Four Holy Cities of Judaism (Video)

What are the origins of the four holiest cities in Israel? What is the deeper mystical meaning behind them? How do they correspond to the Heavens, the primordial elements, and the fundamental forces of the universe? Find out in this eye-opening class as we explore the inner dimensions of Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed, and Tiberias. Plus: what and where is the immortal city of Luz? What is its connection to the mysterious pineal gland? How did God create Eve? And what can we do to bring about the Final Redemption?

For a written summary and more information on the holy cities, see here.
For more on the techelet blue dye, see here.

Ten Divine Songs

In this week’s parasha, Beshalach, the Israelites safely traverse the Red Sea and erupt in joyous song. This song, Shirat haYam, the “Song of the Sea”, is so important that it was included in our daily prayers. The Zohar (II, 131a) describes it as a song of redemption, and one that causes Israel to be “crowned” when we sing it, which is why it is the very climax of Pesukei d’Zimra, right before going into the Shema and Amidah at the height of our prayers. The Zohar says one who sings Shirat haYam with full kavanah will merit to see the coming of Mashiach. At the same time, Midrash Shir haShirim Zuta lists it among history’s ten special divine songs. What are these ten unique songs and how do they parallel Creation and the Ten Sefirot? Continue reading →