Jewish Mysticism: Tracing the History of Kabbalah

Beyond Madonna, red strings, and pop-culture, this course provides a deep and intellectually honest understanding of the historical development of Kabbalah. Over 10 sessions, learners will examine how centuries of societal and cultural changes shaped Jewish mysticism, including its cryptic nature and its controversies. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the rich source material itself on a rigorous, scholarly level, and to discuss the timeless mysteries of human existence and the laws of the universe (and, okay, a little Madonna).

Table of Contents

Lesson 1 - The Genesis of Jewish Mysticism: Biblical and Rabbinic Encounters with God

Lesson 2 - In Search of God: The Secrets of the Chassidei Ashkenaz

Lesson 3 - The Ten Sefirot

Lesson 4 - In the Image of God: Sustaining or Destroying Through our Actions

Lesson 5 - Controversy and the Spread of Kabbalah

Lesson 6 - Sefer HaZohar: Reading from the Book of Splendor

Lesson 7 - Mystical Visions and Voices: From Spain to Safed

Lesson 8 - Lurianic Kabbalah: Creation, Destruction and Individual Tikkun

Lesson 9 - Hasidism: Seeking God in a Troubled World

Lesson 10 - Kabbalah in a New Age: 20th Century and Contemporary Forms of Jewish Mysticism


#Ethics #History #Spirituality #Theology #Culture #CurrentEvents 

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