From Silence to Soul: Rabbi Fanger’s Journey to Jewish Faith

Twelve years ago, Rabbi Yitzhak Fanger was living a very different life. After spending six months in silence at a monastery under the Dalai Lama and becoming an expert in Reiki and Eastern healing, he experienced a powerful shift. He returned to Israel and found the depth and truth he had been searching for, in Torah and Jewish wisdom.

Now, as the host of the new Hidabroot program Against the Wind, Rabbi Fanger speaks directly to the hearts of young Jews. The show features deep yet accessible discussions on topics like life after death, free will, love, mysticism, and more. It’s designed for those who feel drawn to spiritual conversations but might not have the chance to ask their questions face-to-face.

To mark the launch of the new season, we sat down with Rabbi Fanger for a personal conversation.

Let’s start simple. What’s a typical day like for you?
"I don’t really have a strict day and night schedule. My life is one long day! I sleep when I feel tired. Since most of my lectures are at night, my day really begins around 11:00 PM. That’s when I study, think, and have quiet time for myself. I usually finish around 3 or 4 in the morning. Then in the morning, I pray and teach a class at the yeshiva. I spend time with my family around noon, then return to studying, and by evening I’m back to giving lectures."

How many lectures have you given by now?
"Well, if it’s about two a day, that’s 700 a year... multiply that by 7 or 8 years... let’s just say, as many as Hashem gives me strength for."

Every rabbi has someone they turn to. Who are your spiritual guides?
"There are two special rabbis who guide me. The first is Rabbi Segal, one of the spiritual leaders of our generation. I admire the personal growth he’s achieved. He’s taught me so much about serving Hashem. The second is Rabbi Karp, who I consult for halachic (Jewish law) matters and personal direction. He’s like a spiritual father to me."

What personal trait or area are you working on right now?
"That’s a deep question! Usually, I take on something new every couple of weeks, depending on the lessons I give at the yeshiva. I use what I teach as a way to grow personally. Right now, we’re learning Mesillat Yesharim, a classic Jewish guide to spiritual growth and focusing on the chapter about piety. I take something from the class and try to apply it to myself."

You studied both in secular school and in yeshiva. What’s the difference?
"School wasn't exactly joyful, but Torah study? That’s a different world. Torah learning doesn’t just give knowledge, it transforms you. Our Sages said that someone who studies Torah is a ben Torah, a son of Torah. No one says someone who studies math is a ‘son of mathematics!’ Torah is as deep as the ocean. I could dive into it all day and it’s an experience like nothing else in the world."

You’ve taught around the world, hosted shows, and written a book. What’s next?
"Maybe a little rest? Just kidding! That’ll come after 120 years. Right now, I’m dividing my day into two parts. Half the day I work on writing books and I want to document every topic I’ve explored. The other half is dedicated to a project called ‘Daily Inspiration,’ which aims to give 600,000 people a daily spiritual boost. Just one clear idea each daya , kind of Jewish coaching that uplifts the soul."

How do you balance your packed schedule with family life?
"In our home, it’s not ‘Dad’s job’, it’s our shared mission. Everything I have belongs to my wife. I’m just a stick in the hand of the Creator. She’s the anchor that makes everything possible. We spend time together at night going over the schedule. She decides how many lectures I take on. Our family feels like a team on a mission. I study with the kids in the mornings after prayer or on Shabbat. It’s not easy, but Hashem helps. When you help His children, He helps yours."

Do you help with household chores?
"I try to! Especially on Fridays, whatever my wife needs I’m there. I really do try to be a good husband."

What gives you the energy to wake up after such short nights and keep going?
"I feel like time is running out. The Jewish people are facing a spiritual crisis and many don’t even know the basic prayer Shema Yisrael. That pain drives me. I think about the joy a father feels when his child comes home and that’s how I picture Hashem when one Jew returns. That’s what gets me out of bed."

Will more lectures and conferences fix it? What’s the solution?
"We keep going until every Jew knows that ‘Hashem is our God, Hashem is One.’ I wish I knew what more we could do."

Before we ended, we asked Rabbi Fanger to play a quick word association game. He laughed, “What is this, a psychometric test?” but played along.

Shabbat
"Holiness."

Woman
"Home."

Bnei Brak
"Religious Jews."

Pride Parade
"A cry for something deeper."

Western Wall
"Inner connection."

Relationship
"Love."

Evil inclination
"Struggle."

World to Come
"Spiritual light."

Soccer
"Not worth the time."

Creator of the World
"Daddy."