Judaism Unbound Episode 555 - Everyday Mystics
In this episode, Lex Rofeberg and Miriam Terlinchamp introduce Everyday Mystics, a new podcast launching on this feed on October 7th, which tells the real stories of people who have had that turning. Small, ordinary moments that cracked open into something larger. Their stories of transformation weave Jewish wisdom bringing forward an old/ new way of understanding mystical experience and the everyday. These are stories of when the ordinary becomes sacred, the familiar becomes mysterious, and Judaism becomes beautifully unbound.
Miriam and Lex unpack what it means to be an “everyday mystic,” arguing that mystical experience doesn’t have to be extraordinary, it can emerge in a blood donation, a walk through a cemetery, or any moment when the boundary between the ordinary and something larger suddenly feels thinner. They share their own stories of finding Jewish meaning in unexpected experiences, illustrating how ancient wisdom can give language and practice to something we may already intuitively feel. Ultimately, Everyday Mystics invites listeners to recognize their own “burning bush” moments and discover how sharing those stories can become a source of Jewish wisdom for others.
[1] Head to JudaismUnbound.com/classes to check out our up upcoming courses in the UnYeshiva! Judaism Inbound (our intro to Judaism course) begins in just a few days, & other amazing learning opportunities! Financial aid is available.
[2] Moses and the Burning Bush — Exodus 3:1–6. This is the central metaphor for Everyday Mystics: Moses “turns aside” to notice the bush, which Miriam frames as a model for recognizing transformative moments already present in ordinary life.
[3] Ashrei / Psalm 145:16 — “Poteach et yadecha…” Lex discusses reciting this during blood donation: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
[4] “It’s all one, so we should act like it.” Miriam references Dan Libenson’s way of talking about oneness as a way into understanding mystical experience. Check out Episode 133 - God is One with Art Green to explore this idea further.
[5] Hasidism and Neo-Hasidism. Lex mentions both as Jewish mystical traditions that have shaped his understanding of mysticism.
[6] Rosh Chodesh. Miriam’s story of encountering David in the cemetery takes place on Rosh Chodesh, with the moonless darkness becoming part of the scene.