18 Questions, 40 Mystics

What is taught today as basic science, argues Efraim Palvanov, was taught centuries ago in the Zohar. To Efraim, complex scientific functions such as quantum physics, epigenetics, and wave particle duality go hand in hand with Torah and Jewish mysticism.  Efraim Palvanov studied biology and chemistry at York University, earned a bachelor of education at University of Toronto, and studied at Aish H...

Fruma Schapiro’s connection to Jewish mysticism is deeply entrenched in Chabad Hasidism. She has seen the way it can transform lives and nourish souls, and she is particularly drawn to the idea that each and every person has a responsibility to spread a little more light in the world. Fruma Schapiro is a teacher in California. She teaches Judaic studies at Ohel Chana, a girls’ school in Los Angele...

In this insightful conversation, Rabbi YY Jacobson presents Jewish mysticism as a dynamic framework for consciousness and connection rather than abstract theology. He passionately and clearly illustrates how faith and, ultimately, surrender can redefine how we see ourselves, our pain, and the world around us.  Before the Lubavitcher Rabbi’s passing, Rabbi Jacobson served as one of his oral scribes...

For Rabbanit Oshra Koren, mysticism is the soul and spirit of the Torah that animates the "body" of Jewish law. It is a path of deep longing that wakes the sleeping heart, transforming the way we see ourselves and our capacity to heal the world. Rabbanit Oshra Koren is the founder and director of Matan HaSharon and the global Matan Mother–Daughter Bat Mitzvah program. A sought after speaker and ed...

For Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer, Jewish mysticism teaches us to recognize that nothing in this world is the way it appears to be. Kabbalistic study is a process in deconstructing something we think we understand and rebuilding it.  Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer has a PhD in Jewish Philosophy and currently teaches at Bar-Ilan University. Previously, Jonnie has served as advisor to the CEO of Taglit-Birthright Isra...

For Dina Etigson, encountering Jewish Mysticism has been a transformative experience. Beyond the academic and textual Judaism she already knew and loved, she describes the experience as entering “a different dimension,” where spirituality and intellectualism blends.  Dina Etigson is a teacher and a thinker in Israel. Now, she sits down with Rabbi Dr. Benji Levy to answer eighteen questions on Jewi...

For Dr. Biti Roi, the texts of Jewish mysticism aren’t just ideas to study – they are a life force. A renowned scholar of Zohar, Kabbala, and Chasidut [Hasidism], these texts are the animating energy behind Dr. Roi’s teaching and way of life.  Dr. Biti Roi is a fellow of the Kogod Research for Center Contemporary Jewish Thought and the academic coordinator and adviser for North American seminars a...

As director of the Gershom Scholem Collection for Kabbalah and Hasidism at the National Library of Israel, Rabbi Dr. Zvi Leshem dedicates much of his time to the study of Jewish mysticism. He believes Jewish mysticism teaches us to listen, uplift, and shape our world as part of our path towards redemption.  Rabbi Dr. Leshem received his PhD in Jewish Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University and is the...

For Devori Nussbaum, Jewish mysticism is the study of the soul behind the psyche, a transformative framework that integrates the profound spiritual truths of Chasidut [Hasidism] with insights of psychotherapy to foster personal healing and divine connection. Devori is an integrative psychotherapist who has trained in many different healing modalities including body psychotherapy, imago therapy, lo...

Rabbi Simon Jacobson describes his childhood years as being shaped by his nature of being a “skeptic and a seeker.” As he grew older, he began to study other traditions, eventually returning to a deeper study of Hasidic thought, where he found “the music of Judaism.” As he continued his studies, he became a close disciple of the Lubavitcher Rabbi, serving as one of his oral scribes.  Rabbi Simon J...

For Rabbi Jeremy Tibbetts, Jewish mysticism is all about turning inwards: both individually and religiously. While he did not grow up Orthodox, Rabbi Jeremy was exposed to Hasidic teachings for the first time at eighteen years old and found that there was something “deeply healing” about the Torah. Over the past decade, he has dedicated himself to studying mysticism and has grown fluent in the wri...

For Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky, Jewish mysticism is a living tradition, one that influences daily life and decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of loving-kindness and Jewish mysticism’s practical applications.  Yehudis Golshevsky is the founder and director of SHIVITI, a seminary in Jerusalem that emphasizes Chasidut [Hasidism] and musar classes to Torah-observant women of all ages and...

To Rabbi Shlomo Katz, the song of Torah is the most natural gateway into Jewish mysticism. A spiritual disciple of Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Shlomo believes that our greatest challenge today is that we lack the courage to connect with others and show our love.  Rabbi Shlomo Katz is the rabbi and spiritual leader of Kehilat Shirat David in Efrat and the head of Machon Zimrat Ha’aretz. He is also an a...

Tonia Chazanow believes everyone deserves to have access to Jewish mysticism because it is a tool through which each person can discover and understand the divinity in their own life and help others find theirs. Tonia Chazanow is a Los Angeles-based writer and poet. Along with teaching weekly Torah classes, she is also the founder and host of the Human and Holy, a podcast that explores Judaism and...

Rabbi Daniel Rowe sees Jewish mysticism as a path to deepen one’s relationship with God. He connects Jewish mysticism to the deeper dimensions of the Torah, viewing it as a unifying principle that integrates various aspects of Judaism such as its commandments and stories.  Formerly the executive director and senior educator at Aish UK, Rabbi Rowe holds a BA in philosophy from University College Lo...

For Rabbanit Shoshana Judelman, mysticism is a lens through which one can see through God’s reality and recognize the divine hand in world events and personal growth. Shoshana Judelman is a passionate educator of Torah and Jewish history. Shoshana serves as the Women’s Mashpia for Congregation Shirat David, is a guide at Yad Vashem and leads inspirational trips for women with JRoots through Europe...

Rabbi David Aaron first encountered Kabbala at the young age of eighteen. Now, kabbalistic thought is a central influence in his life, leading him to strive to see a “ray of godliness” within every person.  Rabbi David Aaron is the Co-Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Orayta and the author of eight books, including Seeing God and The Secret Life of God . He is also a noted teacher and international speaker...

As someone who has always been “anti-rational,” Dr. Ora Wiskind finds a world of deeper connection in Jewish mysticism. In particular, she is drawn to the study of Hasidism as a pathway to integrating spirituality into daily life.  Dr. Ora Wiskind holds a PhD in Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is the author of Hasidic Commentary on the Torah , Wisdom of the Heart: Th...

Professor Moshe Idel has always been curious about what he doesn’t know – it’s what drew him to the world of kabbalistic manuscripts, and ultimately it is what led him to become a philosopher of Jewish mysticism.  Moshe Idel is professor emeritus of Jewish Thought at Hebrew University and a Senior Research Fellow at Hartman Institute. His PhD focuses on the thirteenth century kabbalist Abraham Abu...

A lifelong seeker of truth, Dr. Chava Green has always been drawn to exploring the complexities of the world. As a college student she explored different areas of thought, eventually learning more about Judaism and strengthening her Jewish identity. In turn, Chava's journey guided her to the rich tradition of Jewish mysticism. Chava Green is the founder of The Hasidic Feminist Platform. She comple...

Rabbi Shais Taub’s study of mysticism began with a deep dive into the book of Tanya . Now, he believes that mysticism serves as a practical guide for everyday life, one founded in spiritual principles.  Rabbi Shais Taub is a renowned teacher and noted speaker in the field of addiction recovery. He is the author of God of Our Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction and the cr...

What does it mean to live a Judaism that fits into our lives? David Bashevkin explores the meeting point of mysticism and modernity.  The founder of 18Forty, Rabbi Dr. David Bashevkin is the director of education at NCSY as well as an instructor at Yeshiva University. He is the author of four books, and has been rejected from many prestigious fellowships and awards. Now, he joins us to answer eigh...

Whether through the lens of Tanach or Maimonides, Rabbi Kook or the Zohar, Rabbanit Shani Taragin believes that the layers of the Torah form a unified language of divine intimacy.  Shani directs and teaches in Israel and worldwide. She currently serves on the advisory committee for the Mizrachi Olami Shalhevet program, as Rosh Beit Midrash for the women in Yeshiva University’s new academic program...

Rabbi Moshe Gersht first encountered the world of Chassidus at the age of twenty, the beginning of what he terms his “spiritual awakening.” From there, he began to dive deep into Jewish mysticism, viewing it as a unified system that shows that there is meaning to reality.  Rabbi Moshe Gersht grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He is the author of  It’s All The Same To Me an...

What does it mean to experience God as lived reality? Mrs. Suri Weingot reframes spirituality not as something hidden or elite but as something pulsing through every blade of grass, every Hebrew letter, and every human relationship. Mrs. Suri Weingot is a senior educator in TMM High School and gives classes and lectures to women across the community. She runs a community mentoring program that ena...