"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." – Pablo Picasso. What if you could discover not only your gift but how to live it out in every facet of your life? This is the challenge and the promise of Simon Jacobson’s Toward a Meaningful Life, a book rooted in the profound teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Let’s explore its key themes and how they can inspire you to lead a life rich in purpose and impact.

The Core of Meaningful Living

1. You Are Inherently Valuable

Imagine this: every individual is created in the image of G-d. That’s not just poetic sentiment—it’s a mandate. Jacobson underscores that your uniqueness isn’t random; it’s integral to a divine purpose. As he puts it:

“Each of us was created in G-d’s image, and we must live up to that fact.”

This isn’t about self-esteem fluff. It’s about embracing responsibility. When you acknowledge your worth, you’re not just accepting yourself—you’re committing to fulfill your unique role in the world.

2. Bridging Body and Soul

In an age obsessed with either physical fitness or spiritual enlightenment, Jacobson argues for balance. Chabad Chassidus teaches that the body and soul are not rivals but partners:

“Chabad Chassidus creates a synergy of body and soul, helping make G-d as real to us as the air we breathe.”

What does this mean in practice? It’s about seeing your daily routines—exercise, work, even eating—as opportunities for spiritual connection.

3. Goodness Is Transformative

Here’s a radical idea: evil isn’t an active force. It’s the absence of good. This simple yet profound concept shifts our focus from combating darkness to spreading light. Jacobson reminds us:

“Evil is dispelled in the light of goodness.”

Kindness isn’t just nice—it’s revolutionary. Every good deed tips the scales, transforming both the doer and the world.

Navigating Life's Stages

Life isn’t a straight path. It’s a series of stages, each with its own challenges and opportunities. Jacobson offers guidance for every step.

Birth and Youth

You weren’t born by chance. You were chosen. Jacobson writes:

“Your birth was not an accident; G-d chooses each of us to fulfill a specific mission.”

Youth is fiery, restless, full of potential. Harness that fire, Jacobson advises, not to burn out but to build something lasting.

Marriage, Love, and Intimacy

Love isn’t just romance—it’s sacred. Jacobson emphasizes:

“A successful marriage depends on inviting G-d into the relationship.”

This means valuing not just physical attraction but spiritual partnership. Intimacy isn’t merely physical; it’s a reflection of divine connection.

Home and Family

A home isn’t just walls and a roof—it’s a lighthouse.

“Your home should become a light that illuminates the entire street and community.”

Family isn’t perfect, but it’s powerful. Nurturing these bonds creates the foundation for a meaningful life.

Health and Fitness

Physical and spiritual well-being are intertwined. Jacobson notes:

“A sound body depends on a sound soul.”

This isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s about aligning your actions with your deeper values. Even during illness, faith and trust in G-d can provide profound strength.

Fear and Anxiety

In a world filled with uncertainty, how do we cope? Jacobson offers a perspective shift:

“When you place absolute trust in G-d, even your most serious fears will dissipate in the crisp light of clarity.”

Fear isn’t vanquished by control but by surrender—acknowledging that you’re part of something larger.

Timeless Teachings for a Modern World

The Feminine Era

Jacobson writes:

“We now stand at the beginning of the feminine era, when women will rise to their true prominence.”

This isn’t about competition between genders. It’s about harmony—recognizing the strengths of both men and women and working together for a more balanced world.

Technology as Divine Creation

We often think of technology as human ingenuity. Jacobson flips this, seeing it as a divine tool:

“Technology taps the divine forces present in nature from the moment of creation.”

But tools are neutral. Whether they build or destroy depends on us. Mindful use of technology can elevate, not degrade, our lives.

Redemption and Purpose

What’s the point of it all? Jacobson ties it together with the Rebbe’s vision:

“G-d desired to have an abode in the lower worlds… to refine and perfect the material world and make it a home for G-d.”

This isn’t abstract theology. It’s a call to action. Your purpose is to elevate the world—through good deeds, relationships, and even mundane tasks.

The Rebbe’s Legacy

Is the Rebbe the Messiah? Jacobson leaves that question to you. But one thing is clear: his teachings inspire action. As Jacobson concludes:

“The Rebbe’s teachings encourage a life of purpose, action, and unwavering faith in G-d’s plan.”

Living Meaningfully: Your Next Step

Reading about purpose is one thing. Living it is another. Start small. Reflect on your unique mission. Do a single act of goodness today. Find the sacred in the mundane.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Chabad Chassidus: A branch of Hasidic Judaism focused on studying the esoteric and spiritual dimension of Torah, aiming to make mystical teachings accessible to all.
• Mitzvoth: Commandments and good deeds prescribed by Jewish law, considered essential for fulfilling G-d's purpose.
• Redemption: The ultimate goal of achieving spiritual freedom and revealing G-dliness in the world.
• Torah: The five books of Moses, considered the foundation of Jewish law and tradition.
• Body and Soul: Two interconnected aspects of a human being, representing the physical and spiritual dimensions.
• Intimacy: A state of deep connection and shared vulnerability, transcending mere physical needs and promoting spiritual unity.
• Sanctity of Sexuality: The concept of approaching sexuality with respect and awe, recognizing its power and potential for both positive and negative consequences.
• Home and Family: Foundational elements for creating a secure space for kindness, nurturing relationships, and establishing a legacy of positive impact.
• Science and Technology: Expressions of G-dliness in the physical world, offering insights into the divine blueprint and providing tools for refining and perfecting the material realm.
• Unity: The fundamental interconnectedness of all things, ultimately rooted in the oneness of G-d.
• Good and Evil: Forces in the world, with evil representing the absence of good and serving as a challenge to choose a virtuous path.
• Miracles: Events that defy natural laws, demonstrating G-d's intervention in the world and reminding us of the power of faith.
• Messianic Age: A future era characterized by global peace, harmony, and the full revelation of G-dliness.
• G-d: The absolute reality, the source of all creation, whose presence can be accessed by suspending egocentricity and embracing a life of virtue and purpose.