Introduction to Jewish Mysticism

This course offers a survey of the major trends of Jewish mysticism, from the Merkabah texts of late antiquity, the intellectual mysticism of Maimonides, the various schools of Kabbalah that developed in the Middle Ages, to Christian Cabala, Lurianic Kabbalah, Sabbateanism, Hasidism, and contemporary forms of Kabbalah. Attention will be given to both shared and unique aspects of each Jewish mystical tradition, as well as their socio-cultural settings. While all readings will be made available in English and no prior knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic is required, students will be invited to engage primary sources in the original languages.