Dear Friends,
As we close out this past Hebrew year and prepare to enter the new year, our hearts are filled with a complex mix of emotions. The anniversary of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, otherwise known to the world as October 7th, is a day etched in our memories—a day that tested our strength, unity, and compassion. A day that was filled with such horror, grief and unimaginable sorrow that many families are still living with today. Collectively we continue to mourn.
And yet, when I look back, I also see a day that revealed the depth of our collective soul and the incredible potential we possess to rise above adversity.
On that fateful day, we were called upon to face something beyond ourselves, beyond our personal lives and struggles.
And how did we respond? With courage, with kindness, and with a deep sense of responsibility to one another. In the face of difficulty, we did not cower; we stood tall, shoulder to shoulder, and transformed uncertainty into action, fear into faith, and hardship into healing.
As the brave soldiers are doing their physical part of fighting this war, I, together with my team at the Meaningful Life Center, have been vigilantly fighting the spiritual front of the war with every possible resource at our disposal.
Please go here to see a summary of this year’s MLC impressive achievements.
Thank you for your partnership in this vital effort, without which we could not have accomplished our work. Through ongoing classes, articles, seminars, worldwide lectures, training, counseling, book distributions and so much more, we have risen to the occasion, not only out of necessity but out of an inherent sense of morality and goodness; reminding each other—and the world—that even in the darkest times, the human spirit has the capacity to shine its brightest.
And that is perhaps the greatest lesson we can take forward as we mark this day. Each challenge we encounter is not just a test, but an opportunity to reveal our deeper selves, to uncover the reservoirs of strength, compassion, and faith that lie within. Our history has always taught us that while we cannot control the winds of change, we can control how we set our sails. And together, we continue to navigate this storm with strength, perseverance and resilience.
As we commemorate this anniversary, let us not only reflect on the trials but also on the triumphs of the human spirit.
I, for one, am committed to continue being a voice of strength, reason, clarity and hope in these times of uncertainty, difficulty and chaos. And I am confident that you will continue to be a shining light as well.
With the growing need and demand due to the escalating upheaval, we need your support now more than ever. As we approach this new year, please donate generously to ensure that we can continue fighting the spiritual battle.
May we continue to be a source of strength and support for one another, and may the year ahead bring healing, peace, and blessings to all.
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,
Rabbi Simon Jacobson
