Rabbi Rena Blumenthal returns for another engaging adult education series. This class will begin with an exploration of the concept of “mysticism” and an overview of the history of Jewish mysticism. We will then review some of the key concepts of Kabbalah, including kabbalistic cosmology, divine emanations (sefirot), and the four worlds.  The focus will be on finding ways to make this often esoteric symbolic system applicable to contemporary religious life.  This is primarily a discussion-based class. Texts will be in English. No prior familiarity with Kabbalah is assumed. The course is $72 for members, $118 for non-members. Financial assistance is available - select 'Scholarship request' when registering to be contacted about paying a lower rate.

Rabbi Rena worked as a psychologist for fifteen years prior to attending rabbinical school. After ordination, she was the Assistant Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and Advisor to Jewish Students at Vassar College. She now teaches, leads services, and provides consultation services to college campuses. She is also the author of a novel, The Book of Israela.