Kabbalistic Ritual Practices 
with Larry Fine 
Tuesdays, October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, CBI Library, in person only 

Kabbalistic tradition innovated numerous creative liturgical and ritual practices, beginning in the middle ages with the seminal work of Jewish mysticism, the Book of Zohar. Over time these became extraordinarily popular and were integrated into home and synagogue practice in Jewish communities all over the world. In this course we'll study the kabbalistic liturgy of Kabbalat Shabbat, developed in 16th century Safed; Ushpizin, welcoming guests (human and divine) into one's Sukkah; the kabbalistic tradition of study on the night of Shavuot, and the practice of 'counting the Omer' between Pesach and Shavuot. How can these practices inform and enrich our own spiritual experience? 

Larry is the Irene Kaplan Leiwant Chair of Jewish Studies and Professor of Religion, emeritus, Mount Holyoke College. He is a widely published scholar in the field of Kabbalah and Hasidism.