Live at 8:00 pm: In this week’s Chassidus Applied with Rabbi Simon Jacobson: What were some of the last words the Rebbe Rashab said before his histalkus? Why and when did the Seder become a mechanical ritual for many Jews? What can I do to avoid conflicts with my spouse who keeps adding more draconian Pesach chumras, traumatizing our family? And more • Watch Live

As we read this week’s Torah portion about the intensifying Egyptian Exile and the deepening misery of bondage, one of the most powerful lessons that we can glean from the Exodus story is the answer to the big question: How does one survive difficult times? How did a nation endure genocide and brutal oppression and come out stronger than ever – a nation that thrives till this very day and one that has brought civilization to the world?! On an individual level how can each of us maintain balance and grow through suffering? • Full Article

So another year ends as another book ends. As this new year begins, we conclude the book of Genesis. To read today’s news buy yourself a newspaper. To read the news of history – the eternal story of the human struggle – read Genesis • Full Article

From the desk of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, director of the Meaningful Life Center: Some years ago a fellow came to see me to discuss his, as he put it, “miserable life.” “As far back as I can remember,” he told me, “I was shunned. People would ridicule and pick on me.” “I don’t know what it is about me,” he continued, “but I seem to project a negative energy that elicits scorn and contempt • Full Article

From the desk of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, director of the Meaningful Life Center: Trust is all over the news these days. Do we trust our political parties and media? What about our financial institutions and insurance companies? Higher up: Can we trust our government? Can countries trust each other? Will the United States remain a trusted superpower? And finally – the holy economic grail itself: Can we trust our economic system: Capitalism? • Full Article

I spent Shabbat at the Georgian Jewish Community in Rego Park, Queens. I pose to them a question: “You have an appointment at 8PM. Travel will take 1 hour. What time do you leave for your meeting?” “8PM” they all cry out. You see, travel time is at the expense of the person you are going to meet, that person should have taken into account the time you need to travel • Full Article

From the desk of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, director of the Meaningful Life Center: With the war in Israel and Gaza escalating and anti-Semitism rearing its ugly head, we are reminded in this week’s Torah portion of events that shaped our civilized world, helping us reclaim our human mandate, and wage war against those forces that wish to defile the dignity of our sacred lives, and destroy the fabric of our society and the values we cherish • Full Article

By Rabbi Simon Jacobson: In response to last week’s article about the spiritual centrality of Israel, I would like to address one particular issue that was raised, regarding the role of the non-Jew in the big picture. It’s all well and fine to say that Jews must reconnect with their own spirituality if they are to have a healthy relationship with the Promised Land. But where does that leave the non-Jewish world, including the many Arabs living in Israel today? • Full Article 

There is a well known myth that Eskimos (or as they should be properly called by their respectable name, Inuit) have one hundred names for the word snow (in fact they have as many names for snow as we do in English) • Full Article

Live at 8:00pm: In this week’s MyLife Chassidus Applied with Rabbi Simon Jacobson: How have Jews won their battles throughout history? How beautiful is it to see Jews celebrating the return of the hostages? What would the Rebbe’s view be on the latest hostage deal? And More • Watch Live