How to Plan for an Unknown Future

At the end of one of my classes, a cardiologist approached me—a gentle soul burdened by a life of profound challenges—and asked me, Rabbi Jacobson, can you help me? Can you pray for me to find some calm, some peace in my life?”Being a cardiologist, and with a good sense of humor, I replied, Do you mean... a flatline? He chuckled and said noo, no, not that calm, not that peaceful.I smiled. “Ah, you mean a wave—a steady, rhythmic cardiogram. Not the extreme peaks or plunging valleys, but a balanced wave of life.” He nodded, understanding. After all, we all know the alternative: a flatline signals no life at all.And yet, isn’t that the struggle for so many of us? The anxiety, the disruptions, the relentless upheavals. The big question we all have: Is it even possible to find calm in the storm of life? Or perhaps going even  deeper, why does life have to be so turbulent in the first place?But what if there is a way? A path to discover balance. To ride the wave without being consumed by its extremes.Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for a profound and vital discussion on chasing calm—exploring why peace so often eludes us and how we can reclaim it in our lives. This is more than a conversation; it’s a journey to find the harmony we all yearn for.

19 Joulu 202431min

The recent overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria raises profound and urgent questions: Where are we headed? What lies ahead for Syria, the region, and the world? The ripple effects are undeniable—Syria, once a cornerstone of Iran's axis of power, joins a wave of global upheaval. The Middle East burns with confrontations: Israel faces its enemies, Iran and its proxies loom. Tremors extend far beyond—to South Korea, Ukraine, Europe, and beyond. But the real question transcends the headlines: What does the future hold? Are these events isolated crises, or do they reveal the contours of a much larger, unfolding narrative? To glimpse the road ahead, we must look back. History—our greatest teacher—offers clarity and perspective. By tracing the roots of today’s conflicts to their biblical origins, we uncover profound truths about the forces shaping our world and, more importantly, our role in this unfolding drama. At the heart of this timeless struggle lies a battle as old as history itself: Jacob and Esau—a clash for the destiny of humanity. What lessons do their lives hold for us today? What guidance can their journey offer as we navigate this pivotal moment? Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this critical conversation as we explore the forces at play, the deeper meaning of these seismic events, and the role each of us must play in shaping the future. Together, let us illuminate the path forward in this great drama of existence.

12 Joulu 202424min

What is the secret to greatness? Humans, by their very essence, are driven by an insatiable yearning to grow, to rise above limitations, and to touch the transcendent. No matter what heights you've reached, the human spirit is never content to linger. It craves more—more wisdom, more accomplishment, more connection, and more impact. This unquenchable thirst propels us forward, compelling us to seek excellence in all its forms. But the question remains: What is the key to unlocking our greatest potential? Many ideas have been proposed—persistence, discipline, tireless effort, relentless competition. And indeed, these are vital tools. Yet, there is a deeper, more profound truth—a singular ingredient that has the power to transform your journey, to lift you beyond your perceived limits and ignite the full spectrum of your potential. This secret is as elusive as it is powerful. It is not about dominating or conquering but about surrendering to a process, about stepping into the unknown, and about embracing discomfort. Yes, the secret to greatness lies in learning to break free from the confines of your comfort zone. For it is there, in the unfamiliar and uncharted, that your truest self is revealed, and your most extraordinary strengths are born. Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for an extraordinary exploration of this transformative principle. In a conversation both illuminating and deeply soul-stirring, discover how venturing beyond the familiar can reshape your life, ignite your spirit, and propel you to unimaginable heights. Greatness is not just a destination—it is a state of being waiting to be awakened within you.

5 Joulu 202432min

There’s an undeniable tension in the air—a palpable anxiety sweeping across the world. You can feel it. Here in the United States and beyond, the aftermath of elections leaves some elated with a sense of victory, while for many, the unease lingers. In the Middle East, the raging wars only deepen our collective angst. And this week, the shocking, cold-blooded murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE—a tragedy that has shaken us all—has pierced our hearts, bringing our fears and insecurities to the surface. We’re left grappling with the uncertainties of where this world is heading. Amid all this turmoil, we find ourselves searching for answers, for ways to deal with the overwhelming anxiety that surrounds us. As we approach Thanksgiving, a time dedicated to gratitude, it’s worth asking: Can gratitude be more than a polite gesture? Could it actually hold the key to alleviating our anxieties? Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in exploring the deeper meaning of gratitude—beyond the surface-level niceties—and discover how it can transform us psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, let’s uncover how gratitude can become a powerful instrument to navigate life’s challenges, heartbreaks, and fears.

28 Marras 202427min

With war continuing to rage across the Middle East—north and south of Israel, fueled by Iran and its proxies—one question echoes in every heart: What is the endgame? Is peace even possible? Especially when this conflict has persisted not just for decades, but for centuries, even millennia. And in the past century, the flames have only grown fiercer.Is there hope? Countless peace proposals have been presented over the years, yet none ever hold. Many have given up, resigned to a cycle of temporary fixes, firefighting, and fragile ceasefires—only to watch the tensions erupt again and again.I propose we take a bold new approach. A peace plan that addresses not only the symptoms but the very roots of the conflict. A plan that balances immediate needs with long-term vision, because nothing less will break this relentless cycle.This demands open eyes, honesty, and courage. We cannot hide behind illusions or smokescreens. True peace requires confronting the core issues head-on, with integrity and fairness.And when I speak of peace, I mean peace for everyone—a solution where all sides win, where no one is left defeated or humiliated. It must be a lasting peace, a permanent resolution that benefits all people.Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this urgent and vital conversation as he presents a groundbreaking 4-step plan for true and enduring peace in the Middle East. We will tackle one of the most pressing and timeless issues that has haunted humanity since the dawn of history, charting a path toward hope, healing, and lasting harmony.

21 Marras 202434min

The world today feels like it's shifting at breakneck speed, with profound changes sweeping through every corner of society—technology, artificial intelligence, Middle East upheavals, and, most recently, the U.S. elections and all its implications. Each day seems to bring new, unexpected twists and turns, an undercurrent of uncertainty and the unknown rippling through America and beyond. What does this whirlwind of transformation reveal? And more so, what does it indicate? What is all this leading to? Are we experiencing a true paradigm shift, a redefinition of our future? Some foresee an apocalyptic descent, others a radiant, utopian dawn. Which path are we on, how can we find our footing and help define the path ahead? Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for an essential conversation about these critical times. Following the agricultural, industrial and information revolutions, we are standing on the threshold of a new frontier -- the spiritual revolution. Discover developing global trends—as well as a blueprint that offers direction to each one of us. The more we can anticipate what lies ahead, the more we can prepare ourselves, and even shape the future unfolding before us.

14 Marras 202428min

In what will surely be remembered as a historic political comeback, Donald Trump has just been elected as the 47th President of the United States. Over a century has passed since Grover Cleveland’s unique achievement of serving two non-consecutive terms. But this election is far more than a repetition of history; it is a seismic event. Trump has proven to be one of the most determined and relentless leaders in American history. His tenure was marked by ceaseless attacks on him: accusations of Russian collusion, two impeachments, criminal indictments, ongoing legal battles, the storming of the Capitol on January 6, two assasination attempts, media loathing, and a barrage of accusations that painted him as the embodiment of division and authoritarian. The nation, by and large, had dismissed him, relegating his presidency to the annals of history as a single-term aberration.  Yet here we are, witnessing what The New York Times called a “stunning return to power”—a comeback few believed possible. Despite all the attacks he endured, defying all odds, Trump was persistent and won a decisive victory, including the popular vote, across the country and different demographics. How did this happen? What important lessons can this teach us? Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this pivotal and timely conversation. Together, let us explore the deeper lessons of this moment, and discover insights that this unexpected victory offers us, helping guide us in navigating our divided past and uncertain present, as we look toward a united future.

7 Marras 202429min

With the world in turmoil—the Middle East at war, a deeply polarized and divisive U.S. presidential election ahead, and countless other uncertainties—you may find yourself wondering: where are we headed? How will this end? We’re emerging from the Jewish holiday season, marked by the High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the joyous Sukkot festival, and culminating with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. This season traditionally calls for renewal, repentance, and joy, but this year carries an especially somber weight as we remember the tragic events of October 7, the massacre in southern Israel. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Israel’s recent retaliatory campaign against Iran was named “Days of Repentance.” It suggests a profound message: that these High Holidays are more than a seasonal observance—they set the groundwork for a year dedicated to repentance, correction, and transformation. This year could be our opportunity to face these immense challenges and turn them into a new pioneering frontier, a new beginning, a new world. Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this timely conversation following the holiday season. Discover how we can harness the timeless messages, tools, and inspiration of these holy days to navigate this new year with purpose and resilience -- as we forge, build, and create a global spiritual revolution.

31 Loka 202427min