Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What can we learn from the LA fires? 

• Should we see them as a punishment? 
• How do our good deeds help prevent disasters? 
• Are they a sign of better things to come? 
• What does it mean that after a fire we become rich? 
• Are events like this foretold in the Torah? 
• Why are the prophets cryptic? 

• What is the central theme of this Torah chapter? 
• What personal and global lessons does it offer us? 
• What does it teach us about suffering? 
• Why is Moshe known by the name given to him by Pharoah’s daughter and not the one given to him by his parents?   
• What do we learn from the incident of Moshe killing the Egyptian? 
• Do Dasan and Aviram get any “credit” for informing on Moshe and thereby leading him to his wife and ultimately G-d appearing to him? 
• Why did Moshe accuse G-d of “doing evil to these people”? 

• How does Dan salvaging lost items relate to the winter months? 

• What guidance is offered to us by the story in Midrash about didan notzach? 
• Why are our efforts not working when “nothing stands in the way of will”? 

• Can we pray for a local sports team to win a game? 
• How should I deal with my husband who is consumed with watching football? 

Shemos What is the connection between the month of Teves and the tribe of Dan? What can we learn from Hei Teves regarding freeing the hostages? What did the Rebbe say about beginning to prepare for Yud Shevat thirty days earlier? 
 
If the Tenth of Teves is so intense, why does the fast not begin the night before? 
 
What should our attitude be to sports? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus Applied to Hei Teves

What do we commemorate and celebrate on this day?

What was the spiritual trial and victory connected to this day?

Why were the stolen books considered a challenge to the Rebbe’s leadership?

Why did the Rebbe take such offense to the statement by the opposition that Chabad is not “active”?

How does Hei Teves express a deeper victory than the miraculous victory of Chanukah?

What did the Rebbe mean that the stolen books were like live bombs?

Why was the Rebbe so upset on Beis Kislev about the people hanging out in the streets?

Why were criminal charges of theft not filed against the accused?

If G-d infused His “soul” in the Torah, why is the Torah finite?

10 Teves

What lessons does this day offer us?

What is the significance of the fast day being on Friday?

What does it teach us about fighting our battles in Israel today?

Vayechi

What is the central theme of this Torah chapter?

What personal and global lessons does it offer us?

Why did Jacob live his best years in Egypt?

Why then was he so adamant to be buried in Israel?

Why did Jacob initially want to tell his family when Moshiach would come and why did G-d prevent him from doing so?

Why does Yaakov bless some of the 12 tribes with non-kosher animal representation: the lion of Yehuda, the viper of Dan, the ass of Yissachar, and the wolf of Binyamin?

Who gathered the lost objects that the tribe of Dan dropped?

Miketz

Is it significant that Parshas Miketz, which alludes to the final geulah, has exactly 2,025 words?

President Jimmy Carter

What are we to make of the fact that Jimmy Carter, the first president to light a public menorah, passed away on Chanukah? Is that justified?

Chanukah (follow-up)

Why don’t we light Chanukah candles according to Beis Shammai?

How should I deal with people not dressed modestly without being rude?

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? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
What energy do we draw from these days between Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah? 

• What do these holidays have in common? 

• Why don’t we study Torah on nittel eve? 
• How can refraining from Torah study have a positive impact? 
• How can a negative turn into a positive? 
• Why is there a custom to play chess at this time? 
• What connection does it have with Chanukah? 
• Why aren’t we obligated to read Megilas Antiochus on Chanukah, as we are about reading Megilas Esther on Purim? 
• Why is it called Megilas Antiochus? 

• How does Chassidus explain the lessons of Chanukah? 
• Why do we mark this holiday by lighting candles and not by commemorating the victory in the war with our enemies? 
• Since the Chanukah menorah represents the rededication of the Temple Menorah, why is it different in so many ways (eight instead of seven candles, kindled in the evening and not the morning, at the door facing outside, not inside the home, lit by every Jew not just the High Priest)? 
• What does the number eight represent? How does it differ from eleven? 
• What can we learn from Shammai’s opinion to begin lighting all eight candles on the first night? 
• Why did the High Priest light the Temple menorah? 
• Who are the seven shepherds and what is their connection to the seven branches of the menorah? 
• Do we add an eighth shepherd to correspond to the eight branches of the Chanukah menorah? 
• What is the connection between the eight days of this holiday and the eight days of Sukkos, with Zos Chanukah corresponding to Shemini Atzeres? 
• Why did the Rebbe wash and farbreng on Zos Chanukah 5738? 
• Is giving gifts on Chanukah and displaying blow-up Chanukah decorations appropriate? 
• Help me resolve a disagreement with my spouse: Can I give my children a Chanukah gift before the actual holiday? 
• Another disagreement: Is snow a blessing or a nuisance? 

• What are the lessons from emphasizing the victory of light over darkness? 
• What is the connection with Syria? 
• Should we be praising G-d for the fall of Assad in Syria and other victories over our enemies? 
• Is this part of the geulah process?  
• Is there a prophecy that all our enemies will fall before the redemption? 

Nittel Chassidus Applied to Chanukah  
What does Chanukah teach us about today’s war? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Chassidus Applied to Yud Daled Kislev 

• What is its significance?  
• History and stories 
• What did the Rebbe say about meriting the 60th anniversary? 
• Why did the Rebbe not edit his blessing on the 60th anniversary? 
• What personal lessons do we learn from the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin’s marriage? 

• What did Yud Tes Kislev accomplish? 
• How did it affect the larger world? 
• What is its message today? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe laud the impact his liberation had on the nations of the world? 
• Is Yud Tes Kislev connected to Tanya and the verse it is based on: Korov eilecho ha’dovor m’eod? 
• Why is it important to know and discuss all the details of the Alter Rebbe’s arrest? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe wear their finest white garments at their trials? 
• Why was the Alter Rebbe arrested for teaching chassidus – what can possibly be wrong with that? 
• After he was exonerated, were the prosecuting angels held accountable?  
• Why did chassidim do somersaults after the Alter Rebbe was freed? 
• If the geulah of Yud Tes Kislev indicated permission from heaven to teach and spread chassidus, why was the Rebbe apprehensive about publishing Hemshech Ayin Beis? 
• What lesson do we learn from the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to Napoleon winning the war? 
• How is the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to France consistent with his teachings that we need to transform, not avoid, the material world? 
• Are we still meant to avoid engaging with France and the freedoms of the Western World? 
• What did the Alter Rebbe mean when he explained why G-d asked Adam, ayekah? Did G-d not know where Adam stands spiritually?  
• What is the connection between this story and the message of Yud Tes Kislev? 
• Are we still required to teach others the chassidus we learn? 

Yud Tes Kislev 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Chassidus Applied to Yud Daled Kislev 

• What is its significance?  
• History and stories 
• What did the Rebbe say about meriting the 60th anniversary? 
• Why did the Rebbe not edit his blessing on the 60th anniversary? 
• What personal lessons do we learn from the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin’s marriage? 

• What did Yud Tes Kislev accomplish? 
• How did it affect the larger world? 
• What is its message today? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe laud the impact his liberation had on the nations of the world? 
• Is Yud Tes Kislev connected to Tanya and the verse it is based on: Korov eilecho ha’dovor m’eod? 
• Why is it important to know and discuss all the details of the Alter Rebbe’s arrest? 
• Why did the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe wear their finest white garments at their trials? 
• Why was the Alter Rebbe arrested for teaching chassidus – what can possibly be wrong with that? 
• After he was exonerated, were the prosecuting angels held accountable?  
• Why did chassidim do somersaults after the Alter Rebbe was freed? 
• If the geulah of Yud Tes Kislev indicated permission from heaven to teach and spread chassidus, why was the Rebbe apprehensive about publishing Hemshech Ayin Beis? 
• What lesson do we learn from the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to Napoleon winning the war? 
• How is the Alter Rebbe’s opposition to France consistent with his teachings that we need to transform, not avoid, the material world? 
• Are we still meant to avoid engaging with France and the freedoms of the Western World? 
• What did the Alter Rebbe mean when he explained why G-d asked Adam, ayekah? Did G-d not know where Adam stands spiritually?  
• What is the connection between this story and the message of Yud Tes Kislev? 
• Are we still required to teach others the chassidus we learn? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
How does Rosh Chodesh Kislev empower us today? 

• What does Chanukah teach us about dealing with darkness? 
• Why is this month called Chodesh Ha’Geulah? 

• How does Jacob’s journey from Be’er Sheva to Charan reflect in our lives today? 
• What does this chapter teach us on how to counter the fears triggered by recent events? 
• What is the significance of Jacob’s dream? 
• Why did G-d promise the land to Jacob after He had already promised it to Abraham? 
• Did Jacob practice favoritism with his wives and children? 
• Why did Jacob marry two sisters? 
• Did Jacob “hate” Leah? 
• Was Dina meant to be a male? 
• Should we take dreams seriously? 

• Would the Rebbe approve of the current ceasefire in Lebanon? 
• Did the Rebbe suggest security protocols for Chabad houses? 
• What more should we be doing to protect ourselves from our enemies? 
• How can we not be frightened? 
• What should we be telling our children? 
• Should we move to Israel? 

• How can some people see things so upside down? 
• Should we do something about this? 

What do we learn from Parshas Vayeitzei? War in Israel What attitude should we have to the arrest warrant issued against Prime Minister Netanyahu? How should we deal with our child who was disrespectful to his teacher? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

How should we react to the horrific murder of R’ Zvi Kogan hy”d?

What are its deeper implications?

Is this a sign of a widening war against Jews?

Should we be afraid?

How are we to understand Iran’s extreme hostility and hatred toward Israel and Jews?

If we defeated the Persians on Purim, why do we still need to contend with Iran?

Can we interpret the Yalkut Shemoni as referring to today’s events?

Would it be correct to say that the current Iranian regime, established in 1979, is like an alter ego (le’umas zeh) of Chabad, l’havdil elef havdolos?

Is evil a creation or only the absence of good?

Why do we need evil, especially extreme evil?

How do we explain why we are challenged today to face rising crime and terrorism?

How does the Rebbe Rashab explain why saying amen yehei shmei rabba with all our might eliminates negative decrees?

What do we learn from Parshas Toldos?

What can we learn from the Baal HaTurim explaining the connection between the end of last week’s portion and the beginning of this week’s?

What is the central theme of this Torah portion?

Why did Rivkah not try to intervene after hearing that she was carrying the wicked Esau in her womb?

How could Eisav legally sell his birthright, and how could his blessings be “stolen”?

Should I attend a family Thanksgiving turkey dinner?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What do we learn from Parshas Chayei Sarah? 

• How can these Torah chapters help us understand today’s wars and what we can do to help the situation? 
• What is the central theme of this Torah portion? 
• Why is the portion that talks about the death of Sarah called the life of Sarah? 
• What is the lesson from Eliezer initially wanting his own daughter to marry Yitzchak, but ends up serving as the messenger to have Rivkah marry him? 
• How can Eliezer be Og King of Bashan, who was a villain? 
• What is the meaning of V’Avraham zokon bo ba’yomim? 
• Why did Abraham remarry Hagar/Keturah? 
• Why is Ishmael’s return discussed at the end of this portion? 
• What can we learn from Sarah insisting that Ishmael be sent away? 

Vayeira

• Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would give birth? Was she rebuked? 
• Why did the akeidah cause Sarah’s passing? 
• If the akeidah was meant to reveal higher levels of love between us and G-d, why was Sarah harmed when she heard about the akeidah? 
• Is there a connection between a nisayon (test) and nes (miracle)? 

Lech Lecha 

• Why don’t we add a letter to the name of everyone who is circumcised as it was added to the name Avraham? 

Chof Cheshvan 

• What lessons can we learn from the Rebbe Rashab today? 
• Can you please share an idea from the Rebbe Rashab? 
•  Why did the Tzemech Tzedek ask to delay his bris?

Winter 

• As we enter the winter season, what lessons does it offer us? 
• Why not put on a fur coat while also lighting a fireplace? 

What attitude should we have to politics? 

• How important is the president of a country in the divine scheme? 

War in Israel 

• How should we be responding to Israel’s victories over its enemies? 

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

What do we learn from Parshas Vayeira?

What is the central theme of this Torah portion?

Why did G-d reveal Himself to Abraham?

How can we gain Divine revelation?

How could Abraham turn away from G-d to greet guests?

If greeting guests is greater than greeting the Shechina, why was G-d offended by Malki-Zedek first blessing Abraham and then blessing G-d?

What can we learn about today’s hostages from Abraham freeing Lot and his family who were taken hostage?

What do we learn from Abraham praying for the wicked people of Sodom?

Can we apply this to praying for Gazans and other criminals?

Are there parallels between today’s events in the Middle East and the story with Sodom?

Does the pillar of salt still exist?

What can we learn from Lot’s wife?

Why didn’t Lot learn from Noah’s mistake in getting drunk?

How can you possibly explain G-d asking Abraham to kill his son?

Why did Abraham not refuse this request?

Cheshvan

What is the meaning of Mar Cheshvan?

Why did King Shlomo wait a year until dedicating and opening up the First Temple?

The song to the words kesiva v’chasima tova – follow-up

What comforting words can you share for the untimely passing of a good friend?

Lech Lecha

How does one get out of their comfort zone?

Is the Promised Land about the physical land or its spiritual power?

Noach

Isn’t it ironic that while we read this parsha, Spain is suffering a devastating flood after they voted to boycott and divest from Israel?

How should we react to President-Elect Trump’s victory?

Should we be celebrating?

Are we allowed to say she’hechiyanu to celebrate his victory?

Can and should we say that he won because he visited the Ohel?

How do you explain the inability of so many Harris supporters to accept that they may be wrong?

What should we say to the Democrats devastated by their loss?

How should I deal with friends and family who refuse to speak to me because I voted for Trump?

Can we say that President Trump has a divine mandate?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:

Chassidus applied to this time of year

What is the lesson from this period following the Tishrei holiday season?

What is the meaning of the custom to announce, “and Yaakov went on his way”?

How can we manifest Divine infinity into our finite lives?

What is the story behind the song to the words “kesiva v’chasima tova”?

What does the month of Cheshvan teach us?

What is the meaning of the name of this month – Mar Cheshvan?

Why is this month related to bitterness (mar) when it follows the festive month of Tishrei?

Why is this month also called bul?

What lessons do we learn from the 7th of Cheshvan?

How do we maintain a connection with G-d even when we feel separate?

What do we learn from this week’s parsha?

What is the central theme of this Torah portion?

How do the promises in this week’s chapter help us in our current battles?

Why does G-d give three descriptions of Abraham’s departure location and is vague about his destination?

What does it mean that Hashem spoke to Abraham? Is that literal or metaphorical?

Why is Abraham’s recognition and declaration of one G-d so significant and consequential?

What is the significance of the bris bein ha’besorim?

Was Abraham the first Jew?

What should our perspective be on this week’s Presidential election?

Can we rest assured that G-d will pick the presidential candidate that will be best for us?

Can we say Tehillim and pray that our chosen candidate wins the election?

How should I deal with my family harshly split over politics?