Ora Wiskind: 'The presence of God is everywhere in every molecule'

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: The Teachings of Rabbi Ya’akov of Izbica-Radzyn, and Tradition and Fantasy in the Tales of Reb Nahman of Bratslav. She is an associate professor and the head of the Graduate Program in Jewish Studies at Michlalah College, Jerusalem.

Now, she joins us to answer eighteen questions with Rabbi Dr. Benji Levy on Jewish mysticism including the illusion of free will, embracing life's journey over understanding its purpose, and how transformation often emerges from brokenness.

Here are our questions:
What is Jewish mysticism?
How were you introduced to Jewish mysticism?
In an ideal world, would all Jews be mystics?
What do you think of when you think of God?
What is the purpose of the Jewish people?
How does prayer work?
What is the goal of Torah study?
Does Jewish mysticism view men and women the same?
Should Judaism be hard or easy?
Why did God create the world?
Can humans do something that is against God’s will?
What do you think of when you think about Moshiach?
Is the State of Israel part of the final redemption?
What is the greatest challenge facing the world today?
How has modernity changed Jewish mysticism?
What differentiates Jewish mysticism from the mysticism of other religions?
Does one need to be religious to study Jewish mysticism?
Can mysticism be dangerous?
How has Jewish mysticism affected your relationships with yourself and with others?
What is a Jewish teaching that you always take with you?