Introduction to Jewish Mysticism
Discover the core ideas, practices, and wisdom of Jewish mysticism from ancient roots to its contemporary expressions.
Discover the wisdom and transformative practices of Jewish Mysticism in this comprehensive 10-class video course, led by Rabbi Matthew Ponak. Perfect for beginners in the study of Kabbalah and those curious about spirituality, this series explores the profound teachings and historical development of Jewish mysticism, focusing especially on medieval Kabbalistic and pre-modern Hasidic traditions. Each class thoughtfully blends engaging stories, primary texts, and practical insights, guiding you through topics such as spiritual awakening, altered states of consciousness, intuition, divination, contemplation, facing life’s challenges, and living an embodied spiritual life. You’ll encounter influential figures like the Baal Shem Tov and Rebbe Nachman, learn about the Tree of Life, the Sephirot, Hebrew letter magic, and the transformative journey from constriction to liberation. Over ten engaging sessions, this course unlocks the secrets of ancient wisdom for modern seekers. Whether you seek historical context or practical guidance, you’ll be invited to connect with your innate wisdom and discover how these mystical teachings remain deeply relevant today. By the end of the course, you will understand both the foundational concepts and living practices of Jewish mysticism, empowering you to nurture your personal growth and spiritual connection in everyday life. Begin your journey and experience the richness of this truly remarkable spiritual tradition.
To give you a sense of the course content, here are the titles of the ten classes:
- Class 1: Foundations and History
- Class 2: The Path of Transcendence (Transcending #1)
- Class 3: The Tree of Life and The Structure of Reality (Transcending #2)
- Class 4: Psychedelics, Altered States, and the Baal Shem Tov (Transcending #3)
- Class 5: Intuition, Divination, and Hebrew Letter Magic (Transcending #4)
- Class 6: Danger on the Path – The Story of Pardes (Cautions)
- Class 7: Contemplation and Celebration (Contemplation #1)
- Class 8: Facing Darkness — Working with Difficulty (Contemplation #2)
- Class 9: Rebbe Nachman and Hidden Treasure (Fruits of the Path: Embodying Your Inner Tzaddik #1)
- Class 10: Integration and the Ongoing Journey (Fruits of the Path: Embodying Your Inner Tzaddik #2)
Who this course is for:
- This course is perfect for anyone curious about Jewish mysticism—spiritual seekers of any background and those interested in Jewish history or tradition. It is designed for students who want to explore core ideas, practices, and transformative experiences found in the Zohar, Hasidic sources, and other forms of Kabbalah. Practical guidance throughout the course makes it easy to integrate this wisdom into your daily life.