Shabbat
Shabbat Series / Mystical Shabbat Lessons
Mystical Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat Lesson 01 Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a day of rest and spiritual enrichment that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is one of the most important and widely observed commandments in Judaism. The connection between Shabbat and Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, offers a deeper and more mystical understanding of this holy day. Here's an exploration of their relationship: Shabbat in Judaism Biblical Origin: Shabbat is rooted in the creation story in the Torah (Genesis 2:1-3), where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. It is also one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Practices: Shabbat involves various rituals and customs, including lighting candles, reciting blessings, enjoying festive meals, refraining from work, attending synagogue services, and spending time with family. Themes: Shabbat emphasizes rest (menuha), spiritual renewal, and the sanctity of time. It is a day to step back from the material world and focus on spiritual growth and community. Kabbalah and Its View on Shabbat Kabbalistic Concepts: Kabbalah offers a mystical interpretation of Jewish teachings, focusing on the nature of God (Ein Sof), the structure of the spiritual world (the Sephirot), and the process of creation. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for humans to connect with the divine. Shabbat as a Cosmic Event: In Kabbalistic thought, Shabbat is more than just a day of rest; it is a time when the spiritual and physical worlds align harmoniously. Shabbat represents the union of the divine feminine and masculine aspects of God, known as the Shekhinah and the Kadosh Baruch Hu, respectively. Elevation of Souls: Kabbalists believe that on Shabbat, souls can ascend to higher spiritual levels. The sanctity of the day provides an opportunity for deeper meditation, prayer, and connection with the divine. Symbolism of Candles: The lighting of Shabbat candles has special significance in Kabbalah. The two candles often represent the dual aspects of creation: physical and spiritual, or the dual commandments of "Remember" (Zachor) and "Observe" (Shamor). Lurianic Kabbalah: According to Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari), a prominent Kabbalist, Shabbat rituals help repair the cosmic fractures (Tikkun Olam) that occurred during the primordial shattering of the vessels (Shevirat HaKelim). Each act performed with intention during Shabbat contributes to this cosmic restoration. Practices with Kabbalistic Influence Lecha Dodi: This liturgical poem sung on Friday night welcomes the Shabbat as a bride or queen. It reflects Kabbalistic themes of divine union and is rich with mystical imagery. Kabbalat Shabbat: The welcoming of Shabbat includes several Psalms and prayers that are imbued with Kabbalistic significance, focusing on the sanctification and elevation of the day. Havdalah: The ceremony marking the end of Shabbat involves blessings over wine, spices, and a multi-wicked candle. Each element has Kabbalistic meanings related to the transition from the holy time of Shabbat back to the mundane week.
A Temple in Time
Mystical Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat Lesson 2 1. **Sanctity of Time Over Space**: In Jewish thought, holiness is often associated with physical spaces, such as the Temple in Jerusalem. However, Shabbat shifts this sanctity from a physical location to a temporal dimension. It creates a sacred period every week, irrespective of geographical location. 2. **Regular Spiritual Renewal**: Shabbat occurs every seven days, offering a regular opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection. This cyclical pattern ensures that Jews can consistently reconnect with their faith, community, and values. 3. **Separation from the Mundane**: Just as the physical Temple was separate from the ordinary aspects of life, Shabbat separates the holy from the mundane. The day is set apart from the rest of the week, dedicated to rest, prayer, and family, distinct from work and routine activities. 4. **Holistic Rest and Reflection**: Shabbat provides a time for holistic rest, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It is a time to pause, reflect on one's life, relationships, and connection with God, akin to the spiritual experiences one might seek in a physical temple. 5. **Emphasis on Presence and Being**: On Shabbat, the focus shifts from doing to being. Activities such as creating, building, and working, which dominate the rest of the week, are put aside. Instead, there is an emphasis on presence, mindfulness, and simply being, reflecting a state of spiritual elevation similar to what one might experience in a sacred space. 6. **Communal Experience**: Shabbat is a time for communal gathering, much like the physical temple was a place for communal worship. Families and communities come together to pray, share meals, and enjoy each other's company, fostering a sense of unity and collective spiritual elevation.
Prohibited Works During Shabbat
Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat
Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat Lesson 3 The avoidance of making changes during Shabbat is a multifaceted practice rooted in rest, sanctity, and spiritual focus. It serves to emulate divine rest, maintain the holiness of the day, foster mindfulness, ensure continuity of tradition, and symbolically participate in the anticipated era of redemption. In this lesson we cover the prohibited works during Shabbat, the concept of Eruv, and the three ascension of the Kabbalistic Worlds.
Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat
Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat
Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat
Mystical Shabbat - Kabbalistic Preparation for Shabbat Lesson 4 There are 4 Categories of Shabbat Preparation: The Temple and the Altar = Physical Setting (Table and Home) The Sacrifice = Food Preparation (Challah and foods for 3 meals) Priestly Garments = Personal Grooming (Body and clothes to enter the spiritual temple of Shabbat) Connections with The Creator = Spiritual Preparation (Meditations, Study and Prayers). The concept of מַתָּנָה matana reveals: Divine Benevolence Elevation of the Receiver Channel for Divine Light Tikkun Olam Intention and Reciprocity
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