Embodied Judaism

Rav Benji Elson, LMSW is a passionate instructor of embodied Jewish practice, a psychotherapist, an author, a musician, a Jewish environmental educator, and a transformative experience facilitator who has been privileged to share his impactful self-transformation and Jewish psychology teachings globally, including in cities across the U.S., Israel, the UK, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Finland, Zambia, South Africa, and India.

Benji's acclaimed book and course, Dance of the Omer, integrates Jewish psychology, kabbalah, chassidut, embodied practices, meditation, state-of-the-art therapeutic modalities, and nature connection, offering participants a unique path to personal transformation. He is currently writing a second self-transformation guidebook on Elul and Tishrei (the High Holidays).

As a psychotherapist, Benji works with individuals, couples, and families, utilizing a diverse array of cutting-edge therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, KAP, NLP, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, Regressions, and more.

Rabbi Benji is also the co-founder and director of Sod Siach, an innovative EcoTorah Discovery Program that combines weekly text-study classes, hands-on workshops, and experiential field trips to promote sustainable Jewish living through Torah & the Land.

Previously, Benji served as Educational Director and Lead Transformational Facilitator of Shebet Haaretz, leading transformational Jewish jungle expeditions to reconnect participants with themselves, spirituality, Judaism, and the world.

On a more personal note, Benji’s colorful life experiences include living in two veggie-oil-fueled mobile homes, shepherding goats in the Jerusalem hills, meditating in Indian ashrams, living & working on Jewish farms around the globe, and volunteering in remote African villages.

Connect with Benji here

• His website
• His instagram

Hey everyone, I’m back.
I launched Embodied Judaism in February 2025, recorded consistently through July, and then life… really lifed, and I took a hiatus.
I’m returning now at the end of January 2026 (almost a full year later) to begin what I’ll call unofficial Season 2, and I’m genuinely so excited to be sharing the podcast here on Substack.
So so so much has changed since last year. I have updates, stories, and new teachings I can’t wait to bring you. Thank you for being here, and welcome (back) to Embodied Judaism. 💛

In this “unofficial Season 2” opener, I’m joined by my friend Eli Witkin for a deep, practical, and mystical conversation about Tu B’Shvat — not as “Jewish Earth Day,” but as a serious spiritual technology.

Eli is known for hosting a deep & powerful Tu B’Shvat Seder (the kind people try to get a seat at). We talk about what makes a ritual container work: candlelight, pacing, boundaries, beauty, and how intention moves through the senses.

Together we explore:

• Tu B’Shvat as “medicine without medicine”

• The Pri Etz Hadar and the origins of the Tu B’Shvat Seder

• The Four Worlds (Asiyah / Yetzirah / Briyah / Atzilut) through fruit + wine

• “Cracking shells” and removing pits

• Shefa, Yesod, and the cosmic tikkun/fixing idea of “opening channels” for blessing and renewal

• Why tradition needs both chesed (flow) and gevurah (structure)

• How cycles, seasons, and Jewish time teach us to live more truthfully

We close with a blessing for renewal- personal, communal, and cosmic- as the sap begins to rise.

Chag Sameach and welcome back to Embodied Judaism.

It was a real gift to delve into the profound journey of mind-body connection and personal growth with Rabbi Peretz. Rabbi Peretz shares some of how his own personal exploration has led to transformative experience. Rabbi Peretz shares his insights on balancing practice with everyday life, the importance of authenticity in non-dogmatic Judaism, and the role of music and movement in connecting the body and soul. Join us as we get a small glimpse of his path to personal breakthrough and the power of living an intentional, authentically Jewish life.

Peretz is a one-of-a-kind, unique Rabbi who meets you exactly where you are. Need a concierge Rabbi? Spiritual motivation? Psychedelic support? For over 20 years, Peretz has been a rabbi outside the Synagogue, understanding that there is a need for Jewish life beyond the walls of traditional religious practices. Passionately guiding, mentoring, and teaching those seeking something real.

Rabbi Peretz does Jewish events tailored to your needs. Guides individuals in plant medicine experiences. Coaches you to your spiritual center.

Peretz means breakthrough, and that’s the heart of his work: helping you break through limiting beliefs, outdated paradigms, and spiritual stagnation—so you can step fully into the life you’re meant to live.

and Follow him on IG here!

So grateful to have Ben Steinberger again on the podcast, this time we're back with a parsha episode. Let us know if you like these!

In the spirit of embodying the discussion we had on this week’s Parsha, and appreciation to the members of this community, Ben would like to offer a free 2-hour coaching session to members of this community. No commitment. No gimmicks. Just an opportunity to explore something you could use support around. You can book a session directly here https://calendly.com/ben-keg/coaching-callIn the spirit of embodying the discussion we had on this week’s Parsha, and appreciation to the members of this community, Ben would like to offer a free 2-hour coaching session to members of this community. No commitment. No gimmicks. Just an opportunity to explore something you could use support around. You can book a session directly here https://calendly.com/ben-keg/coaching-call

In this conversation, Jessie and Idan explore themes of personal growth, practical spirituality, and the courage that ends up leading to sometimes surprisingly significant life changes. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the role of forgiveness in healing, and the necessity of genuine connections in relationships.

Idan shares insights from his journey as a therapist and teacher, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal experiences and spiritual growth. Together, they explore the themes of emotional regulation, availability, and the impact of personal choices on relationships and healing.

The conversation also delves into the significance of dreams as reflections of healing and connection, and how our choices can have a ripple effect on those around us.

Join us for a conversation on the power of emotional expression and the importance of being present and available in our relationships.

• Connect with Idan on instagram
• Free whatsapp dream group
• Because healing happens in presence, through relationship, and with the courage to feel. To join Idan's 6 week upcoming course The Capacity to Feel, sign up here.
• To reach out to Idan direct- say hi, ask questions about the course, or to inquire directly for 1:1 or couples work.. message him on Whatsapp: +972-549-45-0060

About Idan Lumi:

I’ve spent the past 15 years immersed in the worlds of therapy, counseling, and teaching, guiding individuals and groups through deep emotional and spiritual processes. Over time, I developed a unique method I call Practical Spirituality — an integrative approach that weaves together emotional intelligence, relational healing, and spiritual insight.

My work centers on real conversations about what it means to feel, to connect, and to be human. I speak with people about emotions, relationships, Judaism, and the often-unspoken spaces in between. I’m especially interested in the meeting point between ancient wisdom and contemporary psychology — where the soul’s longing meets the practical tools for living a grounded, authentic life.

Jessie and Ben come together again (listen to Ep. 6 here if you missed it for their first conversation) to discuss their recent podcast recording and share personal experiences related to religious practices and trauma healing. They explore the concept of divine union, the importance of community and trust in leaders, and the balance between religious observance and personal spiritual experiences. The conversation also touches on the need for self-awareness and agency in choosing one's relationship with the divine, and the importance of questioning and engaging with religious teachings.

About Ben:

Ben is a seeker who’s had the great privilege of exploring several of the worlds most ancient wisdom traditions/lineages alongside his own namely Hasidic and kabbalistic traditions and is in deep awe and reverence of the brilliant lessons transmitted through millennia. He is passionate about human life, dignity, and sovereignty who relishes the opportunity to walk alongside other seekers on their journey whether as a coach, friend, or study partner.

After inheriting more than his fair share of generational trauma from his holocaust survivor grandparents and experiencing his own trauma, he was forced to confront this during the pandemic. Drawing on lessons from survivors like Viktor Frenkl and Edith Eger he began the work in earnest. The healing journey started as a physical health and wellness journey and discovering, while losing 100lbs, that childhood trauma which was contributing to disordered eating underneath his weight issue which led him to somatic work, polyvagal theory and all things nervous system regulation.

While on his health and healing journey, Ben was providing legal services and helping to build tech startups where he focused on organizational architecture, team and culture building, and optimizing human performance in chaos.

Ben can be found at @hasidichealing on instagram, (send a DM and say hi) and at https://cupolatransformation.crd.co & https://cupolacognition.crd.co

In this conversation, Jessie interviews Orka, a prominent figure in the medicine music scene, discussing her journey as a musician, her connection to Hebrew identity, and the transformative power of music in healing and peace.

Orka shares her experiences of navigating her identity as an Israeli artist, the impact of significant events like October 7th, and her commitment to empowering voices through music. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, understanding, and the role of music in bridging cultural divides.

Follow Orka on instagram to find out about her latest events, including concerts and vocal journeys.

Rabbi Rishe, from a Chabad background, shared her journey of embracing her Jewish identity and spiritual roots, emphasizing the importance of balancing traditional practices with personal experiences in Judaism. She discussed the challenges faced by Jewish women, the significance of creating meaningful rituals at home, and the need for accessible Jewish education for adults. The conversation also touched on the spiritual benefits of various practices, including water blessings and cacao ceremonies, and the importance of understanding and adapting Jewish traditions for personal growth and connection with the divine.

Follow her on instagram here.

As always thank you Nechama Schusterman for your time in sharing your wisdom!

Thank you to Nechama Schusterman as always for such wonderful conversations. Nechama and I usually speak about the parsha, but as we both love Pesach, we decided to share a bit about prepping for the holiday.