 Judaism
JUDAISM
Judaic studies include traditional theological studies
in Hallakha, Parshat HaShevua, Tehillim, Midrash, Nevi'im,
Talmudic methodology, Jewish philosophy, as well as studies
in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah & Hassidus) in the tradition
of Nehunia ben HaKana, R' Akiva, Shimeon bar Yochai, the Ari,
and R' Nachman.
Our Current Worship and Study
Program
The term "Kabbalah" refers to the esoteric teachings of Judaism
and Jewish mysticism. It is a unique system that brings together
esoteric teachings, theosophy, and mysticism.
The Mystical Dimension of Kabbalah
The mystical dimension of Kabbalah is consistent with the
meditative practices of various traditions. The goal of these
traditions is liberation, or freedom, by disappearance of self.
This aspect of the tradition is expressed by a deep yearning for
direct communion with the divine. Disappearance of self, or, put
another way, the annihilation of ego, is called bittul ha-yesh.
God Consciousness
The kabbalist, like mystics of other traditions, develops the
consciousness of God's transcendence and immanence, and perceives
every facet of creation as a revelation of God.
The Language of Mysticism
The language of mysticism is the language of symbols. Mystical
experience cannot be communicated directly by words. It can,
however, be transmitted by teacher to student, by master to disciple,
by a process of transmitted energy.
Esoteric Knowledge
Kabbalah is also a system of esoteric knowledge, and this knowledge
has been taught and handed down throughout the centuries. It
represents a knowledge that was, and to some extent still is,
guarded. This knowledge was never made available to the masses and
it is only in the last century that it became more widespread and
more easily available to large segments of the population.
Jewish Study Program Outline
Kabbalah is traditionally approached as a study and a practice
based on a comprehensive knowledge of Torah. This knowledge
encompasses several areas of study. Our program is based on the
havrusa model of one-on-one study along with organized "shiurim"
in the following subjects:
- Parshat Ha-Shevua
- Midrash
- Halakha
- Jewish philosophy
- Developing a Jewish Personality
- Nevi'im
- Tehillim
- Talmudic Methodology
These are traditional subjects to prepare one for a deeper
understanding and experience of Jewish life.
Our work with kabbalah is within the scholastic and the practical
traditions, that is, studies in kabbalah, and ritual practices
including meditation, creative visualizations, Kabbalistic chanting
(tuning the sephirot),
creative movement through the sephirot and the Hebrew letters (Ophanim-the
yoga of Kabbalah), and dance.
The basic works that form the core of our study of Kabbalah are
- Sefer ha-Bahir
- Sefer Yetzira
- The Zohar
- Gematria
- The Tarot & the 22 Paths
Jewish Meditation is a part of the universal
human capacity and practice of meditation which distinctively works with
the instrument of the Hebrew alphabet. The Hebrew alphabet in the
form of Names of G-d and names for particular entities and
qualities becomes the key for awakening different attributes within the
soul/mind including the rejuvenation of the body. There are simple,
powerful, traditional techniques which are effective in clearing and
stabilizing the mind, renewing and expanding one's mental space, in
helping a person to let go and receive the influx of new vitality, and in
gaining access to one's "inner voice" which is also known as the
"voice of prophecy".
Program Facilitator
R' Rene David Alkalay
Advisory Board
Rabbi David Algaze
Rabbi M. Kraft
Rabbi Meir Havazelet
Please email us with questions you may have regarding Jewish studies
and/or Kabbalah at the Genesis Society and Tree of Life Yoga Studio.
treeoflife@genesissociety.com
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