From the Zohar to Modern Hasidism I

Mysticism has been part of the Jewish experience since the Biblical period. We will explore the Zohar, the central work of medieval Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), its development, its role as a reaction to the rationalism of Maimonides, and the ways in which it came to be reinterpreted by Isaac Luria and his followers in the early modern period. We will discuss both Jewish and Christian responses to Kabbalah, as well as a variety of examples that demonstrate the role it continues to have in contemporary Jewish liturgy and customs.No previous knowledge is required—only an openness to the many ways in which Judaism continues to develop and be re-imagined. Join for the full semester or sign up class by class.

The classes will be held over Zoom.

The winter-spring semester will continue this adventure with a study of Hasidism.

Classes will be held on October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 21.

Dr. Regina Stein is the Morris Kaplan Scholar-in-Residence at the Museum at Eldridge Street. She has taught for Temple Emanu-El’s Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning, the Wexner Heritage Foundation, CLAL, the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel, the Academy for Jewish Religion, and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Dr. Stein is formerly the National Director of the Hadassah Leadership Academy. No previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Bible is required.