Nachi Gordon (born 1994) is an American Orthodox Jewish media entrepreneur and the founder of Meaningful Minute, a platform that delivers one-minute daily videos of inspiration and chizuk (spiritual encouragement) to subscribers worldwide. Based in Lawrence, New York, Gordon has been noted for his approach to Torah-centric content in the Jewish media landscape.[1] He is also the co-host of the Meaningful People Podcast, with over 250,000 subscribers on YouTube.[2]
Nachi Gordon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1994 (aged 29-30) New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Founder and CEO of Meaningful Minute |
| Known for | Meaningful Minute, Meaningful People Podcast |
Early life and background
editNachi Gordon was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in New York. His father, Larry Gordon, is the editor and publisher of the Five Towns Jewish Times, and his grandfather, Nison Gordon, was a correspondent for a Polish newspaper upon arriving in the United States.[3]
Career
editGordon founded Meaningful Minute in 2017, initially as a personal project to share daily inspiration with others. The platform grew from a small WhatsApp group to a wider media presence with thousands of subscribers. The initial concept consisted of one-minute long videos, featuring clips from well-known speakers in the Jewish world.[4]
Gordon's work with Meaningful Minute expanded as the platform gained traction. As of 2021, the company had seven employees, an app and the Meaningful People podcast, which Gordon co-hosts.[4] The podcast features in-depth interviews with influential figures in the Jewish community, such as Ben Shapiro, Amar'e Stoudemire, Yaakov Shwekey, and Nissim Black. In 2021, Gordon compiled some of the messages from the Meaningful Minute platform into a book, titled Meaningful Minute: A Collection of Inspiration. The book was published by ArtScroll.[5]
Public impact and influence
editIn addition to his media work, Gordon has used his platform to address issues within the Jewish community. In 2022, Gordon advocated for more regulation and oversight within the Jewish media landscape to ensure that content aligns with community values.[6] During the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, Gordon publicly urged members of the Orthodox Jewish community to be more sensitive in their social media posts, particularly regarding lavish vacations, while fellow Jews were suffering in Israel.[7]
Gordon has also been involved in other Jewish events and projects. In 2023 he partnered with the organizers of the Siyum HaRambam, an event celebrating the completion of the study of Maimonides' works, to vlog and live-stream the celebration.[8]
Controversies
editGordon faced public scrutiny related to his comments linking an Ishay Ribo concert to the coming of Moshiach. After attending a concert by the popular Jewish singer, Gordon posted on social media expressing that the event felt like a moment leading up to the days of Moshiach. This statement led to criticism from some who felt that his comments were exaggerated or inappropriate. In response, Gordon defended his remarks, emphasizing that the concert was a spiritually uplifting experience and arguing that such positive moments should be recognized and appreciated within the Jewish community.[9]
Personal life
editNachi Gordon resides in Lawrence, New York.[4] He has spoken openly about the influence of his family, particularly his father, Larry Gordon, in shaping his career path.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Bachrach, Rachel (2018-01-24). "In the Space of a Minute". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ "Meaningful People". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-09-19.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Gordon, Nachi; Bensoussan, Barbara (2024-04-16). "Excuse Me, Are You Jewish?". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-19.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b c Schwartz, Shloime (2021-09-30). "Nachi Gordon's Meaningful Minute // How He Created an Inspiration Engine". Ami Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ "Nachi Gordon – Inside Artscroll – Behind the Scenes". Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ Gordon, Nachi (2022-04-11). "Why Is This Okay?". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-19.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Green, Baruch (2024-02-08). "Nachi Gordon Urges Community Not to Flaunt Lavish Vacations on Social Media". VINnews. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ "Meaningful Minute's Nachi Gordon to Vlog Siyum for Viewers Worldwide". COLlive. 2023-05-17. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ Green, Baruch (2023-09-06). "WATCH: Nachi Gordon Defends Comments About Ishay Ribo Concert and Moshiach: 'Why can't we be positive?'". VINnews. Retrieved 2024-09-19.