JTS Exploring Kabbalah

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After the Expulsion from Spain, a mystical revival flourished in Tzefat, building on the fellowship circles that defined groups like the Spanish Kabbalists of previous generations. These communities, which were built on the cultivation of spiritual friendships and master-disciple relationships, developed kabbalistic theology, poetry, ethics, autobiography, halakhah, and more. Elements from this period and place have become well known in contemporary Jewish practice, from the blessings of Kabbalat Shabbat to the notion of reclaiming the divine emanations that shattered with the creation of the world.Subscribe now:RSS: https://www.spreaker.com/show/3550593/episodes/feedApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-kabbalah/id1739159484Hosted by: Dr. Eitan FishbaneProduced by Ellie GettingerEdited by Sarah BrownCover art: Lee WilletTheme music: “Yah Notein Binah” from Seeds of SongFind more JTS Podcasts at www.jtsa.edu/torah/podcasts

Dr. Fishbane describes the Zohar as most significant pillars of thought and creativity in the entire history of Jewish civilization. This episode explores its development in 13th and 14th Century Spain and the circles dedicated to its creation and circulation. We explore questions around its language and authorship and how the mystical midrashim or stories of the Zohar redefine conceptions of the Divine self.Subscribe now:RSS: https://www.spreaker.com/show/3550593/episodes/feedApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-kabbalah/id1739159484Hosted by: Dr. Eitan FishbaneProduced by Ellie GettingerEdited by Sarah BrownCover art: Lee WilletTheme music: “Yah Notein Binah” from Seeds of SongFind more JTS Podcasts at www.jtsa.edu/torah/podcasts

After the destruction of the Temple, the rabbis built on Biblical mystical practice. Through both Talmudic and Midrashic creativity, the rabbis of this period expanded and developed new models of mysticism. They also created boundaries for this practice, establishing the ein dorshin (one must not expound on) in Mishnah Hagigah 2:1, limiting the content around work of Creation and the work of the Chariot to those who are wise who understand their own mind. After expanding on these elements, Dr. Fishbane engages the story of the Pardes, the four scholars who enter the orchard and what happens after a revelatory experience.Subscribe now:RSS: https://www.spreaker.com/show/3550593/episodes/feedApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-kabbalah/id1739159484Hosted by: Dr. Eitan FishbaneProduced by Ellie GettingerEdited by Sarah BrownCover art: Lee WilletTheme music: “Yah Notein Binah” from Seeds of SongFind more JTS Podcasts at www.jtsa.edu/torah/podcasts