Yonassan Gershom

Yonassan Gershom, born in 1947, is an American rabbi and author who has explored various spiritual and philosophical paths. Initially ordained in the Jewish Renewal movement in the 1980s, he later embraced Breslov Hasidism. He was involved with the early B'nai Or movement, a precursor to Jewish Renewal, and was ordained by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Gershom resides in rural Minnesota, where he operates as a "cyber-rabbi" online.

His writing career is notably marked by works exploring the Holocaust and reincarnation. Books like "Beyond the Ashes" and "From Ashes to Healing" present accounts of individuals who claim past lives connected to the Holocaust. "Jewish Tales of Reincarnation" delves into broader Jewish narratives of reincarnation. Gershom's work in this area examines the concept of suffering and reincarnation within Judaism, suggesting that suffering is not always a karmic consequence for the victim but can stem from the accumulated evil of perpetrators across lifetimes. He has appeared on television programs discussing these themes and was featured in the documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World."

Beyond his work on reincarnation, Gershom is a lifelong pacifist and advocate for animal welfare and vegetarianism, drawing on Jewish principles. He has written extensively on Judaism and non-violence, with essays collected in "Eight Candles of Consciousness." He has also voiced support for gay rights and has a background in German language and Native American Studies.

Yonassan Gershom is widely recognized for his books that investigate the complex relationship between the Holocaust and the concept of reincarnation within Jewish thought. His works, such as "Beyond the Ashes" and "From Ashes to Healing," document personal testimonies of individuals who believe they are reincarnations of those who perished during the Holocaust. His book "Jewish Tales of Reincarnation" expands this exploration to include historical Jewish accounts and oral traditions. Gershom's writings delve into theological questions, proposing that suffering, particularly in the context of the Holocaust, may not necessarily be a punishment for past transgressions of the victims. Instead, he suggests that the immense suffering could be attributed to the accumulated wickedness of perpetrators over multiple lifetimes, potentially linking figures like Adolf Hitler to historical adversaries such as Amalek.

Gershom's spiritual path has evolved over time, beginning with his ordination in the Jewish Renewal movement during the 1980s. He was associated with the foundational B'nai Or movement, a precursor to Jewish Renewal, and received his ordination from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. While he is no longer aligned with the current trajectory of the Jewish Renewal movement, he has since become a follower of Breslov Hasidism. His pilgrimage to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, significantly shaped his perspective, leading to a deeper appreciation for the rural context of Hasidism and its narratives. He currently lives on a farm in Minnesota, where he engages with his spiritual practice and writings, extending his reach as a "cyber-rabbi" through online platforms.

Beyond his literary contributions, Yonassan Gershom is a dedicated pacifist and peace activist. He has authored numerous articles on Judaism and non-violence, many of which were compiled into the anthology "Eight Candles of Consciousness." His activism includes public opposition to policies he disagrees with, such as those of Meir Kahane, and he was active in the peace movement in Minneapolis during the 1980s. Gershom is also a proponent of animal welfare and vegetarianism, having served on the advisory board of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA). He has publicly advocated against the use of live animals in religious ceremonies, such as Kapparot. His support for gay rights is grounded in principles of equal rights under the law. His academic background includes a degree in German language and Native American Studies.