What's Happening - With Rabbi Levi Jacobson

Dear Rabbi Jacobson, I was married to a man that I loved, the other half of my soul, my beshert, or so I thought. It came as a shock to me when my marriage dissolved - I thought I had found that elusive love, that sense of peace after finding a true partner to live one's life with. My divorce was unexpected and not at all in my life plans. It is now time for me to pick up the pieces and to st...

Dear Rabbi Jacobson, What is happening when my friendships begin to fray?  My friendships start off easy, yet don't seem to survive for long. I know I have attachment issues with my mother and I am constantly searching for connection with my friends to fill the void. And yet...while my friendships tend to start off strong, I’ve been noticing a recurring pattern where my friends start to dista...

Attending a class reunion can stir up unexpected emotions. Surrounded by familiar faces and impressive accomplishments, it’s easy to compare yourself to your classmates and wonder whether different choices might have led to a “better” life. Rabbi Jacobson assures the questioner that Hashem is the one in control, and that we are all meant to be precisely where we are at this very moment! Rather tha...

The Jewish world is recognizing the value of wellness and there are many supports that now exist for emotional and psychological well-being. In this episode we question if the focus on mental health can unintentionally encourage over-pathologizing normal challenges and take away opportunities for building resilience. Are we damaging ourselves and our children with our obsession with mental health?...

The murdering of Jews in cold blood defies words. The iconic Bondi beach, known for its beachside lifestyle of golden sand and cresting waves, was the scene of a horrific terrorist attack. This episode explores feelings that many Jews worldwide may carry with them. Why does it feel like the whole world is out to get us? Are we safe? Is this new surge of anti-semitism turning us into victims? Rabbi...

There is this renewed fear, or panic, that hits us when a new piece of anti-Semitic news is aired. It doesn't matter where in the world it happens, it will always hit us right where it hurts, sowing the seeds of doubt and questioning. "Is this the never again" we promised ourselves? What's Happening to our world and what is the Torah response? Thank you for listening! To submit...

I don't think anyone will ever forget where they were on Hoshana Rabah when twenty of our precious brothers and sisters were released from the monsters of captivity. The joy! The tears! The sheer elation! But....and that's where the mixed emotions come into play. This episode explores complicated feelings surrounding the release of the hostages with honesty and candor and draws from the...

How far do we need to go to forgive? Erika Kirk just came out saying she forgives her husband's killer. Is this a Jewish concept? What does Judaism teach us about forgiveness? Forgiveness, a hot topic related to Yom Kippur, seems to be on everyone's mind more then ever. Listen to this episode and come away with a fresh understanding on forgiveness - it will free you...and change your lif...

With rising antisemitism, is it safe to stay in Canada? Are other countries safer? Every Jew-hating incident or attack seems to bring on a primordial fear, an existential threat to our very survival. Are these the signs our grandparents missed when they stayed in Europe at the onset of the Holocaust? These questions are addressed in our very first episode of What's Happening?! , where relevan...

What's Happening?! is a weekly podcast show created by Sara Loewenthal, EdD, featuring Rabbi Levi Jacobson that aims to answer life's toughest questions. How to handle rejection? Loneliness? Stress? Disappointment? Unhappiness? Life can be challenging to navigate, but there are answers! Using powerful Jewish wisdom coupled with Chasidic insight, Rabbi Levi Jacobson promises to answer you...