Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

151

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.

152

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.

153

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?

154

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.

155

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.

156

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.

157

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.

158

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.

159

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.

160

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.

161

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.

162

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?

163

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.

164

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.

165

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.

166

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.

167

Where Was G-d in Meron?

Apr 28, 2021

2:02:31

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, 22 Iyar, 5781, May 4, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

168

Getting Divorced? Throw a Party

Apr 22, 2021

1:49:27

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 15 Iyar, 5781, April 27, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

169

Stop Calling (a Part of) Yourself Evil

Apr 8, 2021

1:32:38

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tazria/Metzorah, 1 Iyar, 5781, April 13, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

170

Why Are We So Anxious by the Seder (And How to Repair It)

Mar 17, 2021

1:23:47

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tzav, 10 Nisan, 5781, March 23, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

171

Four Pillars of Education

Mar 3, 2021

1:06:54

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayakhel/Pekudei, 25 Adar, 5781, March 9, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

172

Nothing More Whole Than a Broken Heart: Why Moshe Broke the Tablets

Feb 25, 2021

1:20:05

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 18 Adar, 5781, March 2, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

173

What We Do for Love

Feb 17, 2021

1:23:38

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class will be presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 11 Adar, 5781, February 23, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

174

You Can Find G-d In Every Desire

Feb 2, 2021

1:17:38

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Terumah, 4 Adar, 5781, February 16, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

175

Every Jew Is a Witness to All the Claims of Judaism

Jan 27, 2021

1:33:23

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class on Sefas Emes Parshas Yisro was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Yisro, 20 Shevat, 5781, February 2, 2021, live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. Every Jew is a witness to all of Judaism’s claims. For its truths are imprinted in the core of every Jewish soul. The Torah is here to jog our unconscious memory, reminding us what we always knew about who we always are and who we will always—conduits for Divine infinity.

176

Bread of Ignorance

Jan 19, 2021

1:34:47

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Beshalach, 13 Shevat, 5781, January 26, 2021, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

177

To Live With the Divine Is to Live in the Now

Jan 12, 2021

1:19:13

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Bo, 6 Shevat, 5781, January 19, 2021, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

178

If You'd Only Know Who You Are

Jan 6, 2021

1:48:21

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vaera, 28 Tevet, 5781, January 12, 2021, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

179

Three Signs to Confront Moshe's Three Fears

Dec 30, 2020

43:52

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Shemos, 21 Tevet, 5781, January 5, 2021, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. It explores the three signs Moshe made for the Jewish people and their inner meaning and significance. What was the point of having the stick turn into a snake? Moshe's hand become white like snow? and the water turning into blood?

180

How to Forgive

Dec 24, 2020

1:30:20

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayechi, 14 Tevet, 5781, December 29, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. After Jacob’s death, Joseph says to his brothers, fearful of his revenge: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” What is the meaning of these loaded words “Am I in the place of G-d?” What does that have to do with this exchange? The brothers are pleading with him not to take revenge. Joseph reassures them that he will not punish them, explaining that notwithstanding their harmful intentions, G-d has turned it around. Why does Joseph open his answer with the words, “Am I in the place of G-d?”  It was the great Chassidic master, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Barditchov (1740-1809), who offered a most moving explanation. The literal translation of Joseph’s words to his brothers is different. The Hebrew word “tachas” means “under.” Joseph told his brothers: “Am I under G-d?!” But what is that supposed to mean? Joseph denied he was under G-d? It is here we discover our own power to apologize to those we hurt and to forgive those who hurt us. We tell an incredible story of the Rabbi of Barditchov about forgiveness. 

181

The Day You Discover that Everything Is Love

Dec 17, 2020

1:34:36

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayigash, 7 Tevet, 5781, December 22, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. The text-based class on Midrash Rabah and Sefas Emes Parshas Vayigash explores two enigmatic Midrashim on the portion, about Yehudah surrendering to Yosef, and Yosef's "rebuking" his brothers. How do we deal with our wounds inside and our challenges outside? Does the world hate us or love us? Is G-d my best friend or just my heavenly boss? How my own mind and actions can cause what is really love to be seen as hate, what is really light to be seen as darkness. We are given a blueprint of how to face every trauma and challenge and see it as an opportunity for infinite love and growth.

182

Stop Trying to Understand Your Life

Dec 3, 2020

50:03

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayeshev, 22 Kislev, 5781, December 8, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

183

When I Discovered Who Runs the World

Nov 25, 2020

1:30:58

Weekly Women's Class: This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayishlach, 15 Kislev, 5781, December 1, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

184

When G-d Does Not Want You to Be Frum

Nov 21, 2020

49:52

Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Vayetzei, 8 Kislev, 5781, November 24, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY It is based on an address (a Sicha) delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei, 10 Kislev, 5766, December 6, 1965, published in Likkutei Sichos vol. 5 Vayeitzei, and it explores the question of how can Yaakov marry two sisters. The class relates the story of the Chafetz Chaim's Sholom Aleichem; Reb Yaakov Kaminetzky not eating gebrakts; when they cooked rice in Chabad for Pesach, and when the Rebbe Rayatz said, "better a red matzah than a red face."

185

Does Religion Welcome Creativity?

Nov 15, 2020

1:13:26

Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Toldos, 1 Kislev, 5781, November 17, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY  Why would you name a child “Yaakov” because he is holding on to his brother’s heel? Why would Eisav speak of tithing salt and straw, and not any other food? Why did the vision of a destroyed Beis Hamikdash inspire Yitzchak’s blessings? Why did he want to bless Eisav? Why did Yitzchak begin his blessings, “And G-d will give you,” meaning that the first giving is insufficient? The class explores to models of leaders, mentors and teachers. It addresses to dimensions to life: when you are a student of life, and when you become a creator, finding the courage to reinvent yourself, and turning chaotic sounds into a symphony.

186

How Do You Wake up Your Students from Sleep?

Nov 4, 2020

1:03:31

Weekly Women's Class: You know the story about Winston Churchill. As Savior of the free world, he felt entitled to grab a nap in the House of Commons. When a fellow Parliament member approached him and said, “Must you fall asleep when I am speaking?” Churchill answered, “No, it is purely voluntary.” Says the Midrash: Once, as Rabbi Akiva taught a class, he noticed that his students began falling asleep. He wished to awaken them. Rabbi Akiva interrupted his lecture and said: Why did Esther reign over 127 provinces? Because Esther was a descendant of Sarah who lived for 127 years. Let the granddaughter of Sarah, who lived for 127 years, come and reign over 127 countries. This is a strange story. It evokes many questions. Among them: What is the connection of Sarah’s 127 years to Esther’s queenship over 127 provinces? And why did Rabbi Akiva choose this insight—from all the ideas he could have shared—as the way of waking up his audience? This women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Chayei Sarah, 23 Cheshvan, 5781, November 10, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY 

187

Revolutzye!!!

Aug 9, 2020

53:58

Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Reah, 21 Av, 5780, August 11, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

188

Five Steps to Self-Destruction

Jul 26, 2020

1:10:48

Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Eikev, 14 Av, 5780, August 4, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

189

How Do We Cultivate a Geulah-Mindset?

Jul 21, 2020

1:30:22

Weekly Women's Class: Rabbi YY Jacobson presented a class in honor of the nine-days. Streaming live 11:00am EST on Tuesday, 7 Av, 5780, July 28, 2020.

190

You Never Ever Disown a Child

Jul 19, 2020

1:04:08

Weekly Women's Class: This women's class was presented on Tuesday Parshas Devarim, 29 Tammuz, 5780, July 21, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY 

191

How My Grandmother Died

Jul 13, 2020

1:26:50

Weekly Women's Class: The women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Matos-Masei, 22 Tammuz, 5780, July 14, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

192

The Path to Greatness Leads Through Pettiness

Jul 4, 2020

1:22:22

Weekly Women's Class: The women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Pinchas, 15 Tammuz, 5780, July 7, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi YY Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

193

Did Yiftach Suffer from PTSD?

Jun 28, 2020

1:17:49

Weekly Women's Class: The women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Chukas-Balak, 8 Tammuz, 5780, June 30, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY

194

Can You Be Grateful for Each of Your Four Children? Can You Listen to the 4 Children Inside of You?

Apr 9, 2024

1:46:05

Women's Pesach Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Tazria, 1Nissan, 5784, April 9, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. Who are the four children of the Haggadah? Whats this great hullabaloo about them? Why four and not five, six, or ten? Why are they central to our Passover experience? What are their questions, and why are these questions so important? The premise to answering these questions is that the four children are not external to us; they are within each of us: Within each of our hearts, there are four children who ask four distinct questions. What are four bigquestions on Judaism? 1) The strange laws that we simply cannot wrap our brains ahead. 2) How can small people believe that G-d cares about their lives and actions, especially in a painful and scary universe? 3) I lead my own life and define my destiny; I dont need G-d. 4) I dont care. The Haggadah addresses each of these four powerful questions, with which each of us struggles in one way or another. Erev Pesach in Bergen Belzen. The Bloshever Rebbe sacrificed his life to obtain matzah. But when the Nazis discovered the matzah bakery, all was gone besides a few matzos. He decided the elderly would get them. Until a woman's voice was heard: Binaranu ubezkananu, the youth must come first.

195

How You Can Use Your Darkness to Light up the World

Mar 26, 2024

1:20:52

Women's Class: This class will be presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tzav, 16Adar II, 5784, March 26, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

196

How Queen Esthers Banner of Pride Can Transform Every Victims Narrative

Mar 19, 2024

1:36:10

Purim Women's Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayikra, 9Adar II, 5784, March 19, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

197

When Rabah Slaughtered the Ego of Reb Zeira

Mar 12, 2024

1:46:19

Women's Purim Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Pekudei,25Adar I, 5784, March 12, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

198

The Last Lecture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Path to Love

Mar 5, 2024

1:48:35

Parshas Shekalim Women's Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayakhel, Parshas Shekalim, 25Adar I, 5784, March 5, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This Sabbath, Jews the world over will read, in addition to the weekly Torah portion, an extra Torah portion, known as Parshas Shekalim, or the "portion of the coins." This section of the Torah records the mitzvah incumbent upon the people of Israel, to make a yearly contribution of a half shekel to cover the cost of all communal Temple offerings. A shekel was a specific weight of silver (about 16 grams) that was the standard coinage used by the Jews in the desert. The Jewish people were instructed to contribute a half-shekel coin, which was a silver coin weighing about 8grams, to the Temple. The Torah is extremely particular about the amount of the contribution: "The wealthy shall not increase and the destitute shall not decrease from half a shekel." I do not think there was ever again in Jewish history an appeal made setting a limit to the contributions of the rich! What is baffling about this mitzvahis the Torah's insistence that the contribution consist of a half-coin, rather than a whole, complete coin. Why would G-d instruct the Jewish people to give a contribution that is not complete? Especially considering that the Torah demands all elements connected to the Temple service be as complete and perfect as possible. In his final address, two days before he suffered a stroke, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, presented a profound explanation. This was Shabbos Vayakhel, 25 Adar I, 5752 (1992). It explored the question if a human being in his deepest placeis a lonely creature, struggling with a mysterious and complex self in a way that nobody else can really understand or appreciate? Many philosophical and spiritual disciplines eloquently describe the sense of solitariness that comes hand in hand with one's journey into the inner chambers of the self. The deeper you go, the lonelier you become.But the Rebbe presented a very different view, one which helps teach us how to live with love and joy, despite the pain and disappointment.

199

Grant Yourself Recognition for Your Accomplishments

Feb 27, 2024

1:29:36

Women's Ki Sisa Class: This Women's class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 18 Adar I, 5784, February 27, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. In the conversation between Hashem and Moshe after the sin of the Golden Calf, G-d says something shocking: On the day I make an accounting, I will bring their sin to account against them. G-d, it seems, is telling Moses He will never forget this sin. And whenever He is going to make an accounting, this sin will be included in the package. This is deeply enigmatic. It is one of the foundations of Judaism that Teshuvah, repentance, atones for all sins and wipes them away completely. Every Yom Kippur, we declare that Hashem removes our sins every year again. No matter how many times we commit a sin, if we repent, we are forgiven. Teshuvah removes all guilt. Its over. Yet here we are told that G-d will never let go of this transgression? The most marvelous answer was presented by the famed Chassidic master and one of the greatest lovers of Israel, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov (1740-1809). In a daring interpretation, classic to the Chassidic approach toward Judaism, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak becomes the great advocate for the Jewish people, as he always was. The class explores two models of education, one based on outer behavior and control, and the other one on connection and trust, and developing an internal relationship which allows a child to feel understood and empowered. We focus on the need to appreciate our successes, not only our failures.

200

The Mechanism of Bliss: How Pleasure Works

Feb 20, 2024

1:50:25

Adar/Purim Katan Women's Class/Joy: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 11Adar I, 5784, February 20, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

Weekly Women's Class by Rabbi YY Jacobson

More by Rabbi YY Jacobson