The winner of $10,000 in the MyLife: Chassidus Applied Essay Contest will be announced this Sunday in a live broadcast.
By COLlive reporter
The Meaningful Life Center (MLC) will be announcing the winners of the first ever MyLife: Chassidus Applied Essay Contest on Sunday, March 22, Beis Nissan, during their weekly broadcast.
Over 500 submissions were received from across the globe and from across the spectrum – students, laypeople, Rabbis, shluchim, educators and professors, testifying to the great hunger and need for applied Chassidus.
The contest was an unprecedented effort in hafotzas ha’mayonos chutzah, which captured thousands of minds and hearts around the world. “This is one of the greatest things that has happened to Chabad in a number of years,” said Dr. Rabbi Yaakov Brawer, one of the judges.
Organizers said many of the entrants voiced how the contest has helped them appreciate Chassidus in a new way. A school principal writes that one of her students shared that “since writing her essay she’s relating to Chassidus in an entirely different manner – far more relevant and personal.”
Over the last month, the distinguished panel of judges were immersed in evaluating the essay submissions. The first place winner will received $10,000. The 2nd prize will be $3,600 and 3rd prize will be a $500 gift certificate.
Rabbi Simon Jacobson, dean of MLC and conceiver of the project echoed these sentiments, “I was surprised by the sheer number of entries – close to one million words written – and the high quality of writing. I was most struck by the soul-bearing truth and heartfelt emotions infusing many of the essays.
“This was an epic journey, which benefited many, and will certainly have a perpetual impact and bear many fruit. On behalf of all who have gained and will gain from this tremendous effort, I thank all the participants from the bottom of my heart for boldly participating and making it happen.”
“There is no doubt,” stated Rabbi Jacobson, “that the contest succeeded beyond our imagination to fulfill its objective, namely to engage and motivate people to use their talents and apply to our personal lives the treasures and life-changing teachings of Chassidus bestowed to us by the Rebbeim.”
“It is vital to emphasize that in truth that everyone is a winner. When over 500 participants (and the many other who helped and supported their efforts) commit to applying the power of Chassidus to current issues in their lives, there is no doubt that the world itself is transformed!” said Rabbi Jacobson.
He added that the Meaningful Life Center will publish and highlight the top essays throughout the year in its weekly MLC Newsletter (subscribe here).
Additionally, the center is exploring different publication channels to share these important contributions, and seeking ways to utilize this great momentum to expand efforts in applying Chassidus and developing more programs in this spirit.
Watch the broadcast here on COLlive.com on Sunday, March 22, Beis Nissan, 8 PM.
