Under Your Skin: Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Guide to Spiritual Layers, Hidden Connections, and the Mystery of the Interstitium
Just when we assume we know ourselves inside and out, science unveils another surprising layer hidden beneath the surface. The discovery of the interstitium—a real, fluid-filled layer just under the skin—offers not only medical intrigue but also deep spiritual lessons. Drawing from his class “Under Your Skin: The Interstitium”, Rabbi Simon Jacobson uses this fascinating scientific find as a metaphor to explore the unseen channels and hidden depths of the soul.
Seeing Beneath the Surface
Most of us live on the “skin level” of life, interacting with the world through surface impressions: our jobs, daily routines, even our quick social exchanges. But, as with the interstitium, what we see is only part of the story. Beneath, there are intricate, sometimes hidden connections that link our outer experiences with our inner realities. Rabbi Jacobson highlights that the real story of who we are lies in these deeper layers, which require a willingness to look beneath the obvious and discover the richness within.
The Spiritual Meaning of “Hidden Layers”
Just like the body’s new-found interstitium serves as a conduit between our skin and deeper tissues, Judaism teaches that every person possesses layers—physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. These layers both set boundaries and act as bridges, connecting different parts of who we are, or sometimes shielding one layer from another. Kabbalistic wisdom speaks of “membranes”: filters or curtains that allow for healthy flow between mind and heart, or conscious and subconscious. Without these hidden connectors, our lives become fragmented or stuck on the surface.
Learning from Water: Moisture as Metaphor
Rabbi Jacobson finds rich metaphor in the interstitium’s network of fluid. Water, in Jewish thought, symbolizes love, spirituality, and knowledge—the “moisture” that brings dead routines to life and helps ideas and relationships flourish. Just as fluid brings vitality to the body, spiritual “moisture”—whether an act of kindness, a moment of prayer, or a spark of curiosity—filters through our inner landscapes and inspires true growth.
From Superficial to Significant: Opening Up the Channels
Many people respond to the question “Who are you?” with a job title or a role. Rabbi Jacobson urges us to look past our business cards and everyday labels. Our real identity is not our professional function but the hidden mission, passion, and soul-pattern beneath. Aligning with these deeper channels doesn’t just elevate our own experience; it strengthens our connections with others and with something greater.
Actionable Steps to Explore Your Inner Layers
- Practice Deep Self-Reflection: Take a few quiet moments each day away from your usual routines. Ask yourself: What are the “hidden layers” beneath my daily reactions and moods? Am I responding from the surface or from a deeper place?
- Embrace Rituals that Move You Beyond the Surface: Whether it’s meditation, mindful prayer, or an act of giving, add small spiritual practices to your week that invite you under the skin of your own life.
- Seek Out “Moisture Moments”: When you notice dryness or stagnation—in relationships, work, or personal progress—try to infuse those spaces with compassion, learning, or gratitude. Like water, these small efforts nourish hidden roots.
- Build Bridges, Not Walls: Notice when you’re isolating one part of yourself or cutting off a relationship. Instead, find gentle ways to reconnect inner and outer, emotion and intellect, body and soul.
- Ask Deeper Questions: Move past “What do I do?” and ask “Why do I do it? What purpose or value sits beneath the obvious?”
Bringing It All Together
The next time you glance in the mirror or catch yourself stuck in routine, remember: much of your real self exists just under the surface, waiting to be explored. With a blend of scientific curiosity and spiritual wisdom, you can learn to tap into these hidden channels for healing, connection, and renewed purpose.
For a fascinating, in-depth exploration of this topic, watch the full class here.
