Exactly ten years ago today, I was blessed with an unforgettable moment in my life. To celebrate this special anniversary, I share the behind-the-scenes story of how I won first place in the very first MyLife: Chassidus Applied essay contest, hosted by Rabbi Simon Jacobson and the Meaningful Life Center.

It’s not just a story about me winning. It’s a story about battling through emotional challenges through the guidance of Chassidus, and thereby learning how to help others do the same.

You’ll hear:

• The personal struggle I was going through that year in Yeshiva

• How I stumbled on a maamar that felt like it was written just for me

• The person who inspired me to write and really try to win

• The powerful reaction people have had to the essay over the years

• How the $10,000 prize was not just a nice luxury, but actually helped my continued growth as a Jew

• How this moment gave me the first public sign that I could share Chassidus in a way that really helps people

Resources Mentioned:
📄 Read the full essay: “Getting Past Depression by Getting Past Yourself”
📺 Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Chassidus Applied program

🎧 Coming soon: a bonus episode with the recording of 22-year-old me presenting the essay live at the JLI Sinai Scholars Symposium shortly after the essay contest.

Thank You for Listening!
If this episode inspired you, please share it with someone who’s working through their own challenges. May Hashem bless you with clarity, growth, and real simcha.

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👉 For more from me, visit AryehGurewitz.com