The podcasts discuss various aspects of Jewish visionary experience and mysticism throughout history. Key topics include:
Biblical Prophets: Examining the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve) and Former Prophets, highlighting their use of visionary and mystical experience concerning divine presence, interpretation of history, and the impact of exile and restoration.
Ancient Near Eastern Context: Exploring how ancient Israel and Judah were influenced by the religious and cultural practices of surrounding civilizations (Egypt, Canaan, Mesopotamia, Aram) regarding understandings of deity and visionary/dream experiences.
Apocalyptic Literature: Discussing works that arose from periods of crisis, such as Daniel, Revelation, 4 Ezra, and 2 Baruch, which explore divine justice, eschatological plans, and visions of the divine realm.
Rabbinic Judaism and Mysticism: Tracing the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Temple and exile, and the emergence of Jewish mystical traditions, including early Heikhalot literature and later Kabbalah.
Kabbalah and Later Movements: Detailing foundational Kabbalistic texts like Sefer Yetzirah and Sefer Habahir, focusing on concepts like the Ten Sefirot and divine emanation. Discussing the development of Kabbalah in Europe**.** and later movements like Hasidism, including the Baal Shem Tov and Habad Hasidism.
Visionary Imagery: Explaining how imagery from temples, royal ideology, creation, and military figures is used to portray divine presence and action in visionary texts. Examples include temple imagery in Abram's vision and the significance of sanctuaries like Beth El.
Visionary Experience In The Ancient Near East
Visionary And Dream Experience In The Pentateuch
The Former Prophets And Psalms