Meaningful Life Skills with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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 Jan 30min

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23 Jan 26min

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 Jan 28min

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 Jan 28min

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 Jan 21min

With the recent, bloodless fall of the oppressive Assad regime in Syria and the arrival of the holiday of Chanukah, it's impossible to overlook the striking parallels between events of millennia ago in Syria and those unfolding today. These connections offer profound lessons for our personal lives and the world at large.What did Syria symbolize in the time of the Maccabees, and what does it represent now? What can we learn from their defeat then, and their downfall today? And most importantly, what comes next?As with all things in life, the macrocosm reflects the microcosm. Global events mirror the inner struggles and triumphs we each experience. In this special Chanukah edition, we’ll explore the historical and spiritual dimensions of Syria’s story—then and now—and uncover its guidance for shaping a brighter future in the Middle East and beyond.Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this discussion as we delve into the timeless lessons of Chanukah and the enduring relevance of its flames.

26 Dec 202436min

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 Dec 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 Dec 202424min