Under Your Skin: Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Guide to Spiritual Layers, Hidden Connections, and the Mystery of the Interstitium
Imagine going through life only aware of what’s visible on the surface—missing out on the subtle worlds hidden just beneath. In recent years, scientists made an astonishing discovery: a new body layer called the interstitium, a network of fluid-filled channels woven throughout our tissues. While this finding excites medical researchers, it offers an even deeper metaphor for understanding ourselves and the universe—one that’s at the heart of Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s spiritual teaching.
The Science and the Mystery: More Than Meets the Eye
The interstitium was invisible to science for generations, hiding just under the skin and within our organs. Only when observed fresh—before its fluids drained away—did its true nature become clear: not a dense wall, but a vibrant network, a “fluid-filled highway” that supports, protects, and connects every part of us.
But as Rabbi Jacobson teaches, this discovery mirrors the spiritual layers within us all. Our bodies may seem solid and separate, but just beneath the surface, we are defined and connected by subtle energy, emotions, and consciousness.
Layers of Body and Soul: A Kabbalistic Perspective
Kabbalah goes further: it describes the human being as not just flesh and bone, but as layers upon layers—membranes, filters, and interfaces—each one mediating between deeper and more elevated parts of our self. Just as the interstitium is a buffer, regulating flow and protecting from shock, our inner layers help us absorb life’s joys and challenges and move energy from mind, to heart, to action.
This idea is anchored in the Jewish mystical tradition: “From my flesh I behold the Divine.” By studying our physical structure, we gain insights into the unseen spiritual “channels” that connect our mind, heart, and soul. And just as the body needs moist, healthy membranes to function, so too do our relationships and inner world need healthy boundaries and flow between different aspects of our lives.
Going Beneath the Surface: Seeing the Whole Person
Many of life’s struggles stem from a surface-level approach—whether in relationships, self-reflection, or daily living. It can be tempting to focus on appearances or react to life’s pressures at the “skin” level. But much of the richness, meaning, and healing happens in the layers that lie beneath.
Consider a time when you felt misunderstood by others, or a loved one’s words stung in a way no one else could see. Rabbi Jacobson invites us to see those deeper contexts and connections—the “interstitium” of our emotional life—where feelings are processed, resilience is built, and real connection is born. In relationships, this means moving past attraction or simple compatibility, seeking the subtle ties of shared vision, values, and vulnerability that truly sustain trust and love.
Practical Steps for Exploring Your Layers
- Daily Self-Reflection: Set aside a few quiet minutes each day to notice your inner “channels.” Pay attention to thoughts and feelings that arise beneath the surface—what drives them, and how they connect.
- Journaling for Depth: Write about the layers of a recent experience—how did it affect you physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually? This can unearth hidden currents shaping your reactions.
- Body Awareness Practices: Take a mindful walk or practice gentle stretches while tuning into sensations beneath your skin. Notice how your body and mood are in constant dialogue, connected through unseen “highways.”
- Deep Listening in Relationships: When in conversation, try to hear what’s not being said. Look for emotional undercurrents and shared intentions beneath the words—respond with empathy, not just logic or surface judgments.
- Spiritual Study and Meditation: Explore the Kabbalistic idea that each action and thought resonates through many spiritual layers. Meditate on the interconnectedness of all things, and set an intention to bring more awareness to each moment.
Why the Layers Matter—For Everyone
Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, seeking healing after loss, or simply wanting richer relationships, the lesson of the interstitium is universal: what matters most is often invisible but essential. By honoring the layers within yourself and others, you foster resilience, find deeper purpose, and build authentic connection in a noisy world.
If you want to learn more about the spiritual significance of the body and the soul’s hidden channels, watch Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s full class: “Under Your Skin: The Interstitium”.
