Jewish Theology and Mysticism

An introduction to medieval Kabbalah through the work MaArechet HaElokut.

Meditative thought and life based on Jewish mystical traditions, ancient and modern. What is the nature of and our relationship to consciousness, reality, suffering, and spiritual practice?

Ethics can be understood as the vehicle that moves the self, and the world at large, towards the ontological good. For Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, that good is synonymous with G-d, and the path prescribed by the Torah is the vehicle which draws humanity and the world into the singularity of the divine good.

An exploration of the different opinions of the Rambam and Rav Kook regarding the ways through which man can approach G-d reveals a more fundamental debate.

An analysis of the respective opinions of two great Jewish thinkers reveals a deeply subtle point of contention regarding divine intervention in the created world.

Scientific principle dictates that the simplest explanation is always most likely to be correct. Theism provides the simplest explanation for why the world we inhabit exists.

Maimonides is often portrayed as a rationalist who opposed any form of mysticism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi is generally seen as a mystic, albeit one of moderate rationalist inclination. A comparative textual reading reveals that these two greats may have far more in common than is usually thought.

For medieval philosophers of the aristotelian tradition, science and religion were not different disciplines; empirical science was rather seen as a path by which man can find G-d. This approach is exemplified in the writings of the rabbinic astronomer of 14th century spain, Isaac Israeli the Younger.

Chabad struggled bitterly against communism's aggressively secular ethos, but successive Rebbes indicated that socialism and Judaism are not entirely at odds. This lecture was in tribute to Professor Chimen Abramsky.

On its most basic level, to pray is to ask G-d to provide for your needs. But the story of Esther provides a loftier model, which should guide us as we approach the High Holidays.

Throughout Maimonides' writings there is a clear tension between his goal of communicating a clear theosophical vision and his affirmation that ultimately the human mind cannot full grasp the true nature of G-d.

Maimonides is often thought of as an ultra rationalist. But several scholars of chassidism have shown that his views on how a human being can become attached to G-d were a seminal influence in the development of chassidic thought and practice.

Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (1565 – 1630) is famous for his Shnei Luchut HaBrit (Shelah), and helped bring mystical themes into mainstream Jewish life by incorporating them into his ethical, moral and educational teachings.

An overview of the theories of education articulated by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and of the educational philosophy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, respectively the first, sixth and seventh rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch.

An analysis of Maimonides' use of historiography as an introduction to law. Examples from the Laws of Foreign Worship, the Laws of Megillah and Chanukah, and from the closing chapter of Mishneh Torah.

The constant struggle to attain a deeper connection to G-d. Tracing the Kabbalistic dimensions of these stages and how they correspond to various aspects of our religious experience. (Based on a discourse of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.)

A world renowned philosopher of science debunks the common myth that science is at odds with religion, and explains how it is actually atheism that is incompatible with the scientific method.

A detailed look at Sefer Ha'chakirah, a book of philosophy by the third Chabad rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek. Examining how the Tzemach Tzedek uses his own ideas as well as the works of other Jewish philosophers such as Maimonides and Joseph Albo to prove divine creation.

As well as a resource for knowledge and inspiration, manuscripts are points of connection between rebbe and chassid

Some Jewish commentators saw the conflict between body and soul as insurmountable, others saw it as non-existent, yet others saw it as an opportunity for a step by step process of mystical synthesis

Fascinating analysis of an account by the Baal Shem Tov of his ascent on-high, into the chamber of Moshiach.

Yitzhak Kraus describes the journey that led to his discovering the explanation for the energetic motivation Chabad has for its mission of spreading Judaism.

To what extent is Jewish mysticism rooted in the Talmud? Examining the interplay between the mystical dimension of the Torah and the Halachic corpus.

Comparing variant versions of the morning prayer Elokai Nishamah found in some of the earliest manuscripts of the Talmud. Examining how Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi applies one particular version in his Tanya.

What is the distinction between Hasidism and Mitnagdim? What caused the emergence of these groups? And where in the general Hasidic movement, does Chabad-Lubavitch stand?

Monosim: Is there anything apart from G-d. Do we exist? How can we actualize monism?

Tracing the evolution of Kabbalistic and Chassidic thought, how Zoharic thought is incorporated into Chassidic philosophy.

A word widely used, but what does it actually mean? Various translations are given, including, "holy", "sanctified" and "separate". Which is most accurate?

Is action really the focus? What is action without thought? Are we to be Hamlet or Ophelia?

A study on the importance of melody in the Chasidic tradition.

How the chasidut said by a Rebbe relates to each individual listener, creating a mystical transaction.

A concise synopsis of the major themes dealt with in the discourse series known as 'Bati LeGani' by the last two Lubavitcher Rebbes—'a literary edifice of the 20th Century'.

We have the innate ability to transcend our current struggles, however burdensome they seem to be, and leave Egypt in a real way. Based on a Discourse of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

How can we as individuals forge a relationship with G-d in His all encompassing reality? An adapted discourse of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Perspectives on Purim from the Second Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber.

Will the festivals be nullified in the times of Moshiach? What about the festival of Purim?

Moses, Mordechai, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe—leadership under different circumstances.

A synopsis of a discourse of the Lubavitcher Rebbe titled "Atem Nissavim" delivered on the 24th of Elul 5734 (1974).

How to harness the power of teshuva during the month of Elul.

How the vitality of the world is dependent on the blowing of the shofar.

How do we know that the day we observe as Shabbat is in fact Shabbat? Is it possible to observe Shabbat on a different day?

How Maimonides draws on King David in describing love and fear of G-d and the concept of Moshiach.

Oftentimes, taking on more religious actions and worrying about reward and punishment fill the contemporary Jewish rhetoric. But there are fundamentals that run deeper and embolden our unique personal value, self-development, and loving bond with G-d. In this talk, we will explore some fundamental Jewish ideas upon which all of Judaism is built.

What must a Jew believe?

The importance of joy and meaning in the service of G-d.

An analysis of the manuscript of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi's Tanya early edition, held at the British Library, London.

The perpetual quest for unlimited knowledge and the acknowledgment of deficiency.