Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

1

Women's Matos Class - Healing Family Betrayal: When Moshe Split the Tribe of Menashe

Jul 7, 2026

1:29:57

We Put Up Doors to Protect Ourselves; How Do We Reopen Them? This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Matot Maasei, 22 Tammuz 5786, July 7, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.     View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9952

2

Women's Pinchas Class - The Boring Secret to Creativity: Four Sages Debate the Core of Judaism

Jun 30, 2026

1:17:55

"Why Should I Serve G-d Around the Clock?"This class will be presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Pinchas, 15 Tammuz 5786, June 30, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

3

Women's Balak Class - I'm Learning How to Lean into Trust

Jun 23, 2026

1:39:07

David and the Spider Web: G-d Runs the World Like a Woman Runs Her HomeThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Chukas-Balak, 8 Tammuz 5786, June 23, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

4

Women's Shlach Class - A Prophet or a Basket Case? When G-d Says, It's Time You Trust Yourself

Jun 9, 2026

1:32:16

We All Have an Inner Knowing; But Maybe We Don't? When Moshe Was Given a New PathIt is almost incomprehensible. G-d always gave him decisive directives. Suddenly, G-d tells Moses, I am staying out of this one. Yet astonishingly, Moses does not back off. Why? A reflection on two models of Judaism, two models of relationships, helps us appreciate when and how to trust ourselves in life.  This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Shlach, 24 Sivan, 5786, June 9, 2026, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

5

Women's Be'haloscha Class - Have We Put Our Children Before G-D?

Jun 2, 2026

1:25:57

Have Secular, Liberal Values Destroyed Our Standards of Education? What Happened to the Good Old Days When We Can Discipline?This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 17 Sivan, 5786, June 2, 2026, Parshas Be'haloscha, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

6

Women's Nasso Class - When the Easter Becomes the Food: The Secret of Shimson's Riddle

May 26, 2026

1:18:24

The Infinite Process of SurrenderView Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9926

7

Women's Shavuos Class - Tuesday Women's Shavuos Class

May 19, 2026

1:25:35

Tuesday, May 19, 9:30amView Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9921

8

Women's Lag Ba'Omer Class - The Untold Story of Global Terrorism: Are You the Bow or the Arrow?

May 5, 2026

1:38:40

Three Ways to Respond to Fear & Stress: Hagar, Yishmael, and Reb AkivaThis powerful and life-changing women's Lag Baomer class, on why we shoot arrows on Lag Baomer, was presented on Tuesday, Lag Baomer, 5786, May 5, 2026.  It is a most perplexing and fascinating story—Hagar and Yishmael—and it is read every Rosh Hashanah.  Did you notice a very strange expression? As she walks away from her thirsty child, not to be with him at his moment of distress and not see his death, the Torah says, she sits down at a distance, “a bowshot away.” It is the only time such an expression is used in Tanach. What is it supposed to mean and symbolize? It could have just said, “she sat at a far distance”?! And then a few verses later, we come back to the bow. Yishmael, her son, becomes an archer, “the master of the bow.” What’s the significance of this detail? He may have also taken on pickleball or yoga. Why is this important? There is a profound message here, and it will teach you about our world today more than any website, newspaper, or book in the world. It will also teach us our mission today during turbulent times. There are three ways to respond to tension, pressure, and anxiety. The Hagar away: You look away, or you run away. The Yishmael way: You become the master of tension, making the world panic as you smile. Today we want to discover a third way. This is the Jewish way, and it’s the Jewish secret. We are the “masters of the arrow.” The secret of the arrow is: The deeper the tension, the more you apply the pressure, the further it strikes, with more impact and intensity. We are the Divine arrows of history. The more tension we experience, our “arrows,” our force and light, soar and reach the greatest of distances with the deepest might and power. The story of Jacob, David, Joseph, Moses, and Esther—captures the powerful secret of Jewish history. Reb Akiva taught us how to take the bow of Yishmael and transform it into transformative growth, becoming G-d's arrows to transform the world from darkness to light, from exile to redemption.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9917

9

Women's Emor Class - Stone Him to Death? When We Allow Our Pain to Stone Our Hearts

Apr 28, 2026

1:48:41

The Story of the Blasphemer: You’re Not Guilty, But Cursing G-d/Reality Robs You of Your Inner RadianceThis class, exploring the perplexing and disturbing story of the Blasphemer who was stoned to death, was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 11 Iyar, 5786, April 28, 2026, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9911

10

Women's Sefira Class - Surrender, Unblending, Sweetening: The Baal Shem Tov’s 3-Step Program to Authentic Living

Apr 21, 2026

1:30:39

When to Trust Your Therapist: Three Vital Steps for Every Parent, Teacher, & MentorThis class, exploring the three phases of emotional healing according to the Baal Shem Tov, was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 4 Iyar, 5786, April 21, 2026, Parshas Achrei - Kedoshim, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. How do you know when to trust the person giving you advice? How do you know to trust your own advice? Three steps we each need to engage in in our work of healing: Surrender, unblending, and sweetening. This is why Hashem tells the first Jew: Leave your earthiness and ego (surrender), your birth template (unblending), and your anger (sweetening). These are also the three stages in our annual calendar of Pesach (surredner), counting of the Omer (unblending), and Shavuos (sweetening). View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9905

11

Women's Pesach Class - We Tried to Hold It Together for So Long; G-d Is Cracking Us All Open. What a Gift!

Mar 24, 2026

1:32:37

How Much Longer Will I Hide? The Splitting of the Sea and the Death of the Ego.This class, exploring the deeper meaning of passing through the sea after leaving Egypt, was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 6 Nissan, 5786, March 24, 2026, Parshas Tzav, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. Why do we say "Dayanu" if G-d would have split the sea but not taken us through it? How would that help anyone? A profound explanation of living in two states of consciousness simultaneously, in the state of infinite oneness, and in the state of a fragmented ego, represented by the sea vs. the dryland. We tell the story of Raba bar bar Chana, who went to BBQ on an island, which turned out to be a whale, and turned over on him. Living in times when G-d is expediting consciousness, many of us are falling apart. It is time to let go! Just let it all go.  As the sea splits in our lives, and we experience ego-death, some of us come to life; some of us perish. The death of the Egyptians by the sea came from the very experience that saved the Jews. When oneness is revealed, some parts of us live; others wither away. 

12

Women's Vayikra/Purim/Pesach Class - The Secret Behind the Fall of Iran

Mar 17, 2026

1:31:39

Hashem Didn't Make a Miracle in Iran. He Did Something Much BiggerThis class, dissecting the war of America and Israel against Iran, which began on Feb 28, 2026, Shabbos Zochor, 11 Adar, 5786, was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 28 Adar, 5786, March 17, 2026, Parshas Vayikra, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9879

13

Terumah Women's Class - Tuesday Women's Class

Feb 17, 2026

1:40:50

Tuesday, February 17, 9:30 am ETThis class will be presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 30 Shevat, 5786, February 17, 2026, Parshas Terumah, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9872

14

The Truth About Moshe's Marriage & the Reincarnation of Kayin and Hevel - Women's Yisro Class

Feb 3, 2026

1:26:02

How Do I Know Why My Soul Came Down? Liberating Myself from Social StereotypesThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 168 Shevat, 5786, February 3, 2026, Parshas Yisro, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9864

15

The Greatest Gift Hashem Has Given You Is… Hashem - Women's Bo Class

Jan 20, 2026

1:34:24

Pharaoh and His 3 Henchmen: When You Know Your Nervous System, You Can Live with Agency, Presence, and RegulationThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 2 Shevat, 5786, January 20, 2026, Parshas Bo, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9855

16

"You Will Become a Mouthpiece" -- Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz Warned Me - Vaeira/24 Teves Women's Class

Jan 13, 2026

1:26:08

Why Are Animals and Plants Happy, and We Are Misrable?This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Vaera, 24 Teves, 5786, January 13, 2026,  at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

17

"He Turned Here and There:" The Courage to Embrace Your Truth - Women's Shemos Class

Jan 6, 2026

1:35:40

A Peek Into Moshe's Mind: The Day You Stop Living for Others and Go Into Flow with Your Own EnergyThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, Parshas Shemos, 17 Teves, 5786, January 6, 2026,  at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9849

18

Recognizing the Tectonic Shift that Happened in My Psyche is the Genesis of Redemption - Women's 10 Teves Class

Dec 30, 2025

1:22:30

Refusing to Live Behind Walls: When Jerusalem and My Soul Are Under SiegeThis class, explaining the historic story behind the fast of the 10th of Teves and its psychological relevance in our lives today, was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 10 Teves, 5786, December 30, 2025, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9839

19

Has Judaism Been Hijacked by the Greeks? All Validation in the World Is Worthless When You Experience Your Own Spiritual Energy - Women's Chanukah Class

Dec 16, 2025

1:28:52

Why the Chanukah Struggle Is Still Going On: Can I Choose Experience over Reason?This class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 26 Kislev, 5786, December 16, 2025, Parshas Miketz, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

20

The Collapse of the First Jewish Family: Toward a Life of Authenticity and Serenity - Women's Vayeshev Class

Dec 9, 2025

1:34:05

Your Soul Craves Real Tranquility; That’s When Things Begin to Fall ApartThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 19 Kislev, 5786, December 9, 2025, Parshas Vayeshev, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class explores the reason for the name of the parsha, "Vayeishev," which means "settling down," when the entire portion records the collapse of the first Jewish family. And how can one grasp the words of the Midrash and Rashi that Yaakov was supposedly punished for craving to enjoy tranquility in his life? It seems so cruel. The class is based on an address by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, forty years ago, Shabbos Vayeishev 5746 (1985). We discover the meaning of authentic serenity and how to achieve it in life. Sometimes, when your life and family begin to unravel, healing has begun.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9827

21

Tuesday Women's Class: And Yaakov Remained Alone: Facing Your Loneliness, Birthing Yourself - Women's Vayishlach Class

Dec 2, 2025

1:28:18

Yaakov and Yisroel — The Two Faces of Life: Struggle, Pain and BlissThis class will be presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 12 Kislev, 5786, December 2, 2025, Parshas Vayishlach, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

22

Tuesday Women's Class - Women's Vayetzei Class

Nov 25, 2025

1:46:48

Tuesday, November 25, 9:30 am ETThis class will be presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 5 Kislev, 5786, November 25, 2025, Parshas Vayetzei, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9817

23

Two Kings Fighting Over My Brain: Tanya’s Reading of Yaakov and Eisav in the Womb - Women's Toldos Class

Nov 18, 2025

1:45:38

When You Grasp the Dynamics of Your Two Souls, You Liberate Yourself from ShameThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 27 Cheshvan, 5786, November 18, 2025, Parshas Toldos, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9813

24

Sarah's Laughter: How Cynicism Corrodes Our Feminine Energy and How to Heal It - Women's Vayera Class

Nov 4, 2025

1:47:21

Don't Run from Your Mistakes: Why the First Jewish Child Was Named LaughterThis class was presented on Tuesday, 13 Cheshvan, 5786, November 4, 2025, Parshas Vayera, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

25

Tuesday Women's Class - Women's Lech Lecha Class

Oct 28, 2025

1:33:23

Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 am ETThis class will be presented on Tuesday, 6 Cheshvan, 5786, October 28, 2025, Parshas Lech Lecha, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9784

26

What I Learnt from My Anxiety - Noach Women's Class

Oct 21, 2025

1:42:06

Noach Before Toldos: Showing Up for Our Children and the World from a Space of Internal CalmThis class was presented on Tuesday, 29 Tishrei, 5786, October 21, 2025, Parshas Noach, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9781

27

Why Do We Think That If Judaism Is Blissful It’s Inauthentic? - Women's Yom Kippur Class

Sep 30, 2025

1:49:06

Don’t Do Teshuvah Because You Hate Yourself; Do Teshuvah Because You Love YourselfThis class was presented on Tuesday, 8 Tishrei, 5786, September 30, 2025, Parshas Ha'azinu, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9771

28

"Ayeka:" Why Must You Hide from Me? The Internal hame that Destroys You - Women's Rosh Hashanah Class

Sep 16, 2025

1:32:52

Coronating the King: Bringing Hashem into the Mose Shameful, Lonely Parts of Your BeingThis class was presented on Tuesday, 23 Elul, 5785, September 16, 2025, Parshas Nitzavim, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9767

29

The Baal Shem Tov & Alter Rebbe: Opposite Approaches to Living in Flow? - Women's Chai Elul/RH Class

Sep 9, 2025

1:40:42

Elul & Rosh Hashanah Without Anxiety: Is Chassidus Really About Healing TraumaThis class was presented on Tuesday, 16 Elul, 5785, September 9, 2025, Parshas Ki Savo, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9761

30

Why Do Some Rabbis Exaggerate or Invent Stories? Discovering the Bliss of Living With Our Deepest Truth - Vaeschanan Women's Class

Aug 5, 2025

1:33:15

Can You Communicate Without Defensiveness? The Incredible Lesson of Shimon Hamsoni and Rabbe AkivaThis class was presented on Tuesday, 11 Av, 5785, August 5, 2025, Parshas Vaeschanan, at The Barn in Montebello, NY. There is a story in the Talmud, in which Shimon the Imsonite retracts his entire theory that the term "Es" indicates the inclusion of another person or item, due to a single verse in this week’s portion, “You shall fear -- Es -- the Lord your G-d.” How can we be in awe of anybody but G-d? Yet his student, Rabbi Akiva, rescues his teacher’s refuted theory. The obvious question is what did Rabbi Akiva discover which Shimon did not? Shimon could not entertain the notion of including anything in the commandment to fear G-d. For him, such a proposition would be blasphemy. Why did Rabbi Akiva, then, not have a problem of adding Torah scholars to the mitzvah of fearing G-d?  How is it that for what Shimon was blasphemy was for Rabbi Akiva perfectly acceptable, and even a mitzvah?! You were selected to win the Nobel Prize for your contribution to physics. You received your tickets to Norway to attend the lavish ceremony. You were featured on the cover of Time magazine, and have been interviewed by hundreds of journals and networks. Minutes after you received the call that the Nobel Committee had chosen you from 40 possible candidates, you went from being an anonymous physicist spending the last 45 years in a laboratory to becoming a world-class scientist whose name will be immortalized in the annals of scientific innovation and discovery. You become a household name. The world is buzzing with your praise. And then… the unthinkable happens. Hours before you go to the airport to fly to Norway, you discover a subtle mistake in one of your 20,000 equations.  It is a mistake that no eye has perceived and perhaps will not be perceived for many years. But it is a mistake. Your calculation is erroneous. You have refuted your discovery. You now have a choice to make. Will you allow the “small truth” to destroy your eternal glory? What would you do? It is such a story that the Talmud is addressing. If only we can internalize this type of integrity our lives can be transformed.View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9744

31

Yeshu & Shabsi Tzvi: Who They Could Have Become? The Radical Holiness of Every Jew - Nine Days/Tisah B'Av Women's Class

Jul 29, 2025

1:37:28

When the False Moshiach Came to the Baal Shem Tov for Healing; When Unkelus Raised Titus, Baala, and Yeshu from the GraveThis class was presented on Tuesday, 4 Av, 5785, July 29, 2025, Parshas Devarim, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class tells the story of Unkelus, who raised three people from the grave: Titus, Balaam, and Yeshu. What the Maharal and Reb Tzadok explain about the core of the Jewish soul, and how we must never confuse our blockages with our essence. We explain the downfall of Yeshu and Shabti Tzvi, and the incredible story of the false Messiah coming to the Baal Shem Tov for spiritual healing.  We discuss how to view our struggling children and students who may be engulfed in confusion and pain.View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9740

32

Highly Functional Parents who are Shut Down Cause Untold Emotional Pain to Their Children - Women's Maasei Class

Jul 22, 2025

1:35:27

The 42 Journeys in the Desert Empower Us to Confront All the Ways in Which We Are Not PresentThis class was presented on Tuesday, 26 Tammuz, 5785, July 22, 2025, Parshas Matos-Masei, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

33

Prophecy Is Returning -- Can You Guess Who the Prophet Is? - Women's Balak Class

Jul 8, 2025

1:43:14

Consciousness Has Been Upgraded; Are You Ready? Learning How to Trust Your Inner Divine Voice This class was presented on Tuesday, 12 Tammuz, 5785, July 8, 2025, Parshas Balak, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.  View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9728

34

When Moshe Struck the Rock with the Wrong Stick, Marital Life Was Disrupted - Women's Chukas Class

Jul 1, 2025

1:30:27

Moshe Was Told He Couldn’t Enter the Land, So We Discovered the Holiness of Our CravingsThis class was presented on Tuesday, 5 Tammuz, 5785, July 1, 2025, Parshas Chukas, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9720

35

The Last 214 Years of 6000: History Is About to Change -- Are You Ready? - Women's Korach Class: Israel-Iran War

Jun 24, 2025

1:32:46

“To Everything There Is a Season:” Learning How to Transition from “A Time of War,” to “A Time of Peace”This class was presented on Tuesday, 28 Sivan, 5785, June 24, 2025, Parshas Korach, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. What empowered Netanyahu? What was the difference between the October 7th failure and the incredibly successful war against Iran? View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9713

36

The Lion Has Risen: When Jews Know Who They Are They're Unstoppable - Women's Class: The Israel-Iran War

Jun 17, 2025

1:44:56

History Is Changing, Don’t Stand on the SidelinesThis class was presented on Tuesday, 21 Sivan, 5785, June 17, 2025, Parshas Sh'lach, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9704

37

Tuesday Women's Class - Women's Shavuos Class

May 27, 2025

1:30:35

Tuesday, May 27, 9:30 am ETThis class was presented on Tuesday, 29 Iyar, 5785, May 27, 2025, Parshas Bamidbar, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9697

38

Why the Tanya is the Most Relevant Book for Our Time: How to Live at Peace With Yourself - Women's Behar Class

May 20, 2025

1:35:00

Connection with G-d Does Not Mean I’m Not Triggered; It Means I Know Who I Am and Assume Ownership of the Direction of My LifeThis class was presented on Tuesday, 22 Iyar, 5785, May 20, 2025, Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class explores three forms of acquisitions in Jewish law, reflecting three paths in our service of G-d. Selling the tree, selling the future fruits of the tree, and selling a tree for its fruits.  Generally it is assumed that there are two moral paths through life. There is the sure, tranquil path of the perfectly righteous person who has succeeded in remaking his very character and personality—a path that few can aspire to and even fewer achieve. And there is the path of the imperfect soul whose life is an endless battle—a battle in which defeat is always a possibility and, in the long run, a statistical inevitability. A path which runs along the edge of a moral precipice, in which the slightest misstep or lapse in vigilance sends one hurtling into the abyss. Is there no other way? Is there no middle ground between utter perfection and perpetual self-doubt? Is there no way to gain control over one’s life short of remaking one’s inner self? Such was the moral landscape of man until Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi wrote the Tanya and introduced us to the "banuni," “the intermediate man.”View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9691

39

When I Truly Trust Hashem, I'm Not Afraid to Look at My Emotions: What Rashbi Learnt in the Cave - Women's Lag Baomer Class

May 13, 2025

1:43:15

Stories of Abuse & Triumph: The Girl Was Being Violated; They said She Was Seeking Negative AttentionThis Lag Baomer class was presented on Tuesday, 15 Iyar, 5785, May 13, 2025, Parshas Emor, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. There is no other sage in the history of Judaism who has all of the Jewish people celebrating on the day that he passed away. Why is the yarzeit of Reb Shimon ben Yochai marked in such a unique and universal way? How did Reb Shimon bar Yochai end up in a cave? It seems like a classic Jewish story and conversation. One Jew, Reb Yosei, remains quiet about Rome. Reb Yehuda praises the Romans for elevating the standards of life; and Reb Shimon is critical because he said it was for narcissistic purposes. But is there a deeper theme behind this debate? The fact that the Talmud records the details of the debate, and gives us the names of the debaters, instead of just saying that Reb Shimon criticized the government, indicates there is some depth and gravitas to this debate, and that the names are important. As it turns out, the debate on Rome fascinatingly reflects a debate between Reb Yehuda and Reb Shimon in many aspects of Jewish law. The Talmud states: Chezekiah stated in the name of Rabbi Jeremiah, who said it in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, "I am able to exempt the whole world from judgment from the day that I was born until now!” (Sukkah 45b). What is that supposed to mean? The Midrash states in Avod Derabi Nasan ch. 16: Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai would say: From this you know that Israel will never see the face of purgatory. But how can a sage say such a thing?View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9685

40

How to Live with an Open Heart Even When You Were Hurt - Women's Kedoshim Class

May 6, 2025

1:39:14

The Kamatz and the Patach: As We Get Closer to Redemption, Our Hearts Ache to Emerge from LockdownThis Women's Kedoshim class was presented on Tuesday, 8 Iyar, 5785, May 6, 2025, Parshas Achrei Mos-Kedoshim, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class explores the distinction between two identical words in Shmini and Kedoshim, "Ani," one with a Kamatz and one with a Patach. When we need to close our hearts and when we need to open it. When it comes to food and other pleasures and necessities, we must master the art of discipline and self-control. When it comes to relationships, we are capable of living with an open, confident heart.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9679

41

How Women & Men Experience G-d Differently, and why Women Can Show the Path To Healing - Women's Rosh Chodesh Class

Apr 29, 2025

1:32:07

Solar Faith Vs. Lunar Faith: Why the Women Rejected the Golden Calf and Were Given the Holiday of Rosh ChodeshThis class was presented on Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the month of  Iyar, 5785, April 29, 2025, Parshas Tazria-Metzora, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. This text-based class explores a Chassidic discourse by Rabbi Shmuel Schneerson, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Maharash, L'Havin Inyan Rosh Chodesh, presented on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, 5640, October 18, 1879. The discourse explains why the holiday of Rosh Chodesh was given primarily to women. We explore the reason the Jews created the Golden Calf, and the unique gifts of the feminine—its ability to embody the oneness of G-d in a visceral way, rather than in a sublime, aloof way.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9665

42

How Do You Run the Seder with Presence, Regulation, and Authenticity? Your 15-Step Guide - Pesach Women's Class

Apr 8, 2025

2:00:54

Your 15-Step Pesach Program To Make Space for all Your Parts and Discover Your Inner Blissful Light - Weekly Women's Class: This class, a detailed 15-step guide to experience your seder with mindfulness, serenity, and personal relevance, was presented on Tuesday, 10 Nissan, 5785, April 8, 2025, Parshas Tzav, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.

43

When the Divine Soul Co-Regulates the Animal Soul, You Can Go Free - Pesach Women's Class

Apr 1, 2025

1:41:30

The Hay of the Matzah Vs. the Ches of Chametz: You Can't Force Your Nervous System to Surrender - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 3 Nissan, 5785, April 1, 2025, Parshas Vayikra, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9645

44

How Can I Ever See My Children—Or Anyone Else—If I Never Saw Myself? The Secret of Moshe’s Count - Women's Pekudei Class

Mar 25, 2025

1:07:16

For the Cosmic Conductor, Every Note Is Indispensable: Reconnecting to Your Own Life-Force - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 25 Adar, 5785, March 25, 2025, Parshas Pekudei, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. Why did Moshe feel compelled to account for every coin he received? Did people think Moses packed away some of the cash to buy real estate in Saudi Arabia or purchase his private jet? Even if it is important to know that Moses gave an accounting to teach us transparency, the Torah could have simply said that Moses gave an accounting of all the gold, silver, and copper contributed to the Sanctuary project. The theme of the entire second book of the Torah, Shemos, is dedicated to nation-building. In Genesis, we are referred to as “benei Yisroel,” the children of Israel; we are a family, and a fragmented one as such. It is only in Exodus, when we are first called an “Am,” a nation. This is the pervading thread of the entire book of Shemos. While the narratives of Genesis focus on individuals—Adam, Eve, the snake, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Hagar, Ishmael, Isaac, Rebecca, Esau, Jacob, Rachel, Leah, Judah, Joseph etc.—Exodus is a book about a people, a nation. Individuals are mentioned, of course, but all these names are discussed as representatives of a nation or assisting the formation of a nation. Shemos is about the collective, not the individual. Here comes a profound challenge. Does nation-building, by definition, come at the expense of the individual? Sure, you can’t have a nation without individuals joining together, but perhaps the value of the individual is only insofar as he or she becomes a part of the whole. The value of my “I” is only because it contributes to the “We.” The class explored the profound need for each of us to be seen, and to be able to truly see others, especially our children and students, see them in their full power and presence.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9635

45

A Cover-Up of Biblical Proportions - Women's Vayakhel/Pekudei Class

Mar 18, 2025

1:32:57

You Have Permission to Enjoy Your Life, Without Denying Your Pain - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 18 Adar, 5785, March 18, 2025, Parshas Vayakhel, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9629

46

The King Summons Each of Us to Show Up Without Cover-Ups. What Happens Next? - Women's Purim Class

Mar 11, 2025

1:38:21

Haman Goes Crazy Because Mordechai Does Not Believe He Really Exists - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Monday, 11 Adar, 5785, March 11, 2025, Parshas Ki Sisa, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9613

47

Vashti, Achashverosh, and Haman on the Therapist’s Couch; Esther Takes It All In - Women's Purim Megillah Class

Mar 4, 2025

1:28:38

How Vashti Triggered Her Husband’s Core-Wound; How Esther Used It to Save a World - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 4 Adar, 5785, March 4, 2025, Parshas Tetzaveh, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The lecture explores the first chapter of the Book of Esther. Why did Vashti trigger such anger in the Persian King? Why does the order of her title keep changing, as well as the musical notes relating to her? We also learn to observe the genius of Queen Esther, who brilliantly played Haman's ego against Achashverosh's paranoia. The lesson we learn about the courage of Esther and the power to look inward at our deepest triggers and core-wounds, and how when darkness is exposed it loses its power.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9608

48

The Dance of Surrender: The Debate Between King David and His Wife Michal - Women's Terumah/Parshas Zachor Class

Feb 25, 2025

1:39:39

Why Only Holy Insanity Can Heal the Tortured Soul: The Secret of the Shitim/Acacia Wood - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 27 Shvat, 5785, February 25, 2025, Parshas Terumah, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9604

49

Did You Unknowingly Harm Your Children? What Should You Do Now? - Women's Mishpatim Class

Feb 18, 2025

1:28:38

The Emotional Demise of Your Brother: An Examination of the Murder Laws in Mishpatim Through the Narratives of Yaakov and Eisav - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 20 Shvat, 5785, February 18, 2025, Parshas Mishpatim, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9594

50

Anochi: Why the Opening of the Ten Commandments is an Egyptian Pronoun - Women's Yisro Class

Feb 11, 2025

1:18:25

From Yisro to Trump: When a Gentile Teaches Jews How to Speak about Israel - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 13 Shvat, 5785, February 11, 2025, Parshas Yisro, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9588

Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

More by Rabbi YY Jacobson