Why has Israel—and Jerusalem in particular—been at the center of conflict for thousands of years?
In this episode of Toward a Meaningful Life Podcast, David Cohen and Levi Goldstein explore Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s fascinating perspective on the deeper historical and spiritual roots of the conflicts surrounding the Holy Land.
Tracing the story back to Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, and Esau, we explore how ancient family tensions evolved into larger religious and ideological struggles—and why Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have all remained deeply connected to Israel and Jerusalem.
But this conversation goes beyond history and geopolitics. At its heart is a timeless question: How do we remain passionate about what we believe without allowing that passion to become destructive?
Drawing on the Kabbalistic principles of Chesed (love), Gevurah (discipline), and Tiferet (harmony), Rabbi Jacobson presents a powerful vision for transforming conflict—not by abandoning conviction, but by channeling it toward love, morality, responsibility, and ultimately peace.
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