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.
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Sylvia's Childhood
Sylvia Jacobson was born in Kutaisi, Georgia, in 1935 to a Chabad family.
Despite fleeing Russia during childhood, she doesn't recall experiencing trauma.
insights INSIGHT
Parental Protection
Sylvia Jacobson attributes her lack of trauma to her parents' love and protection.
Their faith and nurturing environment shielded her from the harsh realities.
insights INSIGHT
Unexpressed Trauma
Simon Jacobson observed that his parents didn't express trauma openly.
He wonders if their faith helped them transcend or compartmentalize difficult experiences.
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Kabbalah and the Rupture of Modernity in Existential History of Chabad Hasidim
Kabbalah and the Rupture of Modernity in Existential History of Chabad Hasidim
Rabbi Eli Rubin
The Way of All Flesh
Samuel Butler
Written between 1873 and 1884, 'The Way of All Flesh' is a semi-autobiographical novel by Samuel Butler that attacks the hypocrisy of the Victorian era. The story, narrated by Overton, traces four generations of the Pontifex family, focusing on the central character Ernest Pontifex. Ernest's life is marked by an antagonistic relationship with his parents, his theological struggles, and his eventual rejection of Christianity. The novel was published posthumously in 1903 and has been recognized as a significant critique of Victorian society, influencing many writers and contributing to the development of early twentieth-century modernist fiction.
Vanity Fair 1911
Doran Shoemaker
Toward a Meaningful Life
Rabbi Simon Jacobson
Toward a Meaningful Life is a thought-provoking and inspirational guide that draws upon Jewish wisdom and spiritual teachings to provide practical advice on how to live a more meaningful life. The book covers a wide range of topics including relationships, success, faith, and personal growth, using real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate its points. It emphasizes the importance of community and connection, encouraging readers to seek out meaningful relationships and use their talents to make a positive impact. The book is based on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and offers guidance on bridging the divisions between technology and morality, and between global unity and personal disunity.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas père
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.
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