The journey of the High Holidays actually starts on the 17th of Tamuz, when the tablets were broken. In the Midrash, this begins two cycles of 40 days, with Moshe ascending Mount Sinai, praying for forgiveness and mercy.
One cycle brings down the second set of tablets—this time man-made. Another cycle, from the end of Av through Elul into Tishrei, culminates on Yom Kippur with full forgiveness.
I invite you to walk with me through this special time and experience deeply the unfolding of teshuva and forgiveness. Each week we will explore one spiritual tool our tradition offers us in this sensitive and possibility-filled time of year.
My passion is to delve into Jewish tradition and expose the many layers of meaning -especially the kabbalistic - and spiritual practices (especially meditation and chanting) that offer us a deep interface and multiple ways to practice and participate. The course evolves as we go along, and your input is part of the course.
We'll explore Psalm 27 (the special psalm for Elul and the High Holidays), the practice of S'lichot with special Piyyutim (Hymns), deep Cheshbon Hanefesh (soul accounting), secrets of the Shofar (with guest Michael Kagan, Master Blower), the 13 attributes of Mercy—a spiritual tool that the Talmud promises "never comes back empty-handed", and more.
Many practices I share have been tried in my community, Nava Tehila in Jerusalem.
Texts will be provided with translation, as well as playlists and extra texts for deeper exploration. This course is geared for independent spiritual seekers as well as rabbis and lay leaders who may want to bring this material to their community.
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 eight 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