Ep. 565: What Should We Do About the Upcoming NYC Mayoral Election?

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Post Holidays Follow-Up What should be the focus of our work during these first days of Cheshvan? Why do the revelations of Tishrei, specifically on Shemini Atzeres, give birth only on Pesach? And if that’s the case, what does our avodah entail during these months? Can MarCheshvan also mean Gmar Cheshvan? Why the need for Tohu? Why does G-d elaborate on the place of Abraham’s departure (lech lecha m’artzecha, um’moladetecha um’beis avicha) and is vague about his destination (el ha’aretz asher er’echa)? Why was it important for Abraham to leave his land, birthplace, and parents' home? What are the three types of subjectivity that impede your ability to discover your true self and move forward in life?  Is “G-d speaking to Abraham” literal or metaphorical? Was Terach an abusive father? Was Abraham the first Jew? How do we explain “those that bless you shall be blessed”? Who was Melchizedek King of Salem? Why was the priesthood taken from him due to his blessing Abraham before G-d? What is the significance of adding a hei to Abram and changing his name to Abraham? What was the bris bein ha’besarim? Why does the Torah not tell us specifics about Abraham's great deeds and only uses hints that seem materialistic (about his wealth, cattle, battle victories, travels)? What can we learn from Yishmael about Hamas and the Arab/Muslim world today?  What was the sin of building the Tower of Babel? What do we learn from the fact that G-d stopped their conspiracy by confusing their languages and disrupting their unity? How can we express our gratitude to G-d for his blessings in releasing the last hostages safely? What should we do about the upcoming NYC mayoral election? Are we allowed to pray and write notes to the Ohel asking for brochos that Mamdani should not win the election?Lech Lecha Noach  Hostages Freed New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani