Rabbi YY Jacobson: Why So Many People Feel Empty Today

Rabbi YY Jacobson: Why So Many People Feel Empty Today

Author: Meaningful Minute May 23, 2026 Duration: 1:36:08

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast,  and  dive into one of the biggest struggles facing the Jewish world today: are we creating people who truly think, feel, and connect… or are we just creating followers? From anxiety and burnout to authenticity, leadership, inner purpose, and the fear-based versions of Yiddishkeit many people quietly wrestle with, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level inspiration. Rabbi YY Jacobson challenges listeners to stop seeing themselves as powerless products of "the system" and instead rediscover the "prophet" inside every Jew. 

 

The episode also explores painful but deeply relevant topics like division within the Jewish community, trauma, parenting, mental health, spirituality, and why so many young people feel disconnected despite living more comfortable lives than any previous generation. Rabbi YY shares powerful insights about anxiety, ego, relationships, healing, and what it really means to have a relationship with Hashem that brings a person alive instead of consuming them. This is one of the most raw, philosophical, and emotionally charged conversations we've ever had, and one that will challenge the way you think about Judaism, identity, and yourself. 



This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals

 

Download the app and never pay full price again!

 

https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 

 

_________________

 

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

 

The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 

https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful

 

_________________

 

► EL AL

From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing:  "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."

Book your next flight with EL AL:
https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm_source=meaningful&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gcny_incoming_usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa

_________________

 

► Kosher Klaf

 

This episode is brought to you by Kosher Klaf. Head over to KosherKlaf.com or call 516-737-5436 to check out their incredible selection. Plus, use coupon code meaningfulminute at checkout for free shipping!

 

_________________

 

► Ness Vacation Homes

 

EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION 

Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.

OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE 

Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.

 

https://nessvacationhomes.com/

 

_________________

 

► Town Appliance

 

Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

 

https://www.townappliance.com

https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

 


Every week, Nachi and Momo sit down for a conversation that feels more like a discovery than an interview. Their Meaningful People podcast explores the journeys of fascinating individuals from across the Jewish world, though you don't need to be Jewish to find their stories compelling. These are artists, educators, thinkers, and community builders-people whose lives are driven by purpose. Each episode delves into the personal turning points, challenges, and inspirations that shaped them, moving beyond public personas to reveal the real human experience behind them. You’ll hear conversations that are as likely to be funny and lighthearted as they are profound and reflective, offering a genuine sense of connection. This isn't about abstract ideas, but about the lived wisdom that comes from a life examined. Tune in for a weekly dose of perspective that feels both uplifting and grounding, a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to a meaningful life. From Meaningful Minute, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of spirituality, self-improvement, and education, all through the power of personal narrative.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Meaningful People
Podcast Episodes
Mendel Mintz | "We Just Wanted To Build a Family" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:25
In this deeply personal conversation, Mendel Mintz shares his journey of growing up in Crown Heights with a lifelong physical disability, building a life of community impact, and finding unexpected love with his wife, Mi…
Why the Frum World Is Becoming Financially Unsustainable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:04
In this Meaningful People episode, financial advisor Moshe Alpert and community advocate Shmuly Hartstein unpack why many frum "middle‑class" families earning $200–300K still feel underwater—tuition that rivals a salary,…
The Shidduch System May Be Broken. Adina Reich Has a Solution. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:43
In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, veteran shadchan Adina Reich traces the evolution of the shidduch system — from handwritten index cards to WhatsApp chats — and reflects on the hopes, heartbreak, and faith…
Our Most REPLAYED Moments Ever (You'll See Why) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:38
The Meaningful People Podcast had hundreds of incredible moments but some stood out above the rest. In this special episode, we're looking back at the most rewatched clips that YOU couldn't stop sharing. From miraculous…
Rachel Tuchman: Ozempic, Weight Loss, and Our Community's Obsession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:21
In this eye-opening conversation, therapist Rachel Tuchman dives deep into the way we talk about food, body image, and health in the frum community — and why it matters more than we think. From Yom Tov tables filled with…
R' Shoff Q&A on the Campus Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
Rabbi Elchanan Shoff visits the campus where Charlie Kirk was tragically shot to host an open Ask Me Anything with students. In this powerful and candid conversation, he answers tough questions about Judaism, Israel, ant…
Gila's Story: A Father's Mission to Save Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:32
In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Hammer opens up about his daughter Gila—her vibrant spirit, her struggles following a traumatic assault, and the painful journey that led to her tragic passing. He shares stories…
From Puerto Rico to Satmar: Malkie Wiener's Improbable Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:00
In this inspiring episode, Malkie Weiner shares her extraordinary life story: from her Catholic upbringing in Puerto Rico, to her family's unexpected spiritual search, their conversion to Judaism, and their eventual inte…