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Rabbi's calling: Building bridges 'from Divine Creator to human soul'

By Melissa Hirschl

Shrouded in mystery for centuries, Kabbalah represents the cornerstone of Jewish mysticism. A venerable collection of material, it contains the deepest revelations and spiritual wisdom of Judaism, having been handed down from master to student since biblical times.

One such student is Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, who is using what he has learned to help others gain an understanding of how Kabbalah can bring new meaning to their lives.

Sometimes referred to as “the science of the soul,” according to Deitsch, Kabbalah means a “received knowledge.”  From its inception, it has been a bridge between the Divine Creator and the human soul.

Kabbalah Rhythms: A Spiritual Roadmap to Higher Living is an eight-week course that aims to de-mystify this once guarded and carefully preserved rich body of knowledge. Now under way at the local Chabad (orthodox) congregation, this class continues through March 17 at the University of Phoenix Tempe campus, 1150 W. Grove Parkway.

The course runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, and interested students can enroll through Monday, Feb. 10.

The class is sponsored by the Jewish Learning Institute.

Deitsch is well steeped in Kabbalah and Chassidic philosophy; he majored in these metaphysical subjects at the Talmudic Rabinical College in New York.

“Kabbalah is basically the mystical teachings of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible),” says Dietsch, who is fervent about the class.

“It is a blueprint for life and the world around us. Not only does it give us a path in life, but it also helps us figure out what tools to use.

“In this class we also learn about the four ways to interpret the Bible, the hidden level (hidden meaning in words), the simple level, the allegorical level (stories) and the esoteric level, which is mysticism.”

Fundamental to the study of the Kabbalah are the 10 “Sephiroth”, spheres or vessels that correspond to the human body (similar to Chakras) and also to the human psyche. These vessels are considered part of the Tree of Life and include attributes such as wisdom, comprehension, perception, grace, power, beauty, victory, splendor, bonding and nobility.

According to the Jewish religion, these insights were given from God to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.There are many great books written about the Kabbalah, one of the most notable of which is the Zohar, written a little less than 2,000 years ago by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochi. It is said he hid in a cave from the Roman government for 13 years, during which he received mystical insights that expanded upon the original teachings from Mount Sinai. Deitsch believes anyone, whether or not of the Jewish faith, can become spiritually empowered and wiser through his course. “The Kabbalah will open up the doors to inner structure; helping people see things from a clear perspective,” he says. “It helps people use their intellect to understand themselves, as well as the inner workings of the world around them. “Through studying Kabbalah, one learns how to deal with stress, for example, as well as to take care of mental and physical health.

“Kabbalah helps with relationships as well, in regard to how we view others, and how we can best help others through difficult times. There are certain meditative prayers to help alleviate sickness, as well.”

A major part of the class focuses on understanding the creator and mankind, and how they relate to each other. Other aspects of Kabbalah woven into the course include personality, the psyche, heaven on earth (bringing God down to this world), the relationship between mysticism and modern physics, the afterlife, the soul, and providence (the reason and purpose for everything). 

The relationship between the heart and the soul is also covered.

“We focus on the intellect and emotions,” says Deitsch, “seeing how the two can be intertwined to provide balance. Once we know how to balance the two, we’re going to find our strongest points within us so that we can better ourselves and the world around us.”

Deitsch is acutely aware of the timeliness of his subject matter. After all, the Kabbalah is, and has been for a while, a hot topic among some high-profile entertainment industry people as well as others interested in spirituality and its many faces.

Speculating on the popularity of the course, he says:

“The Kabbalah is now easily accessible because this world is in such a need of great spiritual light; this is the time for it to be revealed.

“The more problems we encounter, the greater the need for spirituality.”

Fran Mazer, a Kyrene Corridor resident, has taken three courses from the Jewish Learning Institute before embarking on the Kabbalah class.

“I think the classes are incredible,” she states emphatically.

“I came into the class knowing nothing on the subject, and I feel very comfortable. The course doesn’t pre-suppose you know any specific information. The written materials make it easy for me to concentrate since I don’t have to take notes. Also, I love the way Rabbi Deitsch teaches the class--he always has good stories that enhance the learning. I also enjoy all the provocative dialogue that takes place.”

For more information about this class, call (480) 753-5366 or email: rabbi@chabadcenter.com. Cost of class: $99.

The college campus is located off I-10 and Elliot, on Priest Grove Parkway.

Contact the Jewish Learning Institute for information on other classes held around the Valley, at www.JLIcentral.com. The next course offered will be The Jewish Perspective on Character Development of Interpersonal Relationships.

Recommended Reading

Practical Kabbalah by Rabbi Labil Wolfe; Kabbalah and Meditation by Aryeh Kaplan

There is a also a Kaballah website at www.inner.org.

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