Benjamin Franklin
KosherTorah.com -
Online School for Advanced Biblical Studies
Proposed Upcoming
Seminars
Unique Material for Unique Individuals, Teachings Rarely (if ever) Taught Elsewhere.
A) The Basics of the "Kosher" Kabbalah
There is way too much confusion about Kabbalah, what it is and what it is not. This seminar will clear up these confusions. In light of the proliferation of internet materials, this seminar is very important.
Kabbalah was originally the traditions passed down by the Biblical prophets. Today, it has become something so different, that almost no one can find the original teachings. This seminar will outline what was and what is the authentic Kabbalah, the original non-occult, mystical tradition within Judaism.
We will review Merkava & Hekhalot literature and how a remnant of these teachings fund their way into the Talmud and the works of the Hasidei Ashkenaz.
We will explore the growth of Spanish mysticism and the birth of the "theoretical" school. This will include the Zohar and similar works. We will see how this school changed the entire face of Judaism, to this day. We will mention Abulafia, and show his subtle influences, even when under a ban.
We will review the teachings of the Ari'zal and Rabbi Hayim Vital and how they were adopted (although differently) by Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry. Related to this, we will mention the two great schools of the RaMHaL/Gra and the Rashash.
We will then look at Kabbalah today, and who (or what) dominates now. We will cover the schools of Rav Kook, Ashlag (and the controversies attached), as well as the modern Sephardic Kabbalists.
This is not a history course, but rather a compilation of ideas and views and how they have become part of normative Judaism.
This course is essential for anyone faced with
the tidal-wave of present information and misinformation about what is and what
is not legitimate and authoritative mysticism in the Torah tradition.
B) The Proper Way of Halakha (Torah Law)
There is so much confusion and outright deception as to what Torah Law requires of members of the faith, and its message to Gentiles.
In order to properly cover all Torah law topics in the depth they deserve, we would need a full four-year university style education. But in place of all the details, we can sum up matters rather nicely in this one time seminar.
We will review the basic laws covering:
* Shabat Observance (when it begins, when
it ends) and other not-to-detailed issues.
* Kosher Laws - how to tell if and when something is or is not kosher.
* Modesty Laws - how to and how not to dress for men and women.
* Culture - why European ethnic identity has nothing to do with authentic
Torah & Judaism.
We will address the prevalent, present danger of always interpreting Laws to the extreme (humrot) and in glaring contradiction to their intended meaning and purpose.
We will also have a Q&A time to address specific
issues that can be handled within the context of the moment.
C) Kabbalistic Concepts and Terminologies
A review of the concepts, words and terms used in modern Kabbalah based upon the system of the Zohar, Ari'zal and later Kabbalists.
What are sefirot? Why do they exist? Why are there 10? What are the Olamot (higher worlds), the Hekhalot (palaces) and the Partzufim (faces of the sefirot)? Are they different terms for the same things or are they used to refer to distinct differences.
Are all these terms and concepts describing actual physical worlds, or are they describing spiritual worlds, or even levels within human psychology?
This one time seminar will enable you to read modern day mystical literature, in any language, and understand just what it is it is trying to day.
So many terms are used and thrown about without proper care and application. This seminar will provide the student with a full vocabulary and meanings that are easy to understand and use.
This seminar will follow my
Kabbalistic Concepts e-book and a copy of this book will be
included in the registration fee paid.
D) Messianic Prophecies in Judaism
This is another topic that is subject to much
confusion and misinformation. We will therefore review all the original sources
and see firsthand what they have to say.
We will then review a selection of modern day misinformation to clearly show how
it contradicts everything that classical Jewish sources have taught for
centuries.
This seminar will review:
1. Biblical Messianic Prophecies,
2. Talmudic Statements,
3. Post-Talmudic Midrash,
4. Zohar,
5. Kabbalists,
6. Later Rabbis-RaMHaL, Gra, Kook,
7. Today.
This topic will also focus on current events and
the overwhelming confusion with regards to how and where we fit into the
messianic scenario (if we do at all).
E) We Are Not Alone,
UFO's, Extraterrestrials, Pre-Adamic Civilizations & the Hollow Earth in Torah
Judaism
Even most Rabbis are completely
unaware that for centuries the Sages of Israel have spoken about life in outer
space as well as life in Inner Space.
I have written and taught on this topic for many years and have not addressed the issue recently.
Now, I will review this material with the addition of a tremendous amount of new material that will shed light on to many modern phenomena and conspiracy theories.
I always enjoy to document all the material on this subject. It is amazing what is taught and what is shunned and silenced by the frightened mainstream.
This seminar will review such lesser-known classics as the Yalkhut Reuveni, Sefer HaBrit and many others.
Everybody will enjoy this class as we examine much of modern urban legend and conspiracy beliefs in light of classical Torah teachings.
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REGISTRATION INFORMATION
UPDATE
I am presently rescheduling these lessons, watch future emails for updates.
All seminars will
be held live on consecutive Wednesday evenings
tentatively starting February 29th (yes, it's a leap year).
Seminars will begin at 7:30
p.m. ET
and continue for usually 2 - 3 hours.
Classes will be recorded and available only to registered students.
All necessary handouts and class materials will be made available before class time.
Dates are tentative and subject to change, if need be.
Registration is
not available online.
Interested students must call me directly in order to register - 423-253-3555
Each seminar is our standard fee of $130.00.
There is also an annual student registration fee of $50.00 (applicable only to new students).
Students wishing
to register for all 5 seminars
and pay for them in full in advance will receive a discount of $130.00.
(this is the same as one free seminar).
This discount is only applicable to those who pay in full in advance.
Interested students must call me personally (at 423-253-3555)
and I will take their information over the phone.
Prior to each seminar you will receive an email with your personal invitation to join our online group.
All students, those who join us live and
those who cannot, will receive an email the day following the seminar
informing them of where the recorded version of the seminar can be found in our
secured online web location.
Access is limited due to online restraint. So please, if you are interested, register early. I cannot guarantee a place to late comers.
These seminars will be
for registered students only!
They will not be released to the general public!
Financial aid is not available at
this time, however payment plans are.
I can work with almost anyone who may have difficulty making payments.
Call me directly to see if we can make arrangements.
All classes have a ten person minimum
threshold. If the student participation threshold is not met,
the seminar will be postponed or canceled. Students will be given many options
how to proceed with their studies.
