Welcome to the Aseret Podcast, where we learn about character, kindness, wisdom, and virtue from living examples of inspiring people, based on the ethical and moral vision of the Ten Commandments or the Aseret HadDibrot.
the Jewish tradition, learning wisdom is not just about intellectual knowledge, but rather integrating what we know into our lives. Ben Zoma, a great Jewish sage, famously taught: אֵיזֶהוּ עָשִׁיר, הַשָּׂמֵחַ בְּחֶלְקוֹ Who is rich? The person who is happy with his portion in life. One of the central human struggles is around being able to apply this wisdom. How many of us feel the richness and magic and blessing, a felt sense of appreciation for the life we live, and the relationships we have?
You are not alone. The Torah takes this issue very seriously. The 10th Dibber teaches us to לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ד, not to covet what is not yours to have. Instead, we are told to serve God with joy, עִבְד֣וּ אֶת הי בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה, which according to Rav Noach Weinberg zt’l, is an obligation. That said, how do we stay grateful, but also not complacent?
Our guest, Noey Jacobson reflects on this Dibber and how he works to overcome the negative elements of Lo Tachmod in his life while utilizing jealousy as a fuel for self-growth and betterment. Noey Jacobson is a musician, content creator, and entrepreneur. He is a founding member of the Maccabeats, performing with the group on six continents and producing music videos with over 100 million views. He also founded The Bardary Inc, a content marketing agency servicing clients in the entertainment, corporate, and non profit industries. Noey is currently pursuing his MBA at New York University, living in Manhattan with his wife Michali and their daughter Kira.
Most recently, he spent a year with Jewish Unpacked on a Ten Commandments video series, in collaboration with Aseret Global which you can find HERE. This series is eloquent, educational, exciting and entertaining.
I deeply appreciated and enjoyed my conversation with Noey. He was honest and authentic and full of wisdom and thoughtfulness. His approach to life and learning is so down to earth and humane. He is someone who is truly living with the Ten Commandments and finding its place in his life, each and every day.
As for the episode, we hope you find it meaningful! Click HERE to Listen, and don’t forget to subscribe.