Rabbi Blumenfeld: Jewish Mysticism

Join us Wednesday morning for Adult Education with…

Rabbi David Blumenfeld, Ph.D

“Jewish Mysticism as Found in the Talmud”

“Four men entered the ‘Pardes” (a mysterious orchard).  They were Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Archer and Rabbi Akiva.  Ben Azzai looked and died; Ben Zoma looked and went mad; Archer destroyed the plants; Akiva entered in peace and departed in peace.” (Babylonian Talmud, Hagigah 14b).  From the above we learn that the study of mysticism was deemed as being somewhat dangerous.  No problem though.  “Have no fear – Rabbi Blumenfeld is here!”