TheYeshiva.net - Most Recent Classes

Women's Pesach Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Tazria, 1Nissan, 5784, April 9, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. Who are the four children of the Haggadah? Whats this great hullabaloo about them? Why four and not five, six, or ten? Why are they central to our Passover experience? What are their questions, and why are these questions so important? The premise to answering these questions is that the four children are not external to us; they are within each of us: Within each of our hearts, there are four children who ask four distinct questions. What are four bigquestions on Judaism? 1) The strange laws that we simply cannot wrap our brains ahead. 2) How can small people believe that G-d cares about their lives and actions, especially in a painful and scary universe? 3) I lead my own life and define my destiny; I dont need G-d. 4) I dont care. The Haggadah addresses each of these four powerful questions, with which each of us struggles in one way or another. Erev Pesach in Bergen Belzen. The Bloshever Rebbe sacrificed his life to obtain matzah. But when the Nazis discovered the matzah bakery, all was gone besides a few matzos. He decided the elderly would get them. Until a woman's voice was heard: Binaranu ubezkananu, the youth must come first.

Maamar B'chal Dor 5734 #1: This is the first of a series of text-based classeson a Chassidic discourse, Bchal Dor Vdor Chayav Adam, presented by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on 11 Nissan, 5734, April 3, 1974. This class waspresented on Monday, Parshas Tazria, 29Adar lI, 5784, April 8, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The first class explores four dimensions of the Egyptian Exodus: the first time it happened, the annual anniversary commemoration, the daily experience, and finally how it will be remembered after the coming of Moshiach. The name for Egypt, Mitzrayim, means confinements and restrictions. It begins with the onset of the first tzimtzum, the empty space carved as a prerequisite for existence in which we can experience a self, outside of Divine infinite oneness. The tzimtzum is the moment when G-d conceals His infinite presence, allowing for the existence of the other, and it is the genesis of all limits and confinements, the belief that I am finite and alone. Yet the purpose of it is for us to ultimately discover that the limits themselves were carved by G-d, and constitute your gateway to your ultimate growth.

Women's Class: This class will be presented on Tuesday, Parshas Tzav, 16Adar II, 5784, March 26, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Maamar Purim 5716 #5: This class waspresented on Friday, Parshas Vayikra, 12Adar II, 5784, March 22, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Maamar Purim 5716 #4: This class will be presented on Ta'anis Esther, Thursday, Parshas Vayikra, 11Adar II, 5784, March 21, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Purim Women's Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayikra, 9Adar II, 5784, March 19, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Sony Perlman in Conversation with Rabbi YY: Rabbi YY Jacobson & Sony Perlman on the podcast "Brainstorm with Sony Perlman", Motzei Shabbos, 6 Adar II, 5784, March 16, 2024. The conversation focused on the mental health crisis of our age, and the question if we have betrayed our youth by placing such overemphasize on emotions.How do we understand the soul and heartbeat of our generation? The interview explored also the burden of inauthenticity, understanding our coping mechanisms, healing our marriages, child abuse, and the Agunah crisis. For all the otherepisodes: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/10sK1alOjYevtBKFNT0y0u?si=2TiYHoEwR_uvYzOa_UW8Lw Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brainstorm-with-sony-perlman/id1596925257?i=1000649439737

Maamar Purim 5716 #3: This text-based class,the third in a series, is on a Maamar, a Chassidic discourse, presented by the Lubavitcher Rebbeat a Farbrengen, on Sunday, Purim 5716, February 26, 1956. The class was taught by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Monday, Parshas Vayikra, 8 Adar II, 5784, March 18, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Lecture for Avnei Chein, Israel: This lecture, followqed by Q and A, was presentedfor Avnei Chein, Israel, was presented on Sunday, 7 Adar II, 5784, March 17, 2024

Maamar Purim 5716 #2: This text-based class, the secondin a series, is on a Maamar, a Chassidic discourse, presented by the Lubavitcher Rebbe at a Farbrengen, on Sunday, Purim 5716, February 26, 1956. The class was taught by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Thursday, Parshas Pekudei, 4 Adar II, 5784, March 14, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. When you dont know how beautiful you are: our decline begins with the absence of self-respect and self-love. The class explores the uniqueness of Purim by explaining two states of life of the Jewish people and of every Jew, represented by the two names Rachel and Esther. The first is when I am rooted and anchored in my soul, the second is when I am unaware of my own inner Divine beauty and dignity. The maamar explains two forms of spiritual beauty, "toar" and "mareh," physique and face, representing the positive and negativemitzvos, and the beauty that comes from integration, when every mitzvah is interlinked to every other mitzvah. When you touch the Divinity of a mitzvah, you are not stuck in your comfort zone, and in your ego, but connected to the Divine who transcends structure.

Women's Purim Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Pekudei,25Adar I, 5784, March 12, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Rabbi YY with Chanie Apfelbaum: This was an instagram live conversation between Chanie Apfelbaum (@busyinbrooklyn) & Rabbi YY Jacobson (@yyjacobson) aboutStruggling with Faith through difficult times. This took place on Sunday23Adar I, 5784, March 3, 2024.

Maamar Purim 5716 #1: This text-based class, the first in a series, teaching a Maamar, a Chassidic discourse by the Lubavitcher Rebbe which he presented at a Farbrengen, on Sunday, Purim 5716, February 26, 1956, was taught by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Monday, Parshas Pekudei, 1 Adar II, 5784, March 11, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The class explores what it means that Purim is the only holiday that will not be nullified when Moshiach comes, and why there is argument about the status of Yom Kippur following the redemption.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #9: This class waspresented on Thursday, Parshas Vayakhel, 27Adar I, 5784, March 7, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

YY Moment: Watch the full class here

Parshas Shekalim Women's Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayakhel, Parshas Shekalim, 25Adar I, 5784, March 5, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This Sabbath, Jews the world over will read, in addition to the weekly Torah portion, an extra Torah portion, known as Parshas Shekalim, or the "portion of the coins." This section of the Torah records the mitzvah incumbent upon the people of Israel, to make a yearly contribution of a half shekel to cover the cost of all communal Temple offerings. A shekel was a specific weight of silver (about 16 grams) that was the standard coinage used by the Jews in the desert. The Jewish people were instructed to contribute a half-shekel coin, which was a silver coin weighing about 8grams, to the Temple. The Torah is extremely particular about the amount of the contribution: "The wealthy shall not increase and the destitute shall not decrease from half a shekel." I do not think there was ever again in Jewish history an appeal made setting a limit to the contributions of the rich! What is baffling about this mitzvahis the Torah's insistence that the contribution consist of a half-coin, rather than a whole, complete coin. Why would G-d instruct the Jewish people to give a contribution that is not complete? Especially considering that the Torah demands all elements connected to the Temple service be as complete and perfect as possible. In his final address, two days before he suffered a stroke, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, presented a profound explanation. This was Shabbos Vayakhel, 25 Adar I, 5752 (1992). It explored the question if a human being in his deepest placeis a lonely creature, struggling with a mysterious and complex self in a way that nobody else can really understand or appreciate? Many philosophical and spiritual disciplines eloquently describe the sense of solitariness that comes hand in hand with one's journey into the inner chambers of the self. The deeper you go, the lonelier you become.But the Rebbe presented a very different view, one which helps teach us how to live with love and joy, despite the pain and disappointment.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #8: This class waspresented on Monday, Parshas Vayakhel, 24 Adar I, 5784, March 4, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

YY Moment: Watch the full class here

YY Moment: Watch the full class here

YY Moment: Click here to watch the full class

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #7: This is the seventh of a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class waspresented on Friday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 21 Adar I, 5784, March 1, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #6: This is the sixth of a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class waspresented on Thursday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 20 Adar I, 5784, February 29, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The Divine soul is empowered to sublimate, not crush, the animal soul. Every emotion, thought, and instinct has behind it a "Divine code," which we need to explore and liberate.

YY Moment: Click to watch the full class here

Women's Ki Sisa Class: This Women's class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 18 Adar I, 5784, February 27, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. In the conversation between Hashem and Moshe after the sin of the Golden Calf, G-d says something shocking: On the day I make an accounting, I will bring their sin to account against them. G-d, it seems, is telling Moses He will never forget this sin. And whenever He is going to make an accounting, this sin will be included in the package. This is deeply enigmatic. It is one of the foundations of Judaism that Teshuvah, repentance, atones for all sins and wipes them away completely. Every Yom Kippur, we declare that Hashem removes our sins every year again. No matter how many times we commit a sin, if we repent, we are forgiven. Teshuvah removes all guilt. Its over. Yet here we are told that G-d will never let go of this transgression? The most marvelous answer was presented by the famed Chassidic master and one of the greatest lovers of Israel, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov (1740-1809). In a daring interpretation, classic to the Chassidic approach toward Judaism, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak becomes the great advocate for the Jewish people, as he always was. The class explores two models of education, one based on outer behavior and control, and the other one on connection and trust, and developing an internal relationship which allows a child to feel understood and empowered. We focus on the need to appreciate our successes, not only our failures.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #5: This class waspresented on Monday, Parshas Ki Sisa, 17Adar I, 5784, February 26, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This class explores whyKabbalah and Chassidus Dichotomize G-d into so many "levels" and "parts"? Who needs "Seder Hishtalshlus," the entire order of evolution from the infinit to the finite? Wediscuss what makes a marriage blossom, and how only when you can share your most defiant and lonely part with your partner, can you be liberated from loneliness. Incredibly, this true captures the essence of creation, where infinite consciousness, and beyong, chose to fuse with the "other."

Rabbi Shimon Russell in Conversation With Rabbi YY: In honor of a recent "Kesher Nafshi" fundraiser, Rabbi YY Jacobson interviewed world renown Therapist Rabbi Shimon Russell author of "Raising a Loving Family." This was on Sunday 9 Adar I, 5784, Feb 18, 2024. The conversation between Rabbi Russell & Rabbi Jacobson explored about how to raise a loving family in our times, how to educate inspire & mentor our children, and provide them with the physical, emotional & Spiritual needs, so that they can grow up to be healthy, happy and inspired human beings and Jews. The conversation also focused on Crisis-Chinuch dealing with struggling children of all ages. The conversation explores the opportunity for parents to heal themselves and confront their own coping mechanisms and wounds so that they can show up for their children authentically and vulnerably, without using their children as tools to cover up their own pain. For more information about Kesher Nafshi which helps parents with struggling childrenhttps://keshernafshi.org/

YY Moment: Watch the full class here

YY Moment: Click here to watch the full class

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #4: This is the fourthof a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class will be presented on Thursday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 13Adar I, 5784, February 22, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

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Adar/Purim Katan Women's Class/Joy: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 11Adar I, 5784, February 20, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #3: This is the thirdof a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class waspresented on Monday, Parshas Tetzaveh, 10Adar I, 5784, February 19, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #2: This is the secondof a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class was presented on Thursday, Parshas Terumah, 6Adar I, 5784, February 15, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

YY Moment: Click to watch the full class

Maamar Reishis Goyim Purim 5715 #1: This is the first of a series of text-based classes on a maamar, Chassidic discourse, by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, "Reishs Goyim Amalek," presented at the Farbrengen of Tuesday, 14 Adar, Purim 5715, March 8, 1955. This class waspresented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Monday, Parshas Terumah, 3Adar I, 5784, February 12, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Women's Mishpatim Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Mishpatim, 27 Shvat, 5784, February 6, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Yisro Women's Class/ Israel-Hamas War: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Yisro, 20 Shvat, 5784, January 30, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

The Shidduch House with Rabbi YY Jacobson with Q & A: Navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of shidduchim. Recognizing Hashem's hand along our journey and welcoming our personal Geulah.

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Beshalach Women's Class/ Israel-Hamas War: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Beshalach, 13 Shvat, 5784, January 23, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Interview with Rabbi YY on "Headlines" Radio: Israel and the Jewish world reel in pain from the devastating lossand pain since October 7th, 2023.How can we turn our current plight into a growth opportunity?Will we have Post-Traumatic Stress or Post-Traumatic Growth from the war? Rabbi YY Jacobson addresses these questions on the Halacha Headlines podcast, Guest-Hosted by Rabbi Ari Wasserman, on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Bo, 10 Shevat,5784, Jan. 20, 2023 This is an excerpt ofthepodcast. The full podcast also includesRabbi Aviad Goldvicht a Rav Tzvaii, a rabbi/businessman serving in the IDF as a Rabbi,Dr. Jacob Freedman noted psychiatrist, speaker and author &Mrs. Batya Widowsky BSW social worker and volunteer for the psycho-trauma unit of Ichud Hatzalah.To listen to full episode:https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cja8u-1554322

Basi L'Gani 5724 #8: This is the eighthof a series of a text-based class on a Chassidic discourse, a Maamar Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe over 60 years ago at the Yud Shevat Farbrengen. Rabbi YY Jacobson will give this class on Sunday 11Shvat, 5784, January 21, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, 18 Forshay Road, downstairs.

Basi L'Gani 5724 #7: This is the seventh of a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964.Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Thursday, 8Shvat, 5784, January 18, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY. This class explores the practical relevance of Atzilus in our lives, expressed in the life of Yosef. His brothers, who came from Beriah, could not fathom his lifestyle: How can you be enmeshed in running a superpower, yet remain anchored in Divinity? Yosef explained to them: Do you think I am lower than Elokim? they were from Beriah, Yosef was from Atzilus. And in the world of Atzilus, even the finite and defined thought is an expression of infinite consciousness. With this the Alter Rebbe explains how Hashem contains all thoughts of every human being, without this constitution alien thoughts. And how the Baal Shem Tov managed to answer people about their individual issues while his soul ascended to heaven. Tzaddikim who mirror their Creator can remain present with every thought and emotion, with every person where he or she is, while not leaving the space of infinite oneness. The Baal Shem Tov set an example for each of us. How can I listen to the conversations within myself, respond to the various parts inside of me throwing out questions, with the empathy of my core Divine self, now allowing any thought to tear me away from my intimacy with the Divine?

Basi L'Gani 5724 #6: This is the sixth of a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964. Rabbi YY Jacobson gave this class onon Wednesday, 7Shvat, 5784, January 17, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY. This class explores the true meaning of the infinite light permeating the lowest places. This does not mean that the light is present everywhere, but rather that it constitutes the truth of every reality, and yet it remains pure infinity. The paradox is explained via a profound discussion on the nature of the vessels of Atzilus, where finiteness and definition are first introduced into the Divine infinite reality. The Alter Rebbe uses the metaphor of transmitting information via the fingers to explain how the very finite reality, from another prism is pure infinity. We go on to explain how darkness and evil can come from Hashem, because all darkness and negativity begins in the process of measuring the frequencies of light. The class explores the emotional ramifications of this explanation, where we can be fully present in our pain and struggle, we can face adversity with full presence, yet remain anchored in the pure infinite core of all reality. Logic will not do the trick; because it forces truth and infinity into intellectual constructs. Hashem may be the best therapist; but what if your therapist is responsible for the pain? Then the equation changes profoundly. How do we deal with this quandary? The distinction between meditation or other methods that help you experience transcendence, to touch consciousness, disengaged from thoughts, vs. the deeper path of fusion and integration, where the finite thought can also express pure infinite consciousness.

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Bo Women's Class: This class waspresented on Tuesday, Parshas Shemos, 6 Shvat, 5784, January 16, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

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YY Moment: Waych the full class here

Maamer Basi L'Gani 5724 #5: This is the fourthof a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964. Rabbi YY Jacobson gave this class onMonday, 5 Shvat, 5784, January 15, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY.

Basi L'Gani 5724 #4: This is the fourthof a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964. Rabbi YY Jacobson gave this class onThursday, 1 Shvat, 5784, January 11, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY.

YY Moment: Click here to watch class 1 and class 2