Ep. 472: Are We Just Fighting a Defensive War, or Do We Have a Vision for the Future?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:
Strength and Direction 

• Are we just fighting a defensive war, or do we have a vision for the future?  
• What is the spiritual, cosmic and psychological nature of this war? 
• What is the true role of Israel and the Jewish people, why are they integrally connected, and what crucial mission must they bring to the entire world? 

• How to deal with a sworn enemy: Peace through strength and truth 
• Nip an infection in the bud: Preemptive actions 
• Should we consider public opinion? 
• The battle – rooted in the house of Abraham – is about fulfilling what G-d wants of humanity 
• We are the final stages of golus, ready to usher in the redemption 

• What should this war teach us? And how should we respond? 
• What is the best response to antisemitism? 
• How should we respond to the current historic wake-up call? 

• Lessons from the Franco-Russian War of 1812 and its spiritual implications 
• Today we have the power to transform the world of Esau and Ishmael 
• The role of Chassidus in the unfolding drama 

• How we must move from being reactive to being proactive 
• What practical actions should we be initiating and inspiring others with? 
• Is there a spiritual action that can be taken right now to speed up the redemption of our captives in Gaza?  
• Is it possible that Moshiach did not yet come because we still do not have complete unity? Especially considering the sickening sight of Jews marching with the enemy?  
• Should we celebrate our redemption from this time of difficulty in advance? 
• Should we have a Simchas Torah sheni? 

• Will we be helped by the unity and good resolutions at the rally? 
• How can you not appreciate the contrast of our peaceful rallies and the enemies aggressive ones? 
• Is it appropriate to protest against the enemy, or should we just focus on the positive? 

• Unprecedented love 
• Ushering in the New Year with unity and song 

• How does the Torah story of Jacob’s journey to Charan help us understand today’s events? 
• What is the personal application of Jacob leaving Beer Sheva and traveling to Charan? 
• What is the historical significance of Jacob’s ladder? 
• How do we gain strength from G-d assuring Jacob to not be afraid, and that his children will inherit the land and spread across the earth? 
• What do we learn from Jacob building his family in Charan, not in Israel?

What lessons can we learn from the Rebbe regarding this crisis? Our responseWhat can we learn from the teachings of the Mitteler Rebbe to give us chizuk during this time of war? Actions Reactions to the rally Kiddush Hashem: Beauty of the Jews Empowering Torah Portions