Although often thought of as solely concerned with spiritual uplift, the kabbalistic tradition is actually focused on the inextricable relationship between darkness and light, evil and goodness, the holy side and the “other side,” the Gods and the Devils, or, in more modern terms, between Eros and Thanatos. In this session, we will explore this tradition through study of texts from the Zohar, kabbalah’s central work, as well as experientially through exercises drawn from the tradition.
In an age when choosing an identity is as simple as putting on a mask, how do we create an identity that is meaningful? "Why Judaism" addresses that and other questions. What is special that we offer and how exclusive is our offering, both for ourselves and for non-Jews? How are we different from Buddhism or other theologies? If part of our exclusivity is ethnicity, does this make our Jewish journey more special or more burdensome? Are mitzvot (commandments) personal enrichment or commanded by God?
