Courses

Mysticism and philosophy are often seen as opposing modes of thought. Yet while Kabbalah emerged partly in response to Jewish philosophy, it bears clear traces of Neoplatonic and Aristotelian influence. This course explores the origins and core principles of both traditions, their roles within Judaism, and their intersections with non-Jewish thought. Particular attention will be given to key moments in Jewish intellectual history and to differing treatments of concepts such as myth, law, heresy, evil, and the divine.