Toward a Meaningful Life

Toward a Meaningful Life is a book authored by Chabad Hasidic writer Simon Jacobson.^[1] The book became the basis of a six-part course titled Toward a Meaningful Life: A Soul-Searching Journey for Every Jew by the Jewish Learning Institute.^[2] The book elucidates the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe of Chabad.^[3]

Toward a Meaningful Life

Author	Simon Jacobson
Original title	Toward a Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Language	English
Subject	Jewish thought, Chassidism
Genre	Non-fiction
Published	1995, William Morrow (first edition), Harper Collins
Publication place	United States
ISBN	9780688141967

Concepts

Toward a Meaningful Life expounds on ideas in Chabad philosophy and especially the teachings of the seventh Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

One of the central concepts explored by Jacobson is the soul. According to Jacobson, the soul is divine energy, "the flame of God," "a little piece of the infinite that lies within you."^[4]

Faith is considered a central component for the social order. According to the book, life without faith would be "a random series of logical and illogical errors."^[3]

Giving charity is seen by Jacobson as more than a physical act. Becoming a giver and a contributor to life sanctifies one's life, as the giver has the potential to become a partner in the creation and development of the universe.^[5]

References

1. "Simon Jacobson". The Algemeiner Journal. Accessed April 1, 2014.
2. Brackman, Benjy. "JLI Offers “Toward a Meaningful Life” Class." Boulder Jewish News. Jan. 25, 2011.
3. "Toward a Meaningful Life:The Wisdom of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson" Kirkus Reviews. Accessed April 1, 2014.
4. Berke, Joseph H., and Stanley Schneider. "The self and the soul." Mental Health, Religion & Culture 9, no. 4 (2006): 333-354. (registration required)
5. Silberman, Israela. "COMMENTARY: Spiritual Role Modeling: The Teaching of Meaning Systems." The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion 13, no. 3 (2003): 175-195.