In Part 2, we explore the origins, symbolism and significance of the phoenix, mermaids, and other hybrids like centaurs, satyrs, and werewolves, as well as vampires and golems. Also, an in-depth exploration of witchcraft and wizardry, the qualifications for being elected to the ancient Sanhedrin, and what does Frankenstein’s monster have to do with the Golem of Prague?
Tag Archives: Sefer Yetzirah
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them in the Torah
Unicorns, phoenixes, dragons, mermaids – what does the Torah (and other holy texts) say about these mythical creatures? Could they be real, and what spiritual significance do they carry? Find out in this fun class where we also explore narwhals and dugongs in the Tabernacle, the great battle of Behemoth and Leviathan, Greek myths of the Pegasus and the Chimera, dinosaurs in Tanakh, the Stone of Scone, and the true origins of King Arthur’s Excalibur.
Ten Types of Kabbalah
This week’s double parasha, Nitzavim-Vayelekh, contains the famous verse “the concealed things are for Hashem, and the revealed things are for us and for our children, forever” (Deuteronomy 29:28). The “concealed things” are typically understood as referring to the concealed secrets embedded in the Torah, the deepest dimension of sod. The Torah is written in simple and plain language, in the style of narratives and stories, so that all people in all generations could understand it, even “children, forever”. For those who want to plunge deeper, however, there are profound secrets encoded within each word and letter. This field of study is commonly referred to as “Kabbalah”.
When we look at the various branches and styles of Kabbalah over the course of history, we can ten types altogether. This is fitting, since the core teaching of Kabbalah is the notion of Ten Sefirot, and we find countless things in Creation that parallel and reflect the Ten Sefirot. So, what are the ten types of Kabbalah, and how exactly do they parallel the Sefirot? Continue reading