Kabbala and Meditations for the Yamim Noraim
Prayer is one of the most integral aspects of the Yamim Noraim, the High Holidays. This course will explore the connections between Kabbala and Prayer, Meditation, God and Self. Each class will develop foundation concepts from Kabbala, and use them as a lens for exploring Godliness and Self, and the action of prayer as the primary tool for connecting the two. The Class will require some experience in the literature of this discipline, but those without are still encouraged to participate and investigate the appropriate texts, available in English.
Kabbala and Meditations for the Yamim Noraim: Lesson 1
This Elul zman we will explore four major teachings from the kaballah focusing on Teshuva and Redemption; 1)Teshuva and the Redemption of Self 2)Teshuva and the Redemption of Community & Nation 3)Teshuva and the Redemption of the entire physical World 4) Teshuva and the Redemption of the Spiritual Realm Each class will begin with teachings from the Kaballah on teshuva in each of these realms, then proceed to a specially designed meditation to actualize within us the material we are learning. I will post teachings from the masters of kabbalah each week. Our guided meditations will continue in the format we followed the previous semester. Our first class will focus on Returning and Redeeming the ‘Lost sparks’ of ourselves that have been exiled in time, in memory, in heart and body. This is an extremely powerful shiur/meditation with life-changing potential to those who invest themselves accordingly. I look forward to being with you. Avraham
Rabbi Avraham Shira received smicha from Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli, Rosh Yeshivat HaMekubalim, Nahar Shalom, in Jerusalem. He has been a student and teacher in the Yeshiva since 1993. Since 1996 he has taught for twelve years at the Berot Bat Ayin Seminary, specializing in Likutei Moharan, and conducting workshops in meditation, and spiritual creative writing. He has also received a Masters Degree in Clinical Sociology & Family Therapy from the University of North Texas, Neve Yerushalayim Campus. Rabbi Shira has published a novel and translates a newsletter for Nahar Shalom. He lives with his wife, Elisheva and their five children in Bat Ayin, Gush Etzion.