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Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to the Book of Shemos and the MishkanWhy is it called the Book of Redemption? What is the connection between the Egyptian Exodus, Sinai and the Sanctuary? If the main purpose of creation is to reveal the divine presence in each of us, why do we need to have a centralized temple in Jerusalem? What were the cherubim on top of the holy ark and what was their purpose? And what replacements do we have for them today? Were the donations to the tabernacle an atonement for the golden calf? Lessons from Vayakhel and ShekalimWhat do we learn from this chapter? The power of synergy Does community compromise individuality? What do we learn from Shekalim? Is the recent new development making the library manuscripts available to the public a form of “splurging the treasures”? Who should we support in a war between Russia and Ukraine? Is it appropriate to name someone after an abuser or a criminal? How should we address sexual abuse and its coverup? - Follow-up By reading a book do we connect to its author as we do to a composer through listening to his music? With all the talk about sexual abuse, how about addressing mental and other forms of abuse? What is the story with the Rebbetzin Nechama Dina after Yud Shevat? Did the Frierdiker Rebbe ever wear a bulletproof vest and carry a gun? Chassidus question: Tanya chapter 29 – Is struggling with faith legitimate or only a result of “sitra achra”? sh between appropriate and inappropriate “intermediaries” between G-d and us?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Ki Tissa  What do we learn from this chapter?  How do we navigate life’s ups and downs and twists and turns? The Rebbe’s Sicha 30 years ago this week  Is there a connection between the golden calf and the giant bull sculpture on Wall Street which symbolizes money and greed?   If the 13 attributes of mercy say G-d is slow to anger, why was G-d so quick to anger at when He saw people building and worshipping a golden calf?  What is the significance of Moshe’s mask?  Does it have any connection to the masks we wear on Purim?  Why was it necessary to make a second set of tablets instead of just repairing the first broken set?  Purim Katan  Did the original Purim happen in a leap year, and if so was it in the first or second Adar?  What are some of the customs we do on Purim Katan?  Is there a connection between a leap year, called a “pregnant” year (shana m’ueberes) and women having children?  What is the background behind the Baal Shem Tov’s Siddur?  How can my spouse and I reconcile after an argument?  Is it appropriate to watch the Super Bowl and the Olympics?  What is an appropriate relationship between cousins of opposite gender?  How should we address sexual abuse and its coverup? - Follow-up  Chassidus question: How do we distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate “intermediaries” between G-d and us? 

THIS WEEK'S TOPICS: • Chassidus Applied to Tetzaveh         o What do we learn from this chapter? 01:55        o What can we do today as a substitute for the rituals in the temple? 09:39        o What was the tzitz that the kohen gadol wore on his forehead? 13:26        o Is there a connection between the tzitz and tzitzis we wear? 14:45 • Adar/7 Adar 05:20        o Did the Rebbe once say that by increasing in simcha sixty fold during these two months of   Adar all negativity will be nullified, batel b'shishim? 17:10        o How do you measure your growth in happiness? 22:29        o How did Haman know that Moshe passed away on the 7th of Adar? 26:56 • How should we respond to the claims that the Holocaust was not racist? 33:18 • Is Judaism a race or a religion? 33:18 • What attitude should we have to those struggling with transgender issues? 37:15 • What do you think about the term OTD (off the derech)? 37:15 • How should we address sexual abuse and its coverup? - Follow-up 43:45 • What advice did the Rebbe give us to stay safe living in Crown Heights? 53:49 • How to resolve a disagreement with my spouse whose covid paranoia is adversely impacting our lives? 58:07 • Chassidus question: According to Tanya chapter 25 that Selach Lonu is like the Tamid offering, why is the chapter about the Tamid offering recited in the morning blessings? 01:04:03 MyLife: Chassidus Applied is a weekly video webcast candidly answering questions from the public about all life matters and challenges, covering the entire spectrum of the human experience. The objective of the program is to provide people with inspired guidance and direction, empowering them to deal with any issue they may face. MyLife demonstrates how Chassidus provides us with a comprehensive blueprint of the human psyche as a microcosm of the cosmos, and offers us all the guidance we need to live the healthiest possible life and build nurturing homes and families, bringing up the healthiest possible children, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Adar IWhat is the significance of this year being a leap year, with two months of Adar? What do we learn from a leap year? Why is Adar the extra month? Did the Rebbe ever say that a leap year is a propitious time and has more opportunities for Moshiach to come? In this month when it’s favorable to go to a din-Torah, can we take G-d to a din-Torah to bring Moshiach? Lessons from TerumahHow do we build a mishkan in our lives today? Why can’t we have a temporary sanctuary until the Third Temple is rebuilt? What was the showbread in the Mishkan? What is its substitute today? Does praying toward the north bring us wealth? Follow-up: 22 Shevat – How do we repay the Rebbe for all he did and does for us? Is there a connection between Mrs. Lapine’s murder 30 years ago this week and the Rebbe’s stroke three weeks later? Did the feminist movement kill femininity? How should we address the recent abuse scandal? - Follow-up Chassidus question: Please explain the concept of "אליו ולא מדותיו" (ailov v’lo l’midosov)

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 22 ShevatWhat do we learn from this day? What is the deeper meaning and significance of the name “Chaya Mushka”? What changes and new things did the Rebbe institute after 22 Shevat? Is it significant that the Rebbe and Rebbetzin had the same first names as the Tzemach Tzedek and his Rebbetzin? What is the Rebbetzin most famous for, besides being the Rebbe’s wife? Years ago the Rebbe told someone that he would be forever grateful for a favor they did for the Rebbetzin. Is it disrespectful to ask the Rebbe to repay this favor now? Is it appropriate to display the Rebbetzin’s photo? What are some practical things we can do to honor the Rebbetzin on her yahrzeit? Lessons from MishpatimIs logic logical? What can we learn from the connection of the rational laws to Sinai? Why did it take 40 days and 40 nights to receive the torah? What is the significance of us saying naaseh v'nishmah? Why are the negative mitzvos written as “do not’s”; wouldn’t it be more motivating to say it in the positive – “cherish life” instead of “do not murder”? Why don’t we mix milk and meat? If it’s due to not mixing chesed and gevurah, why do we find that in other areas that mix is considered sacred? Can we benefit from the mix, by throwing them in the same garbage bin for example? How do we explain to children that males are not supposed to listen to women singing? How should we address the recent abuse scandal? - Follow-up Chassidus question: Can we reach Atzmus?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to 15 ShevatWhat do we learn from trees? Should we water our plants on the Rosh Hashana of Trees? Lessons from YisroWhat is the relevance of Sinai today? Why was the Torah given in a way that frightened the people? How do we reconcile the Jews accepting the Torah without question, and then trembling when they heard G-d's voice? Did we receive the entire Torah at Sinai or only the Ten Commandments? Is there a connection between Yisro advising Moshe to delegate and the Rebbe sending out thousands of shluchim? Yud Shevat follow-upDuring the Yud Shevat Farbrengen 5711, did someone ask the rebbe to say a maamar? What’s the story about the newspaper announcing the Rebbe’s assuming leadership? What is the shechina? And how can it be concealed? What can we learn from yesterday’s hostage crisis in Texas? Do these things happen to elicit our prayers and tehillim? What attitude should we have to the recent auction of personal items of the Rebbeim? Can one use a pig’s heart for a heart transplant? Should we be applauding the launch of a new telescope that can peer back to the beginning of existence? How should we address the recent abuse scandal? Follow-up Chassidus question: What is the meaning of the statement that “without Ohr the world would be dark and separate from its creator” - doesn’t all of life come from Ohr?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus Applied to Yud ShevatWhat is the primary chiddush in this year's chapter 12 of Basi L’Gani? What does the Rebbe add in his maamorim of 5722 and 5742? What lessons do we learn from this discourse and its chapter 12? What deep hidden treasure is given to us? In the Basi L’Gani maamer is the Frierdiker Rebbe not just hinting but overtly saying that Moshiach will come in the 7th generation? Please explain the concept of shtus d’kedusha What is your favorite maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe? Did the Frierdiker Rebbe ever indicate who should be his successor? What was going on in the community during that year until the Rebbe officially accepted the leadership? What is shovavim and is it our community's custom to honor it? Did the Rebbe once say the month of Shvat is an acronym of she’nishma besuros tovos? How do we stay positive amongst the new covid variant and today's non-ending challenges? How should we approach the recent scandal and tragedy of the disgraced author accused of serial abuse? - Follow-up Chassidus question: Since the Maamar Basi L’Gani is explaining that the hidden “treasure” being revealed is the level of Ohr Ain Sof l’maaleh maaleh ad ayn keitz, why does he elaborate so much in chapters 12-14 on l’matoh matoh at ayn tachlis?

Torah Perspective on Such a TravestyWhat should be our overall response? Why would G-d allow an individual who would commit such heinous crimes to reach such a high position of power and influence within the religious public, and especially over the innocent hearts and minds of children? How do we deal with such a mass betrayal? Who comes first: perpetrator or victim? Can we assume his absolute guilt? Where do you draw the line between assuming someone’s innocence and judging people favorably and the danger they pose and the damage they may cause others? If someone harmed people, but also helped others, does one negate the other? How do I deal with my deep feelings of betrayal and internal conflict: On one hand I grew up and was shaped by his books. Yet, I cannot look at his books knowing what kind of double life he led, and the countless people he harmed? Do we have the right to judge another? Is there hope for a perpetrator? Why isn't child molestation considered an issur in the Torah? Intervention and Reporting AbuseDo the laws of mesirah and loshon hara apply to a sexual predator? Can we report them to the police? Are we allowed to publicly shame a perpetrator to prevent him from harming others? How should the community deal with abusers who have been accused by credible accusations without creating collateral damage? Community ResponseHow can you find clarity between the conflicting and even seriously contradictory messages coming from different Torah authorities? How do we justify or explain Rabbis whitewashing or ignoring the travesty? How would you respond to the Rabbis that blame the public’s loshon hara for murdering this author? Was it wrong that “gedolim” gave positive eulogies at his funeral after all the horrible things he has been accused of? Is this not an overt insult to the victims? Speaking with ChildrenWhat should we be telling our children? How can we protect our children? His BooksWhat should we be doing with his educational books? Should we be reading books from an unholy author? ClosureWhat can the victims now do to get closure and find justice? Do we continue to pursue justice and humiliate him after his death? Are we allowed to defile his memory for revenge? Can the victims sue his family and his estate for compensation for their injuries? How should one think about the suicide of one that caused others harm? Lessons Learned and Looking AheadWhat can we learn from this and what can we do as individuals and as a community? What can we do to help grow awareness and prevent further atrocities against the innocent? Why aren’t more female mental health professionals addressing this issue?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VaeirahWhat can we learn from this week’s parsha about our own challenges? Why did G-d reveal the name Havaya to Moshe and not to the Patriarchs? How could Moshe just walk into Pharoah’s palace? Lessons from 24 TevesWhat is the significance of this day and what does it teach us? What did the Alter Rebbe know about the founding of the USA which happened in his time? Why was it important that the Alter Rebbe was a new soul? Why can’t we sing the Alter Rebbe’s niggun any time we wish? Did the Alter Rebbe write another book called Sefer Shel Tzaddikim? Does a mashpia have to care for his mushpa? Can a rov ever go bad, and if he does, how can you know and what can you do? Follow-upDo I pursue intellectual truth no matter where it may lead me, even if that causes me to leave yiddishkeit? When Moshe killed the Egyptian why did it matter who descended from him? Why Exodus is celebrated over one week Can you explain Pascal's wager and why it makes sense mathematically to take the gamble that there really is a G-d? Chassidus question: Please explain the three impure kelipos. If we are to abstain from them, why can we use them for certain things, as riding a horse or owning a dog?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to ShemosWhat personal lessons do we learn from the story of the Egyptian exile and redemption? Why do we need to read about all the painful details of the Jews suffering and affliction? How did Moshe find out he was Jewish? Who were the two Jewish men that saw Moshe kill the Egyptian, and why would they report him? Why were some wicked people, like Dasan and Aviram, fortunate to have their names and lineage mentioned in the Torah? What is the significance of G-d talking to Moshe from the burning bush? Why was Moshe commanded to take off his sandals before approaching the burning bush? Was the Egyptian redemption initiated from above, and will the future redemption be different? What are some practical examples of how we can express bitachon in our everyday lives? Lessons from 20 Teves: What is the significance of this day and what does it teach us? Follow-up10 Teves: Why do we have four fast days to commemorate the different stages leading up to and including the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash? Vayechi:Why do we speak about the bones of Yosef if the body of a Tzaddik remains intact? Was Jacobs’ blessing to Zebulun fulfilled, that he will dwell on the coast of the seas? Is it appropriate to listen to a sicha of the Rebbe on double speed? Sholom Bayis: How should a couple resolve disagreements about having children?My husband is afraid of having children due to my father’s mental health issues. How can I resolve this? What to do if the wife wants children and the husband is just not ready? Should I pursue intellectual truth regardless of where it may lead me, even if it may cause me to reject my upbringing? What does Torah/Chassidus say about fetishes?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to VayechiWhy is the chapter about Yaakov’s passing called “and Yaakov lived”? Why did Yaakov send Yehuda to Egypt to set up a yeshiva – don’t parents do this for their children, rather than the other way around? If Yaakov was not allowed to reveal the time of Moshiach’s coming, why did the Rebbe reveal it? Why was Yosef not buried in Israel like his father Yaakov? How many tribes are there – twelve or thirteen? Was Yosef superior to his brothers? Lessons from Asarah b’TevesWhat is the significance of this fast day and what does it teach us? Why is the writing of the Septuagint on this day considered a bad thing? Hei TevesDoes the ruling mean that every Chassid has part ownership of the books? Should we forgive those that stole the books? Is it better to give $10 to one cause or $1 to 10 causes? Follow-upChanukah Dr. Feldman Sholom BayisWith the Rebbe discouraging family planning, how should we deal with legitimate concerns related to having more children? What can I do about my husband singing objectionable songs? Did the Rebbe critique Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism? Chassidus question: What is the difference between sovev kol almin and mimaleh kol almin?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Zos ChanukahWhy is it called by that name and what is its significance? Since we increase in light each night, why do we stop at eight? What's special about the eighth candle that it's light endures for the entire year? Chanukah discourses compare the dedication of the altar to the extra support we give a child to launch their education. How does this apply to a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect: how can they gather strength to be productive? Does the precedence of a Shabbat candle over a Chanukah candle indicate that a natural flame is greater than a miraculous one? Why do Hillel and Shammai disagree according to the explanation that they lit one eighth of the oil each day? Were the Chashmanayim righteous people or murderous mutineers who usurped the kingdom that belonged to Judah? Why don’t we emphasize the vital role of women in Jewish history, as in Yehudis in the Chanukah story? Lessons from VayigashDid Yaakov do anything wrong by leaving his parents for 20 years? Why did Yosef say “is my father still alive” instead of “is our father still alive”? Why and how do we celebrate Hei Teves? Can I still give to your Gift of Meaning Campaign? Crowdfunding follow-up: How should we prioritize our charities? What can be done about people not treating others kindly? How to rekindle my connection to Torah? Regarding the recent abortion case being brought to the U.S. Supreme Court, what is the Torah's view on the matter of viability? Please comment on Dr. Feldman’s passing Chassidus question: How do we reconcile Tanya that says we should learn from Joseph to overlook the evil others do to us to all the statements in Tehillim where Dovid prays for the downfall of his enemies?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to ChanukahWhy do the Chanukah lights endure, while the Temple Menorah did not? Why do we light eight candles, at night, facing outside, unlike the Temple Menorah? What does Chanukah teach us today? What is the connection with us being lamplighters and Chanukah? Is the oil of Chanukah related to Chassidus? Why do we celebrate the zealotry of the Maccabees? Is there anything wrong with giving Chanukah presents? Is religion stopping frum Jews from contributing to society (a modern Hellenist claim)? Lessons from MiketzWhy did Joseph have to torment his brothers with an elaborate scheme and not just reunite with them and his father? Can Pharaoh’s dreams about the seven cows and seven stalks of wheat be interpreted to relate to the seven generations of Chabad and the subsequent time after Gimmel Tammuz? Why did Joseph have to suffer so? Should yichus matter when it comes to shidduchim? Do I need to donate to every crowdfunding campaign? Sholom BayisHow can I learn to respect my husband? What should I do when I am feeling annoyed at my spouse’s behavior? When to let go and when to address an issue that bothers me in my marriage? How do I deal with a spouse who has lost her faith? Chassidus question: Please elaborate on the idea that each Rebbe added understanding to Chassidus corresponding to the sefiros: chochma, bina, daas etc.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Tes Kislev  What is the most important lesson we can learn from the Alter Rebbe’s imprisonment and redemption in our daily lives?  Since Chassidus empowers and heals our souls, why was it not given earlier?  How could have heavenly angels mistakenly opposed the revelation of Chassidus?  How was the Alter Rebbe’s spreading of Chassidus different than that of his predecessors?   Why did other Jewish communities see the Alter Rebbe’s work as an existential threat to Judaism? And did they ever apologize to him afterward?   How do we explain Reb Shmuel Munkes’ words to the Alter Rebbe before he was arrested “if you’re a Rebbe no harm will come to you:” 1) Didn’t the Alter Rebbe know this on his own? 2) We see that true tzaddikim were harmed throughout history?  What is the comparison of Yud Tes Kislev to Yetziyas Mitzrayim?   Is their significance in Yud Tes Kislev leading right into Chanukah?  What was the significance of printing the Tanya in countries all over the world?   Lessons from Vayeishev  Did Yosef get what he deserved because he taunted his brothers?   Why was Yosef given more attention than Reuven, the firstborn?    How are we to understand the bizarre story of Tamar and Yehuda’s seemingly self-serving behavior?  Why was Onan required to enter into a levirate marriage if the Torah, and why did he die?  Are we allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving?  What do we learn from the story of the man who posed as a Jew and married a Jewish woman?  How should we react to the recent scandal about an author of Jewish children’s books?  Chassidus question: If we have two souls, why do we identify with only one of them as being our true identity? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Yud Kislev  What is the significance of this day and what can we learn from it?  How is the geulah of the Mitteler Rebbe different than that of the Alter Rebbe?  Lessons from Vayishlach  How does the theme of this parsha play itself out in history, and especially in our lives today?  What do we learn from Yaakov’s confrontation with Esau?  Why did Yaakov prepare for war with Esau and not trust that G-d would protect him?  If Yaakov kept all 613 commandments, how could he marry two sisters, which is clearly against Torah law?    What is the significance of Yaakov’s name being changed to Yisrael? Why didn't his parents give him that name?   If a child’s name is determined by parents who have a mini-prophecy, why does G-d sometimes change a name?   Why did the angel wrestle with Yaakov and injure his hip?  Can it be said that Reuven is worse than Esau?   Was Dinah in any way at fault for what happened to her?  What do we know about the enigmatic Dinah?  Why is it that so many important stories are omitted from the Written Torah while other seemingly minor stories are mentioned explicitly in detail?  Why are there almost no details about Abraham’s early life in the Torah?  In general, how does the Torah decide which details to include in every narrative?  What should we do about an abusive educator?  Chassidus question: What does Tanya mean that our Torah / Tefilah reaches a certain world/reality and that different parts of Torah stem from different worlds? What does that practically mean for us? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Tes Kislev  What was the unique contribution of the Mitteler Rebbe and what can we learn from it?   Where can I find more of your approach on applying the Torah to our personal lives?  Lessons from Vayeitzei  How do we apply Jacob’s journey to our personal lives?  Why were the matriarchs barren?  What is the significance of dreams?  Why was Jacob’s marriage to Leah valid when it was a result of deception?  Why do some people say Yankov and not Yaakov?  Was it disrespectful for Yaakov to sleep on the holy ground that would house the Holy Temple?  Who were Bilha and Zilpa?  Should we support the new Mayor-elect Eric Adams?   Toldos follow-up:  Why was Yitzchak’s prayer for children accepted and not Rivkah’s?  What right did Esau have to be angry at Yaakov?  What should I do about my husband who no longer finds me appealing?  How to navigate a difficult marriage?  Chassidus question: Since gevuros will be higher than chasodim after Moshiach comes, should we be focusing today more on gevurah than on chesed?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Rosh Chodesh Kislev  What is the significance of this day and can we learn from it?  What is the theme and energy of Kislev?  How to grow through setbacks?  What was the origin of the Kinus Hashluchim?   Lessons from Toldos  What can couples experiencing difficulties having children learn from Yitzchak and Rivkah?   What do we learn from the battle of Esau and Yaakov in Rivkah’s womb?  Why did Yaakov have to dress up as Esau in order to steal the blessings?  What justification is there for Yaakov to steal Esau’s blessings?  Why did only Rivkah, and not Yitzchak understand the status of Esau?  Why couldn’t Yitzchak correct himself and bless Esau with the brochos he mistakenly gave Yaakov?  Why was Yitzchak not spared the pain of seeing Esau become a wicked person as Abraham was by having him pass away earlier?  What was the yeshiva of Shem and Eiver?  Ways to find a shidduch – follow-up  Comments: The importance of asking questions  Women in the Torah  Why does the Torah rarely mention the girls in the families?  How should I respond to someone who criticizes the Torah for being a patriarchal system that keeps men in power?   Why don’t women wear a yarmulke?  Chassidus question: Based on the rule that the highest levels fall to the lowest ones, 1) why did Rivkah and Yaakov give up on Esau and not let him receive the blessings in the hope he would do teshuva? 2) Does this rule apply to the monsters in history as well, like Stalin? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Chof Cheshvan  What was unique about the Rebbe Rashab?  What do we learn from him and what is his significance to our lives today?  Are all the Rebbeim connected?  Did the Rebbe Rashab say that Tomchei Temimim would impact its students to live as Chassidim did 100 years back?  How do we reconcile the Frierdiker Rebbe saying that we should never expel a student from Tomchei Temimim with Sarah sending away Yishmael?  Lessons from Chayei Sarah   Who was Keturah?  Abraham losing 5 years of his life seems to indicate that this was pre-determined. Do we have free choice or is everything determined?  What defines true and enduring life?  Where are the ten lost tribes?  What should be our attitude to different claims about a people being from the ten lost tribes, as in the recent news about Hispaniola and the Igbo of Nigeria?  Will they return?  What can I do to improve my relationship with my parents?  How does one stay positive that Hashem has a bashert for them, after a long and trying dating process?  Follow-up: Lottery  Chassidus question: Please explain the concept that G-d recreates the world every moment 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Vayeira  Why did G-d appear to Abraham and what does that teach us?  Why did Abraham turn away from G-d to greet guests? Doesn’t that seem rude?  Why would a benevolent G-d ask Abraham to kill his son? And why did Abraham comply without question?  Why do we teach our children this violent story?  How were the angels able to eat with Abraham when they are spiritual beings that don’t consume physical food?   Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would have a child at age 90?  Why did Abraham protest G-d's plan to destroy the evil city of Sodom?  Why was Lot saved?  Is the forecasted huge solar storm perhaps a sign of the sun being removed from its shield after Moshiach comes?   How much should one invest in lottery tickets?  Is there a guaranteed segulah that works in order to become wealthy?  What should be our attitude toward gambling?  How can I convince my friend to stop gambling away his money in casinos?  What should I do about discovering my father watching inappropriate content?  How do we distinguish between Taliban fundamentalism and l’havdil the “fundamentalism” described in the Torah?  Chassidus question: What is the experience of “taanug in Elokus” supposed to look or feel like? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Chassidus applied to Cheshvan What can I do when I feel down and unmotivated? At what point is it customary to stop wishing people a happy new year? Why is it called Marcheshvan? What is the significance and lesson of Zayin Cheshvan? Thinking about the First Temple being completed this month, I am wondering what is more important – the physical Temple or the temple of our homes? Noach follow-up Why did G-d have to command Noach to leave the ark? Were there kangaroos on Noach's ark? Was the entire earth flooded? Lessons from Lech Lecha Was Abraham truly a great man by historical standards? How is Abraham considered to be the first Jew if his mother was not Jewish? What is the significance of Hashem telling Abraham that in order to be successful and become a great nation he first must leave his father’s home and place of birth? If we feel uninspired, should we learn from Abraham and leave the place we are living? Shouldn't we discover Hashem on our own as Abraham did, instead of learning it from our parents and educators? Why was so Sarah so special? Didn’t she behave cruelly by insisting that Hagar and Yishmael be sent away? Why did Abraham hide Sarah in a box and what possible message does this have for us? What can we learn from their descent to Egypt? If Abraham kept the entire Torah why did he not circumcise himself until G-d commanded him to do so at age 99? Shemitah: Why does a sabbatical year cancel debts? Chassidus question: What is the divine chariot and what is its significance in our daily lives?