vaetchanan Who named it Camp Gan Israel?
What was the relationship between Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and the Rebbe?

Are we allowed to take off our yarmulkas for any reason?

How can I encourage my spouse to stop speaking negatively about one of our children to another child?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should be our focus during these days?

• Why do we begin blessing each other with wishes for a good year on the 15th of Av?
• Why is it written that there were no holidays like the 15th of Av in the past tense?

• What is the relevance of this day?
• What is the significance of this day coming 40 days before Rosh Hashana?
• Why did the Rebbe’s father have to endure such excessive suffering?
• Can it be explained by the idea that, to grow to an unprecedented higher level, one needs to nullify previous levels entirely?
• What was unique about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s teaching style?
• How would you describe what it adds to Chabad Chassidus in general?
• Are his writings Chassidishe Chassidus or Rebbe’she Chassidus?
• Can you give us an example of some of his teachings?
• How can we honor the Rebbe’s father?
• Who is in charge of publishing Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s teachings?
• What is the connection of Reb Levi Yitzchak to the month of Av?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• What is the meaning of the blessings and curses in the Torah?
• What is the proper way to bless someone?
• Is there a source that on a birthday one has a special power to bless others?
• How do we create a vessel for blessings?
• What can we do to remove blockages from receiving blessings?
• How do we transform a curse into a blessing?
• If curses are really hidden blessings, why do we need revealed blessings?
• Why does the Midrash connect the blessings and curses to the physical topography of the mountains associated with them?
• What can we learn from the Torah’s way of recognizing a true and false prophet to help us identify charlatans and scammers today?

Chof Av Re'eh

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What should be our focus during these days following Tisha B'Av?

15 Av

• What is the relevance of this day?
• Why is it considered the greatest holiday together with Yom Kippur?
• Why did they break the axe after finishing the yearly wood chopping quota instead of keeping it for next year?
• Will this day still be celebrated after Moshiach comes? Or will the transformed 9th of Av supplant this day?
• What maamar or sicha do you suggest we learn explaining this day?

• What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha?
• How does Eikev allude to ikvasa d’meshicha, the heel/footsteps of Moshiach?
• What is the meaning of ikvasa d’meshicha – why is it called “heel”? What is its significance?
• What's the difference between the footsteps of Moshiach, the days of Moshiach, and the era of Moshiach? And which stage are we in today?
• Why is Eikev the gematria of the 172 words of the Ten Commandments?
• Are the seven species that with which Israel is blessed (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates) healthier for us?
• Why is the second set of tablets greater than the first?

• If we are comforted by being shown the third temple on Shabbos Chazon, why do we additionally need Shabbos Nachamu?
• Why is there a double expression of consolation – Nachamu Nachamu stated twice?
• Can we say that the first half of summer is sadder due to The Three Weeks, and the second half is happier due to the Seven Weeks of Comfort?
• What can one do if they don't feel consoled on this Shabbos due to the active problems that exist in the world?

• Why was Moshe told to stop praying to enter Israel when we are taught that prayer has the power to change G-d's will?
• Was Moshe praying or asking for a gift?
• Is it risky to ask G-d for a favor?

• How is it possible that with the great revelations of holiness in the Beis Hamikdash people were able to sin and cause its destruction?
• Is the Beis Hamikdash an actual physical structure or is it a superconscious collective state of harmony between the spiritual and physical world?
• Even if we aren’t allowed to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash, can we start collecting money for it?
• Is Israel holy because the Beis Hamikdash was there, or was the Beis Hamikdosh there because Israel is holy?
• When Moshiach comes, will we all feel it?

• Why does the Torah name some villains and not others?
• Why did the sages not speak up in defense of Bar Kamtza and why is the name of the host not mentioned – the Chasam Sofer’s explanation?

Eikev Nachamu Vaetchanan Rebuilding the Temple Kamtza and Bar Kamtza – follow-up

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
5 Av: Yahrzeit of the Arizal

• What is the relevance of this day?
• How was the Arizal unique?
• What is a short biography of the Arizal and his teachings?
• What does it teach us?
• What did the Arizal say in his eulogy of the Ramak?
• How should we honor this day?

• What should be our focus during these days leading into Tisha B'Av?
• What is the meaning of this month’s name?
• Do people born this month have a unique personality type?
• Why was the Temple destroyed?
• How could baseless hatred, which is not punishable in the Torah by death, be enough reason for the destruction of the Temple and death of so many?
• Is it appropriate to eat meat during these days?
• Why do some people insist on eating meat?
• What is the meaning and significance of the last verse in the Shabbos Chazon Haftorah: Tzion ba’mishpat ti’podeh v’shoveho b’tzedakah?
• Does it mean that redemption will literally come through charity?
• Why are we not told the names of the perpetrators in the Kamtza Bar Kamtza story – the host, the silent rabbis?
• Does Tanya chapter 32 mean that all Jews are actually equal, or only potentially so?

• What lessons did the Rebbe teach us from soccer?

• Why was Moshiach born on this day?
• Doesn’t the human Moshiach have an actual birthday?
• Is there a connection between Eicha (which we read on this day) and the question ayeko (which is comprised of the same letters) that G-d asked Adam?
• Are there any lessons to be learned from the fact that smoke from Canadian wildfires has filled the air of Northern USA on the weekend before Tisha B’Av?

Menachem Av/Nine Days What can we learn from the World Cup, especially during these days? Tisha B'Av

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What should our focus be during these days? 01:48 • What is the correct way to understand and experience the sadness of this time of year? 01:48 • How does the spiral of time work according to Jewish thought? 05:19 • How do we explain the Gemara “just as when Av begins one decreases in rejoicing, so too when Adar begins, one increases in rejoicing”? 04:40Rosh Chodesh Av/Nine Days • What lessons do we learn from this time period? 12:23 • What is unique about Rosh Chodesh Av? 15:30 • Why are these days sadder than other days of the year? 20:54 • What's the highest level of divine revelation that we can access today? 22:33 • How do the laws of the nine days, like not bathing or washing clothes, help build the Third Beis HaMikdash? 27:37Devarim/Chazon • How do we reconcile the literal meaning of Chazon (Isaiah’s vision of the Temple’s destruction) and R’Levi Yitzchok Berditchev’s interpretation that every Jew is shown the Temple from afar? 33:06 • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 35:30 • Why is an entire book of Torah dedicated to reviewing past events that have already happened and been documented? 38:59 • Why are new mitzvos introduced in this book? 42:50 Is there a special connection between the Ramak, whose yahrzeit was on 23 Tammuz, and Chabad Chassidus? 45:57What special strengths does our generation have? 49:46 • Why don’t we have miraculous tools like in previous generations? 54:24 • How are today’s scientific advances in AI consistent with the prophesies about the spread of knowledge in the messianic era? 57:26 What did the Rebbe say when he visited camp? Follow-up • Is money the root of all evil? 58:22

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: How do we transform this period of the three weeks into geulah? 00:54250th anniversary of July 4th • How did the Rebbe connect July 4th with his arrival to America? 07:50 • Is there an explanation why July 4th 1776 was the 17th of Tammuz? 12:09 • How about the divine providence of Founding Fathers Adams and Jefferson both dying on July 4th? 15:38 • What are the challenges of freedom, and how can we harness It in healthy ways? 16:30Matos-Masei • What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week’s Torah parsha? 23:37 • How do we reconcile the rigidity of Matos with the flexibility and movements of Masei? 23:37 • Is halacha rigid or flexible? 26:00 • What do the cities of refuge represent on a physical and spiritual level? 30:09 • Why is it important to know the detailed 42 journeys of the Jewish people through the wilderness to Israel? 32:40 • What happens if someone is missing the Sukkos journey in their life (the second of the 42 journeys in our lives)? 37:52How do we direct our summer month vacation into Divine experiences? 40:36 When did the Rebbe visit summer camps and what can we learn from those visits? 41:13 Is it OK to go on a camping trip with my family? 47:14 Why doesn’t G-d simply eliminate the threat of Iran once and for all? 49:54 What is the appeal of communism? And what can we do about it? 53:21 How should I address my daughter and her friends attending a gay pride parade? 59:42

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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