Meaningful Life Skills with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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 Dec 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Nov 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 Okt 202427min

How do you deal with betrayal, especially when it comes from those you trusted most? Betrayal is one of the hardest challenges to navigate because it shakes the very foundation of trust, security, and certainty that we build our relationships on. So how do you overcome it? How do you learn to trust again? This is a challenge that speaks deeply to our times, especially with the turmoil we're witnessing around the world today. Nations betray their allies, and individuals feel betrayed by friends, whether in politics, business, or personal relationships. Even the media is more often than not unreliable. Betrayal seems to surround us—on both a personal and global scale. But as we approach the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, this sacred time offers us a profound lesson on how to face and transcend betrayal. There is a path forward, a way to rebuild trust and faith. Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson on the continuing journey of the "60-Day Spiritual Guide" as we explore the timeless wisdom that helps us heal from betrayal and move forward with renewed strength and clarity.

10 Okt 202427min

How do we react when our lives are disrupted—when routines and predictability are suddenly upended? Generally, disruption is disorienting. We thrive on consistency, on having a defined plan. When that gets shaken, it creates uncertainty, and we often feel confused, disturbed, even demoralized. Whether it’s trauma, loss, or any unexpected event, especially when it disrupts our regular structures, it can make us feel like we’ve lost balance and control. We saw this with the onset of COVID, and we continue to experience it with the ever-increasing uncertainties of the world, amplified by technology and other unknowns. However, the truth is, if we learn the right approach, disruption can become a powerful springboard for growth.  As we approach the new year, Rosh Hashanah—a time of renewal—please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in our ongoing 60-Day Journey and explore how to discover renewal in times of disruption.

27 Sep 202430min