Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What is Chanukah’s message to us today?
- How does it teach us to find hope and light in challenging times?
- What is the personal application of the Chanukah light details – time, place, number, oil?
- What does the oil represent?
- Chassidus Applied to Chanukah and Zos Chanukah
- Why do we eat potato latkes and donuts on Chanukah?
- Is it a mitzvah?
- What is the difference between a custom and a mitzvah?
- What is the significance of Zos Chanukah?
- Is Zos Chanukah considered to be the final sealing in the Book of Life inscribed on the New Year?
- According to Shammai would the first day of Chanukah be called Zos Chanukah?
- Just like we put on a few pairs of tefillin, why don’t we light two menorahs to satisfy both opinions of Hillel and Shammai?
- What can we do to ensure that the joy and lights of Chanukah last all year long?
- What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?
- How could the righteous tribes have sold their brother into slavery out of jealousy?
- What do Judah and Joseph represent?
- Why will “action” be greater when Moshiach comes?
- What role does Joseph play as a precursor to Moshiach ben David?
- What personal and global lessons does it offer us?
- How is it connected to Chanukah?
- What does the Tzemach Tzedek mean by saying that rejoicing in the Alter Rebbe’s celebration is to grasp on to the doorknob (klamkeh)?
- Are we required to teach Chassidus to others (follow-up)?
- How can I deal with the fact that I no longer can have children?
