Harry Zeitlin, at The Blogs

Apply for a Blog

Jun 14, 2024, 6:35 PM

A well-known principle in Kabbalah is that of descent for the sake of later ascent, as it says in Mishlei (24:16), "a Tzaddik falls seven times and then he rises." Much of the world of Chassidut (see, especially, the...

Apr 26, 2023, 2:52 PM

One Step at a Time: Paying the Price

Most of us have been walking for so many years that it becomes unconscious. It's pretty much the definition of toddler, and since that point, when we want to be somewhere else, we stand up, move our legs one...

Sep 15, 2021, 11:09 PM

Where’s God In All This?

As Elul, the month when we say HaMelech b'Sadeh, the King is in the Field, winds down and we look forward to the great renewal of Rosh Hashana, I am still searchng to find God. And now, ten days...

Aug 27, 2021, 5:11 PM

First Thoughts On Rosh Hashana 5782

I’m not sure that Tshuva has much to do with forgiving. Or, at least, our forgiving, and I’d argue that we shouldn’t pro-actively forgive anyone who’s truly harmed us before they ask. Not to be disrespectful, but that sounds...

Aug 21, 2021, 12:20 AM

Crimes Against Humanity

In the midst of horrific heatwaves throughout much of the world, one should plant trees, as many and as fast as possible. You don't intentionally torch forest and field. When you so love a land, a land you've been exiled...

Aug 13, 2021, 5:39 PM

At the end of the day, it seems to me that unless we've intentionally tried to live the most selfish and destructive lives we can, we shouldn't fear, but rather should welcome the upcoming Yom HaDin, Day of Judgement,...

Aug 10, 2021, 6:57 PM

Rejecting Enlightened Cynicism

This was originally written a couple weeks ago for Parshat Re'eh. Its relevance isn't time-bound: Facing all the challenges of today's round of Covid, perhaps yet another lockdown in Israel, finally revealed to be planned for the Jewish Holidays because...

Jul 18, 2021, 12:26 AM

Tisha B’Av 2021

When I made my first Aliyah (I actually immigrated officially to Israel twice, once in the 1980s and again in 2016) I thought I was one of a group of friends in Los Angeles who all planned to make...

May 16, 2021, 6:48 PM

Can Your Heart Handle It?

Are you ready for the greatest "Light and Energy" show ever? Tonight and tomorrow are the day that the creative energy that brings the universe into existence returns for a new infusion. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, this...

May 14, 2021, 6:39 PM

Global/tribal/universal: Either/or or all three at once

I'm not much of a joiner. I guess I value my privacy, or I'm just shy. I see myself pretty much as a hermit, although a gregarious one. Can these seeming opposites coexist in one body/one soul? Likewise, today in...

Load more

About Me

After almost 30 years, Harry Zeitlin returned home to Jerusalem! Growing up in Denver, CO, he began Torah studies at an early age. He also had the privilege of knowing and studying with Rabbi Shloime Twerski zt"l. He graduated from Yale College (BA 1974) with an independent degree in communications, theory-and-practice, focusing on filmmaking and linguistics. Harry had a 45+ year career as a professional artist (photography, to which he is just now returning!) and has played guitar for more than 50 years, in addition to his 30+ years as an orthodox rabbi teaching Torah across the denominational spectrum. He lived in Israel from 1982 - 1989 and returned in 2016. I'M BACK! Grateful every day! Follow his spiritual adventures. He is always available to speak, teach, present a Shabbaton or other workshop. ......or to serenade your group with his guitar.

Contact Me