# Rabbi Bernstein believed in rebirth

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Story
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-rabbi-bernstein-believes-rebirth
- Themes: interfaith, rebirth, integrity, rebellion
- Life situations: questioning tradition, interfaith friendship

## Synopsis (editorial 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'.

## 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

## Teaching point

Honest rebels who think for themselves deepen understanding.

## 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.

## Source

- [Relax the Mind | Ajahn Brahm | 13 June 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_HZAqnmAYM) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 39:00 to 39:45: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_HZAqnmAYM&t=2340s

Other tellings of this story:

- [Sense of Friendship and Community | Ajahn Brahm | 23-07-2010](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZQ-D-VK20I) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 12:39 to 13:23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZQ-D-VK20I&t=759s