Self and Dissolving the Self in Jewish Mysticism

One of the most profound ideas in Kabbalah is «Ayin», the Divine Nothingness, or better No-thingness. Ultimately, God is beyond all description and comprehension, so He (or It) is best referred to by paradoxical, negative language. This Divine Nothingness is not empty or barren; it is pure, undifferentiated energy, giving birth to all being.

In Hasidism, Ayin becomes a goal of mystical experience: to dissolve the ego in the boundless divine ocean. On the other hand, Hasidism emphasizes the unique nature of each individual. We will explore the profound interplay between self and dissolution of self in Hasidic mysticism.

This lecture will be held in English.

Referent:
Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Matt

Daniel Matt is one of the world’s leading experts on Kabbalah and the Zohar. He is a scholar of Kabbalah and teacher of Zohar. He is author of the multi-volume translation, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, which has been hailed as «a monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought.»

Inhaltliche Verantwortung und Moderation:
Dr. Tabitha Walther