Engaging the mind and cognitive abilities lies at the core of Chassidus Chabad. Where does this leave the heart though? How can one “build bridges between the mind and heart, two islands in a vast sea?” And moreover, is it feasible for everyone to use the powers of the mind to completely control the heart?
Much confusion surrounds the study of Kabbalah. Many people turn to it for an exotic glimpse into the secrets of the cosmos, while others almost seem to fear it. What exactly is Kabbalah and are we allowed to study it? How about Kabbalah Maasit – what is it and is it off limits?
In our scientific age how does one balance science and religion? Can they be reconciled? How are we to look at something that defies science and is based solely on faith?
Rabbi Jacobson will address these relevant issues in this week’s 130th episode of MyLife: Chassidus Applied. Follow up to the topics of the importance of a beard, balancing fun and higher purpose, and garments will also be discussed.
Rabbi Jacobson will also review the following essays submitted in this year’s MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest: “The Tanya Method” by Gabriel Benayon; “Taming Your Donkey” by Joshua Krisch; “Positive Present Parenting” by Levi Naparstek. These and other essays can be read online at meaningfullife.com/essays.
And finally, the Chassidus question of the week: Since G-d is fundamentally indivisible (Hashem Echad), and uniformly and utterly seamless (poshut b’tachlis ha’pehsitus), how are we to understand that our neshomos are a Chelek Elokah M’maal Mamash?!’ Isn’t the idea of a ‘piece of G-d’ heretical, undermining the basic principle of Achdus Hashem?
This hour-long dose of insights is meant to inform, inspire and empower us by applying the teachings of Chassidus to help us face practical and emotional challenges and difficulties in our personal lives and relationships. To have your question addressed, please submit it at meaningfullife.com/mylife.
The topics in this Sunday’s hour-long broadcast will include:
Chassidus Applied to Shoftim and Elul
What is meditation’s place in Judaism?
Can we really master mind-control over our hearts?
Are we allowed to study Kabbalah?
What is practical Kabbalah?
What is the proper balance between science and religion?
Garments: feedback
Balancing fun and higher purpose: follow-up
The importance of a beard: follow-up
Chassidus Question: How can we call a soul Chelek Elokah M’maal Mamash? Isn’t G-d (Elokah) fundamentally indivisible (Hashem Echad), and not subject to parts?!
MyLife Essays: The Tanya Method, Taming Your Donkey, Positive Present Parenting
LIVE: Chassidus Applied Episode 130, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
The problem with meditative techniques is that people often relate to them as an all-encompassing way of life. Also they use them to search for themselves as an end goal, instead of a way to serve Hashem.
It’s incredible to see, and hard to imagine, how Rabbi Jacobson, week after week, pumps out so much high quality, diverse, inspirational and deeply relevant content.
I have been following this series from close to when it began, and marvel at this consistent flow…
What a gift we have.