Small Moments of Light on the Journey to Hashem

Despite all the changes in the publishing world over time, there are some writers whose work feels untouched by trends. Their books aren’t just interesting or enjoyable, they carry a sense of purpose, as if they were simply meant to exist. That’s the feeling many readers get when they come across the writings of Jerusalem-based author Oded Mizrachi. He first captured public attention with his powerful series of books, including Seeing Eye and Returning Light.

Mizrachi writes with a unique voice, one that feels personal and real. His stories pulse with life and sincerity, clearly written by someone who has lived through what he describes. His latest book, Seconds of Light, continues this approach.

Like his previous works, Seconds of Light speaks to a wide audience. But it speaks most directly to the hearts of those who have returned to Judaism later in life, people like Mizrachi himself. “Seconds of light are those little moments,” he explains, “the small spiritual sparks hidden in our everyday challenges. They’re glimpses of understanding and clarity, insights that help us connect to something deeper.”

Many of the stories are based on personal experiences, while others are fictional but inspired by real spiritual insights. “Each story reflects something that happens in regular life,” he says, “but points to its inner meaning.”

And what is that inner meaning?

“The presence of Hashem. There’s nothing else. The book tries to show that even in the most trivial or confusing situations, Hashem is there. My hope is that readers will begin to recognize Hashem in their own struggles and day-to-day life.”

Mizrachi believes that everyone faces challenges, whether they’ve been religious their whole life or are just beginning their journey. “The path to Hashem is never flat or smooth,” he says. “There are always bumps. The key is learning how to navigate them and I hope my books help with that.”

Mizrachi, now 55, was born in Petach Tikva, served in the IDF Intelligence Corps, and studied film and literature at Tel Aviv University. But it was during his university years, in the middle of secular academia that he began to seriously explore Judaism. He eventually left his studies and joined the Breslov-affiliated Lev Yehuda Yeshiva, later continuing his learning under Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh. He and his wife Tamar raised five children, and today he is a proud grandfather of seven.

In all his writing, Mizrachi tries to show two layers of the journey of a baal teshuvah (a returnee to Judaism). The first layer shows the beauty and strength of a Torah life. The second layer is more complex, it deals with the struggles, the identity confusion, and the inner challenges that often come with returning to Judaism.

“If I had to describe returnees in three words,” he says, “I’d call them the ‘non-sectoral sector.’ They don’t always fit neatly into one group. Some become Hasidic, some Lithuanian, some National Religious and some feel caught in between.”

Because of this, many returnees don’t feel fully accepted in any single community. “It’s not just about choosing where to go, it’s about letting go of who you were, and feeling a bit homeless in the process.”

Some might say that committing to one path brings stability. But Mizrachi warns against turning any one group into the whole picture. “Every sector has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s dangerous when someone sees only their group as ‘right’ and everyone else as ‘wrong.’ There’s good in each path even in who we were before we became religious.”

Where do we begin?

“By appreciating the good in every Jew,” he says. “That’s real ahavat Yisrael, love for fellow Jews. Each group brings something valuable. Chabad has warmth and outreach, Rabbi Kook’s students love the Land of Israel, the Lithuanian yeshivas focus deeply on Talmud study. The Jewish people are diverse and that’s beautiful.”

Mizrachi believes that returnees to Judaism have a special role to play. “They’ve experienced different worlds, and they understand complexity. That’s why my teacher, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh, says that one day returnees will help lead the Jewish people. Because a true leader like the King Mashiach belongs to everyone. He’s not about divisions. He includes everyone.”

Mizrachi didn’t come to this clarity easily. It came after years of soul-searching, struggle, and spiritual work. That may be why his books continue to resonate with people long after they’re published. One especially powerful story in Seconds of Light is called “Ancient Song.” It tells of a young man who meets an elderly beggar woman on the street and begins to play music for her. On the surface, it’s a sweet and touching moment. But Mizrachi explains that the woman represents the Shechinah, the Divine Presence who is broken and wandering, asking for us to open our hearts to her. When the man plays for her, he is showing that there is still hope, even in brokenness.

Though Mizrachi took a ten-year break from writing when he first became religious, writing has now become a daily part of his life. He has published poetry books, stories, essays, and is working on several more projects, including a biography and a book of student stories about Rabbi Ginsburgh.

Are you a happy person now?

“Happiness is complex,” he says. “The Zohar says it best, ‘Joy in my heart, and tears on the other side.’ That’s our state as Jews. We try to find joy in every moment, because we’re commanded to but the pain of this world is real. Life isn’t simple. We face battles all the way through. Some we win, and some we don’t.”

And what is true success, in your eyes?

“Success is knowing how to fail. The same letters in Hebrew that spell kashal (failure) also spell sechel (wisdom). Every failure has a lesson in it, if you’re willing to look. If you can face your mistakes without fear, you can grow. That’s the real work. May we all merit to do it.”