Psyche and Soma in the Study of Jewish Mysticism

Session Submission Type: Panel Session

Abstract

This panel investigates three phenomena that could be defined as mystical that all relate directly to human psychosomatic states. Bharat Jhunjhunwala explores possible parallels between the kabbalistic experience of the ten sefirot as the foundation of the human-divine form and the swellings of the ganglia in the human nervous system. Elly Moseson offers a naturalistic reading of the "dream question" as a waking psychological state, rather than a supernatural one, using modern theories of psychology and dream theory. Shula Mola investigates the phenomenon of Zar spirit possession among Ethiopian immigrants to Israel, reading it as a form of resistance to hegemonic power structures.

Sub Unit

• Jewish Mysticism

Individual Presentations

• Dream Requests (SHE’ELOT HALOM) as Lucid Dreaming in Jewish Magical Literature - Elly Moseson, Columbia University

• Unveiling the Political Dimensions of the Supernatural “Zar” Phenomenon among Ethiopian Jews in Israel - Shula Mola, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 06