Jewish Mysticism

Catalog description

This course traces Jewish mysticism from antiquity through modernity. Beginning with early mysticism in the Bible, we proceed through early Jewish practices of divination, magic, and asceticism. We then delve into the erotically-charged symbolic literature known as “Kabbalah”, focusing on the classic Zohar (Book of Splendor); mystical ethics early modern Safed (Tzefat); and mass messianic movements. Next, we explore varied manifestations of East European popular Kabbalah, including the magic-based praxis, Golem literature, and Hasidism. We conclude with contemporary manifestations of Kabbalah and Hasidism in America and Israel, reflecting on issues like gender, sectarianism, mystical-messianic Zionism, and the popularization of Kabbalah.