Rabbi YY Jacobson discusses the Narcissist & the Nazirite, examining two stories on the theme of narcissism—one in Greek literature, the other in the Talmud —demonstrating the eternal relevance of Torah to our lives and struggles. Where does the term narcissism come from? From Greek mythology. The Greeks told the story of a young man named Narcissus, who was remarkably handsome—so handsome that even one of the pagan Greek gods, Echo, fell in love with him • Read More

“You shall live by them—and not die by them.” It is a simple verse in this week’s portion, but it came to represent an extraordinary truth about Judaism. The significance of this cannot be underestimated. For many religions, to this very day, G-d equals a fascination and obsession with death. Islamists killers blow themselves up and declare “Allah Achbar”… But it is the Chasam Sofer who offers a most novel insight into the holiness of life that emerges from this verse • By Rabbi YY Jacobson • Read More

Who are the four children of the Haggadah? What’s this great hullabaloo about them? Why four and not five, six or ten? What are their questions and why are these questions so important? The premise to answer these questions is that these four children are not external to us; they are within each of us. What are the four biggest questions on Judaism? • By Rabbi YY Jacobson • Full Article

This Year, Let Your Seder Year be Transformative • The Seder is an opportunity that provides us with the energy to access freedom in our personal and collective lives. It consists of an intense fifteen-step program, a blueprint toward psychological, emotional, and spiritual liberation • By Rabbi YY Jacobson • Read More