As the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches, the world continues to grapple with uncertainty and faces escalating global upheavals alongside deepening political divides, making the need for stability increasingly critical. This Sunday, Sept. 22, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, a distinguished speaker, educator, and mentor, will discuss how ancient Jewish teachings can address these modern challenges in St. Louis.
“What better way to approach these issues than by going back to Jewish sources? What has given us strength and resilience over thousands of years when we faced different challenges—some very harsh challenges?” said Rabbi Jacobson.
“One People, One Heart”
The St. Louis Chabad Centers invite the community to join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for “One People, One Heart,” a pre-High Holiday lecture inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
Rabbi Yosef Landa, Regional Director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, adds, “The Rebbe taught that as Jews we are identical in our essential Jewishness, and that we each inherently possess the potential to change the world for the better, one good deed at a time. The Rebbe’s teachings reach beyond our external identities.”
Jacobson emphasizes that familiarity with Schneerson’s teachings is not required to benefit from the event.
“We are more alike than we are different. We are all indispensable, like musical notes in a grand composition, and we need each other regardless of background—affiliated or unaffiliated, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, or of no denomination. We’re all human beings, created equal and part of God’s larger plan. Let’s come together, synergize, and enrich each other’s lives. This is my invitation to everyone.”
Rabbi Landa comments on the timeliness of this gathering: “The Rebbe taught us that every association between people, every moment in which we interact with G-d’s world, is deserving of our undivided attention and our wholehearted effort. As we mark 30 years since his passing and as we prepare for the High Holidays, this event will be an opportunity to recommit to these transformative teachings.”
A message of hope
Rabbi Jacobson, who is based in New York City, is currently touring American cities, trying to articulate a sense of hope in each city he speaks to.
“I want people to feel empowered, not victimized, capable of influencing their destiny through positive actions like mitzvahs, Torah study, and acts of kindness and charity,” said Jacobson. “In these uncertain times, we must not feel paralyzed but proactive, transforming our community by reaching out, fostering forgiveness, and spreading gratitude. By being proactive, not merely reactive, we turn adversity into opportunity, darkness into light. That’s the essence of our gathering.”
An Evening with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
What: “One People, One Heart: Optimism in a World of Uncertainty”
Where: The J – Creve Coeur, Staenberg Family Complex, St. Louis, MO.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Admission: Suggested voluntary donation of $18.
More Info: Reservations can be made at ShowMeChabad.com.
More Upcoming Speakers in St. Louis
- One Night Only: Uri Goldflam gives his insider’s view on Israel conflict in St. Louis
- He faced terrorists and booby traps—now Arky Staiman’s shares his incredible journey in St. Louis
