From the Bible through the Talmud, Midrash, Zohar and other mystical texts, the amazing smell of the ketoret (incense) and its symbolic and mythical powers have never ceased to fascinate our ancestors.
Join Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan for a journey into some of the ketoret's secrets and surprises in this in-depth study.
A personal note from Rabbi Ruth:I have been wanting to explore the theme of ketoret in a class for a very long time. The draw of delving into an ancient, earth-based ritual is powerful, and the fact that no animals were ever hurt in the process of this offering makes the exploration even more compelling. In addition, the ketoret was connected to battling plagues since Biblical times, which adds a timely dimension.
What I love about my study of ketoret is that our ancestors have already explored and understood it on every level of our being: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. I am excited to find out in our learning how we can add our own dimension to the secrets of ketoret.
In each of our ten sessions, we will explore a specific aspect of the ketoret, which we will seek to experience on each of the four levels mentioned above.
All texts will be provided with clear translations, and no prior knowledge or experience with the subject matter is necessary.
This course is welcoming of advanced students and novices alike.
How does it work?
The course consists of ten recorded online sessions, of approximately 90 minutes each, which you can watch at you own convenience.
Upon registration, you will be given access to all the recordings and handouts.
Registrants gain lifetime access to all of the course materials.
Testimonials
"I have had the pleasure of studying with Reb Ruth Gan Kagan twice. Her classes are engaging for both the intellect and spirit with her generous curated selection of source material that is artfully woven together with assignments and reflective opportunities to apply mystical teachings to everyday spiritual practice."
- Gabrielle Pescador, Rabbinical Student, Ann Arbor MI
"Reb Ruth’s mastery over the texts and concepts of our mystical tradition is obvious. But her teaching has a way of moving those words from the page right into your cells, so that you leave enriched and deepened. You don’t learn about mysticism, you begin to embody it. And this she achieves with simple good humor, encouragement, the benefit of personal experience and an infectious openness to the unknown."
- Irwin Keller, Rabbinical Student, California
"Rabbi Ruth is a deep wisdom teacher. I take every opportunity I can to study with her."
- Rabbi David Curiel, Somerville
"Rabbi Ruth is a terrific teacher. Her classes always rest on a wealth of research and source material, uncovering the hidden connections found in the Bible and Jewish tradition - the source sheets alone are a treasure trove. Meanwhile, Rabbi Ruth's methodology as an educator is grounded and consistent, creating a deep container for discussion, investigation and personal reflection. Highly recommended!"
- Rabbi Sarah Bracha Gershuny, Boulder, Colorado