The Politics of Sexuality

What is the secret to true happiness? Is it simply a matter of having positive experiences while avoiding pain? If that were the case, why do we see people who have endured immense suffering radiate joy, while others, blessed with easier lives, remain bitter and despondent?Real happiness is not about escaping hardship or pretending challenges don’t exist. It’s not frivolous joy or denial. True joy emerges not despite pain, but alongside it. So how do we cultivate a happiness that remains steady even through setbacks, losses, and tragedies?Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson and explore the profound balance of embracing life’s struggles while discovering deep, unwavering joy. With all the madness going on around the world, today more than ever we are all in need of this powerful discussion.

27 Helmi 202526min

What is holding you back from living up to your greatest aspirations, your dreams, your ideals? What is stopping you from actualizing your full potential? Is it fear? Bad luck? A lack of skills or motivation? Or perhaps it’s all of the above? Maybe there are even deeper, unseen forces—subconscious patterns, societal pressures, or past experiences—blocking your path without you even realizing it.One thing is certain: Each of us yearns to live the best possible life—however we define it. But wanting is not enough. It’s one thing to set goals and define success; it’s another to identify and overcome the obstacles in our way.It seems simple: Envision your ideal life, then remove the barriers. But life is rarely that straightforward. We are complex beings, shaped by both external influences and internal struggles. There are forces—both within and beyond us—that silently dictate our choices, often without our conscious awareness.Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this vital conversation as we uncover what is truly standing between you and your greatest life—and, more importantly, how to break through to achieve your utmost potential.

20 Helmi 202532min

Are you a leader or a follower? Many people assume they aren’t born leaders—that leadership requires ingrained charisma, courage, and wisdom, while they need guidance and direction from others. But is that really true? We all need mentorship, education, and teachers, but does that mean we must conform? Following guidance is one thing—losing your individuality is another. Leadership isn’t about commanding the masses; it’s about inner confidence, knowing you have something unique to offer. In other words, are you a giver or a taker? Are you contributing to this world or simply following others and taking what’s out there? Too often, societal, cultural, and familial pressures push us into herd mentality, stifling our individual spirit. But you have a distinct voice, a gift only you can offer. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this transformative discussion and discover the leader within you, your individual voice and indispensable contribution that this world is desperately in need of.

7 Helmi 202520min

Do you ever feel like life is a masquerade—constantly switching masks depending on where you are, who you're with, and what’s expected of you? At work, at home, in social settings—always performing, always adapting, living up to others’ demands.And then you pause and wonder: Where am I in all of this? What part of me has been lost?We live in a world where inauthenticity has become the norm. We're not just talking about fake news or AI-generated illusions. People—out of fear, the need to conform, or the desire to be accepted—often put on a facade, a forced smile, a curated persona. And when you add the layers of insecurity and childhood conditioning—especially if we grew up in homes where authenticity was lacking—this becomes second nature.The result? A profound dissonance between who we are and how we feel we must present ourselves. It’s disorienting, even exhausting.So, what can we do about it? Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this vital discussion and discover how we can reclaim our true selves in a world that pressures us to be something else.

30 Tammi 202530min

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23 Tammi 202526min

I came across a cartoon recently: two people sitting at a bar, and one asks the other, "Do you remember when you stopped caring?" It struck me deeply and made me think; how many of us truly care? Care about others, care about events in the world... And not in a superficial way—curiosity, sensationalism, or a passing interest—but really care. When someone is in pain, do we feel it? Whether it’s a loved one or a stranger, do we truly empathize? It reminded me of a powerful truth that has always touched me: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” In so many ways, the measure of our humanity is defined by how much we care—or don’t. Empathy is the foundation of all meaningful action. Without it, nothing moves us to respond to the injustices we see, whether in an individual’s life or on a global scale. Yet, life has a way of hardening us. We can become colder, more detached, even cynical—perhaps because we’ve been hurt, or because we’ve turned inward, consumed by self-interest. But this detachment comes at a great cost: the erosion of our humanity. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson as we explore the critical battle of our time: empathy versus apathy. Will we succumb to indifference? Or will we allow ourselves to feel, to care, to act? Together let us rediscover what it means to live with an open heart, and reconnect to the integral unity that binds us all.

16 Tammi 202528min

We often find ourselves living in the moment, consumed by its immediate demands and emotions. But true wisdom lies in stepping back and seeing the bigger picture—connecting the dots, identifying patterns, and gaining a bird’s-eye view. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of life but also empowers us to bring greater meaning and direction to the details of our daily existence.Yet, it’s not easy. Living in the moment can blind us, trapping us in the here and now. Add to that the constant lure of instant gratification, and it becomes even harder to rise above the noise. But rise we must. As we enter the year 2025—marking the close of the first quarter of this new millennium—we have a unique opportunity to reflect. What have we learned? What patterns and trends can we discern? How can these insights guide us into a purposeful and inspired future? Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson as we journey back to look ahead, uncovering the lessons of the past to illuminate the path forward. Following the agricultural, industrial and information revolutions, we are now on the verge of a new revolution — a spiritual one. The disruptions in our times are an opportunity to embrace a paradigm shift as the old world order gives way to a higher state of consciousness.

9 Tammi 202528min

As we welcome the New Year, one of the most pressing questions -- and modern-day dilemmas -- is: how can we sustain our New Year’s resolutions? Whether it’s losing weight, launching a new project, mending a relationship, or breaking a habit, the resolutions we make often struggle to last beyond a week—sometimes even a day. This year, the New Year aligns with the final day of Chanukah, when we light all eight candles of the menorah. Indeed, Chanukah offers us profound insight into this challenge: how do we maintain inspiration? Like a maintenance contract often costing more than the initial service, sustaining our commitments can feel far more difficult than starting them. So, let’s delve into this timely and relevant discussion. What does Chanukah teach us about carrying the light forward—not just tonight, but every day? How can the enduring message of Chanukah’s flames guide us in illuminating our lives with purpose and resolve in the year ahead?

2 Tammi 202521min