Introduction to Kabbalah: The Sefirot

What is this course?

The Sefirot of the Tree of Life are the primary Kabbalistic map of existence, experience, and our ongoing journey of healing and development. The Sefirot can be understood as attributes of the Divine or character traits (middot) which we can also identify and refine in our own selves.​ In this interactive online course, taught by Rabbi Daniel Silverstein, we will explore the Sefirot in theory and practice, especially the seven lower Sefirot, which are central to the Omer period between Pesach and Shavuot. In this special time, the Kabbalists instituted a practice of paying attention to a particular Sefirah each week, and a unique combination of the Sefirot on each day. Together, we will explore how many generations of Kabbalists understood the Sefirah of each week of the Omer, and how it may manifest in own lives. Through textual learning and meditative practices, we will discover the invitations for growth and healing that each Sefirah holds. This course is open to novices and advanced learners of all backgrounds and levels. All texts will be provided with clear line-by-line translations, and no prior knowledge or experience with the subject matter is necessary. HOW DOES IT WORK? The course consists of seven live online sessions, of 90 minutes each. Each class is recorded as well, and is sent out to all registrants following each class, so participants can watch the recordings at their own leisure. There will also be an optional WhatsApp group to allow for connection and sharing among our community. Each class includes: 1. A printable translated handout of textual sources providing a broad and deep perspective of the Sefirot in Torah, Midrash, Talmud, Kabbalah and Chasidut. ​ 2. A live, interactive online class, in which we go through the texts together. Rabbi Daniel provides background information, explanation, analysis, and guidance for meditative practices based on the texts. ​ 3. A second handout, with practice instructions for developing our relationship with each of the Sefirot. These include unique prompts for each of the 49 days of the Omer which offer inspiration for our own meditative or creative practices, and all of our daily tasks and interactions. DATES AND TIMES Wednesdays, 16 April – May 28, at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK / 8pm Israel and the relevant hours in other time zones, for 90 minutes each time. The cost of the course is $150. Please contact R' Daniel if you would like to request subsidized registration.