REL 503: Wisdom of the KabbalahRon H. Feldman, Ph.D.The course focuses on the central teachings of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition that emerged in 12 th-century Province and profoundly influenced European spirituality. We will explore the themes of Ein Sof (God as Infinity), Ayin (the divine no-thingness), Shekhinah (the feminine nature of God), and Raising the Sparks (discovering God in everyday life). We will study the original teachings of Kabbalah, translated from Hebrew and Aramaic by Daniel C. Matt in his book, The Essential Kabbalah. Dr. Matt also recorded the taped lectures used in this course. Outcomes for This CourseOutcome #1: Students will be able to describe how Kabbalah manages to balance the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence and to integrate the two. In many mystical systems there is an opposition between these two dimensions, but Kabbalah teaches that the two can be brought into harmony. Outcome #2: Students will be able to explain how ancient wisdom can be relevant to contemporary spiritual seekers. Though certain aspects of Kabbalah may be outdated, the deep truths are still vital. Outcome #3: Students will be able to explain how the mystics were able to articulate the potential meaning of Scripture. Scripture, for them was not a frozen document but something living and dynamic. In the reading of Scripture, one engages the text and evokes new meaning relevant to his/her life. Students will be able to describe how this approach can enrich our contemporary reading of Scripture. Outcomes #4: Students will be able to describe how everyday, mundane activities serve as spiritual opportunities and delineate the dangers involved in this type of spirituality. Course Sessions and TopicsThis course is organized into ten, one-hour audio sessions. The introductory session on The Nature of God is presented in both an audio and video format to better acquaint the student with Dr. Matt. The ten sessions are organized into a thoughtful effective presentation on this topic. We recommend you study the course tapes, both sides in their sequential order:
Required ReadingMatt, Daniel C., The Essential Kabbalah, Harper Collins, 1996. ISBN# 0062511637 Feldman, Ron H., Fundamentals of Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, Crossing Press, 1999. ISBN#1580910491 PRS has a limited supply. Check availability with Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Recommended ReadingMatt, Daniel C., God and the Big Bang, paperback. Phone Conferences – Tuesdays, October 3 and November 14, 2006Both calls take place from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Time, students are expected to participate in the conference calls. Grades will likely be reduced for students who do not attend the conference calls. Each of these two conferences has been designed around topics and issues; however, the first conference will also give you an opportunity to clarify any questions related to the course. See Conference Calls with Faculty in Table of Contents for call in numbers and procedures. Topics for First Conference Call – Tuesday, October 3, 20061. Be able to discuss what is new about the Kabbalah's conception of God. 2. Be able to discuss what is the relation between the mystic and her tradition. Phone Conferences – Tuesday, November 14, 20061. Be able to discuss what is the difference between a literal and mystical approach to the Bible? 2. Be able to answer, according to the Kabbalah, how does the human being affect God? 3. Be able to answer in what sense is God in need of human action? Email Discussion Group "ourquest"Email discussion groups encourage group discussion on the topics, issues and concepts presented in each course. Students are encouraged to use this discussion forum to share their ideas, insights and questions with one another. A single email message reaches all students and the faculty member at one time. This discussion group has also been put in place to help remove some of the geographic isolation which may be felt between students, and add an extra link to the natural and vital bond that develops in any spiritual community. All students with a current email address listed with Holmes Institute are automatically subscribed to the email discussion group for this course. Use this email address: If you desire to respond to an individual in the group, please use his/her personal email address on your class roster or the Faculty Directory for Fall Quarter 2006 in the Table of Contents for contact information. Course Outline - Weeks 1 through 5This outline gives a brief description of how to pace your self-study and gauge your progress in the required course activities throughout the academic quarter. Lesson Objectives: 2. select statements demonstrating an accurate understanding of how the Jewish mystics balanced a masculine image of God with a feminine image of God. Required Reading: Fundamentals of Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah pp. 1-61. Lecture Tapes: #1-#5 First Assessment Experience: You are to respond to 3 or 4 short essay questions. The essay questions will cover material in the required readings and lectures. Read the passages thoroughly with accompanying notes at the back of the book, but do not get bogged down by the details. The questions will be emailed to you. Papers should be double spaced, 12 point type, Times New Roman font to avoid problems in email transit. The assessment is due Monday, October 23, 2006. You may submit papers by email. See Faculty Directory for Fall 2006 for contact information. Course Outline - Weeks 6 through 10Lesson Objectives: 4. describe how everyday, mundane activities serve as spiritual opportunities and delineate the dangers involved in this type of spirituality, a spirituality that engages the world. Required Reading: Fundamentals of Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, pp. 62-134. Lecture Tapes: #6 - #10 Final Assessment Experience: Students review Objectives #3 and #4 above. Compose two brief essays responding to both. Highlight key concepts, issues and relevant details that demonstrate your understanding of the material. Your essays together should be approximately 3 - 4 pages in length. Your paper must be emailed to Ron Feldman in Microsoft Word format with “Holmes Kabbalah” in the subject line. No faxed or mailed papers will be accepted for this course. Your paper must be received on or before December 4, 2006. See Faculty Directory for Fall 2006 for contact information. Guidelines for SuccessThe quality of the written paper is important. Students should focus on the specific themes and demonstrate that they have understood the course material by elucidating the concepts. Students should analyze at least several brief passages from traditional texts translated in The Essential Kabbalah. Students should reference relevant details in footnotes or endnotes. Clarity of writing is also important. Further, in the paper, students should reflect on the material in this course and ask themselves how these teachings apply to everyday life. What have you learned that is useful to you personally and is meaningful to the quality of your life? Lastly, students should be responsive to the published due dates and submit all materials on time. Letter grades drop by one half if materials are not received by the published due dates. I will respond to emailed questions promptly. You may email your questions to: rfeldman@cruzio.com
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