Mastering Self-Control: How Jewish Wisdom Teaches Us to Rise Above Our Impulses
Every day presents a new test of willpower—whether it’s the urge to check your phone during family time, to grab an extra serving of dessert, or to snap back when someone frustrates you. But how do we harness the strength to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively? The answer runs deeper than willpower and offers timeless guidance for building a fulfilling, purposeful life.
The Lifelong Tug-of-War Within
Jewish wisdom, most notably explored in the teachings of the Tanya, highlights an internal struggle that everyone faces. This isn’t the simple battle between ‘good’ and ‘bad’, but a nuanced, ongoing tension: the pull between our immediate impulses and our deeper values. In the Tanya, the concept of the Beinoni—the ‘intermediate person’—is introduced. The Beinoni isn’t a perfect saint immune to struggle, nor is he ruled by his desires. Instead, he walks a middle path, constantly working to master his drives and direct them toward meaningful action.
Relatable Challenges, Timeless Wisdom
Consider Sarah, who often finds herself overwhelmed by deadlines at work. When stress mounts, her first instinct is to lash out or retreat into procrastination. Through learning about self-mastery, she discovers she can pause, breathe, and choose a response that serves her higher goals, not just her passing emotions. Similarly, David, who is trying to eat healthier, realizes that the urge for instant gratification is natural—but he can calmly acknowledge it and redirect his attention instead of giving in.
Actionable Steps to Develop Self-Mastery
Pause and Reflect: The moment an urge surges, take a breath before acting. This brief pause creates space for conscious choice, transforming autopilot reactions into intentional responses.
Journaling Emotional Triggers: Write down moments when you felt pulled by impulse. Looking for patterns can help anticipate challenging situations and plan better strategies.
Set Meaningful Daily Intentions: Each morning, remind yourself of a key value or goal—such as patience, kindness, or discipline. Keep it top of mind when challenges arise.
Celebrate Small Wins: Notice and reward yourself for each moment of self-control, no matter how minor. Over time, these victories build confidence and inner strength.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Life
This path of mastering our impulses is not about repression or denial, but about aligning our daily actions with our highest ideals. Jewish tradition teaches that the ultimate sign of strength isn’t conquering others, but conquering ourselves. Whether you’re aiming to break a long-standing habit or simply seeking more inner calm, these lessons remind us that every moment is a fresh opportunity to begin again.
True fulfillment comes from choosing dignity over impulse, growth over comfort. By applying these ancient insights in our everyday lives, we become architects of our own character and creators of genuine happiness.
The Spiritual Antidote: How to Restore Relevance and Meaning in Today’s World
In times of upheaval, when long-standing structures seem shaky and the familiar loses its certainty, many people are left searching for meaning. Yet amid this confusion, there lies an opportunity—a chance to reconnect with deeper purpose and discover reservoirs of hope, relevance, and resilience within ourselves. What can we do to move beyond feelings of limitation and disconnection?
Throughout history, spiritual wisdom has offered powerful remedies for the trials of modern life. One standout approach is found in Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s longstanding mission to bridge ancient teachings with contemporary challenges. His work restores relevance to spirituality for individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, offering guidance that is both universal and personal.
Bringing Ancient Wisdom Into Contemporary Life
Imagine stepping into a vibrant classroom not bounded by age, faith, or background—where artists and professionals, young and old, Jews and non-Jews gather to ask life’s most pressing questions. This is the spirit behind Rabbi Jacobson’s work. He encourages everyone to see the Torah not only as religious scripture, but as the world’s oldest self-help book—filled with timeless advice for navigating today’s obstacles.
Instead of cloaking ideas in jargon or tradition, he shares spiritual principles in the language of today. For someone skeptical of religion, the concept of “God” may feel distant. Rabbi Jacobson meets individuals where they are, using terms like “the essence of it all,” “higher reality,” or “roadmap” to describe fundamental ideas. This universal language breaks down barriers, helping people connect with meaning on their own terms.
Practical Steps to Restore Meaning and Personal Agency
Restoring relevance in your own life is not just about philosophy—it’s about daily action. Here are practical ways you can infuse your routine with purpose and reclaim a sense of agency:
Ask Why. Whenever you encounter a story or teaching, ask yourself: How does this relate to me right now? What insight or lesson can I apply today?
Reframe Spiritual Language. If certain terminology feels off-putting, try substituting more neutral or personal words, such as “blueprint” for guidance, or “destination” for fulfillment.
Gather Diverse Perspectives. Connect with people across different backgrounds to share stories about meaning and faith. This exchange broadens your view and lessens isolation.
Practice Self-Reflection. Carve out consistent time for reflection—whether through journaling, meditation, or walks. Use these moments to revisit your core values and clarify your purpose.
Choose Relevance Over Habit. Instead of following rituals by rote, focus on uncovering the deeper relevance behind each action. Ask: What does this tradition mean for my growth and well-being?
The Universal Power of Relevance
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the permission to make ancient wisdom personal and practical. Whether you identify as religious, spiritual, or simply curious, there is a wellspring of energy to be found in asking deeper questions and building bridges across generations.
By approaching tradition with curiosity, honesty, and openness, each of us is capable of restoring meaning to our days—even in the face of uncertainty. This is the spiritual antidote that transforms confusion into clarity, and habit into hope.
If you’re seeking more tools to bridge ancient wisdom with your own journey, watch the full class here.
Embracing Your Existence: Self-Worth and the Spiritual Value of Your Life
In a world that often measures value by productivity or success, it’s easy to overlook the fundamental worth of simply being. But what if the mere fact that you exist is all the evidence you need of your intrinsic value? Jewish wisdom teaches that birth itself is a divine declaration: you matter. Your existence is not a random accident, but an intentional act. Somewhere, your life is needed—and your presence is a vital part of the world’s unfolding story.
The Spiritual Vote of Confidence
Each morning, as daylight breaks, so many of us confront doubts about our purpose or worth. Consider this: every new day is a fresh endorsement from above. The universe’s continued embrace of your being means you’ve been chosen—for this moment, for your unique path. This perspective is more than comforting; it’s empowering. It calls us to recognize the inherent dignity in every person, regardless of circumstances or achievements.
From Universal Principle to Personal Growth
The powerful principle that “your birth is God saying you matter” can serve as a daily anchor. Think of the times you may have felt overlooked or diminished—maybe at work, home, or among friends. Reframing these moments through a spiritual lens reveals something profound: your value is a given, not something you need to earn. This insight has the power to shift your relationship with others and with yourself.
Real-Life Application: Seeing Your Worth
On a practical level, how can we implement this transformative knowledge? Here are three actionable steps:
Start Every Day with Intention: As you wake, try pausing to reflect, “My existence is by design. I am wanted in this world.” Let this affirmation set the tone for your day ahead.
Affirm Others’ Worth: Next time you interact with a loved one, a coworker, or even a stranger, remember their life is also a divine vote of confidence. Small gestures of encouragement or acknowledgment can ripple in ways you might never imagine.
Reframe Setbacks: When challenges arise, remind yourself that your value does not depend on outcomes. Your presence alone carries meaning and potential, even on difficult days.
Many people find it helpful to write these reminders somewhere visible—a journal, a phone lock screen, or a sticky note by the mirror. Over time, these small but meaningful practices can fundamentally change the way you see yourself and those around you.
The Universal Resonance of Spiritual Self-Worth
Jewish tradition’s affirmation of inherent worth is not limited to one community. Its universal message speaks to every human soul: you belong, you are needed, and your existence itself is a source of light. By internalizing this truth, each of us can cultivate deeper compassion—both for ourselves and for the people we encounter.
This perspective is not just a gentle reassurance, but a call to live with greater intention, empathy, and responsibility. Every day offers a fresh opportunity to honor your existence and that of others.
If you’re ready to reflect more deeply on the spiritual value of your life, watch the full class here.
Most people searching for a soulmate focus on shared interests, intellectual connection, or emotional rapport. But how many of us pause to consider the spiritual dimension of partnership? Rabbi Simon Jacobson offers a transformative perspective: the purest, most enduring relationships are built not only on chemistry or comfort but on transcending your own needs in pursuit of a higher purpose together.
The Power of a Transcendent Partnership
Ask yourself: What makes a union truly special? It’s more than similar backgrounds or shared hobbies. True connection, Rabbi Jacobson explains, flows from a meeting of souls — when two people unite around something greater than themselves. It’s about being partners in a purposeful mission, inspiring one another’s spiritual growth, and creating a relationship that uplifts both individuals and the world around them.
A Relatable Scenario
Imagine two people, Sarah and David, who both value generosity and growth. Instead of seeing love as simply meeting each other’s needs, they challenge each other to become better—whether through acts of kindness, community service, or personal spiritual practice. Their relationship becomes a launchpad for their deepest values, attracting them beyond physical and emotional compatibility to a place of meaning.
How to Seek Your Transcendent Soulmate
If you’re searching for soulmate-level love, reflect on these practical steps inspired by Jewish wisdom:
Look for Common Purpose: Beyond attraction, seek a partner who shares your vision for what matters most in life. What values do you both hold dear?
Ask Deeper Questions: In your conversations, go beyond superficial preferences. Talk about spiritual goals, the kind of legacy you want to build, and how you want to impact others together.
Nurture Growth: Choose someone who inspires you to reach higher and supports your spiritual journey—someone with whom you can challenge and uplift each other.
Be Real About Differences: Spiritual compatibility doesn’t mean identical thinking. It means respecting differences while building shared meaning.
Self-Reflection: Before seeking the right partner, invest in becoming your best, most purposeful self. The relationships you attract often mirror your inner world.
Jewish Insight, Universal Truth
While the wisdom of seeking a transcendent soulmate grows from deep Jewish roots, its message resonates universally. Building a relationship around shared mission and spiritual growth can transform all types of partnerships, inviting depth and connection into marriage, friendship, and family.
Ready to explore more on the art of soulful relationships? Read more from Rabbi Jacobson here for guidance on your search for meaning and connection.
Israel, Resilience, and the Human Spirit: Jewish Wisdom for Challenging Times
When headlines are filled with news from Israel, it is easy to feel overwhelmed—whether by sorrow for lives lost, anxiety over rising tension, or confusion about how to respond. Yet, in these moments, Jewish wisdom offers a deep reservoir of strength and guidance, reminding us not only of our shared bonds but of the power we each hold to make a difference.
The Power of Unity in the Face of Pain
Rabbi Simon Jacobson emphasizes that the pain and suffering experienced in Israel is felt collectively. He reminds us that, like a body where every part is interconnected, when one soul is hurting, we all are. This sense of unity can be a tremendous source of strength. Think back to times when your own community or family faced a challenge—how often did coming together lead to hope and healing?
During these turbulent periods, we are called to do more than just bear witness. As Rabbi Jacobson passionately shares, “Now more than ever, we embrace being agents of light.” This means standing up, reaching out, and channeling our feelings into meaningful action.
Lessons from Jewish Survival and Resilience
History shows that despite immense adversity, the Jewish people have survived and even thrived. Rabbi Jacobson points out that their continuity stems from anchoring themselves in eternal values and a deep connection to their heritage. He asks a powerful question: How have Jews endured the might of empires from Rome to Babylon to the present? It is, he explains, by facing hardship with courage and a steadfast belief in a higher purpose.
This lesson isn’t only for Israel or Jewish people—it is a universal call for each of us to tap into our own resilience and moral clarity, even when the world feels dark. Everyone, regardless of faith or background, can draw strength from this example.
Practical Ways to Stand in Solidarity
Feeling powerless is common during times of crisis, but Rabbi Jacobson offers practical steps we can all take to bring light into the world:
Become a “spiritual soldier”: Speak up for what you believe is right. Share a word of support, stand against hatred, or simply extend kindness to someone in need.
Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn the facts and help others do the same. Understanding is a crucial step toward empathy and effective action.
Support causes that matter: Whether through donating to relief funds, volunteering your time, or organizing community events, every contribution counts.
Prayer and kindness: Increase acts of goodness, such as saying a prayer for peace or reaching out with a thoughtful gesture. Small deeds can have a ripple effect, brightening many lives.
Foster unity: Encourage conversations that bring people together, bridge divides, and nurture collective healing.
From Darkness to Light: Our Shared Responsibility
In Rabbi Jacobson’s words, “The current attack on Israel may be the defining event of our lives: how we respond today will be etched into the annals of history for eternity.” The call is clear: let us be remembered for standing up, reaching out, and working toward a world brighter than before. You don’t have to be in Israel to make an impact—wherever you are, your voice and your actions matter.
Jewish wisdom encourages us to face adversity not with despair, but with a renewed commitment to goodness. Whether in moments of personal struggle or as part of the global community, each of us has the power to transform pain into hope, and fear into faith.
As we stand at the threshold of a new Hebrew year, we look back at the one behind us — a year filled with turbulence and uncertainty. The world has felt heavy with conflict and division — from continued Middle East unrest to social upheaval and a surge in antisemitism. Add to this the rise of new technologies like AI reshaping our lives, and many of us feel disoriented, searching for grounding and clarity.
Each challenge is not only a test but also a calling — an invitation to uncover the deeper strength, compassion, and faith within us. We are not passive bystanders in history; we are active participants, summoned to shine our light.
This year we were privileged to take part in history itself. On the eve of the Iran war, I stood at the Western Wall in a historic meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Milei of Argentina — a powerful demonstration of faith, leadership, and the eternal covenant that continues to guide us through every storm.
We also made great strides in addressing one of the most urgent needs of our time: mental health. With so many struggling under the weight of anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty, we expanded our work to bring deeper healing, strength, and resilience to countless lives.
Recognizing the opportunities of a rapidly changing world, we began harnessing AI to expand our reach and engagement — ensuring that the timeless wisdom we share inspires and uplifts people wherever they are.
Through it all our mission has been unwavering. Our classes, articles, seminars, global lectures, counseling, and publishing continue to provide clarity amidst chaos, hope amidst despair, and direction amidst uncertainty. Please go here to see a summary of this year’s MLC impressive achievements.
As we enter the new year, I renew my personal commitment to be a voice of strength, reason, and hope. And I invite you to continue standing with us. Your partnership enables us to amplify this message and bring healing and empowerment to countless souls.
May this coming year bless us all with renewal, health, peace, and the courage to rise to our highest calling.
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,
Rabbi Simon Jacobson
P.S. As we enter the new year, your partnership is more vital than ever. Please give generously so that we can continue to be a voice of clarity, hope, and healing in an unsettled world.
I’m a musician that lives upstate New York. I usually play secular rock music. Last Thursday I was doing a performance in a bar in Poughkeepsie as israel started attacking and destroying Iran’s nuclear weapons.
Even though nobody in this bar looked jewish, during the performance I announced what was happening and asked that everyone should pray for peace in their own way and make a commitment to do an act of kindness to help make the world a better place, then I played the song hevenu shalom aleichem and explained its meaning that there should be peace.
The next night on Friday night I had a strange dream that Rabbi Groner called me and said the Rebbe wanted to thank me because what I said in the bar inspired a Jewish woman in the audience to light shabbos candles and her candle lighting in Poughkeepsie helped bring extra blessings into the world that protected people in israel and helped the Israeli air force succeed.
When I woke up shabbos morning I thought even though it was a nice dream it’s probably a nonsense dream because I’m not an important enough person to get a message from the Rebbe in a dream.
But today Sunday morning I got an email from a woman in Poughkeepsie who looked me up on social media and told me I inspired her by what I said and that she lit a shabbos candle to honor Israel and its the first time she lit one since her bat mitzvah 50 years ago.
I don’t know what to say. I guess it’s just important for everyone to know that we should always talk positively in public because we never know who will be inspired by listening.
Robin Goldwyn Blumenthal Writer and editor and baal teshuvah in training
What is the secret of Jewish survival? As Jews celebrate the festival of Chanukah, where a small band of rebels successfully fought off the powerful Greek army and its desire to make the Jewish people “forget” the Torah, and as Israel battles for its very existence, it is no small matter to understand how the Jewish people have managed to not only come through thousands of years of persecution and challenges by forces ostensibly much greater and stronger than ourselves, but to prevail over them and even to thrive.
The answer lies in the Torah itself, and its eternal values, which Jews believe was transmitted directly to Moses on Mount Sinai by the Creator of the Universe. Indeed, it was the Greeks’ desire to leave G-d out of the Torah that led to the Maccabees’ revolt.
The belief in the divine origin of the Torah seems to have been lost in the shuffle of modernity. Yet it is one of the Thirteen Principles of Faith espoused by one of the greatest Jewish thinkers, Moses Maimonides, also known as the Rambam. But in our post-modern world, it has simply become unfashionable to be a believer. Unless you happen to be of another faith. It has become, sad to say, fashionable to be a jihadist. Just look at our college campuses, where the unspeakable savagery—the pogroms of the 21st century–that has been committed against the Jewish people has not only been applauded but is celebrated.
How are we to make sense of all of this? A foundational belief of Judaism is that the Torah is our instruction guide for living an optimal life, according to the Author of both the manual for living, and of mankind itself.
There is certainly no earthly explanation for the ability of the Jewish people, who have encountered every kind of oppression and bigotry over thousands of years, to have remained standing. Our survival is not predicated on the strength of the enemy, or on world opinion, or on anything that would be deemed an ordinary determinant. According to the laws of Darwin, we should have disappeared long ago.
Our survival is, in a word, supernatural. This fact has been obscured by modern life, by assimilation, by secular humanism, by Jewish people wandering away from our roots.
Paradoxically, Jews are being reminded of the greatness of our tradition not from inside our ranks, but by those like Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who has been captivated by Jewish thought.
Milei, the iconoclastic economist who won in a landslide last year, was inspired to look further into the Torah by a book that captures essential Jewish concepts from a mystical perspective—Toward a Meaningful Life by Rabbi Simon Jacobson. In the book, Rabbi Jacobson, a follower of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and one of a team of rabbis who memorized and recorded thousands of hours of the Rebbe’s deep and transformational discourses, succinctly encapsulates the Jewish perspective on all aspects of life, both material and spiritual, tinged with the mystical secrets that began to be transmitted to common people nearly 300 years ago by the founder of the Chassidic movement, the Baal Shem Tov. This knowledge has been handed down and expounded on by successive Chassidic Rebbes. According to the fifth Chabad Rebbe, the basis of this approach is “for the mind, which naturally rules over the heart, to enlist the heart in the service of G-d through abstraction, understanding, and a deepening awareness of the greatness of G-d.”
I understand Milei’s excitement. Nearly 30 years ago, I had a similar reaction to the book—only I am a Jew by birth who, though proud of my heritage and familiar with its traditions, had no real Jewish education. When I read the book, I was frankly astonished and delighted to learn that the religion of my birth contained such relatable and transcendental values—ones that I in my spiritual quest had been searching for everywhere but in my own tradition. Although I was well educated in secular subjects, I took Judaism for granted. I simply did not know the framework of Jewish thought and belief.
I have spent the past 30 years catching up on my Jewish studies, and trying my best to live in accordance with the values of the Torah. Rabbi Jacobson has since become my mentor and teacher, along with the many Chabad rabbis and thinkers who are transmitting this vital information.
Putting this philosophy into practice has given me the spiritual sustenance to face life’s many challenges, including the ones Jews are pointedly facing in the current environment.
Today, we Jews, the longtime champions of the underdog—indeed, the perennial other–are once again beset by the angry mob, wondering in disbelief what in the world we did this time to deserve such unkindness, such reprobation, simply for wanting to exist, when most other minorities are afforded, at the very least, the benefit of the doubt.
The reason is that we are charged with fighting a spiritual battle, as much as we are fighting an existential one. That’s because our existence is predicated on our spiritual underpinnings, on our belief system. We have been chosen to be the light unto the nations, but we don’t seem to have fully accepted that mantle. At least not yet.
Our latest challenges, however, are serving as a wake-up call for us, to delve into and promulgate the concepts and the teachings of our holy tradition. To cling to what is good and true, to the values that underlie all of Western democratic society, regardless of what the world may think.
Jewish thought teaches that when G-d created the world, He looked into the Torah, which contains His deepest, innermost desire and thought. It is time for the People of the Book to do the same. Our very survival depends on it.
Introduction:
In the vibrant tapestry of Jewish life, few events encapsulate the transition from childhood to adulthood quite like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. This sacred ceremony not only marks a significant milestone in a young person’s life but also invites us to reflect on the responsibilities and commitments that accompany this new phase. As we witness families gathering, adorned in joy and reverence, one might ponder: what does it truly mean to come of age? In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, how can we find grounding in our spiritual heritage? The answers often lie within the rich narratives of our religious texts, which guide us through both personal and communal journeys.
Biblical Connection:
The story of Samuel’s anointing as king provides profound parallels to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. Just as Samuel was called by God at a young age—“And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel’” (1 Samuel 3:11)—so too are our children summoned to recognize their potential and purpose within the community. This moment of divine calling is mirrored in every Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration; it is an invitation for each child to step into their unique role in the narrative of Jewish history.
In another sense, consider Esther’s courage when faced with daunting challenges. Her declaration—“If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16)—reflects an unwavering commitment to her identity and people. At their coming-of-age ceremonies, young Jews echo this sentiment as they embrace their heritage amidst a world that often tests their faith.
Symbolic Explanation:
The act of reading from the Torah during a Bar or Bat Mitzvah symbolizes more than just ritual observance; it embodies the transmission of wisdom across generations. Each letter inscribed on those sacred scrolls carries centuries of teachings that speak directly to our contemporary struggles—faith versus fear being one such theme. In today’s society where materialism often overshadows spirituality, these celebrations serve as reminders that true fulfillment lies not in possessions but in purpose.
The journey from childhood innocence into spiritual maturity can be fraught with challenges akin to those faced by our Biblical ancestors. Yet through these trials comes growth—a realization that conflict can lead us toward resolution when we lean into our faith rather than away from it.
Lessons for Today:
As we celebrate these milestones, let us draw insights from both Scripture and chassidus on how best to navigate modern complexities. The teachings remind us that every challenge presents an opportunity for spiritual elevation. For instance, when confronted with peer pressure or societal expectations, one might recall Daniel’s steadfastness amidst Babylonian influences (Daniel 1). Just as he remained true to his beliefs despite external pressures, so too can our young ones learn resilience rooted in faith.
Encouraging self-reflection during this pivotal time is crucial—how do we foster an environment where questions about identity and belief are welcomed? How can parents model values that resonate beyond mere tradition? Engaging openly with these inquiries allows families to deepen their connections while nurturing future generations who will carry forward our collective legacy.
Conclusion:
As we gather around tables adorned with challah and wine during Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, let us remember that each child stepping forward is not merely fulfilling a rite; they are taking up a mantle woven throughout history—a promise renewed through each generation. We hold fast to hope grounded in divine assurances like “For I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11), reminding us all that there is purpose even amid uncertainty.
Let these moments serve as catalysts for deeper understanding and commitment—not just for those being honored but for all present—to engage actively with our faith as we navigate life’s complexities together. May every Bar and Bat Mitzvah inspire renewed dedication within ourselves and lead us toward lives imbued with meaning and connection.
