Module 1: Introduction: Core Concepts
Introduction
An overview of the roots of Kabbalah introduced by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi in a recorded presentation of his lecture, “Way of Kabbalah”. Transcript
About Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi
Overview of Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi, his books, teachings, and contributions to the Tradition of Kabbalah. Transcript
About the Toledano Tradition
Overview of the Toledano tradition – its roots, background and significance today. Transcrip
Mirror of Existence
Halevi describes the origins of existence according to Kabbalah;
The Absolute, the process of contraction (Tzimtzum), and the emergence of the void. Transcript
In and Out of Time
an excerpt from a workshop in England.
This section introduce the concept of time and the Eternal Now. Transcript
Eternal Now
A guided meditation by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi focussed on the ever changing moment of Now. A ten minute audio presentation.
Four Worlds
Halevi introduces the concept of the Four Worlds of existence according to Kabbalah, the Four Worlds of the Kabbalistic Macrocosm and their roles in creation. Transcript
Creative World – in an office interview, Halevi describes the second world of Creation – Beriah. Transcript
Four Elements meditation
A guided meditation by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi focussed the elements of the body corresponding to the Four Worlds in Kabbalah. (A ten minute audio presentation)
Tree of Life
Halevi introduces the sacred diagram of Kabbalah – the Tree of Life. Transcript
The Ten Sefirot
Overview of the ten Sefirot, their roles, and their relationships within the Tree of Life. Transcript
Making A Tree
Halevi explains how he painted his Trees. Transcript
Module 2: Mystical Figures in Kabbalah
Adam Kadmon
In these two videos Halevi introduces Adam Kadmon as the archetypal divine figure through which the cosmic order is reflected in the image of humanity.
Ladder of Creation Meditation
Ladder of Creation is a panoramic view of Existence from the lowest to the highest levels. The meditator is invited to observe and experience each stage and learn how to transform imagination into a vision. Halevi recommended this meditation to regain a sense of proportion when one becomes too bogged down with the mundane and personal.
Enoch
In these three videos Halevi introduces the story of Enoch and follows his ascent through inner spiritual realms, where he receives divine mysteries and becomes the first teacher of the soul’s journey. Enoch’s transformation into Metatron and Sandalphon bridges human and angelic realms.
Jacob
Jacob’s mystical dream reflects the journey from psyche to spirit.
This journey reflects the transition from psychological insight to divine communion.
Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s ladder or The Great Tree represents an expanded Tree of Life that unifies the four worlds of existence into a single diagram of spiritual ascent. It forms a mystical chain linking the divine to the human experience.
Four Worlds Meditation
This meditation describes the long journey from Nothingness to the appearance of human beings who are conscious of being conscious.
Moses
Halevi describes how Moses on Mount Sinai
exemplifies intimate dialogue with the Divine through Kabbalistic tradition.
Exodus Meditation
Exodus guided meditation by Zev ben Shimon Halevi. Recorded March 30th 2015 in London, UK..
Module 3: Historical Development in Kabbalah
Solomon’s Temple
In these two videos, Halevi shows how Solomon’s Temple symbolically represented Kabbalistic teachings through architectural divisions: the physical (outer court), the soul (inner court), the spirit (sanctuary), and the divine (Holy of Holies). After its destruction, Ezekiel’s visions provided new metaphorical and symbolic ways to communicate these teachings, influencing later Kabbalistic imagery.
Temple Meditation
A guided meditation by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi. 30 minute audio presentation.
Alexandria
In these two videos, Halevi describes how Alexandria was a crucial meeting point where Jewish revelation and Greek philosophy intersected, creating a unique synthesis of religious symbolism and metaphysical thought. Notable scholars like Philo attempted to unite scriptural revelation with philosophical reason, significantly influencing early Christianity and laying foundations for later Kabbalistic thought.
Toledo
Toledo:
Toledo was a medieval center for mystical and esoteric study, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scholars interacted harmoniously, contributing to a rich exchange of Kabbalistic, philosophical, and mystical traditions. This convergence led to significant developments and widespread dissemination of Kabbalistic teachings across Europe and beyond.
Trade Routes:
Jewish communities historically spread along international trade routes, from Europe to Asia, significantly influenced by their widespread literacy and educational practices. This facilitated the transmission and development of esoteric and practical knowledge, including early banking systems and scholarly traditions.
Roots of Modern Kabbalah
In these two videos, Halevi describes how Kabbalah evolved significantly through interactions with Greek philosophy, resulting in foundational texts like the Sefer Yetzirah. Its core teachings, combining mystical revelation and philosophical reason, crystallized in medieval Spain and southern France, shaping modern Kabbalah and how science and psychology influence contemporary Kabbalistic thought.
Three Cultures of Spain
A short audio visual excerpt from Halevi’s article, The Three Cultures of Spain providing a brief overview of the roots of modern day Kabbalah. The full article is available on the Way of Kabbalah home page
Module 4: Inner Work and Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Path
In this video Halevi describes the inner battle between light and darkness, symbolized by angels and demons. Drawing parallels with the Bhagavad Gita, it emphasizes that this struggle plays out not only in the cosmos but also in daily life, requiring us to take responsibility and side with order and clarity.
Spiritual Journey
This clip outlines the soul’s ascent on Jacob’s Ladder, through the levels of body, psyche, and heaven, toward union with the divine source. Mystics describe visions of higher worlds, archangels, and light, culminating in self-realization and the recognition of “I am that I am”.
Inner Teacher (Maggid)
In this segment Halevi describes the “inner voice” that arises in spiritual practice. It distinguishes fantasy or stray thoughts from authentic inner guidance, whether understood as the higher self (Tiferet) or a maggid, a discarnate spiritual teacher.
Methods & Approaches
This clip presents four universal approaches to spiritual practice: the way of action (ritual and movement), the way of devotion (heart and prayer), the way of contemplation (intellect), and the way of the mystic (integration of all three). Together, they form the basis of early Kabbalistic training.
Esoteric Schools
In this clip Halevi describes the structure of an esoteric school, whether Kabbalistic, Sufi, or Christian. It outlines the roles of teacher, students, rituals, discipline, and inner guidance, showing how such communities embody an archetypal model for transmitting tradition.
Contemplation Excerpts
A brief audio/visual overview and definition of what Contemplation is, in the Toledano Tradition, excerpted from his book, Kabbalistic Contemplations.
Body and Psyche
In this video Halevi illustrates
the integration of the body and psyche through sense organs, nervous systems, emotions, and the aura. He explains how psychological imbalances manifest in the body and how the Tree of Life offers a diagnostic and therapeutic framework for understanding self and soul..
Work on Oneself
This clip describes the inner struggle of levels (mineral, vegetable, animal, human), where one must master instinct, desire, and ambition in order to become truly human.
House of the Psyche
The House of the Psyche is a meditation based on a symbolic image of the mind. Each area reveals the present state of the function and the level it represents. The basement represents the body, the garden vitality, and the pet – one’s own instinctive soul, while the hall and the surrounding rooms represent the ordinary mind. The upper floors are aspects of the unconscious soul and spirit. Take note of their states. It can be very informative.
Rebirth & Transformation
Reincarnation
In this video, Halevi discusses life as a wheel of repeated opportunities for soul development, linked with the principle of “measure for measure” or karma.
Sacrifice
Halevi discusses the symbolism of sacrifice in the story of Abraham and Isaac and how one must be ready to release cherished attachments to move forward.
Exodus Symbolism
In this video, Halevi interprets the journey out of Egypt as a metaphor for inner liberation. Egypt symbolizes bondage to the body, Sinai represents the struggles of the psyche, and the Promised Land signifies the world of spirit, requiring endurance, purification, and courage.