TWO NEW ZOHAR SERIES STARTING SOON
For those interested in learning what the Zohar is, and how it shaped the tradition of mystical Judaism, you might be interested in the second class listed below, A Gateway to Radiance: Opening to the Mysteries of the Zohar, offered by Orot.
If you are interested in the experience of studying the text of the Zohar, you might consider this first class, Zohar: Awakenings to the Mysteries of Torah.
1. Zohar: Awakening to the Mysteries of Torah
Mondays: February 5, 19, March 4, 18, April 1 and 15
6:30-8:00 pm Pacific Time on zoom
The Zohar is considered the essential work of Jewish mysticism. It transports us into the world of wandering mystics who teach each other hidden secrets of the Torah, and who invite us to join them on a journey of spiritual awakening. As a mystical commentary on Torah, the Zohar transcends the traditional intellectual understanding, and, with vivid and fluid symbolism, imbues faith with mystery, poetry, and aliveness.
The joy of learning Zohar lies in following the stream of its mystical interpretations of Torah, which reveal the world of the ten sefirot – dynamic elements of Divine energy. The sefirot are contrasting elements of love and severity, containment and unboundedness, giving and receiving, male and female. Through the Zohar’s interpretations, we encounter the cosmic drama of yearning and love, and of separation and union, between Shekhinah, the feminine aspect of God, and her beloved. To receive its meaning, we must open the gates of imagination and intuition.
Over the course of six sessions, we will learn selected passages from the Zohar, seeking to understand its mystical teachings and explore what meaning they may offer us in our own spiritual journeys. In addition to open-ended conversation, we’ll use both chanting and meditation to deepen our experience. All texts will be in English and no special background is required. All you need to bring is your curiosity, and an open heart and mind.
To register, please email Reb Lavey at beitlavey@gmail.com.
2. A Gateway to Radiance:
Opening to the Mysteries of the Zohar
Wednesdays: February 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, and 27
5:30 – 7:00 pm Pacific Time (7:30 – 9:00 pm Central Time) on zoom
Sponsored by Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning
Registration Fee: $180
Register HERE.
How did a challenging and complex work of esoteric wisdom capture the imagination of the Jewish world, and why was it written? The Zohar is considered the essential work of Jewish mysticism, and one of only three Jewish literary works, in addition to the Torah and the Talmud, designated as “holy.” In this class, we will focus on understanding what the Zohar is and why it is considered the essential work of Jewish mythos and mysticism. Note: this is a repeat of the series taught this past fall.
The Zohar is an invitation to engage in a journey of spiritual awakening. The joy of learning Zohar lies in following the stream of its mystical interpretations of Torah, and encountering the central ideas of its mystical understanding, especially the idea that Ein Sof, the Infinite Unbounded Oneness, manifests in ten sefirot – dynamic elements of Divine energy that constantly move between separation and union. To receive its meaning, we must open both the gates of intellect and the gates of imagination.
Our learning will focus on discussion and inquiry of texts from the Zohar as well as other relevant sources. In addition, we’ll utilize both chanting and meditation to deepen our understanding of the Zohar’s concepts and how they might speak to us on our spiritual journeys. All texts will be in English and no special background is required. All you need to bring is your curiosity, and an open heart and mind.
This class is offered by Orot on Zoom.
Register HERE.
Feel free to be in touch with me should you have any questions or wish to have further information: beitlavey@gmail.com.