Rabbi highlights Spain's deep historical ties to Jewish thought

Seven centuries ago, Barcelona was a vibrant center for Jewish life, a legacy Rabbi David Libersohn emphasizes during a conversation at his synagogue in Les Corts. "Without Spain, Jewish thought would not exist," he asserts, referencing Sepharad as a cradle of prominent rabbis and cabalists.

Libersohn, who has lived in Barcelona for 28 years, draws a parallel between Catalan and Jewish values, noting a shared emphasis on family and financial prudence. He evokes Rabbi Salomón ben Adret, a 14th-century Barcelona rabbi who served as a lender to King James I. "Serving Yahweh with joy. And loving your neighbor, the world," he defines the essence of being a Hasidic Jew.

Born in Buenos Aires and later moving to Mexico due to the Videla dictatorship, Libersohn's journey led him to Israel at 17. "A baptism by fire," he describes his time there, observing the full spectrum of human experience. He characterizes Israel as a place of "resilience," where people have thrived despite adversity and the Holocaust, often with a characteristic Jewish humor.

His move to Barcelona was driven by the Chabad Lubavitch movement's desire to establish a presence. This branch, born during the Enlightenment, emphasizes "inspiration, understanding, and awareness." Libersohn sees this as a form of Jewish humanism, aiming to elevate good over evil, recognizing humanity's capacity for choice as being made in God's image.

When discussing Jewish practices, Libersohn explains the rationale behind kosher laws, including the separation of meat and milk and the specific requirements for meat and fish. "Fit, adequate," he defines kosher, noting the rabbinical supervision involved. He also touches upon the Jewish expectation of the Messiah, acknowledging that some, like his mother, saw Jesus as fulfilling that role.

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Resiliencia.