Anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence is certainly a cause for concern for all of humanity. Unequivocally, like the “miner’s canary”, hatred toward Jews has historically been a harbinger of troubles for all innocent people, the argument being that Jews are never safe. Rabbi Jacobson takes on this critical issue, and presents a radically different approach: While we need to be vigilant, and take strong measures to protect and defend ourselves, we must also realize that the world has become a better place for Jews and for the entire human race. This approach will guide us to discover ways to eradicate the root of anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred once and for all, enabling us to look forward to a brighter future — a future of personal and global redemption.
Rabbi Simon Jacobson is a pioneering speaker, educator, mentor to thousands. He is the author of the best-selling book “Toward a Meaningful Life,” a William Morrow publication that has sold over 400,000 copies to date and has been translated into Hebrew, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Georgian and Croatian.
Rabbi Jacobson heads The Meaningful Life Center, called a “Spiritual Starbucks” by the New York Times, which bridges the secular and the spiritual through a wide variety of live and online programming, presenting the universal teachings of Torah as a blueprint for life to people of all backgrounds. With his keen insight into the human condition, he has the unique ability to offer clarity and direction especially in difficult times. Rabbi Jacobson and the MLC have been lauded for creating non-stop programming nourishing people’s hearts and souls.
Rabbi Jacobson is also YouTube’s Rabbi of choice! With over 200,000 subscribers (and rising!), and over 15 million views — the MLC is spanning the globe and reaching every corner of the earth.
For over 14 years Rabbi Jacobson, as Editor-in-Chief of Vaad Hanochos Hatmimim, was responsible for publishing the talks of the late Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Beginning in 1979, Rabbi Jacobson headed a team of scholars that memorized and transcribed entire talks that the Rebbe gave during the Sabbath and holidays, as writing and tape recording are not permitted on holy days. In this position, he was privileged to work in close association with the Rebbe and published more than 1000 of the Rebbe’s talks. He also headed the research team for Sefer Halikutim — an encyclopedic collection of Chassidic thought (26 volumes, published 1977-1982).
Rabbi Jacobson is one of the greatest scholars and most sought-after speakers in the Jewish world today. He has lectured to diverse audiences on six continents and in forty states on psycho-spiritual issues and applying Jewish thought to contemporary life. His voice is rooted in the timeless teachings of Torah, yet at the same time is profoundly timely, relevant, unique, and cutting edge. He has been interviewed on over 300 radio and TV shows, including CBS, CNN, Newsmax, PragerU, PBS, MSNBC, FOX, and NPR. He is also the chairman and publisher of The Algemeiner Journal, the “fastest growing Jewish newspaper in America” according to CNBC, filling the position of his illustrious father, esteemed journalist Gershon Jacobson.
As seen on
As seen on
Highlights from Talks
Secret to Marriage
What is the secret to an everlasting and meaningful relationship?
How to Respond to Tragedy
Don't Ask Why, Instead Find a Way to Grow from It
Magic of Spiritual Journey
The difference between a natural event and a miracle is frequency.
The Root of Anger
Anger is rooted essentially in worshiping yourself, not understanding that there is more to life than just you.
An Evening of Inspiration
An evening of music, wisdom and inspiration, celebrating the enduring vision of the Rebbe.
Free Will
Is our life predetermined? Or do we have free will? The dignity of a human being is: You can transcend your circumstances.
Celebrating Our Vulnerability
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's Daily Spiritual Antidote boosts our emotional and psychological immunity.
Newsmax Segment
Supreme Court Ruling Against Gov. Cuomo's Religious Restrictions
Popular Topics
Faith After October 7th
In the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, 2024, Rabbi Simon Jacobson offers a profound exploration of sustaining faith during times of adversity. Delves into the challenges that such events pose to personal belief systems and provides guidance on how to navigate and strengthen one’s faith amidst turmoil. Engage with timeless teachings and practical strategies to find resilience and hope, ensuring that their spiritual foundation remains steadfast even in the face of profound challenges.
The Middle East: A 4-Step Peace Plan
As the war in the Middle East continues to intensify, fueled by Iran and its proxies, the question of peace seems increasingly distant. Despite countless failed peace proposals over the years, the cycle of temporary fixes and fragile ceasefires persists. Rabbi Simon Jacobson proposes a bold new approach—one that addresses not just the symptoms but the root causes of the conflict. This plan balances immediate needs with a long-term vision, demanding honesty, courage, and integrity. True peace, he argues, requires confronting the core issues and finding a solution where all sides win—one that benefits everyone and offers a lasting, permanent resolution. Explore a 4-step plan for enduring peace and healing in the Middle East.
Don’t Let Your Enemy Define You
How much of who you are has been shaped by others—your family, education, social influences, and even adversities? Have you truly found your own voice, or have you unknowingly become a reflection of external forces? This question becomes even more pressing in times of challenge, when the need for self-protection can lead us to adopt layers of armor that blur our true identity. In fearing harm, we may unknowingly allow our struggles—and even our enemies—to define us, turning pain into a permanent influence over our sense of self. But true strength lies in reclaiming your identity beyond external forces and breaking free from imposed definitions, accessing your authentic self, and unleashing its power in your life and the world.
Never Again is NOW! Our Historic Calling Today: The Mission of the Jewish People
An urgent wake-up call to the entire world, stressing the importance of spiritual resilience and urging the Jewish community to remain steadfast in their values and actively engage in the world, shaping it toward justice and peace. Rabbi Jacobson calls upon individuals and the collective Jewish people to embrace their historic calling, not merely surviving adversity but thriving and fulfilling their mission as a light unto the nations. This class serves as a powerful call to action for Jews to live with purpose, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility to heal and uplift the world.
Should Israel Kill Their Enemies?
Explore the moral and ethical considerations surrounding Israel’s right to self-defense. While war is universally despised, it becomes a necessity when a nation faces existential threats. In a kill or be killed situation, self-defense is not only a fundamental right but an obligation! In situations where an enemy seeks unconditional destruction, military action may be the only means to achieve lasting peace. The objective of such actions is not to perpetuate conflict but to eliminate threats, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the nation. This class provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of warfare, the moral imperatives of self-defense, and the pursuit of peace in the face of aggression.
When War is Peace
We all hate war, but sometimes it becomes an unfortunate necessity. While many people and nations inherently seek peace, there are occasions when self-defense becomes the only option. When a sworn enemy threatens your existence, war can be the only means to secure true peace and prevent ongoing conflict. Israel, like any country faced with existential threats, is forced into war not as an end but as a last resort to eradicate the threat and achieve lasting peace. Rabbi Simon Jacobson leads a critical discussion on the moral imperative of war, explaining that while peace should always be pursued, sometimes the only path to peace is through war—when it becomes the only means to safeguard security and prevent endless cycles of violence.
“We are delighted that we brought you to our retreat. Thank you for the effort of sharing unlimited wisdom to the people who attended. Your success was above all expectations and as many people told us, that they had desire to go sleep, but could not tear themselves away from your lectures. Thank you again.”
Bentzion Itschok Pil, San Francisco
“We just finished recording my episode with Rabbi Jacobson on the topic of addiction. Incredible, what a powerful message of love and hope!”
Omer Pinto, The Shair Podcast
“I have heard dozens of your classes and speeches, but tonight your message, intention, emotion and clarity was outstanding a perhaps the best I ever heard. A combination of the time we are living in, the place the day the audience the relevance. May millions would be able to study and unpack what you shared deeper. Thank you for the inspiration and clarity.”
Avraham Berkowitz, Gimmel Tammuz LA Event
“Thank you for your presentation to the students. In these difficult times it was a beacon of light. They absolutely loved it and gained so much clarity and inspiration. At the end they were asking many questions and feel more empowered about their futures. ”
Sara Blau, Beth Rivkah Highschool
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