Sylvia and Simon Jacobson: How Different Generations Talk About Jewish Life [Divergence 1/4]
Mar 25, 2025
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Rabbi Simon Jacobson, a prominent voice in bridging secular and spiritual realms, is joined by his mother, Sylvia Jacobson, a matriarch of Chabad roots. Together, they discuss how the Chabad movement has adapted through generations, maintaining core teachings while evolving. They explore the sensitive dynamics of parenting and trauma across ages and reflect on their family's immigration journey from Russia to America. With a focus on instilling confidence in Jewish identity, they illuminate the significance of tradition and emotional openness in fostering spiritual connections.
The podcast explores the theme of intergenerational divergence, emphasizing the need for families to navigate differing beliefs and values over time.
It highlights the Chabad movement's unique approach to sustaining its traditions while adapting to contemporary realities, showcasing its ability to find divine connection in everyday life.
The discussion draws parallels between the concept of Tzimtzum in parenting and teaching, illustrating how creating space for others fosters individuality and growth.
Mrs. Jacobson's experiences underscore the importance of unconditional love and emotional support in developing confident children who can thrive amid modern challenges.
Deep dives
Exploring Intergenerational Divergence
The podcast begins by emphasizing the theme of intergenerational divergence, particularly focusing on the differences and similarities between parents and children. This exploration coincides with the annual series before Passover, where the host, David Byshevkin, intends to highlight the dynamic interactions within families across generations. Acknowledging how generational perspectives can shift, the discussion invites listeners to consider the unique challenges and opportunities these divergences present, particularly within the context of Jewish families. Through thoughtful introspection, families are encouraged to bridge the gap and create meaningful connections amid the changing landscape of beliefs and values.
The Influence of Chabad Hasidism
The influence of Chabad Hasidism and its seven Rebbes is a central topic throughout the episode. The exploration of Rabbi Eli Rubin's book, 'Kabbalah and the Rupture of Modernity,' reveals how each Rebbe navigated the challenge of conveying divine presence within a finite world. The concept of 'Tzimtzum,' or divine contraction, is particularly examined, framing how God's infinitude can accommodate human existence and individuality. This theological foundation highlights how the Chabad movement has managed to sustain its traditions across generations while adapting to contemporary contexts, allowing each new cohort to foster their distinct approach to spirituality.
Parenting Through Tzimtzum
The episode draws parallels between the concept of Tzimtzum and the art of parenting, where parents compress their desires and experiences to create space for their children to develop their identities. By concealing their ambitions, parents allow their children the freedom to emerge as distinct individuals, balancing guidance with autonomy. This analogy extends to teaching, as educators similarly restrain their influence to foster student independence. This dynamic reflects an essential aspect of effective parenting: the ability to create environments that encourage personal growth while still imparting essential values and wisdom.
Confidence in Parenting
A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around cultivating parental confidence, as shared by Mrs. Jacobson. She recounts her upbringing in a loving Chabad household, where unconditional love provided a strong foundation for emotional security. This lack of overt emotional discourse was balanced by nurturing influences that fostered self-acceptance, enabling a resilient approach to life's challenges. The narrative emphasizes how this strong familial love contributes to developing confident children who thrive within their Jewish identities, countering the contemporary trend of heightened anxiety and insecurity.
Intergenerational Communication
The relationship between parents and children, particularly in navigating generational distinctions, is a prominent theme in the conversation. The Jacobson family's interactions reflect the essence of maintaining open dialogues that embrace differences rather than stifle them. Rabbi Simon Jacobson and his mother illustrate how their dialogue remains vibrant, allowing for exploration of topics like mental health, trauma, and life experiences. By creating these spaces for meaningful discussions, families can support growth and understanding across generations.
Lessons from Challenges
The podcast highlights the importance of learning from challenges faced by previous generations and how that shapes modern identities. Discussions touch on the profound experiences of Mrs. Jacobson growing up during difficult times in Russia and her resilience amid adversity. By juxtaposing her experiences with those of contemporary youth, the episode suggests that understanding historical struggles can provide strength and insight for today’s challenges. This perspective encourages families to draw on the lessons of resilience and faith that have been passed down through generations.
The Role of the Rebbe
Throughout the episode, the Rebbe's influence as a spiritual leader is depicted as a guiding force for both the individual and the collective. The concept of the Rebbe facilitating a connection to the divine reflects a mutual relationship where followers are inspired to embody the Rebbe's teachings in their everyday lives. After the Rebbe's passing, the conversation shifts toward how families adapt to this loss and continue to uphold his legacy through their actions and values. It reinforces the idea that the essence of the Rebbe lives on in the teachings and the ongoing commitment to Jewish life.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
An overarching narrative of balancing tradition with modernity emerges from the discourse, particularly in how families strive to maintain their cultural heritage in a contemporary context. The discussion raises questions about how to instill Jewish values amidst ever-changing societal norms and technological advancements. By addressing potential challenges parents face today, including emotional openness and generational gaps, the episode underscores the need for adaptability while remaining rooted in a rich legacy. The dialogue encourages finding ways to honor traditions while allowing younger generations to interpret and embody those traditions in their own authentic ways.
Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.
This episode is sponsored by an anonymous friend who supports our mission.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Simon Jacobson—a leading rabbi in the internet age who previously worked closely with the Lubavitcher Rebbe—and his mother, Silvia, who was born into a Chabad family in Europe nearly 90 years ago.
Together, they have witnessed and experienced the development of the Chabad movement and the Jewish People over several historic eras. In this episode we discuss:
How has Chabad managed to maintain continuity over wildly different generations and historical contexts?
What can the mystical notions of tzimtzum, concealment, and revelation teach us about parenting?
How has the way we talk about “trauma” evolved over generations?
Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can transmit tradition to our children with confidence and rootedness in order to find a dwelling place for God in every generation. Interview begins at 11:15. Rabbi Simon 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. 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. Rabbi Jacobson is a speaker, educator, and mentor.
