Learn of the Luminous Mysteries of Kabbalah

By Laurie A. RSS Tue, May 15, 2018

Do you know what Kabbalah is? Join us on May 23 at 7:00 p.m. to learn about this ancient mystical Jewish tradition. Professor Joel Hecker will talk about the history of Kabbalah, focusing on its central and canonical text, Sefer Zohar, (The Book of Radiance), which has amazed its readers since it emerged in Spain over seven hundred years ago. Kabbalah, much more than red strings and celebrities, has come to form an integral part of modern Jewish rituals and consciousness.

Joel Hecker, an expert on Kabbalah, is Professor of Jewish Mysticism at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He is the author of Volumes 11–12 of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, the first complete translation of the Zohar into English. Volume 11 received the Canadian Jewish Literary Award in the Category of Scholarship. He is also the author of Mystical Bodies, Mystical Meals: Eating and Embodiment in Medieval Kabbalah and has published widely on a range of themes in Jewish mysticism.

This event is free, but we ask that you RSVP at Eventbrite. This program will be held in Room 108 at the Parkway Central Library.

If Kabbalah intrigues you, you can find an assortment of titles including books, audiobooks, and streaming video on this topic through our catalog and at the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department.


While much music has also been inspired by Kabbalah, little of it forms an intrinsic part of this mystical subject. However, the beginning of the Friday night service, the Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath), which is a Kabbalistic tradition, includes the song "Lecha Dodi". This beautiful song has been recorded by many performers in many different styles. You can find this song and other Kabbalah-influenced music in the following Spotify playlist.


If you have any questions about this event or want to find out more infomation about Kabbalah, you can always visit the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department or contact a staff member at 215-686-5392.


Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.

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I know the basics of qabalah having been a student of b.o.t.a. i seek the spiritual
Wilma jean moon - Buderim. Queensland australia
Friday, July 3, 2020

Kabbalah is good and I will like to learn it's mystical ways
Roy Andrew
Thursday, October 8, 2020

I am attempting to understand the mysticism of the great Kabbalists who have supernatural powers to divine Hashem's actual meanings. There appears to be a reference to the Kabbalah in Hashem's prophet Ezekiel. Hashem describes the supernatural Kabbalah divination (וּמִקְסַ֥ם) in Ezekiel 13:8-9. "Assuredly, thus said the Lord GOD: Because you speak falsehood and prophesy lies, assuredly, I will deal with you--declares the Lord GOD. My hand will be against the prophets who prophesy falsehood and utter lying divination. They shall not remain in the assembly of My people, they shall not be inscribed in the lists of the House of Israel, and they shall not come back to the land of Israel. Thus shall you know that I am the Lord GOD." Are you a believer in Kabbalah and divination?
Robert Mandel - Texas
Sunday, November 27, 2022