mokhiḥim

Judaism

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June 30, 2026

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The term "mokhiḥim" refers to itinerant Jewish preachers, also known as "reprovers" or "rebukers," who emerged alongside the "maggidim" in Poland and Russia, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their self-appointed role was to admonish their listeners about severe punishments for failing to observe religious commandments. This practice was closely associated with the broader movement of Jewish mysticism, which explored various themes such as intermediary beings, divine manifestations, and the organization of the universe. While maggidim focused on instructing and encouraging congregations, mokhiḥim specifically delivered warnings and admonishments.123

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maggid
…were other itinerant preachers called mokhiḥim (“reprovers,” or “rebukers”), whose self-appointed task was to admonish their listeners of severe punishments if they failed to observe the commandments. A heavenly being (or voice) that revealed secret meanings to a Jewish mystic was also called a maggid.
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…were other itinerant preachers called mokhiḥim (“reprovers,” or “rebukers”), whose self-appointed task was to admonish their listeners of severe punishments if they failed to observe the commandments. A heavenly being (or voice) that revealed secret meanings to a Jewish mystic was also called a maggid.
Read More