Bar mitzvah/ Bat mitzvah course
Introduction
This course is primarily intended for adults who are accompanying their children's bar and bat mitzvah's, but it is also suitable for people reaching significant turning points in their lives. The course is based on the texts in Rabbi Ashlag's "Introduction to the Zohar" in which we learn the parts of a person's life; the importance of the age of 12/13; the beginning of the incarnation of the higher levels of the soul; and the turn towards spirituality which is expressed through the bar mitzvah. As the adult group we will learn in depth, giving us valuable tools to help us guide our children, One lesson will be given to the young people themselves if they feel they would like it. This is optional and is decided at the time. Ten week Bar /Bat mitzvah course: Week one What is our essence? What is our role as part of the long chain of reality of which we are such little links Week two Can we know God? What can we know of God ? What separates us from God? The meaning of the term "Man" Week three The ultimate aim and purpose of Creation. We are in the process of Creation We are actually good and beautiful beings entirely suited for the God who made us The necessity of having a will to receive as a consequence of the purpose of Creation Week four The measure of the will to receive defines the dimension of the light The will to receive separates us from the light. The paradox with which we all live our lives Week five The nature of evil: the different routes that body and soul travel Spirituality and materialism, The work that starts at age thirteen/ Week six Conscious and unconscious development the choice is ours The creation of the human, differences between wills to receive create differences between people Week seven The parts of our lives: Development of the ego, moving into spirituality, changing our focus from receiivng to giving, connection with the Creator Week eight The role of the barmitzvah - It marks the transition into the second part of our life/ . Week nine Torah the inner wisdom. The actions of the mitzvot . Mitzvot between the individual and the Creator; mitzvot between Man and his or her fellow human. Torah that is practiced not for its own sake and Torah for its own sake Week ten Learning to look at our motives. The ups and down of t he spiritual path. Our own unique journey. The one as part of the whole. |