What is Jewish Mysticism? It is at once a series of techniques designed to alter consciousness or unite with the divine, interpretive practices for creatively reading sacred texts, and ways of creating community. This course invites you to enter into the mystery and travel along the paths of the mysterious worlds that range from the popular to the esoteric.

While we will survey Jewish mystical traditions (social movements, meditative practices, and striking God-language) from the late antique era through the present, the heart of the course is that many-branched medieval and post-medieval stream known as kabbalah, along with its central work, the Zohar, the “Bible of Spanish Jewish Mysticism.” Our study will take us across the globe from the Mideast to Morocco, from Ukraine to Israel and North America. Modern interpretations of the phenomenon of mysticism, and contemporary literary-artistic explorations, will be considered as well.

Our exploration will be rooted in primary sources (in translation) as well as secondary sources from the fields of comparative religion and the history of Judaism. These will be enriched by potential “lab” sessions to help us grasp non-cognitive and “experiential” dimensions of the traditions (e.g., the role of music, the modulation of the senses, altered consciousness, etc.). We will try to maintain a stereoscopic vision throughout the course, shuttling between history and phenomenology, between dispassionate study and the world of practice, between mind and heart.

It is my deepest hope that we will evolve as a community of deep learning — analytic, empathetic, playful, attentive.

Course Requirements:

Brief weekly reflections, class participation, and two short essays

Intended Audience:

Upper level undergraduate and graduate students in Judaic Studies, Middle East Studies, Religion, Comparative Literature, and Gender Studies

Class Format:

Two 90-minute meetings weekly