The Kabbalah Group meets weekly to analyze and discuss the Mystical texts of this Ancient Jewish wisdom. Using classical text, the Group pries through the layers of our lives to find the hidden meanings and deeper realities around us.
Led by Rabbi Zalman Gordon
The Group meets on Tuesday nights 8 pm - 9 pm at the JCC.
New Session Beginning Tuesday, October 17
Topic: The Mystery of the Tzimtzum
One of the central concepts in Kabbalah is Tzimtzum, contraction. Tzimtzum is the process used to block the infinity of the creator to generate space for creation to exist in.
In this session we will continue the book of Sha'ar Hayichud, The Gate of Unity by Rabbi Dovber of Lubavitch that is known at "The Keys to Kabbalah" Chapters 12 and 13
To join please email [email protected]
The Kabbalah Group will meet weekly for this session on 6 Tuesday Evenings from October 17 - November 21, 8pm - 9pm.
We will meet in person at the JCC. There will also be a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person.
Membership in the Kabbalah Group is free. Prior registration is required.
To join please email; [email protected] or call me at 310-214-4999
Upcoming Kabbalah Group Semesters
Winter Semester 2024
WHEN: Tuesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: At the JCC, 2108 Vail Ave.
DATES: 7 weeks; January 16-February 27
TOPIC: TBD
Spring Semester 2024
WHEN: Tuesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: At the JCC, 2108 Vail Ave.
DATES: 7 weeks; May 7-June 25
TOPIC: TBD
About Kabbalah
Kabbalah means 'received' or 'tradition'. It refers to a part of the Torah that was taught to Moses at Mt. Sinai but was then only taught to a select group of students. In each generation only those deemed able to fully understand the subject, were taught in secret. While much of Jewish thought and customs is based on Kabbalah teachings, most Jewish scholars were not aware of it.
The great Master and Lion, the Arizal simplified many parts of Kabalah in the sixteenth century and declared that it is now a Mitzvah to study Kabblah. In the town of Mezibuz in 1634, the Baal Shem Tov founded the Chassidic movement developing a method to explain most of the secrets of Kabbalah to every single Jew.
Today we can all be study Kabbalah. However it remains a difficult subject that must be studied from a competent teacher who is faithful to its teachings. Please use our Kabablah Authenticity Checklist to ensure your Kabbalah teacher is authentic.
Kabbalah Authenticity Checklist
1. Is the Kabbalah being taught as a part of Torah and traditional Judaism?
Jewish mysticism is a part of Torah, any group that does not follow the Torah, Jewish Law or Jewish tradition is not authentic.
2. Does the teacher have a tradition that can be directly traced back to Moses?
To fully understand Jewish Mysticism you must have studied from a teacher who has a proper tradition. Find out who their teacher was and what their tradition is.
3. Are the teachings making sense or is it just numbers, letters and spiritual gibberish?
Kabbalah makes sense and can be understood by anyone. A true teacher must be explaining things that make sense, not how to group numbers, letters or different levels.
4. Is the Kabbalah being taught for ulterior motives?
Torah must be taught for no ulterior motive check that there is no financial or similar motivation.