Dr. Ebstein focuses on the study of Islamic mysticism in the Middle Ages, particularly in Andalus (Islamic Spain), as well as on the links between Shiite tradition and Suni mysticism. He is also interested in the relations between Islamic mysticism and the Kabbalah and takes an active part in studying this subject together with researchers from Jewish studies. Ebstein won the Alon Scholarship for 2015-18. In 2012, he received the Blumfeld Award for his doctoral dissertation. He also won honors scholarships during his BA and MA studies.

Courses taught:

Introduction to Islam; Andalus and Spain: Contacts Between Islamic and Jewish Mysticisms in the Iberian Peninsula

Recent publications:

Ebstein, Michael. 2025. “Intellectualist Mysticism in al-Andalus: Baḥya b. Paqūda and Ibn Khamīs al-Yāburī”. Jewish Quarterly Review 115 (2): 197-231; “God-Perfecting Man: Theurgical Elements in the Mysticism of Muḥyī l-Dīn Ibn al-ʿArabī (560/1165-638/1240) and Their Historical Significance,” Religions 16 (234): 1-36.