Popular Shows by Rabbi YY Jacobson הרב יוסף יצחק יעקבסון
472 episodes
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Name
Release Date
Duration
401
7 Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov
7 Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov
May 6, 2021
1:46:27
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bamidbar, 29 Iyar, 5781, May 11, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
402
Cuddled in My Mother's Arms
Cuddled in My Mother's Arms
May 19, 2021
1:03:05
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Behaaloscha, 14 Sivan, 5781, May 25, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
403
If You Believe You Can't, You Really Can't
If You Believe You Can't, You Really Can't
May 31, 2021
1:04:55
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shlach, 21 Sivan, 5781, June 1, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. How do we understand Moshe's strange argument to Hashem: Don’t kill Your children because of what the neighbors will say?! And why didn’t repentance work after the story of the spies? The class is based on Sefas Emes and a talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Perhaps G-d was not punishing the Jews, only help them confront their reality.
404
The Dream Shall Never Die
The Dream Shall Never Die
Jun 4, 2021
1:20:36
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Korach, 28 Sivan, 5781, June 8, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
405
When the Lubavitcher Rebbe Spoke about Not Giving up on Souls Buried in Rubble
When the Lubavitcher Rebbe Spoke about Not Giving up on Souls Buried in Rubble
Jun 27, 2021
1:34:25
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Pinchas, 19 Tammuz, 5781, June 29, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. It happened 88 years ago, in 1932. The Lubavitcher Rebbe came from Berlin to Riga to spend Sukkos with his father-in-law, the sixth Chabad Rebbe. On Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe farbrenged all night in the Sukkah of the yeshiva. But nobody ever had a record of the words. After the Rebbe's passing in 1994, his personal journals were discovered and published as the "Reshimos." There they found the Rebbe’s transcript of that 1932 address, a major part of it dealing with the Torah laws about searching for people trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building. As the Mishna states (Yuma 83a), we never give up hope and never stop searching for anyone who might be alive. The Rebbe spent a few hours analyzing all the details of this halacha (which will be studied in the Daf Yomi this week), and then explaining it from an emotional and spiritual perspective, applying these laws to people living in a chaotic N What does it mean that a person is emotionally trapped under a collapsed building? How do we extract them? Do we ever give up? What are the signs of life we are looking for? Was the rebbe perhaps also addressing what would become his mission following the greatest catastrophe in Jewish history?
406
How Do I Become Aware of My Self-Sabotage?
How Do I Become Aware of My Self-Sabotage?
Jul 4, 2021
1:13:34
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Matos-Maasei, 26 Tammuz, 5781, July 6, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
407
Does Hashem Hate Us?
Does Hashem Hate Us?
Jul 9, 2021
1:33:26
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Devarim, 4 Av, 5781, July 13, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
408
Basics of Emunah #36: Does Fear of G-d Create Anxiety?
Basics of Emunah #36: Does Fear of G-d Create Anxiety?
Aug 12, 2021
1:03:43
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Seitzei, 9 Elul, 5781, August 17, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.
409
My Light, My Salvation, and My Strength
My Light, My Salvation, and My Strength
Aug 20, 2021
1:12:01
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Savo, 16 Elul, 5781, August 24, 2021, live at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
410
How Can Davening Change Hashem’s Will?
How Can Davening Change Hashem’s Will?
Aug 29, 2021
1:18:02
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Nitzavim, 23 Elul, 5781, August 31, 2021, live at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
411
The Teshuvah of Our Generation
The Teshuvah of Our Generation
Sep 5, 2021
1:18:31
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Ha'azinu, 8 Tishrei, 5781, September 14, 2021, live at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
412
How to Be a Host
How to Be a Host
Oct 15, 2021
1:11:41
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayera, 13 Cheshvan, 5782, October 19, 2021, live at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
413
The Abraham Accords: A Biblical Perspective
The Abraham Accords: A Biblical Perspective
Oct 21, 2021
1:34:12
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Chayei Sarah, 20 Cheshvan, 5782, October 26, 2021, live at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
414
Why Did Christianity Turn a Jew into a Deity?
Why Did Christianity Turn a Jew into a Deity?
Oct 28, 2021
1:28:12
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Toldos, 27 Cheshvan, 5782, November 2, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The class explores a fascinating commentary by the Italian Rabbi, Doctor and Kabalist, Reb Moshe David Vali (1697-1777) how Yitzchak's words to Eisav "you shall worship your brother" intimates the future religion of Christianity, choosing a Jew as the son of G-d, and is a sign for the times of Moshiach when the Divinity of each Jew will emerge in its full splendor. The class discusses and explained the very delicate topic of the strange fact that Judaism attributes the name of G-d to certain human beings. How can we explain this? And what does this teach us about our lives today?
415
Sometimes, We Hate that Which We Need Most
Sometimes, We Hate that Which We Need Most
Nov 5, 2021
1:41:18
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayetzei, 5 Kislev, 5782, November 9, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
416
The Oak of Grief: The Untold Story of Rivkah’s Wet Nurse
The Oak of Grief: The Untold Story of Rivkah’s Wet Nurse
Nov 11, 2021
1:40:39
Weekly Women's Class: She is one of the most anonymous figures in the Torah, yet the Torah dedicates space in Vayishlach to discuss her death, burial, and the tears following her passing. This is Rivkah's wet nurse, Devorah. But who was she? Why is she important to our story? Why did everyone grieve her death? As it turns out, she shaped the future of the Jewish people and the destiny of history. According to the sages, Devorah the prophetess led and taught the Jewish people at her burial plot, and she was also a reincarnation of Tamar. All of these details come together to create one of the most remarkable reflections on the timeless role of the Jewish woman in history, from then to this very day. Rabbi YY Jacobson unravels the mystery of one of the most anonymous figures in the Torah, Rivkah's wet nurse, Devorah, bringing to life a narrative of profound emotion, courage, resilience, and faith, still carried on by our mothers and daughters. This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayishlach, 12 Kislev, 5782, November 16, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
417
To See the Hidden Light
To See the Hidden Light
Nov 26, 2021
1:18:44
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Miketz, 26 Kislev, 5782, November 30, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
418
What Yosef Taught His Brothers About Guilt & Anguish
What Yosef Taught His Brothers About Guilt & Anguish
Dec 3, 2021
1:48:28
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayigash, 3 Teves, 5782, December 7, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
419
The 10th of Teves: The Day That Changed Jewish History
The 10th of Teves: The Day That Changed Jewish History
Dec 11, 2021
1:06:08
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayechi, 10 Teves, 5782, December 14, 2021, at his home in Monsey, NY.
420
He’s Not Defiant; He’s Just Thirsty. Don’t Blame; Just Be Curious
He’s Not Defiant; He’s Just Thirsty. Don’t Blame; Just Be Curious
Dec 16, 2021
1:08:15
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shemos, 17 Teves, 5782, December 21, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
421
Chaim Walder & the Cover-Ups in Our Communities
Chaim Walder & the Cover-Ups in Our Communities
Dec 23, 2021
1:21:37
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vaera, 24 Teves, 5782, December 28, 2021, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The class explores an incredible discourse by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the author of the Tanya, on how at the end of history before the coming of Moshiach, the most acute crass and filth mixed into the "wine" and the "silver" gets exposed, hence allowing the soul of Israel to shite in its pristine goodness and glory. The class explores the cover-up of child abusers in our communities for decades, claiming so many untold victims. This is the age of healing and transformation, which includes exposing the evil and putting an end to a culture of lies and cover-ups. Truth prevails.
422
Do I Have Free Choice? It Depends
Do I Have Free Choice? It Depends
Dec 29, 2021
1:47:45
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bo, 2 Shevat, 5782, January 4, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. It explores how free choice works, and do we really even have it?
423
Four Responses to Trauma: Resignation, Disconnect, War, and Paralysis.
Four Responses to Trauma: Resignation, Disconnect, War, and Paralysis.
Jan 5, 2022
1:34:40
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Beshalach, 9 Shevat, 5782, January 11, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
424
Yisro Vs. Moshe: Judaism Without Elitism
Yisro Vs. Moshe: Judaism Without Elitism
Jan 12, 2022
1:21:45
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class by Rabbi YY Jacobson was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Yisro, 16 Shevat, 5782, January 18, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
425
It’s Not the Trauma or the Sin; It’s the Shame that Destroys
It’s Not the Trauma or the Sin; It’s the Shame that Destroys
Jan 19, 2022
1:38:29
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Mishpatim, 23 Shevat, 5782, January 25, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
426
Even In Darkness, We Soar On the Wings of Eternity
Even In Darkness, We Soar On the Wings of Eternity
Jan 26, 2022
1:19:17
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Terumah, 30 Shevat, Rosh Chodesh Adar I, 5782, February 1, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
427
Don’t Amputate Any Part of Your Self
Don’t Amputate Any Part of Your Self
Feb 2, 2022
1:34:35
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 7 Adar I, 5782, February 8, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
428
The Debate Between Mordechai & Esther: Do We Include All Jews?
The Debate Between Mordechai & Esther: Do We Include All Jews?
Feb 9, 2022
1:45:20
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Ki Sisa, Purim Katan, 14 Adar I, 5782, February 15, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
429
The Soul & History of Ukrainian Jewry; Our Calling Today
The Soul & History of Ukrainian Jewry; Our Calling Today
Feb 23, 2022
1:24:34
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Pekudei, 28 Adar I, 5782, March 1, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
430
Can You See Your Life as a Symphony?
Can You See Your Life as a Symphony?
Mar 2, 2022
1:18:24
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Vayikra, 5 Adar II, 5782, March 8, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
431
Do We Really Want People to Lose Their Minds on Purim!?
Do We Really Want People to Lose Their Minds on Purim!?
Mar 9, 2022
1:37:12
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class on Purim was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tzav, 12 Adar II, 5782, March 15, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
432
Eulogy for Rav Chaim Kanievsky: The Power of Torah
Eulogy for Rav Chaim Kanievsky: The Power of Torah
Mar 14, 2022
1:36:02
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shmini, 19 Adar II, 5782, March 22, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The class was dedicated to the recent passing of HaGaon Reb Chaim Kanievsky (1928-2022), on Friday, Shushan Purim, 5782, March 18, 2022, at his home in Bnei Brak, at the age of 94. The funeral on Sunday brought together some 750,000 mourners from all over the Holy Land.
433
Elisha, Naaman the Leper, & an Abducted Jewish Girl
Elisha, Naaman the Leper, & an Abducted Jewish Girl
Mar 23, 2022
1:42:10
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tazria, 26 Adar II, 5782, March 29, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
434
The 3 Names of Pesach Reflect the 3 Steps to Freedom
The 3 Names of Pesach Reflect the 3 Steps to Freedom
Mar 31, 2022
1:29:12
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Metzora, 4 Nisan, 5782, April 5, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
435
The Sickle and the Ax
The Sickle and the Ax
Apr 27, 2022
1:27:36
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Kedoshim, 2 Iyar, 5782, May 3, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
436
Why Do We Make Blessings on Food? To Redefine Who We Are
Why Do We Make Blessings on Food? To Redefine Who We Are
May 6, 2022
1:13:51
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 9 Iyar, 5782, May 10, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This class is based on an address delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, on Shabbos Parshas Yisro, 22 Shevat, 5740, February 9, 1980; and on Tuesday Parshas Shlach, 19 Sivan, 5747, June 16, 1987. This second address was presented to the graduating class of Beth Rivkah girl's school, and to the counselors of the girls camp, Camp Emunah.
437
In G-d’s Ecosystem, We Are All Givers and Takers
In G-d’s Ecosystem, We Are All Givers and Takers
May 12, 2022
1:25:02
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Behar, 16 Iyar, 5782, May 17, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
438
A Tale of Two Loves: Amnon and Tamar Vs. David and Yehonasan
A Tale of Two Loves: Amnon and Tamar Vs. David and Yehonasan
May 20, 2022
1:45:56
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bechukosai, 23 Iyar, 5782, May 24, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. King David—whose yartzeit is on Shavuos—remains one of the most fascinating, perplexing, and majestic figures in Jewish history. The combination of wisdom, humility, honesty and spirituality coupled with courage, power, passion, and leadership, and all of them with incredible intensity, conferred upon him the status of the ultimate Jewish king, leader, and poet. Two of the most powerful stories of love in the Tanach are also associated with him and one two of his children. They are summarized succinctly by our sages in the Ethics of the Fathers ch. 5: “What is an example of a love that depended on something? The love Amnon had for Tamar. What is a love that did not depend on anything? The love between David and Jonathan." Let us recall these two narratives of love. Let us also understand why the Mishnah needs to find illustrations for two models of love from two ancient stories, when both of these models play themselves out in each of our lives on a constant basis? At a “farbrengen” in the spring of 1973, Shabbos Parshas Bechokosai 5733, the Lubavitcher Rebbe offered an explanation to the Mishnah. As was his style, he demonstrated how the answer to the above enigma lay in what seems like a discrepancy of a single world. It teaches us a novel idea about how family members need to nurture relationships between themselves and also what type love we are capable of achieving with our spouses and even toward strangers. The riveting stories of how Amnon violated Tamar and how Jonathan loved David illustrate what we are capable of and what we must be caution of in the volatile and complex world of love.
439
You Are the King
You Are the King
May 27, 2022
1:17:55
Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bamidbar, 1 Sivan, 5782, May 31, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
440
If Her Father Spat in Her Face: Miriam and Her Parents
If Her Father Spat in Her Face: Miriam and Her Parents
Jun 9, 2022
1:30:15
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Behaaloscha, 15 Sivan, 5782, June 14, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
441
What Most People Don’t Get About Trauma
What Most People Don’t Get About Trauma
Jun 19, 2022
1:15:10
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shlach, 22 Sivan, 5782, June 21, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
442
The Symphony of Nature: The Rock Gets It; Why Don't I?
The Symphony of Nature: The Rock Gets It; Why Don't I?
Jul 1, 2022
1:24:32
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Chukas, 6 Tammuz, 5782, July 5, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
443
The Day of the Breaking of the Ax
The Day of the Breaking of the Ax
Aug 2, 2022
1:26:35
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Va'eschanan, 12 Av, 5782, August 9, 2022, at 18 Forshay, Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
444
The Mind Once Enlightened Cannot Become Dark
The Mind Once Enlightened Cannot Become Dark
Aug 2, 2022
1:29:17
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Eikev, 19 Av, 5782, August 16, 2022, at 18 Forshay, Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. Why do the Broken Tablets remain such a great source of inspiration to the point that we took them to war? Why did Moshe feel the need to break the tablets? Why do we compare the death of the Tzaddik to the breaking of the tablets? Why the restlessness so many of us possess? Come on a journey into the types of relationships that redefine you at your core, because they are engraved in your soul. Once I taste infinity, once I see truth, there is no going back. This class is based on an address presented by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on 20 Av, 5732, July 31, 1972.
445
Searching for the Donkeys: Five Qualities of Jewish Leadership
Searching for the Donkeys: Five Qualities of Jewish Leadership
Aug 15, 2022
1:25:52
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shoftim, 3 Elul, 5782, August 30, 2022, at 18 Forshay, Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
446
IFS and Judaism
IFS and Judaism
Sep 1, 2022
1:23:56
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Savo, 17 Elul, 5782, September 13, 2022, at 18 Forshay, Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
447
How Can You Despair on a Life That Is Not Yours?
How Can You Despair on a Life That Is Not Yours?
Sep 5, 2022
1:08:36
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Seitzei, 10 Elul, 5782, September 6, 2022, at 18 Forshay, Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
448
Can Anxiety Become My Friend?
Can Anxiety Become My Friend?
Oct 21, 2022
28:35
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Noach, 30 Tishrei, 5783, October 25, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
449
The Keyword of the Akeida: "My Father"
The Keyword of the Akeida: "My Father"
Nov 5, 2022
1:32:23
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayeira, 14 Cheshvan, 5783, November 8, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
450
Why Wasn’t Yitzchak Angry With Rivkah? The Path to Inner Peace
Why Wasn’t Yitzchak Angry With Rivkah? The Path to Inner Peace
Nov 5, 2022
1:26:35
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Toldos, 28 Cheshvan, 5783, November 22, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
451
Can You Make Space for My Struggle? Why Yaakov Had to Marry Leah
Can You Make Space for My Struggle? Why Yaakov Had to Marry Leah
Nov 26, 2022
1:31:41
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Vayetzei, 5 Kislev, 5783, November 29, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The Midrash relates that when Jacob discovered the switch between the two sisters, he told Leah, “You are a liar, the daughter of a liar,” his way of saying that the apple did not fall far from the tree. “Why did you deceive me?” Leah responded to Jacob’s accusation: Every craftsman creates students. Even a barber inspires students who learn from him the skill of cutting hair. My father and I, too, had a mentor who taught us how to deceive. Some time ago, Leah said, there was an old man, who wanted to bless his oldest son but was deceived by his younger son.. On a simple level, Leah was teaching Jacob the rule of “what goes around comes around.” He deceived his father, causing the blessing reserved for the older son to go instead to the younger son. What he did to his father and brother, was now done to him. Scathing indeed, but deeply disturbing. Let’s assume for a moment Jacob was wrong in taking the blessings—how does that exonerate Leah and Laban in deceiving him? Can I deceive you in a business deal, because you deceived your brother in a deal seven years earlier? Yet, a deeper reflection reveals a profounder reading of this narrative. The deeper dimension has been revealed by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), founder of Chabad, known as the Alter Rebbe, in a discourse of 1811, during the last year of his life; his colleague, Rabbi Yisroel Hopstein, known as the Kozhnitzer Maggid (1737-1814), in his work Avodas Yisroel; and by the third Rebbe of Ger, known as the Sefas Emes (1847-1905). It was all brought together in an address by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, on Shabbos Parshas Toldos 5741, and Shabbos Vayishlach 5747 (1987). The Avodas Yisroel and the Sefas Emes discuss the meaning of the actual Midrash. The Alter Rebbe and the Rebbe explore the inner soul of these ideas. Coupled together we have an outstanding tapestry woven together, with profound lessons for our lives today. The class explores why Yaakov wept when he met Rachel? Why Leah wept when people said she would marry Eisav? Why was Yaakov given a name for holding on to his brother’s heel? And why do we define Eisav as wicked when he was already struggling in his mother’s womb, completely beyond his choice? We discover how Judaism views the struggles and traumas we need to contend with.
452
Chamor & Yaakov: The Donkey and the Ox
Chamor & Yaakov: The Donkey and the Ox
Dec 2, 2022
1:36:21
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayishlach, 12 Kislev, 5783, December 6, 2022, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
453
How Did Yaakov Manage to Keep All His Children on the Path?
How Did Yaakov Manage to Keep All His Children on the Path?
Dec 27, 2022
1:54:55
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayechi, 10 Teves, 5783, January 3, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
454
Why the Need to Lie to Pharaoh?
Why the Need to Lie to Pharaoh?
Jan 12, 2023
1:13:01
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Va'eira, 24 Teves, 5783, January 17, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
455
The Sleepers
The Sleepers
Jan 20, 2023
1:35:42
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bo, 2 Shevat, 5783, January 24, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. It is a fascinating law in this week’s portion. If I am eating the Afikoman and I fall asleep, when wake up I can’t continue eating it. Because it is as though I am beginning a new, second meal, and the Passover offering meal, as well as the Afikoman, have to be eaten in one single uninterrupted meal. The above law applies if a person was conducting a seder alone. But what if he or she is eating the Passover offering or the afikomen with a group of other Jews, then even if he or she falls asleep, they can continue eating after they awake, as long as some members of the group remained awake. The logic is clear. If I am eating in your company, then even if I fell asleep, my meal has not been interrupted, because you are awake. As long as you guys are awake, when I resume consciousness, I am right back in the game. The fact that I took a nap for an hour or two does not mean that my meal has ceased. At first glance, it seems like a technical law, even if quite fascinating and also a bit of a stretch. It was on the 20th of Teves, 5750, January 17, 1990, when I heard from the Lubavitcher Rebbe the deeper emotional and historical meaning of the above law. I still recall how emotional and moving the Rebbe’s explanation was, including of how marvelous it was to see a seemingly technical law reflecting such a splendid insight into Jewish history. It also contains timeless lessons on how we view our brothers, sister, and children, who at some point feel detached from the story of Judaism and the Jewish people.
456
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn — and the Invincible Self
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn — and the Invincible Self
Jan 20, 2023
1:22:31
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Beshalach, 9 Shevat, 5783, January 31, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
457
How Can a Father Sell His Daughter as a Slave?
How Can a Father Sell His Daughter as a Slave?
Feb 11, 2023
1:43:02
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Mishpatim, 23 Shevat, 5783, February 14, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
458
Saluting Parents Who Show Up Each Day for Struggling Children
Saluting Parents Who Show Up Each Day for Struggling Children
Feb 14, 2023
1:15:23
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Terumah, 30 Shevat, 5783, Rosh Chodesh Adar, February 21, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
459
The Sages Debate How to Heal from Deep Trauma
The Sages Debate How to Heal from Deep Trauma
Mar 8, 2023
1:24:03
Weekly Women's Class: This women’s Pesach Class, explaining a few parts of the Haggadah, was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tzav, 6 Nissan, 5783, March 28, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. Right after we enumerate the ten plagues that befell Egypt, pouring out a little wine for each plague, we read of a debate that took place between three of the foremost sages during the second century CE, Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yoisi from the Galilee. Rabbi Yoisi HaGlili says: “The Egyptians were struck in Egypt by ten plagues… Rabbi Eliezer says: “... Every plague that G-d brought upon the Egyptians in Egypt was comprised of four plagues...Thus they were struck by forty plagues;” Rabbi Akiva says: “... Every plague that G-d brought upon the Egyptians in Egypt was comprised of five plagues... thus they were struck by fifty plagues.” What is this supposed to mean? The Torah states that Egypt was struck with ten plagues. Why would the Talmudic Sages debate this simple fact? Do we have to argue about everything? And what is the meaning of their views that each plague was comprised of four or five plagues? And what is the relevance to us? The sages were addressing a big question: How deep can abuse, trauma, corruption, and evil penetrate a society collectively and each person individually? How messed up can you and I become? How sick can we become? How deep can the dysfunction run? And what is the path of healing? Is healing even always possible? In Judaism, psychology and ethics are reflected in practical law. It is fascinating that the above dispute, finds expression in the world of Halacha: How do we treat our Chametz on Pesach? How did Reb Yoisi Haglili treat his ex-wife who made his life miserable? How did Reb Akiva understand that trauma can affect your formless core? What did he teach us about the path toward healing from profound abuse and dissociation? This class is based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Pesach of 5711 (1951), 5714( 1954), and 5718 (1958). Published in Likkutei Sichos, vol. 16 pp. 87-93.
460
How to Empower Our Children & Students? A Must-Watch for Every Educator & Parent
How to Empower Our Children & Students? A Must-Watch for Every Educator & Parent
Mar 20, 2023
1:30:35
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tazria-Metzorah, 27 Nissan, 5783, April 18, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
461
The Emotional Cannibal
The Emotional Cannibal
Apr 20, 2023
1:37:16
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim, 4 Iyar, 5783, April 25, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. We learn in the third chapter of Pirkei Avos: Rabbi Chaninah, deputy to the kohanim, would say: Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every man would swallow his neighbor alive. Rabbi Chaninah son of Tradyon would say: If two sit together and there are no words of Torah [spoken] between them, then this is a session of scorners ... Two who sit and exchange words of Torah, the Divine Presence rests amongst them... The basic meaning of (the first) Rabbi Chaninah's words is that for a society to be civilized its members must submit to the rule of government and law. The need for "fear of authority" may seem an insult to our sophistication and intelligence, but the fact remains that without it there would be nothing to check the worst in man, and the anarchic rule of the jungle would prevail. The question, though, is how this passage made it into Pirkei Avos, the Ethics of the Fathers, which is a book of character-building, of going “beyond the letter of the law.” In these chapters you will not find a prohibition of murder, theft, deception, or adultery. For that we have the Torah and the other tractates of Mishnah. Yet here we have an astounding exception. Suddenly the Mishnah tells us that we must do what we can to avoid people eating each other alive! A second enigma is this. The Mishnah rarely if ever employs poetic language. It is not a book of poetry, but of law. Why does the Mishnah use this phrase, “every man would swallow his neighbor alive,” not the ordinary and straightforward term in Torah and Tanach, “every man would kill his neighbor.” There is a third enigma. Rabbi Chanina was not only addressing the non-Jewish world, but also the Jewish world. In the words of Maimonides in his commentary on this Mishnah: “If not for the fear of government we would swallow each other alive.” But this seems unfair and harsh. Jews, who are born and bred with the values and mitzvos of the Torah, have rarely been involved in murder. Till today, no Jewish school in the world where Torah is taught has a metal detector. Is it really true that if we had not fear of government, we would murder each other? Finally, what is the juxtaposition between this clause of the Mishnah and the following one: “Rabbi Chaninah son of Tradyon would say: ... Two who sit and exchange words of Torah, the Divine Presence rests amongst them.” They seems disjointed. Why were they put together in one Mishnah? It was at a farbrengen Shabbos Parshas Shlach 1975, when the Lubavitcher Rebbe offered a marvelous and extremely relevant explanation into this Mishnah which answers all the above questions—and teaches us how to live. We also tell the story of a horse by the water, two groceries in Crown Heights, the arrogant scholar, the dignity of a child, and Rabbi Lau’s Bar mitzvah.
462
The Shocking Truth about the Greatest Jewish Heretic
The Shocking Truth about the Greatest Jewish Heretic
Apr 28, 2023
1:48:38
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 11 Iyar, 5783, May 2, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. In the fourth chapter of the Ethics of the Fathers, we read the following Mishna: Elisha the son of Avuya said: One who studies Torah as a child, to what is he compared? To ink written on fresh paper. And one who studies Torah as an old man, to what is he compared? To ink inscribed on erased paper. There are a few questions on this Mishnah. First, what’s the novelty? This is self-evident. Second, I can understand encouraging parents to teach Torah to their children when they are young and their minds are fertile. But what’s the point of the final clause in the Mishnah? If I am an elderly man or woman, and I never had the opportunity to study Torah, why would the Mishnah try to discourage me and make me give up before I even begin?! Finally, there is something else amiss here. Of the more than one thousand Rabbis cited in the Talmud, only one became a heretic. His name was Elisha ben Avuya. Due to this tragedy, his ideas and teachings are never quoted in the Mishnah. Save in this Mishnah. What happened suddenly? Why did this Mishnah decide to quote him? And why was this particular idea the one chosen to be conveyed to all generations in his name? He was, by all accounts, one of the outstanding Jewish sages of the second century, a contemporary of Rabbi Akiva, and the teacher of Rabbi Meir, the leading scholar of his generation. Elisha moved so far from Jewish tradition that his colleagues stopped referring to him by his name but rather called him Acher, “the other”, the outcast, the renegade. Only his student Rabbi Meir remained loyal to the man who had once been his master, sought out his company, and still believed that he might one day repent. Against this backdrop, we find a deeply moving scene in the Talmud. It is Shabbat, and Elisha ben Abuya is publicly desecrating the holy day by riding on a horse. Walking alongside him is Rabbi Meir. Heretic teacher and faithful disciple travel together along the road arguing and debating Jewish law. Rabbi Meir, the pious Jew, has become so immersed in the conversation that he has not noticed they are nearing the limits beyond which one may not walk on Shabbat. “Acher”, the apostate, realizes this and says: “Meir, turn back. I have measured the distance we have walked by the paces of my horse, and we have reached the Shabbat limit. Beyond here, you are forbidden to walk. Meir replied: “You too turn back.” “I cannot turn back,” says Elisha. “One day I was riding on my horse. It was Yom Kippur, which in that particular year fell on Shabbat. I was roaming behind the Holy of Holies, when I heard a heavenly voice saying: ‘Turn back to me, O lost children, except for Acher... ’” What is the message of this story? That G-d indeed does not forgive all humans who want to repent? That some must truly be condemned forever? This would contradict a fundamental idea in Judaism that nothing stands in the way of repentance. Furthermore, if G-d did not want Elisha to repent, why did He communicate with him at all? Why did the heavenly voice begin with words of love and encouragement “Turn back to me, O lost children,” and end with the fearful decree “except for Acher”? This class will analyze the tragic story of Acher, the mysterious call to him on Yom Kippur, and his misinterpretation of it. We will explore the moments before his death, and why he had only one student who remained with him even after his betrayal of his faith. It will teach us about the pain and destiny of our own lives, how to view our own brokenness and wounds, and those of the people around us.
463
Why the Wisest Jew Committed Suicide: The Three Ego Traps
Why the Wisest Jew Committed Suicide: The Three Ego Traps
May 2, 2023
1:45:01
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bamidbar, 25 Iyar, 5783, May 16, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
464
Judaism’s Incredible Guide to Parenting
Judaism’s Incredible Guide to Parenting
May 2, 2023
2:03:54
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Naso, 10 Sivan, 5783, May 30, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
465
Reb Akiva’s Life-Changing Advice on Challenges & Struggling Children
Reb Akiva’s Life-Changing Advice on Challenges & Struggling Children
May 10, 2023
1:52:26
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 3 Sivan, 5783, May 23, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
466
The Dance Between Attachment and Authenticity In Relationships, Psychology & Spirituality
The Dance Between Attachment and Authenticity In Relationships, Psychology & Spirituality
May 30, 2023
1:30:26
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Behaloscha, 17 Sivan, 5783, June 6, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
467
Power of the Shofar: How Animals Can Teach Us the Secret of Life
Power of the Shofar: How Animals Can Teach Us the Secret of Life
May 30, 2023
1:25:21
Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Nitzavim/Veyeilech, 19 Elul, 5783, September 5, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
468
Where Is Paradise? Why Women Don't Grasp the Sin of the Spies
Where Is Paradise? Why Women Don't Grasp the Sin of the Spies
May 30, 2023
1:26:42
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shlach, 24 Sivan, 5783, June 13, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
469
Korach Vs. Moshe: The Great Debate How to Integrate Heaven & Earth
Korach Vs. Moshe: The Great Debate How to Integrate Heaven & Earth
Jun 7, 2023
1:50:12
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Korach, 1 Tamuz, 5783, June 20, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
470
Moshe & The Rock: The Mystery of Pain
Moshe & The Rock: The Mystery of Pain
Jun 20, 2023
1:40:57
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Chukas, 8 Tamuz, 5783, June 27, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
471
Am I Using Religion to Cover Up My Issues? The Story of Pinchas the Zealot
Am I Using Religion to Cover Up My Issues? The Story of Pinchas the Zealot
Jun 29, 2023
1:43:16
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Pinchas, 15 Tamuz, 5783, June 26, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.
472
Climbing Your Second Mountain: The Journey from Fakeness to Authenticity
Climbing Your Second Mountain: The Journey from Fakeness to Authenticity
Sep 3, 2023
1:35:55
Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 26 Elul, 5783, September 12, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.