Category Archives: Kabbalah & Mysticism

Damascus in the End of Days

What is the significance of recent seismic events in Syria and Damascus? What might we expect for the region in light of ancient prophecies? Find out in this class as we explore Damascus in Tanakh, Midrash, and Kabbalah. Also: What is the etymology of the name “Jerusalem”? Who was the mysterious Melchizedek? And what is Zedekiah’s Cave?

For the entire playlist on the “Star of Jacob” prophecy, see here.
For the essay on ‘End of Days Secrets from Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’, see here.

Secrets of the Jewish Calendar

Today we welcome the new month of Kislev. It is well-known that the months of the Hebrew year parallel the Tribes of Israel and the zodiacal constellations. According to Sefer Yetzirah, each month also embodies one of twelve fundamental aspects of humanity and life: sight, sound, smell, speech, taste, touch, action, motion, temper, joy, thought, and sleep (ראיה, שמיעה, ריחה, שיחה, לעיטה, תשמיש, מעשה, הלוך, רוגז, שחוק, הרהור, שינה). Each of these further corresponds to twelve main parts and organs of the human body, and actually emerges at their core from the twelve “elemental” letters of the Hebrew alphabet, as well as the twelve permutations of God’s Ineffable Name. Recall that Sefer Yetzirah divides up the alphabet into three categories: “mother” letters, “doubled” letters, and “elemental” or “simple” letters (for more on these, see here). Continue reading

Graves of Tzadikim

Where was the original Tomb of Joseph, and the burial place of Moses? What’s so special about the Tomb of Rachel and the Cave of the Patriarchs? And what is the correct approach to visiting the graves of holy people? Find out in this class as we take a trip through Tanakh, Talmud, and Zohar to explore the graves of tzadikim. Plus: What are the true origins of Halloween? How will the Resurrection of the Dead at the End of Days be accomplished? And who was Caleb in a past life?

For the essay on Joseph and Yuya, see here.
For more on the origins of Halloween, see here.
Please see also ‘The Incredible History & Absurd Politics of Rachel’s Tomb’.