Under Your Skin: Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Guide to Spiritual Layers, Hidden Connections, and the Mystery of the Interstitium
Imagine discovering a completely new layer beneath your skin—a hidden network interconnecting what’s visible to the world with what pulses beneath the surface. Not long ago, medical science identified the interstitium: a fluid-filled, connective structure in the body that had gone unnoticed despite countless studies. For Rabbi Simon Jacobson, this remarkable discovery isn’t just medical trivia—it’s a profound metaphor for exploring life’s hidden depths.
Looking Deeper Than Skin-Deep
Too often, daily life encourages us to define ourselves—and others—by what’s on the surface. Whether it’s our job, our appearance, or fleeting emotions, the “outer skin” can easily become a limiting barrier. Yet, as Rabbi Jacobson reveals, the interstitium reminds us that there’s an entire world beneath what we usually notice, both within our own soul and in our relationships with others.
Consider the many-layered connections we experience with those closest to us. At the most basic level, there may be physical attraction or shared convenience. But true love, trust, or friendship are built through emotional, intellectual, and spiritual affinities—hidden channels that bond us far more deeply than skin-level interactions. Just like the interstitium, these unseen connections sustain and enrich every relationship and every dimension of who we are.
The Hidden Channels of Soul: More Than Meets the Eye
The concept of the interstitium is more than a science story; it is a living parable about the hidden spiritual layers that thread through our lives. Jewish mysticism teaches that, just as our body is wrapped in skin, our soul is wrapped in many layers—from the everyday routine to the higher capacities of love, intuition, and wisdom.
Rabbi Jacobson explains that water—the primary element flowing through the interstitium—carries powerful symbolism in Jewish thought: moisture is associated with love, spiritual vitality, and knowledge. Picture a relationship or a day in your life that feels “dry” or superficial; what might it look like to infuse it with new vitality from your own hidden spiritual channels?
One relatable scenario: think of the difference between a routine greeting and a conversation where someone asks you, “How are you really?” and listens deeply. That’s the difference between communicating at the surface and activating the living, connective layers underneath.
Bridging Science and Spirituality in Daily Living
Rabbi Jacobson encourages us all to move beyond mere survival and to strive for a life that connects the outer and inner self. Just as the interstitium allows vital fluids to flow between the body’s layers, we must create spiritual habits that nurture the bridges between our surface routines and our deeper purpose.
He shares a vivid example: Many people, when asked who they are, simply present their job title or social identity—much like handing over a business card. Yet, our business card is not our essence. When what we do is disconnected from who we are, we risk living life only “on the skin.” The call is to discover the layers that lie beneath, to seek our unique mission, and to experience life as a dynamic interplay between body and soul.
Action Steps: How to Explore Your Spiritual ‘Interstitium’
- Journal Beyond the Surface: Once a week, write a prompt that asks, “What’s just beneath my surface today?” Let yourself explore feelings, drives, or dreams you don’t usually voice.
- Ask Deeper Questions: In conversations with friends or family, try going beyond “How was your day?” Ask, “What inspired you? What challenged you?” Notice how new depths emerge.
- Create Mindful Pauses: Set aside a few minutes daily for quiet reflection—meditation, prayer, or focused breathing—to listen for the subtler signals of your inner world.
- Nurture Relationships on More Than One Level: If you find yourself stuck at a surface level with someone, take a simple risk: share something personal or meaningful, and invite them to do the same.
- Bridge the Physical and the Spiritual: During any routine activity (eating, walking, even washing your hands), pause to sense the invisible energies: gratitude, purpose, or intention. Let each act become a channel connecting body and soul.
Seeing Beneath the Surface: The Universal Lesson
Whether through the lens of modern science or ancient spirituality, the discovery of the interstitium urges us to look deeper. Our lives are not defined only by what’s visible but by countless subtle channels, connections, and energies that bind us to others and to our higher purpose. When we intentionally nurture these hidden layers, we don’t just survive—we flourish with wholeness and vitality.
For a fascinating exploration of this theme and more practical tools, watch the full class here.
