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Story · Ajahn Brahm

Rabbi Bernstein believed in rebirth

As told by Ajahn Brahm in Relax the Mind | Ajahn Brahm | 13 June 2025

1 min read

The story — as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

Rabbi Bernstein. Still remember him, Moshi Bernstein. And one of the reasons I always remember him was because he was a rebel. You know, he told me when we just discussing things, he said, "No, I believe in rebirth, too." I thought, "But you're a rabbi, a Jewish person. You're not supposed to believe in rebirth." He said, "But I do." And then I checked him up with one of the head rabbis in Perth. He said, "No, Jewish people don't believe in rebirth, but Rabbi Bernstein does." Oh, yeah. Him. He was a rebel

▶ Watch Ajahn Brahm tell it from 39:00 (to 39:45)

A reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

A Perth rabbi told Ajahn Brahm he believed in rebirth. Jewish teaching doesn't, the senior rabbi confirmed, but Rabbi Bernstein does. Ajahn Brahm liked him all the more. People who think for themselves see more deeply than those who simply follow. Question and look honestly for yourself.

In brief (our summary)

Moshe Bernstein, a rebellious Perth rabbi Brahm met via a cancer-support group, said he believed in rebirth; the head rabbi confirmed Jewish teaching doesn't — 'but Rabbi Bernstein does'.

Teaching point

Honest rebels who think for themselves deepen understanding.

When this story may help

Themes

Source & credit

Told by Ajahn Brahm in Relax the Mind | Ajahn Brahm | 13 June 2025 · 2025-06-13 · ▶ watch from 39:00 to 39:45 · Buddhist Society of Western Australia

1 other telling of this story

Caption notes: YouTube auto-captions: unpunctuated, words left exactly as captioned. 'Moshi' as captioned (Moshe).

The narrative is Ajahn Brahm's own telling, quoted from the talk captions. The summary and reflection are Being Mindful Stories's editorial notes. Please credit the teacher and link the original talk. Markdown version

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