8:00pm: Are We Allowed to Study Kabbalah?
This week’s edition of MyLife: Chassidus Applied with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Episode 130, will air tonight, Sunday, here on CrownHeights.info, beginning at 8:00pm. This week Rabbi Jacobson will address the topics: Are We Allowed to Study Kabbalah? What Is the Proper Balance Between Science and Religion? Can Our Minds Actually Control Our Hearts? Since G-d is Indivisible How Can We Call a Soul a Chelek Elokah M’Maal Mamash?
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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 Kabballah. 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
In what has now become a staple in so many people’s lives, MyLife: Chassidus Applied addresses questions that many people are afraid to ask and others are afraid to answer. When asked about the sensitive topics he has been addressing, Rabbi Simon Jacobson commented, “I understand that the stakes are high and great care has to be taken when speaking openly, but the silence and lack of clarity on matters plaguing the community can no longer go unaddressed. The stakes of not providing answers are even higher.”
The on-going series has provoked a significant reaction from the community, with thousands of people viewing each live broadcast and hundreds of questions pouring in week after week. At the root of every question and personal challenge tackled by the series is the overarching question: Does Judaism have the answers to my personal dilemmas?
In inimitable “Jacobson-fashion”, the broadcast answers people’s questions in simple, clear language while being heavily sourced. Each episode is jam-packed with eye-opening advice from the Rebbeim, gleaned from uncovering surprising gems in their letters, sichos and maamorim that address our personal issues with disarming relevance. Simultaneously, Rabbi Jacobson is able to crystallize a concept quickly, succinctly, and poignantly for any level of listener.
All episodes are immediately available for viewing in the MLC’s archive and can be downloaded as MP3s for listening on the go.
Questions may be submitted anonymously at meaningfullife.com/mylife.
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