When Mysticism Goes Mainstream — with Daniel Matt

About this episode

The episode explores the implications of mainstreaming mystical traditions, particularly in relation to Jewish mysticism and self-reflection.

When a mystical tradition meant for an elite few becomes a popular spiritual practice — what is gained and what is lost? In this episode of Identity/Crisis, guest host Deborah Barer is joined by scholar of Kabbalah Daniel Matt for a conversation about the Omer and the modern turn toward mindfulness and self‑improvement. Tracing the journey of the Zohar from esoteric text to widely accessible guide, they explore what is gained—and what may be lost—when contemplations of the divine are redirected inward, toward the self. Along the way, they ask how Jewish mysticism understands responsibility, ethics, and community, and what it might mean to carry “new ancient words” from the wilderness of the Omer toward revelation at Sinai. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week: Learn how Hartman is building the pipeline of young Jewish leadership.

People in this episode

Host: Deborah Barer

Guest: Daniel Matt

Topics covered

• mysticism
• Kabbalah
• mindfulness
• self-improvement
• Jewish ethics
• community

Keywords

• mysticism
• Kabbalah
• Zohar
• Omer
• mindfulness
• self-improvement
• Jewish ethics
• community

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Zohar, Omer

Places: Sinai

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