|
Rabbi Simon Jacobson
WHAT DO I GET?
WHAT DID OTHERS SAY?
HOW DO I REGISTER?
SAMPLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the author of the best-selling book Toward a Meaningful Life, a William Morrow publication that has sold over 300,000 copies to date and has been translated into over 10 languages, including Hebrew, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, Hungarian and Czech.
Rabbi Jacobson is the founder and dean of The Meaningful Life Center, presenting the teachings of Torah to people of all backgrounds, in accessible and relevant language, enabling them to lead more meaningful lives. MLC is an outgrowth of Rabbi Jacobson's popular Wednesday night class on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that has captured the hearts of thousands of participants over the last 20 years with its spiritual message and profound insights into the human condition.
Jacobson is one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world today. He has lectured to diverse audiences on six continents and in forty states, applying Jewish thought to contemporary life, in a voice that is rooted in the timeless teachings of Torah, yet at the same time profoundly timely and relevant, unique and cutting edge. He has been interviewed on over 300 radio and TV shows, including CNN with Larry King, the Charlie Rose Show, and the CBS News Show, “The Best of Us.”
Rabbi Jacobson has served as the documenter and publisher of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe’s public talks from 1979 till 1992. He is presently a professor of Jewish mysticism and psychology at the Rabbinical College Tomchei Temimim, and publisher of the Yiddish-English weekly, The Algemeiner Journal.
Rabbi Jacobson was the featured teacher in three previous teleseminars produced by Our Learning Company.
Thank you for the TeleWebinar study with Rabbi Jacobson. His responses to the questions were illustrative of his keen mind and tender heart. A gracious soul is certainly an apt description of Rabbi Jacobson.
Your preparations for us who participate are excellent! You also obviously have the heart of a teacher. Even your reminders are significant.
-- Larin Kerr, Port Orchard, WA |
Enough Limping
(Fragment)
by Simon Jacobson
And Mordechai would not kneel and would not bow to Haman…(Esther 3:2)
Many lessons have been gleaned from Mordechai’s refusal to bow down to Haman: How we must always stand staunch in face of adversity; the power of uncompromising faith; fighting for principles and values; not conforming to social pressures and the need “to belong.” The lists go on and on of popular themes that we have heard – and will surely hear this weekend again – the messages we can learn from Mordechai, including their relevance to current events.
What is less known is that Mordechai’s unwavering stand repaired a 1214-year wound that would change the course of history, with implications that affect us until this very day.
The full story of Purim, pitting Haman against Mordechai and the entire Jewish people, actually began over 12 centuries earlier, on a lonely dark night, when a lonely man fought a lonely battle, and was left wounded in the process. But as a result, we were all healed, never to be wounded again. The lonely man was Jacob and the nightlong battle he fought was with a “stranger” – his brother Esau’s archangel. In the Bible’s own words: “Jacob remained alone and a stranger wrestled with him until the break of dawn. When he saw that he could not defeat him, he touched the upper joint of Jacob’s thigh. Jacob’s hip joint became dislocated as he wrestled with him.” As a result Jacob “was limping because of his thigh” (Genesis 32:25-32).
In one of the most fluent interpretations you will ever read, the 16th century Kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Galanti (student of the Ramak), places Mordechai’s unbowing resolve into historical context. In his Eichah commentary Kol Bochim, on the verse (Lamentations 4:18) “they hunted our steps so that we could not walk in our streets,” Galanti explains that Mordechai’s resistance to kneeling and bowing to Haman was a fundamental declaration of strength that originated and was a response to Jacob’s limp over a millennium earlier. (Galanti’s eloquent exposition is cited in the Shaloh Mesechta Megillah. See also the Arizal - Likkutei Torah and Sefer HaLikkutim Samuel I 10).
Jacob’s limp is a watershed event in history: It reflects every wound that each of us and every person in history has ever endured. Jacob’s wrestling with Esau’s angel through the night represents all the battles of our lives, beginning with the biggest battle of them all – between the material and the spiritual. (see The Dislocated Hip and A Lunch to Remember).
The tension between matter and spirit is deep and difficult. Yet even then, the soul (Jacob) cannot be defeated. But the material forces are relentless. Even when the essence of our beings cannot be hurt, matter’s inherent narcissism “touches” our extremities – the part of your life that is vulnerable and exposed to the elements. When the “angel of darkness,” in whatever form it assumes, sees that it cannot conquer your soul, it attacks and wounds your “thigh” or “hip” – the part that protrudes from and is outside of the body, “our steps” (see Zohar I 146a. 171a). “They hunted our steps so that we could not walk in our streets” describes every type of abuse and hurt, which attack our very steps and movements.
The scars and wounds of this dissonance are far and deep. Virtually every form of loss and suffering, every injustice perpetrated, personal or collective, is a result or an expression of the schism between matter and energy: The mechanics of the existence divorced from their “programming instructions,” the body misaligned from its spirit, is in effect a personal and cosmic limp the result is dislocation and displacement, and the inevitable pain that follows.
In Jacob’s time the confrontation between the soulful Jacob and the warrior Esau left Jacob wounded. No matter how dominant Jacob was he still had to contend with Esau’s power.
Indeed, Jacob and his family even end up bowing to Esau. Bowing is a symbol of submission and deference. So though Jacob had good reason to bow to Esau (in order to gain Esau’s favor), the mere fact that he had to concede and acknowledge Esau’s power was a bow to the power of materialism in our lives, and the wounds that it inflicts.
The Zohar (I 171b) is actually deeply disturbed by the fact that Jacob bowed to Esau. “How is it possible,” the Zohar wonders, “that the Divinely perfect Jacob, would prostate himself before the idolatrous Esau; tantamount to worshipping a false god?!” Explains the Zohar, that Jacob’s behavior was justified because he wasn’t bowing to Esau, but to the Divine presence that Jacob recognized was surrounding Esau. But, as Galanti emphasizes, this only explains Jacob’s behavior; it does not justify the fact that Jacob’s children bowed to Esau, which constituted a strong concession that further emboldened and empowered Esau and his progeny, allowing for Jacob’s wound to manifest and intensify.
[...]
The full essay is included in the Tele-Webinar Study Guide. To gain access...
|
|
The Soul of Purim
How Purim Can Transform Your Life
A 120-Minute Live, Interactive Tele-Webinar
with best-selling author and master teacher
Rabbi Simon Jacobson
What is Purim?
For some Purim is a time of fun, masks, games, a way to keep our children entertained—a type of Jewish "Halloween." For others this holiday is yet another drag. And for many others Purim—as opposed to say, Passover or Yom Kippur—is either obscure, irrelevant or simply non-existent.
Yet, would you surprised to hear that in many ways Purim is the highest point of the year -- sometimes considered even greater than Yom Ki-purim?!
- How would our Jewish lives be different without Purim?
- What is the story behind the story of Purim?
- What is NOT in the Megillah?
- How are Unity & Leadership two main themes of Purim?
- What does Purim teach about turning adversity into Joy?
If you relate to these or other questions about Purim, you won't want to miss this interactive, live session with best-selling author and dean of the New York based Meaningful Life Center Rabbi Simon Jacobson, one of the best and most captivating contemporary teachers and authors.
| Date: |
Tuesday February 23, 2010 |
| Time: |
9:00 PM Eastern | 6:00 PM Pacific |
| Place: |
Your Telephone OR your Computer
|
|
If this time is NOT convenient for you, no worries: we will make the recording of the full session available to you within 48 hours of the live event, so you can listen to it at your leisure. However, you MUST register to gain access to the replay.
|
In this 120-minute live, interactive session, you will gain insight into the Why, What and How of the unique festival of Purim, and discover the enormous spiritual power of Purim and how it can transform YOUR life.
While the material is first-class, the means are straightforward, suitable to anyone, regardless of your religious or educational background.
You will be able to get some of your own questions answered live!
If you happen to also be an educator, lay or professional, this teleseminar will serve as a pre-made module. You can learn, adapt and then teach this material. Your students, congregants and friends will be delighted to gain this insight and knowledge through you from one of the leading authors and thinkers in the Jewish world today.
All you need participate is either a telephone OR a computer. Period. No travel, no hassle. To reserve your virtual seat (yes, there is a limit on the number of attendees we can accommodate), simply...
The regular tuition for this tele-webinar is $27. However, if your current situation demands it, we have a limited number of "subsidized virtual seats" available at 33% off. If you feel you need a little help in taking advantage of this unique learning opportunity, simply follow the instructions below on how to register for only $18.
What Do I Get for My Registration Fee?
What Did Others Say About Our Programs with Simon Jacobson?
Simon Jacobson on Purim -- A Sample
How Do I Register & Prepare?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've had the pleasure of attending any of Rabbi Jacobson's live teachings, read his books, or listened to his famous Wednesday Classes, you already know how insightful, inspiring and meaningful they are. If you haven't, you are in for a real treat. So go ahead and register now!
See you there!
 |
Sergiu S. Simmel
Founder and President
Our Learning Company LLC |
What Do I Get For My Registration Fee?
- A live, interactive 120-minute tele-webinar
- A recording of the entire event, streamed over the Internet
- A downloadable MP3 recording of the event
- A 32 page Study Guide, including:
- Two Essential Readings on Purim by Simon Jacobson.
In addition, you will also receive the following bonuses:
- Bonus #1: An ** page eBook containing ** additional essays and writings on Purim by Simon Jacobson—the largest collection edited and assembled exclusively for registrants to this teleseminar.
- Bonus #2: An ** page eBook with additional materials on Purim..
- Bonus #3: Three sessions with Simon Jacobson on the meaning of Purim, totaling ** minutes of streamable audio, edited and assembled exclusively for registrants to this teleseminar.
- Bonus #4: A selection of Web-based resources on Purim for you to explore and use in learning and teaching.
What Did Others Say About Our Previous Programs with Simon Jacobson?
|
"Wonderful, wonderful program!"
Robert Ruben, Waltham, Massachusetts |
|
"Wonderful class, very personable!"
Susie Hicks,Joplin, Missouri |
"Thank You for the TeleWebinar with Simon Jacobson! His responses to the questions were illustrative of his keen mind and tender heart. A gracious soul is certainly an apt description of Rabbi Jacobson. Your preparations for us who participate are excellent! You also obviously have the heart of a teacher. Even your reminders are significant."
Larin Kerr, Port Orchard, Washington |
|
"Could not write notes fast enough..."
Phil Schneider, Riverdale, New York |
|
"It could have a real impact on my life...!"
Harry Pearl, Rochester, New York |
"This teleseminar [was] for me a very strong source for inspiration. Thank you so much. It's amazing all the efforts put together to reach so many people around the globe ."
Natalia van Hissenhoven Lapacó, Columbia |
|
"Very clearly how we can look for wonder in the routine of the holiday."
Meira Lerman, Houston, Texas |
|
"He translates the transcendent into earthly terms, and makes the complex simple, and I admire him very much."
Anita Pomerance, New York, New York |
How Do I Register & Prepare?
- Click the Register Now button above.
- Enter your tuition information.
If you really need to use up one of the "subsidized virtual seats," enter the Coupon Code TW33SRF and click on the Apply button next to the coupon field. The amount will now show $18, instead of the regular $27.
- Click on the green Submit Order button and wait for the credit card transaction to go through.
- Enter your first name, your email address, and YOUR most puzzling question about Heschel's view of the world through a spiritual lens, if you'd like.
Why a question? For two reasons. First, Rabbi Jacobson would like to adapt his teaching to the specific questions and topics you have in mind. Additionally, we want to produce future such learning events based on what YOU tell us about what interests you. However, if you find it difficult to come up with a question, simply enter "no question" and that will be fine.
- Click on the "Here is My Question, Simon" button
- Verify that you formulated your question well.
Now is the time to revise it, or to confirm it
- View and print the Study Guide by clicking on the large button.
- Print the web page (by clicking on the Print button on the bottom), and save it; it has all the information you need to call in or tune in for the live event.
If you happen to miss the live event due to schedule conflicts, no worries: Watch your email inbox within 48 hours from the live event for information on how to access its full recording.
However, to attend the live event or listen to the replay, you must first...
Simon Jacobson on Purim -- A 15' Sample
We apologize for the inferior quality of the sound in this sample. This is part of a talk recorded live in front of an audience under less than ideal sound coinditions. In spite of it, it will give you a taste of Simon Jacobson's approach to Purim...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I cannot make it to the live event (have a scheduling conflict), but I'd love to learn about the subject. What should I do?
A: No worries: We will make the recording of the full session available to all registrants within 48 hours from the live event. You will retain perpetual access to that page. However, to gain access to the recording, you must register for the Tele-Webinar. You can do so by clicking HERE.
Q: Will this be a video broadcast from a studio?
A: No. Learners from across the world will access this tele-webinar in an audio format, pretty much like a call-in radio talk-show, either by telephone or over the Web. If you connect by telephone, you'll be able to ask your questions in your own voice. If you connect by webcast, you'll be able to ask your questions by instant messaging off the same webcast page.
Q. I am a beginner, and know precious little about Purim, Judaism or Jewish spirituality. Will I be able to follow this session, or is it suitable for advanced learners only?
A: No worries: Rabbi Jacobson's teaching is for everyone. His appeal to both the traditional and the not-so-traditional Jew is well known. In fact, many of our non-Jewish friends who have attended his previous tele-webinars have been quite pleased about how much they got out of it. This perhaps explains why his book "Towards a Meaningful Life" sold over 300,000 copies worldwide and has been translated into 10 languages. Also, don't forget that you get a recording that you'll be able to listen to again and again, at your own pace. So even if you missed something on the first pass, you'll be able to catch up.
Q. Purim customs differ from one denomination to the other, and from one synagogue to the next. Which one will Rabbi Jacobson teach?
A: While his teachings are anchored in traditional Jewish thought and practices, Rabbi Jacobson focuses on the universals of the festival of Purim that transcend all denominations and local practices. Yes, there are differences, and often even radical differences. However, you will find that the vast majority of what you'll learn from this tele-webinar is core, personal and universal.
Q: I am very advanced in my Jewish studies (maybe even an ordained rabbi, Jewish educator or a scholar), so why should I spend my time and money on this?
A: For at least four reasons:
-
First, Simon Jacobson's approach to this topic is very different than others'. Instead of focusing mainly on the text of the Megillah, or the formal traditional or even modern commentaries, Rabbi Jacobson pays special attention to the spiritual dimensions of this holiday, as they apply to the individual. If you also happen to be an educator, you are likely to get lots of ideas about how to approach these subjects for your students, congregants and friends..
-
Second, unless you live in the New York area, the opportunity to hear and interact with him from wherever you are is unprecedented.
-
Third, you will find that the format of this tele-webinar, broken down into segments and sub-segments, brings the topic alive in ways few do.
-
Fourth, if you are an educator, you'll be able to very quickly create a seminar of your own based on what you learn here; Rabbi Jacobson has already done all the "heavy lifting" for you: done the preparation and modeled the teaching techniques.
Q: How come you're charging money for this tele-webinar when there is so much free stuff on the Internet?
A: Our Learning Company produces a very unique, interactive, pedagogically superior learning environment rarely available anywhere else. We also engage absolutely top-of-the-line Jewish scholars, teachers, authors and thought leaders as our faculty. Additionally, this is not just a 120-minute program: it is much more. Just take a look at the What Do I Get For My Registration Fee? section, you you'll be amazed.
Q: I don't know any Hebrew. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. Everything is in English. If Rabbi Jacobson quotes a word or a phrase in Hebrew, he will immediately translate it into English.
Q: I am a computer novice, and I am afraid I won't be able to handle this remote learning. What should I do?
A: If you know how to use a telephone, you're all set. You will be able to fully participate over the phone.
Q: Will I need access to the Internet during the live event?
A: No. You will be able to participate fully just by using a telephone (even your mobile phone!). However, if you do have access to an Internet-connected computer, then you'll have a choice: phone or computer.
Q: I understand that in order to register I will be asked to ask a question; but I don't know enough to ask a question now. Will I be able to ask questions during the event?
A: Yes. During the live session we will have Q&A segments when we'll take questions from the audience. If you REALLY don't have any one question now (remember, ALL questions on the topic are good questions), simply say so in that box.
|
