Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels

Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels Ph.D. is the founder and executive director of Or HaLev: Center for Jewish Spirituality and Meditation, which offers online and physical Jewish meditation and spirituality courses, sitting groups and retreats. He has been studying and teaching meditation and Jewish spirituality for almost 25 years. He received his doctorate in Jewish studies from the University of Chicago and rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes, the rosh yeshivah of Pardes. He has taught and innovated programs in Jewish thought, mysticism, spiritual practices and meditation at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Haifa University, Yeshivat Hadar and in a variety of settings around the world. He strives to integrate his study and practice and to help teach and live Judaism as a spiritual discipline.


Articles by Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels

Hasidic Wisdom on Healing Inner Demons

These practices are grounded in the Hasidic insight that all experiences, even difficult ones, are manifestations of the divine.

The Song of Humanity

Song can remind us of our authentic selves and our genuine power.

Separation of Powers

The Torah provides a model for separating religious, judicial, and governing bodies -- to keep power in check.

How the Israelite Nation was Raised

Were they masters of their own destiny?

Heroic or Sinful?

Zealous acts are not always heroic.

Slowly Healing the World

Like Moses and Caleb, we make progress in fits and starts.

We Are All God’s Creatures

One of the Torah's central insights is its effort to minimize human ownership.

Leprosy and Other Plagues

We can sanctify our houses, clothes, and bodies by creating a more just society.

We Have Only Our Hearts

It is easy to feel disconnected from those who are most unlike us.

Negative and Positive Freedom

We are called on daily to "proclaim liberty throughout the land."