Addressing the “Meshichist” Topic

MyLife: Chassidus Applied Episode 92, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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MyLife Chassidus Applied has become a forum where many taboo issues are discussed and any question can be raised. Nothing is off-limits or avoided. In this week’s episode Rabbi Jacobson will continue addressing such questions – among others (after all, not all questions are controversial…).

“Since you speak about every issue, why does it seem like you are avoiding the topic of how meshichistin (messianists) have torn apart much of what the Rebbe built with blood and sweat? Please offer clarity.”

“I really enjoy watching movies. I know it’s the wrong thing to do, but they are so exciting and relaxing. I don’t find anything comparable in Yiddishkeit that provides the same amount of pleasure and relaxation. What should I do? I guess my question is really the following, how do I make Yiddishkeit exciting so I don’t need to look for other things to keep me entertained?”

“Why are many Chabad customs and behaviors different than those of other communities”?

“You are usually so tolerant of different viewpoints. Why were you so dismissive of the Niturei Karta who march and demonstrate together with Arabs?”

These are some of the candid questions that Rabbi Jacobson will be addressing in this week’s 92nd episode of My Life: Chassidus Applied. Other topics that will be addressed include: what is the meaning of Hakhel, and how do you balance Chassidishe hergeshim without going over the line.

Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in the MyLife: Chassidus Applied contest: “When a Vice is Truly a Virtue”, by Leibel Gniwisch; “Strengthening the Mind through Prayer” by Avraham Katz, “Cultivating the Next Generation” by Dena Taub. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.

And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: The Rambam definitively rules that we must believe in G-d’s non-corporeality, and that G-d is not affected by any physical occurrences, such as movement, or rest, or dwelling. The Raavad, on the other hand, cites Torah sages who believed in an anthropomorphic G-d”. Can we explain the disagreement between the Rambam and the Raavad and other Rishonim with the idea of Ohr and Atzmus in Chassidus: The Rambam is speaking from the perspective of ohr and giluyim, where logic denies anthropomorphism. The Raavad is speaking from the perspective of Atzmus, Who is kol yochol (omnipotent), and therefore capable of manifesting in a corporeal way?

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 www.appliedchassidus.com.

The topics in this Sunday’s hour-long broadcast will include:
Chassidus Applied to Yud Tes Kislev
Why are Chabad customs different?
What should I do about my pleasure from watching movies?
Criticizing Niturei Karta
Messianism: Is it destructive?
What’s the point of Hakhel?
How do we know when a Chassidishe hergesh (feeling) doesn’t cross the line?
Chassidus question: Anthropomorphism in Atzmus?
MyLife Essays: When a Vice is Truly a Virtue, Strengthening the Mind through Prayer, Cultivating the Next Generation

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 MP3’s for listening on the go.

Questions may be submitted anonymously at www.appliedchassidus.com.

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