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Japan's Afghan-Jewish Fertility Expert

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Japan's Afghan-Jewish Fertility Expert

Rabbi Dr. Hertsel Simantov's life is anything but typical. Hear how he was raised in Kabul, educated in Israel, and ended up in Japan with the blessing of the Rebbe.
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Topics: Infertility, Japan
Infertility Japan
Born in Afghanistan, Rabbi Dr. Hertsel Simantov is a medical doctor and practitioner of Oriental Medicine who resides in Japan. In addition to his medical work, he serves as a mohel, is involved in kosher certification, and is deeply committed to reaching out to Jews visiting and living in Japan.
Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.
More from Hertsel Simantov
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Susan Dworin February 11, 2026

What particularly struck me was hold strong and enduring was the way he was raised. And how it effected his reasoning and approach to life and observance. It was like he stepped out of a different age and planted its roots, it foliage wherever he was. Beautiful! The story stays with me!
Thank you, again! Reply

Jodi Nicastro Stony Brook February 11, 2026

Chana,

What an interesting interview. I don’t know what was more fascinating the fact that they were religious use in Afghanistan? Or all the different jobs that he does in Japan. Reply

Dina January 28, 2026

I enjoyed this interview with Rabbi Dr. Hertsel Simantov.
Thank you! Reply

Chanie Hollywood, FL January 23, 2026

I recently read that if a person wants to change 1 eating habit, cut out sugar. Reply

Basya Pa January 21, 2026

“Emunah is from the chalav of the mother”
So powerful!
A very interesting interview, thank you Reply

Marcia Mason Texas January 21, 2026

Why do so many women believe that having a child with their own DNA is more important than raising orphans and neglected children as equals among them. Regardless of race or color. G_d makes women infertile for any number of reasons, so who are you to question Him? Be a parent to any and all children! It doesn't need your "special" DNA, it needs your hard work and dedication. Be grateful for the blessings it brings. Reply

Ra'anan Jerusalem January 23, 2026
in response to Marcia Mason:

Good question! It's because in Judaism a biological son is a continuation of his father & all of that son's deeds are accredited to his father even after his father is no longer living. A biological son also inherits his father's property as part of that perspective. There is also a Torah obligation to help orphans, but it's coming from a different place, a place of helping the weak & understanding that G-d is the Father of all orphans. It's not that one is more important, rather, they are two separate commandments. Reply

Ra'anan Jerusalem January 21, 2026

Same thing happened when some of the last Jews from Yemen came home to Israel & in Ben Gurion Airport when confronted by secular Jews they asked, "where are the Jews?" Also in Yemen, if Muslims saw a Jew not keeping the Torah, they'd force him to convert to Islam. Reply

Michael January 21, 2026

Great
Dr. Simantov can you write an article on your fertility research in terms of practical Reply

Wilhelmina Washington January 20, 2026

R Simantov is such a lovely man. We met him on Tokyo in 2012 and he shared wonderful stories. For years after, we enjoyed the kosher bonito he passed along to us. 🙂 Reply

Susan Dworin January 20, 2026

What an incredible life he is living! What an inspiring story! Thank you! Reply

Fay NY January 20, 2026

Such a humble and interesting man. Very much enjoyed listening to this interview Reply