Simon Jacobson

Simon Jacobson
Simon Jacobson is the author of the best-selling book Toward a Meaningful Life, a William Morrow publication that has sold over 300,000 copies to date and has been translated into eight languages. Rabbi Jacobson heads The Meaningful Life Center, and is a sought-after scholar and lecturer on Jewish thought and its contemporary application, speaking to diverse audiences worldwide.

ARTICLES BY: Simon Jacobson

August 17, 2020 10:03 pm

Conversations With Leaders: Chief Rabbi of South Africa Shares Lessons on Lockdown and Overcoming Racism

In response to global crisis impacting everyone the world over, I have launched a new series: In Conversation with World Leaders, to discuss the issues of...

March 31, 2020 6:42 am

How We Respond to Coronavirus Will Define Us

First and foremost, it is my sincerest hope and prayer that you are all feeling well both physically and emotionally. At this moment, when we're being...

May 13, 2019 6:39 am

A Message of Love, Unity, and Support for Poway

Dear Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel Goldstein, Howard and Hannah Kaye, and the entire Poway Jewish community: From the depths of my heart, I thank you for...

July 3, 2016 3:30 pm

A Few Personal Parting Words to My Friend and Colleague, Elie Wiesel

We would meet every few months in his book-lined office on Madison Avenue. Despite his being almost twice my age, he would always greet me...

October 27, 2015 7:53 am

Muslim-Arab Rage Against Israel Is Rooted in Religion, Not Politics

The latest media circus around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu's words about the role of Hitler and the Mufti in the Final Solution captures the...

March 10, 2015 10:13 am

How Czech President Zeman Told the Entire Story of History With One Word

One surprising and exhilarating expression uttered last week by a President of a small European country defines a watershed moment in history. On Monday Czech President...

January 23, 2015 3:15 pm

The Anatomy of Fear

"And G-d said to Moses: 'Come to Pharaoh...'" - Exodus 10:1 "Said Rabbi Shimeon: Now it is time to reveal secrets that are bound above and...

January 9, 2015 2:22 pm

Satirists and Terrorists

They say that there is a thin line between tragedy and comedy, but no one was prepared for the tragic slaughter of a team of...

November 7, 2014 11:22 am

A New World Order? The Extraordinary Within the Ordinary

New attacks in Jerusalem. Nuclear Iran. Middle East ablaze. Volatility the new constant. Europe transitioning into a Muslim continent. America's future: unknown. China rising. The...

October 31, 2014 1:01 pm

Will the True Agitator Rise?

I am not the type that gets quickly (or even slowly) agitated. But an article in yesterday's New York Times agitated me to no end. The...

October 24, 2014 2:16 pm

Noah: An Ode to the Amateur

Whom do you trust more: A new mom or an expert psychiatrist? The exuberance of a young child or the sobriety of a war-torn adult?...

October 3, 2014 2:24 pm

Yom Kippur: How Deep is Your Soul?

You at Your Best On Yom Kippur your core soul -- your very essence -- is laid bare. -- Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi On the...

September 19, 2014 9:39 am

A Trembling World Waiting to Be Reborn

As the sun sets before Rosh Hashana, the universe goes into a comatose state. A slumber descends on all existence, everything comes to a...

September 12, 2014 10:12 am

9/11: 13 Years Later, What Will It Take for Us to Grow Up?

Va'yigdelu Ha'neorim -- the boys grew up -- Genesis (Toldot) 25:27 Thirteen years is a milestone. At that bar-mitzvah age one attains a level of maturity...