This unique course will investigate the many similarities between Jewish and Muslim mysticism and examine actual points of contact and interaction in their respective historical developments. With the help of texts, we will explore Jewish influences on Sufism in its formative period in the East. Or inversely, the influence of Islamic mysticism in the writings of Jewish theologians and moralists, such as that of Bahya Ibn Paquda in 11th century Muslim Spain or in the writings of the Judaeo-Sufi movement in 13th century Egypt. Special attention will be paid to Luryanic Qabbalah, which developed in the Holy Land in a Sufi environment.
5 meetings:
Nov. 1 – Introductory class at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies
Nov. 8 – Lecture at Schechter and then fieldtrip to Nebi Samuel (we will car pool)
Nov. 15 – class at Schechter including a practical exercise in mystical meditation (הזכרה) as practiced by Qabbalists and Sufis
Nov. 22 – Lecture at Schechter + fieldtrip to King David’s tomb on Mt. Zion
Nov. 29 – Concluding lecture
Tuition:
ILS 490 ($136*) for fieldtrip course
*dollar price dependent upon exchange rate on date of payment
10% discount price for simultaneous registration for 2 series or more
15% discount price for simultaneous registration for 3 series or more.
*tuition does not include transportation for fieldtrips. If there are not enough cars then we will split the cost of a taxi.
Details of meeting place for in-person courses will be sent one week before the start of classes.
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