Yiscah SmithEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this special Morning Minyan, Rabbi Lizzi is joined by Jerusalem-based thought leader, spiritual activist, and author Yiscah Smith for a discussion of her new book, Planting Seeds of the Divine: Torah Commentaries . Yiscah will be returning to Chicago for Pride Weekend in June and doing an in-person talk at Mishkan, so this minyan is a teaser for that visit, as well as a spiritual boost to enliven your day! **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar , and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today . https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/ Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss. Transcript

Shabbat Teaching with Scholar-In-Residence, Yiscah Smith, in discussion with Rabbi Rebecca Schatz, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, November 22, 2025. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Yiscah Smith.

Scholar-In-Residence Yischa Smith's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, November 22, 2025. (Youtube) Special Guest: Yiscah Smith.

Yiscah Smith joins us to reflect on a lifetime of transformation—from the suburban landscapes of 1950s America to the spiritual terrain of modern Israel, where her search for meaning has unfolded across decades.Her latest work, Planting Seeds of the Divine: Torah Commentaries to Cultivate Your Spiritual Practice (University of Nebraska Press), gathers the wisdom of her experience into a meditation on what it means to live consciously. Having spent seventeen years immersed in the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic world, Smith came to recognize that ritual without sincerity leads to silence of the heart. Her decision to leave that world was not a rejection of Judaism, but a return to its essence—a rediscovery of the living spark that connects the individual soul to the Divine.With rare clarity, Yiscah speaks of faith as an embodied awareness—a way of seeing that restores dignity, meaning, and connection in an age of dislocation. Her life’s work is a testament to the quiet strength of authenticity and to the enduring human desire to find God not in heaven, but within the soul’s own language. Get full access to SOOPMedia on Substack at soopllc.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Created in the Image of God at wadefransson.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Sacred Harmony, host Aanya is joined by spiritual teacher and author Yiscah Smith to explore the heart of her new book Planting Seeds of the Divine. Together, they reflect on Jewish contemplative practice, inner gardening, and how ancient texts can offer spiritual nourishment in our modern lives. Yiscah shares the inspiration behind her book—her personal garden in Jerusalem—and how nature revealed the divine to her in everyday life. This rich, soulful conversation invites listeners to discover stillness, presence, and connection—regardless of where they are on their spiritual path. About the Guest: Yiscah Smith is a spiritual teacher, author, and founder of Conscious Community National in Judaism. Based in Jerusalem, she is known for weaving Jewish mystical teachings with personal experience to cultivate inner awareness and divine connection. Her latest book Planting Seeds of the Divine offers weekly Torah teachings as seeds for soul work and spiritual reflection. Key Takeaways: Spiritual presence can be cultivated like a garden—daily, slowly, and with attention. Even spiritually disconnected individuals can reconnect through 5–7 minutes of daily solitude. Jewish mystical texts offer tools for internal transformation, not just intellectual study. The seasons and sacred Jewish holidays mirror cycles of spiritual renewal and growth. The soul connects us all—like unseen roots intertwining beneath the surface Connect with Yiscah Smith: Visit yiscahsmith.com to learn more about her teachings, events, and publications. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Tune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! •⁠ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife •⁠ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod •⁠ Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod •⁠ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind •⁠ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness\ ★ Support this podcast ★

Can you point to Hashem? Is he up? Down? Left? Right? All of those directions are correct. We've heard that G-d is everywhere. So if he, or it, is everywhere and we can't see it, how can we believe it? Where's the proof? A majority of studies led by top scientists have pointed to G-d not existing. The religious leadership of our world attempts to disprove science's theory... but isn't doing particularly well. What are we supposed to believe? An even bigger question to ask: If G-d exists but doesn't do anything to enforce consequences, then why should I be expected to connect with him? Spiritual activist, Yiscah Smith, calls in from Jerusalem to confront these big questions and give context to the history. What seems simple is met with a nuanced response stemming from the holistic view of the movements within the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. Now coming in for her second appearance on Bad Jew, Smith teach Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, a few things about connection, awareness, soul, and Torah. About Yiscah Smith: Yiscah is a thought leader, spiritual activist and agent of change who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within --- the foundation of authentic living. In fact, Yiscah views Judaism as a spiritual practice. She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings to inform and uplift her students and audiences, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of authenticity. Encouraging, ennobling and empowering others to carve their own paths and to cultivate the integrity to remain faithful to their unique paths is indeed her passion and inner calling. You can hear her podcasts teachings at: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library. Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies - http://www.pardes.org.il/ and at Applied Jewish Spirituality - https://www.appliedjewishspirituality.org/. She has also founded and directs Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat in-person spiritual gatherings, virtual guided meditation sits and spiritual text classes. In addition Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Yiscah has earned a reputation as a sought-after inspiring international public speaker. Connect with Yiscah Smith: Website: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring Podcast: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Yiscah Smith is a religious leader based in Jerusalem, Israel. After living in such a pivotal time, studying Judaism changes and personal pathways became her calling. Yiscah jumps onto the Bad Jew podcast to remind you that you are not a bad Jew for independently discovering yourself while doing what makes sense for you Jewishly. Don't just do Jewish. BE Jewish. BIO: Yiscah is a spiritual activist, educator, mentor, and meditation guide, who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within and beyond. She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings to inspire her students, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of truth and integrity. She encourages, empowers and ennobles others to remain faithful to their unique spiritual paths. Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and at Applied Jewish Spirituality. She has also founded Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat spiritual gatherings. In addition, Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Connect with Yiscah Smith: Website: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring Podcast: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith. From Yiscah: In Conversation With Rabbi Daniel Silverstein . What a wonderful conversation with an inspiring visionary and compassionate voice of change. Rav Daniel manifests refreshing positive and optimistic energies as he views Judaism as a spiritual practice. I hope you are inspired by and that you feel supported and encouraged by his words. From Yiscah: "I would also like to remind you that my spiritual mentoring practice always has room for "one more" client. At your convenience, please review the type of spiritual mentorship, guidance, and companionship that I offer here: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring " You are all warmly invited to book a complimentary introductory 20-minute assessment session with me. This allows both you and me an opportunity to connect further and for you to have a better idea of what I provide. Then you can better decide if this may be what you are seeking along your spiritual journey. Please email Yiscah to confirm your time if this interests you. Enjoy the outdoors in the ways that bring you happiness, calmness, and a sense of wonder at the many manifestations of the Divine's creations. Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith. From Yiscah: In Conversation With Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy . This unique and refreshing Rabbi, Educator and Director of the Year Program at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies speaks about the need for the "radical center" to come together. From Yiscah: "I would also like to remind you that my spiritual mentoring practice always has room for "one more" client. At your convenience, please review the type of spiritual mentorship, guidance, and companionship that I offer here: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring " You are all warmly invited to book a complimentary introductory 20-minute assessment session with me. This allows both you and me an opportunity to connect further and for you to have a better idea of what I provide. Then you can better decide if this may be what you are seeking along your spiritual journey. Please email Yiscah to confirm your time if this interests you. Enjoy the outdoors in the ways that bring you happiness, calmness, and a sense of wonder at the many manifestations of the Divine's creations. Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith. From Yiscah: With gratitude to our Creator and to all of you for your ongoing support and listenership, this new podcast episode #44, Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah celebrates four years since its inception. WOW!! This is radically amazing. And to celebrate radical amazement, this podcast I was in conversation with Rav Ari Ze'ev Schwartz. Meet and learn from this incredibly inspiring educator and author of "The Spiritual Revolution of Rav Kook: The Writings of a Jewish Mystic," as he addresses inner revolutionary changes and Rav Kook's "The Four Part Song" that we all may sing along our life journeys. I hope that all of you become inspired in your own unique ways. If you would like to be in touch with Rav Ari Schwartz, his email address is contact@arizeev.com . I would also like to remind you that my spiritual mentoring practice always has room for "one more" client. At your convenience, please review the type of spiritual mentorship, guidance, and companionship that I offer here: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring You are all warmly invited to book a complimentary introductory 20-minute assessment session with me. This allows both you and me an opportunity to connect further and for you to have a better idea of what I provide. Then you can better decide if this may be what you are seeking along your spiritual journey. Please email me to confirm your time if this interests you. Enjoy the outdoors in the ways that bring you happiness, calmness, and a sense of wonder at the many manifestations of the Divine's creations. Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith . From Yiscah: "The first ordained female Orthodox rabbi post-shoah. A voice of change that the world needs to hear. Her calling brings spiritual awareness to others, encouragement and passionate scholarship with compassion and care." Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith . From Yiscah: "The first ordained female Orthodox rabbi post-shoah. A voice of change that the world needs to hear. Her calling brings spiritual awareness to others, encouragement and passionate scholarship with compassion and care." Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith . From Yiscah: "Meet the founder of Ayeka's "Becoming a Soulful Parent" program. Dasee's groundbreaking approach to education understands parenting as a spiritual practice." Dasee recently taught a 3-part series of the same name of her book and program. You can find all episodes for streaming on Pardes's YouTube Channel . Be sure to subscribe! Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith . From Yiscah: "Nechama Goldman Barash is a role model for spiritual authentic living, a dedicated Torah scholar and educator specializing in matters of gender and Jewish law AND an activist in interfaith dialogue promoting non violence and understanding between Israeli and Palestinian communities." Nechama is a member of the Pardes faculty and a frequent member of our digital learning and podcasts. You can hear other teachings from Nechama by clicking here . Additionally, Nechama will be directing this winter's Pardes Learning Seminar: "Who Am I?: The Complexity of Identity in the 21st Century." The Seminar dates are December 27-31. For more details, including the schedule and how to register, please visit the Pardes website . As with this past summer's seminar, this will be on zoom, so it is globally accessible for all wanting to participate and benefit from this incredibly inspiring program. Yiscah will be teaching as well and how special it will be to learn from both of these scholars. Please consider taking advantage of this special opportunity. Winter Pardes Learning Seminar Details Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media

The podcast was originally produced by the Society of Independent Spirituality, and Rabbi Ari Ze'ev Schwartz. You can listen to more SIS interviews (some including Pardes students) online . To download more digital content from Yiscah Smith or to visit her patreon page, please visit her author page on Elmad . This podcast was originally produced in 8 parts, with each part focused on one question and topic. * Friends and Teachers * Suffering * Mitzvot * The student teacher * Soul Desires * Kabalat Atzmi vs Tikun Atzmi * Feminine and Masculine Spirituality * Personal Goals Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write us at: elmad@pardes.org.il . We appreciate you leaving us a review with 5-stars if you enjoy these podcasts. For more information about Pardes, visit our website www.pardes.org.il . Credits Yiscah Smith - Faculty Host and interviewee Rabbi Ari Ze'ev Schwartz – Interviewer Adam Titcher – Executive Producer and Director of Digital Media

This podcast includes personal conversations, about nine different relevant and spiritual topics, between Yiscah Smith and Rabbi Ari Ze'ev Schwartz, co-founder of the Society of Independent Spirituality. *This podcast was originally published on YouTube but then republished as a compilation podcast at elmad.pardes.org , by the Pardes Intitute of Jewish Studies.*

In the last episode of this season, join us and explore how the well-known and highly respected teacher and spiritual mentor Yiscah Smith found inspiration in the writings of Rav Kook to live in the tension between the demands of traditional Judaism and the truth in her own heart. Yiscah offers us the opportunity to think about how personal integrity and authenticity are an essential part of a meaningful Jewish life. See www.elmad.pardes.org/thispardeslife for other episodes in this series.

In this, the final episode of Rav Kook on the Haggadah, Yiscah Smith explores the deeper spiritual meanings of Maror & Koreich, 2 essential steps in moving into the space of freedom, abundance and expanded consciousness. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Hagadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Rachtsah/Motsi/Matsah - The spiritual meanings of these 3 interwoven essential steps in the Pesach Seder; examining the deeper insights. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Hagadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Magid: Raban Gamliel used to say...Spiritual insights on the significance of the requirement to address "Pesach, Matzah & Maror" at the Seder. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Hagadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Magid: "Pakod Pakadeti - I have surely remembered." Exploring the two remembrances. Who is remembering? What is the connection to longing to reclaim what we once had. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Hagadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Magid: Going out with Great Wealth; understanding why God asks Moshe to "please" coax the Children of Israel to ask the Egyptians for their silver and gold, rather than command them; a freed slave desires only to be released, but there was a greater mission to accomplish, requiring the acquisition of wealth. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Haggadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Magid: A Strong Hand & An Outstretched Arm. Exploring the two tracks of history and in one's personal spiritual journey: revolution & evolution/sudden Divine inspiration from above & gradual movement from within. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Haggadah, Yiscah Smith discusses Yachatz/Dividing the middle matzah. In a person's journey to freedom, discover why not only the ends are important, but the means as well; each step along the path contains important meaning in and of itself. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

In this episode of Rav Kook on the Haggadah, Yiscah Smith discusses the sanctification of one's individual time. What does that really mean? She also looks at the freedom to embrace a life of abundance. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook’s commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook’s “Olat Ha Ra’ayah.” It’s never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don’t have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, “if I only had more time to prepare.” And now we do.

Rav Kook on the Hagadah part 1 - Freedom and the Removal of Chametz (leaven). In this podcast, Yiscah Smith explores the interdependent relationship between freedom and the removal of chametz and the difference between a slave and a free person. Rav Kook on the Haggadah with Yiscah Smith is a 10-part series that explores some of Rav Kook's commentaries on the Haggadah. The focus will be on moving from the space of spiritual slavery to freedom, from a limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from fear based behavior to compassion based behavior, as inspired by excerpts from Rav Kook's "Olat Ha Ra'ayah." It's never too early to prepare for Pesach and many of us find, with our busy lives, that we don't have the opportunity to glance at the Haggadah until just a few days before the Seder. It leaves us feeling, "if I only had more time to prepare." And now we do.